For this roundup of insider tips we turned to writer and independent design curator, Maria Cristina Didero, and art advisor Nicoletta Rusconi.
MARIA CRISTINA DIDERO
Courtesy of Maria Cristina Didero.
WHERE TO EAT AND SIP
Santa Lucia Restaurant, where you can indulge in the best maccheroni strascicati. Trattoria Trombetta, in the vibrant design quarter of Porta Venezia, serves great food accompanied by a large selection of wines and cocktails. Mantra Raw Vegan has the freshest salads and the best juices in town. It is one of the few vegan restaurants in town.
WHERE TO SEE ART
HangarBicocca presents the most relevant artists on the international art scene. Fondazione Prada is a great example of presence, where you can always find ambitious shows. Palazzo Reale, close to Piazza Duomo, has magnificent rooms that present different exhibitions of work by artists from Caravaggio to young talents.
Courtesy of Nicoletta Rusconi.
WHERE TO HAVE FUN AND RELAX
It is always nice to spend some time at Bulgari Hotel spa. For men, don’t miss the barbershop by Dolce&Gabbana in Corso Venezia no. 15. Bar Basso is the most sought-after place for a Negroni Sbagliato. At The Botanical Club, you can find the best gin and tonic in town. And Dry has great cocktails and beautiful pizza.
NICOLETTA RUSCONI
Photo by Paolo Valentini and Andrea Rossi.
WHERE TO EAT AND SIP
Among my favorite places are some very traditional ones: Il Baretto al Baglioni and La Brisa for dinner, Marchesi and Cova for a snack or an afternoon break, and of course Bar Basso for an aperitif.
WHERE TO SEE ART
Pirelli HangarBicocca, Fondazione Prada, and La Triennale are the must-sees for contemporary art in town. I always check out shows at MUDEC, PAC, and Fondazione Carriero—they have a great program. And of course, there are established private galleries that are worth a visit, most of which are situated between the city center and Lambrate area.
WHERE TO HAVE FUN AND RELAX
I usually go for a day trip if I want to relax. The lake area around Milan has so much to offer and is no further than an hour away! If in town, I would go for an afternoon tea at the Four Seasons or spend some time at 10 Corso Como.
