Culture, art, fashion, media - the Lombard capital is undoubtedly the most cosmopolitan città in the boot-shaped country. In addition to all its cosmopolitan elements, however, there is one part in which Milan shows itself to be very Italian: the food. But with such wonderful cuisine, who would look beyond the country's borders? Exactly. 

Milan, the city of fashion, culture - and good taste, also in food. © Federico di Dio

Buon Appetito: The cuisine of Milan

Who thinks to know the Lombard cuisine by only one province or one city is mistaken. Because in each of the four regions - from Bergamo, Brescia, Mantua to Milan - the cuisine differs. There are a few exceptions to this, however, including the airy Brioche or Polenta, probably the most popular side dish of the Lombards. Also rice, soups like the minestrone and handmade ravioli, are a popular choice in northern Italy. And basically everyone here agrees that slow cooking with lots of butter provides the best taste - simply delicious. 

Brioche, light as air, a welcome guest at the Milanese breakfast table. © Youjeen Cho

WIth its Cuisine, Milan shows itself as Central European and diverse; it has always been inspired by external influences. For example, the French and the Habsburgs. The products are sourced from the immediate surroundings and the fertile Po Valley. The focus is definitely on fresh, seasonal and local produce. The Milanese love Gorgonzola, the popular blue cheese produced in the Milan suburb of the same name. And also the Campari comes from the northern Italian city.

Basically, on a foodie trip to the capital of Lombardy, all the dishes that have been prepared "alla Milanese" should end up on your plate. 

When in Milan: these dishes are must-tries

The traditional specialty Ossobuco alla Milanese is a must-try! The braised veal dish with carrots, celeriac and tomato paste is often served with risotto alla Milanese, colored golden yellow with saffron.

A Milanese classic: ossobuco alla Milanese. © Shutterstock

The snack classic par excellence: Piadina! Slightly thicker than a tortilla, the disc of dough is filled with all sorts of goodness. From veggie to meat options, there's something for everyone.

The piadina is Italy's wrap - and it tastes extremely delicious. © Shutterstock

Time for aperitivo: The Campari, which, as is well known, comes from Milan, may not be missing, but also Aperol Spritz and Negroni Sbagliato are popular drinks in the fashion city - and extremely delicious. By the way, the perfect location for the best cocktails and great ambience is the Navigli district.

Related: Camera Ready: These are the most beautiful spots in Milan

Saluti! The Campari comes from Milan. © Osvaldo Romito

It is said to be the predecessor of the Wiener Schnitzel: the Cotoletta, sizzled out in butter. Excellent! And it's classically Italian with risotto, pizza and pasta.

These restaurants in Milan are worth the visit 

Seta by Antonio Guida

Seta is one of the best addresses for haute cuisine in Milan. © Mandarin Oriental Milan

At Seta, in the "Mandarin Oriental Bangkok" celebrity chef, Antonio Guida, creates delicious dishes between tradition and innovation and skillfully combines the cuisine of southern Italy with that of northern Italy. This chic restaurant in the courtyard of the luxury hotel is worth a detour, has also been adjudged by the Michelin Guide and awarded the Seta with two stars. Dress code: elegant!

Seta by Antonio Guida
Mandarin Oriental, Via Monte di Pietà 18, Milan 20121, Italy
Web: mandarinoriental.com
Tel.: +39 02 8731 8897

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Bar Basso

This bar is a must-visit for evening get-togethers with friends. The drinks here, especially the Negroni Sbagliato, are more than delicious. For some time now, Basso has also been serving food alongside its excellent drinks - from International to Milanese, Gnocchi alla Romana to Chicken Pot Pie. 

Bar Basso 
Via Plinio, 39, Milano 20020, Italy
Web: barbasso.com
Tel.: +39 02 2940 0580

Bar Luce

A touch of America in the middle of Italy: Bar Luce is an iconic café designed by Wes Anderson for the Fondazione Prada. A hotspot for fans of the movies Grand Budapest Hotel or Moonrise Kingdom and lovers of excellent coffee. 

Bar Luce
L.go Isarco, 2, Milano 20139, Italy
Web: fondazioneprada.org
Tel.: +39 02 5681 4858

Avgvsto Premiata Gelateria

Gelato, gelato! If you're in Milan, be sure to stop by Gelateria Avgvsto and try a gelato brioche. © Shutterstock

It is said to be the best ice cream parlour in town: Avgvsto Premiata Gelateria serves the most delicious homemade ice cream that more than lives up to the reputation of Italian gelato. What you shouldn't miss, besides the regular and vegetarian ice cream scoops: Gelato Brioche!

Avgvsto Premiata Gelateria
Viale Coni Zugna 54, Milan 20100, Italy
Web: facebook.com
Tel.: +39 02 3656 2772

Joia

"The Navel of the World": risotto with artichokes and homemade miso, cime di rapa ring, sunflower seed and citrus fruit butter, sautéed pumpkin, puffed wild rice and raspberry powder. © Lucio Elio

Awarded a Michelin star, the vegetarian cuisine of Joia knows how to impress. The experimental and largely vegan dishes from the creative kitchen of Pietro Leemann can be seen and tasted via à la carte menus with three types of tastings. Excellent!

Joia
Via Panfilo Castaldi 18, Milan 20124, Italy
Web: https://joia.it
Tel.: +39 02 295 212 24

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