A Weekend Guide to Milan
I just returned to Florence after spending a wonderful weekend in Milan with my college friend, Elizabeth, who fortunately hooked us up with free Taylor Swift tickets via her company in New York. The concert was on Saturday, but since she flew all the way from NYC and had never been to Milan, we decided to make a weekend out of it. Here is everywhere we shopped, ate, and drank—a weekend in Milan black book, if you will. Special thanks to my friends and family who have brought me or recommended these places over the years.
Food
La Libera
Recommended to me by a local friend (Benedetta, if you’re reading this, thank you), as a “simple yet elegant traditional Milanese restaurant.” It was just that. White tablecloths, green paneled wood on the walls, and a very friendly staff serving excellent food. I wanted Elizabeth to try all the traditional Milanese foods, so we ordered culatello (a cured meat very similar to prosciutto) and mozzarella to start, followed by Milanese risotto (saffron-spiced risotto), La Libera’s version crisps the rice, and veal Milanese, which is always a winner. I would definitely go back.
Via Palermo, 21, 20121 Milano MI
Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone
Located in the courtyard of a Renaissance building in Milan’s highest-end shopping area, Il Salumaio is the perfect place to break for lunch in between shopping. Its elegant ambiance attracts a swanky crowd—perfect for people-watching. Order their burrata; it is some of the best I have ever had.
Via Santo Spirito, 10, 20121 Milano MI
Trattoria Torre di Pisa
I came here for the first time with a group of Italian friends (Agnese, wink-wink) and have been coming back ever since. Torre di Pisa serves traditional Tuscan food—steaks and pastas. It is also a hotspot for the who's-who during fashion and design weeks. Their battuta di manzo (Italian version of steak tartare) is one of my favorites, thanks to its smothering of mustard.
Via Fiori Chiari, 21, 20121 Milano MI
Da Giacomo
Da Giacomo is a Milan institution. Its sea foam green wood and yellow painted walls, tiled floors, and suited staff pushing trolleys of pizza, fish, and dessert all add up to create an incredibly classic and elegant restaurant. I grew up coming here with my parents and while the staff is a little more brusque due to the restaurant's rise in fame, the food is still delicious. The seafood is some of the best you will find in Milan. If you have never been, you should go once. Via Pasquale Sottocorno angolo, Via Benvenuto Cellini, 20129 Milano MI
Drinks
Marchesi 1824
The iconic Milanese pastry shop famed for its delicious pastries, coffee, and decor. Even though the pasticceria has been bought by Prada, its splendor is still intact. Stand at the bar and order a cappuccino, fresh orange juice, and a pastry. Also, their exquisitely packaged candies and cookies are the perfect little gift to bring home to a friend or as a hostess gift.
Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a, 20123 Milano MI
Bar Basso
The home of the Negroni Sbagliato (a Negroni that replaces gin with prosecco) served in the biggest stemmed glass you’ve ever seen. This local watering hole is the place to be for an aperitivo or an after-dinner drink in Milan and is especially alive during fashion and design weeks.
Via Plinio, 39, 20133 Milano MI
Palazzo Parigi
Palazzo Parigi is one of the nicest hotels in the city but also is home to a wonderful bar that serves as an oasis secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city. Order a drink and indulge in their perfect club sandwich (Italians love a club, but then again, who doesn’t) on their outdoor patio.
C.so di Porta Nuova, 1, 20121 Milano MI
The Cabana Store
Cabana is one of my favorite magazines, so I made it our mission to visit their new and only store in Milan. The space is small and includes a selection of homeware and small home accessories, both their brand and a curated collection of others. The store reflects Cabana's eclectic, vivid, and tasteful vibe.
Via Borgospesso, 8, 20121 Milano MI
Nico Fontana
Stumbling across this store was like finding a gold mine. Located on an unassuming side street, Nico Fontana is a boutique curating some of the most stylish and unique brands I had never heard of. The store is tiny. Clothing is crammed onto racks, hanging from bookshelves, and piled onto tables. You will have to dig, but you will strike gold. The owner, an incredibly kind and warm Milanese woman (an oxymoron?), started it as a passion project contrasting her main career in finance. The best part is she keeps her prices low—she says it brings her the most joy to see her clients overjoyed with their purchases and returning time and time again. I will definitely return here on any future visits to Milan.
Corso Monforte, 25, 20122 Milano MI
Wait and See
Another favorite boutique of mine in Milan. My Aunt Rachel brought me to Wait and See a couple of years ago, and each time I return to Milan, it’s a must-stop for shopping. The owner, a very chic Milanese woman who can often be seen biking around the city, curates a very unique, chic, and playful assortment of brands.
Via Santa Marta, 14, 20123 Milano MI
Emily Levine
The cutest clothing brand combining Indian textiles with Italian design. Expect fun patterns, colorful fabrics, and a girly, airy feel.
Via Varese, 8, 20121 Milano MI
Vibi Venezia
Friulane have been an Italian staple shoe for centuries, but in the past couple of years, their popularity has skyrocketed globally. Vibi is one of the many brands that make Friulane, but one of the few that have a physical store. I personally wear them all the time and love picking from their heaps of color options.
Via del Carmine, 11, 20121 Milano MI
Ginori 1735
Even though Ginori is a Florentine brand, they also have an incredible store in Milan showcasing their famous porcelain and home accessories. I always love stopping in Ginori to feel inspired by their colorful patterns and palette.
Piazza S. Marco, 3, 20121 Milano MI
Marni Flagship
I usually never hit up big designer brands when visiting a city, but Elizabeth was in search of a small purse, so we stopped at the Marni store—and I am so glad we did. As a Milanese brand, their flagship store is located right on Via Montenapoleone, near many famous fashion and luxury shops. The store is worth visiting for its retail design alone—funky and futuristic, with a mix of metallic and bold blues, reflecting Marni’s brand identity and style.
Via Monte Napoleone, 26, 20121 Milano MI
