What makes Milan’s cuisine so different from the rest of Italy? Is it the golden hue of their risotto, the unique aperitivo culture, or the unexpected dishes that surprise you with every bite? Today, I’m taking you on a journey from Milan’s iconic street food to fine dining experiences that feel more like art. Milan might be famous for its fashion, but trust me, the food is what you should come here for.
1. Panzerotti Luini – A Classic Milanese Street Snack
Our journey begins with panzerotti at the iconic Panzerotti Luini near the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a perfect quick snack stop in between shopping trips. Founded by the Luini family in 1949, this historic bakery brought the panzerotti tradition from Puglia to Milan. The snack is so popular that there are usually two lines out the door, one on each side of the shop, to serve hungry locals and tourists.
Originally, panzerotti was a humble dish created by the poor in Puglia around the 16th century, filled with tomato and cheese and made from leftover bread dough. Today, Luini offers various flavors, including sweet options, but I opted for the classic tomato and mozzarella. The panzerotti was perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and filled with rich tomato and gooey cheese.
For taste, it’s a solid 4 out of 5 – fresh and satisfying. In terms of value, it’s also a 4 out of 5 at around €3.50. For experience, it’s a 3 out of 5 since it’s takeaway, but it’s a must-try if you want an authentic, quick Milanese snack in a spot steeped in history.
2. Marchesi 1824 – Milan’s Iconic Pastry Shop
Next, we ventured to Marchesi 1824, a historic pastry shop founded nearly 200 years ago by the Marchesi family. Today, Marchesi 1824 is owned by Prada and located above their boutique, making it both a stylish and historic spot. Known for its intricate decor, Marchesi has an atmosphere that feels straight out of a Wes Anderson film, complete with vintage fixtures and a view of the Galleria below.
The pastry selection is vast, with options like almond cake, mini cakes, butterfly pastries, and hot chocolate topped with fresh cream. We loved the almond cake, while the mini cakes were a bit rich for our taste. Marchesi is also celebrated for its panettone, Milan’s traditional Christmas cake, which they make year-round using artisanal methods and rare Criollo cacao in some of their chocolates.
Overall, I’d rate the food here a 3.5 out of 5, depending on the dessert. Value-wise, it’s a 2 out of 5 – you’re mostly paying for the ambiance and the gorgeous packaging. But the experience? A definite 5 out of 5. Between the elegant atmosphere, impeccable service, and chic crowd, it’s a lovely place to relax and enjoy a piece of Milanese pastry history.
3. Pasta Madre – Sustainability Meets Authenticity
Our first full meal was at Pasta Madre, a local gem known for its commitment to sustainability and fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming vibe, where locals outnumber tourists, and the friendly staff make you feel right at home. One unique feature? Pasta Madre bakes fresh bread daily – a rarity in Italy and a sure sign of good things to come.
The meal started with alla cacciatora (bread with fried anchovies) and baccalà mantecato (creamy cod on crispy bread), both delicious starters with distinct flavors.
The highlight for me was the spaghetti con tartare di gambero with yellow cherry tomatoes, stracciatella cheese, and pink shrimp tartare – though it looked creamy, it was surprisingly light and fresh.
We also tried their signature pasta della saia featuring a spring onion fondue, pecorino, and black olive tapenade, a creative and flavorful combination. The dishes here reflect Mediterranean influences and showcase a love for authentic ingredients and culinary creativity.
For food, it’s an easy 5 out of 5, with my favorites being the creamy cod and pastas. In terms of value, it’s a 4 out of 5, and for the overall experience, a perfect 5 out of 5 – Pasta Madre is truly a special spot for food lovers who appreciate quality and care in every bite.
4. Ratanà – Modern Milanese in a Historic Setting
Ratanà, located in the trendy Isola district, is housed in a historic railway depot. The restaurant maintains the industrial heritage of the building, with rustic decor that pays homage to its past. Ratanà is popular among locals, and we were quickly welcomed into the fold. This spot is renowned for its modern approach to Milanese cuisine, with a menu that puts an innovative spin on traditional flavors.
We began with the roasted beet tartare with trout roe, orange, and almonds – a beautifully balanced dish that even drew admiration from a nearby local. The char-grilled cauliflower steak with chimichurri and curry-spiced purée was another standout.
Naturally, we also ordered the classic risotto alla Milanese with bone marrow and gremolata, which is made golden by saffron, one of Milan’s prized ingredients. he risotto was a vibrant golden color, thanks to the saffron infused into it. We were getting really full, but we still finished all of it!
In terms of food, Ratanà scores a 4.5 out of 5. Some dishes outshone others, but the quality was consistently high. Value-wise, it’s a 3.5 out of 5, as it’s on the pricier side, but worth it for the quality. For experience, it’s a 3.5 out of 5 – the lively, slightly crowded atmosphere reflects its popularity, but the unique location and flavorful dishes make it a memorable stop in Milan.
5. Aperol Spritz Rooftop Bar – Drinks with a View
After a visit to the Milan Duomo, I found myself at the Aperol Spritz Rooftop Bar, a happy accident that ended up being one of the highlights of the day. Located near the Duomo, the bar has a bright, playful decor in Aperol’s signature orange, and offers stunning views of the cathedral. This place embodies Milan’s aperitivo culture – each drink is served with a generous plate of snacks, so we decided to make it a light meal.
The drinks are priced around €20, which may seem steep, but with the view and snacks, it feels well worth it. For drinks, it’s a 4 out of 5, and for the experience, a solid 5 out of 5. The combination of the iconic setting, delicious drinks, and cozy ambiance make it a must-visit for anyone looking to soak in Milan’s social scene.
6. Contraste – Michelin-Star Dining with Playful Surprises
Finally, for our grand finale, we dined at Contraste, a Michelin-starred restaurant that blends haute cuisine with artistic presentation. Contraste is known for its Art Nouveau decor and an atmosphere that feels both elegant and whimsical. Chef Matias Perdomo’s creations are designed to surprise, with dishes that engage all the senses and bring a playful touch to fine dining.
I made the booking for my mom’s birthday, and we chose between two menus: Riflesso and Riflessioni. Since this was our first time in Milan, I opted for the more traditional Riflesso menu.
The meal began with Playdough appetisers and these are meant to evoke a feeling of nostalgia, especially when you get Play-Doh, which you may have played with when you were young. Each plate also evokes nostalgia about different moments in your life, but the answers aren’t just given to you – you have to guess based on the shapes of the dishes or by looking at the underside, which is in Italian. We had so much fun playing with the Play-Doh, and let me tell you, this is not the last you’ll see of it during this video.
The next course is a work of art – literally! This was such a stunning way to display the Calamari Mirò, inspired by surrealist artist Joan Miró. While I loved the presentation of this dish, overall it was a little bit bland for me and could have done with a bit more flavor.
The scallop noodles with parmesan and dashi was flavourful and rich. I especially loved the texture of the noodles because it was made out of the scallops, giving it this bouncy yet firm texture.
The mussel and cacio e pepe was an interesting combination, and while this combination was maybe a little bit weird for me, I really liked the textures of the dish and the flavours separately.
The Milanese risotto and bucco osso was really interesting because it was shape like pasta, but it was supposed to be risotto. What I really liked about this was the sauce. It was literally so good that I was slurping all of it up at the end.
At this point I was already getting really full. So when they brought out the donut. I was pretty satisfied when they said it was dessert time, but no, it was a bolognese donut, which meant the savouries were still going strong.
They pulled out the top hat to reveal rabbit kidneys inside. And honestly, I’m adventurous with my food, but this one was hard to eat, so I tried to down all of it as quickly as I could.
The next couple of dishes were the meaty mains – Iberian pork with burrata cheese and sea urchins and also the grilled ox and bresaola of ox. While these were decently tasty, I didn’t like them as much as some of the other dishes we’d had earlier.
Then they whipped out the red onion and goat cheese. And this wasn’t just visually stunning, it was delicious. It was so fun to just crack it open with a spoon and start to eat all the sugar shards along with the caramelised onion and liquidy goat’s cheese. And it was just such an innovative way to present a red onion dish. I wish that I had gotten seconds of this dish.
We could hardly contain our excitement when the dessert first came out, because it was in this giant lock box. And this box had a pee hole where you could see some of the desserts and you could open it with a key. Inside there was a palette cleanser in the form of the liquid salad, tomato and vinegar. There was a strawberries, yogurt and cereal dessert, and also creme brulee of pastier.
The first dessert was the Lego Dessert with each block representing different types of chocolate. As a big fan of Lego, I was bit sad to eat all of it, but also very excited by yet another playful dessert.
We also had a rose cake and vanilla ice cream, which is a traditional ending to a very fun menu. This cake has origins in Northern Italy and symbolises prosperity and warmth. The staff were also kind enough to let me try quennelleing – creating that perfect-looking scoop of ice cream on your plate. I failed miserably, but I did manage to get a giant scoop of ice cream as a result. The rose cake was really yummy, with a crispy, sugary coating on the outside and a soft, fluffy inside, and it was the perfect way to finish our meal.
For food, I’d rate Contraste a 4 out of 5 – some dishes resonated more than others, but it was mostly outstanding. With prices around €200 per person, value is a 3 out of 5, though the experience is a definite 5 out of 5. The thoughtful service and creative touches made the night feel like a true celebration.
Conclusion
From crispy street snacks to Michelin-starred art on a plate, Milan’s food scene offers an unforgettable mix of flavors, history, and innovation. The city’s culinary traditions, love for luxurious ingredients like saffron, and dedication to creating unique dining experiences make it a must-visit for any food lover. Thanks for joining me on this adventure – if you’re planning a trip to Milan, don’t miss these incredible spots. Like, subscribe, and let me know which dish you’d try first. Ciao for now!
Ange on a plane 
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