Finally, the design highlight of the year, Salone del Mobile, the Milan furniture fair, is just around the corner again: 16-21 April.
It’s always a pleasure to go there in April, because then it feels like spring in Milan and you can soak up the first rays of sunshine, drink your first spritz outside and discover the latest innovations in the world of furniture and design. The atmosphere is much more relaxed than during Milan Fashion Week and it’s simply fun to stroll through the streets of the Berea design district, people-watching the hip scene and being inspired by the latest design trends.
Of course, a good pasta, an oven-warm cornetto and the right aperitivo bar are a must. You can find all our favorite tips and places to be during Milan Design Week in our Milan App Guide, which you can download here. With our new “Plan a Day” function, you can put together a perfect day without losing track of the many tempting locations.
WHERE TO STAY
The Couper Sant‘ Andrea
The Couper Sant’Andrea is a small gem nestled in the heart of the fashion district, just a stone’s throw away from Via Montenapoleone. Here, you’ll stay in an 18th-century palazzo with small yet exquisite rooms individually and tastefully designed. Couper Sant’Andrea is perfectly situated for exploring Milan over a weekend and is, of course, ideal for all fashion enthusiasts, as the most renowned shops are practically next door.
Via Sant’Andrea 12, 20121 Milan
La Favia
Not far from the unmistakable cemetery in northern Milan, a charming bed and breakfast called La Favia is hidden away. The owner has transformed his former family apartment into an inviting guest accommodation with great taste and attention to detail. This includes four individually designed rooms and a rooftop terrace reminiscent of an oasis, where a organic breakfast is served in the morning.
Via Carlo Farini 4, 20154 Milan
FAVORITE PLACES FOR DOLCI AND ESPRESSI
Pasticceria Marchesi
The Pasticceria Marchesi could easily be deemed a national treasure. A traditional bakery straight out of a storybook, it has been nestled in Santa Maria alla Porta since 1824. Tempting treats line the counter, from cakes to chocolates, panettone to cornetti – all beautifully packaged. These delightful confections can be savored on-site with a coffee or make for a lovely gift for loved ones back home! By the way, since 2014, the family-owned bakery has been 80 percent acquired by the fashion house Prada.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 20123 Milan
Pasticceria Taveggia
For Italians, starting the day with an espresso is an absolute must. This is enjoyed at the counter of one of the numerous charming bars. Pair it with one of the enticing dolci, and the day can begin! For such a morning routine, the traditional Pasticceria Taveggia is an excellent choice. Its display case is plentifully stocked with delicious pastries and paninis!
Via Uberto Visconti die Modrone 2, 20122 Milan
Pasticceria Cova
Starting the day in luxury? Nowhere does it better than at Pasticceria Cova. The moment you step inside, you can feel the long history of this establishment, not least because of its neoclassical décor. After all, the famous Cova was opened in the 19th century. At the tables, elegant older ladies in perfectly tailored suits enjoy the house specialty – panettone filled with buttery caramel cream.
Via Monte Napoleone 8, 20121 Milan
Giacomo Caffé
For those who wish to start their day with grandeur, enjoying a cappuccino with a cornetto at the elegant Giacomo Caffè is a must. Somewhat tucked away, it is located in the atrium of the Palazzo Reale and is run by the gastronomy-experienced Bulleri family, who also manage the wonderful classics, Restaurant and Bistrot Giacomo. The walls are adorned with golden mirrors and huge paintings.
Piazza Duomo, 12, 20121 Milan
DINNER
Da Giacomo
For those looking to dine wonderfully with time and leisure, a visit to Da Giacomo is highly recommended. The ambiance is sophisticated yet casual, the service is friendly, and the fish is excellent! It’s a place where everyone loves to return, not only for the delicious pizza bread, the variety of appetizers, and the tasty desserts, but also for the small, exquisite details. It’s a favorite restaurant for smart travelers. Next door, there’s a bistro, and at the top of the Museo Novecento, with a view of the Duomo, there’s a bar.
Via Pasquale Sottocorno 6, 20129 Milan
Osterial Del Binari
Paradise begins at a beautiful, old entrance to Osteria del Binari. As soon as you take a seat in the magnificent room by the roaring fireplace, warm croissants, pastries, ham, and prosecco are served. The abundance is enchanting. After the unforgettable soufflé with a delicate vegetable sauce, we experienced the main course, polenta with porcini mushrooms, in a kind of trance. It’s also wonderful to sit outside in the former bowling alley during the summer.
Via Tortona 1, 20144 Milan
Antica Trattoria della Pesa
The Antica Trattoria della Pesa is simply perfect in its pure beauty. Its charm lies in the careful way it consciously respects the old interior and skillfully decorates it, here and there, with a watchful eye, with simple butter cookies on old cake stands and pears cooked in red wine, displayed in beautiful bowls on the buffet. Everything feels very familiar, and fortunately, such a lovable restaurant also has good cuisine. For those eager to delve into Lombardian meat dishes, they can try a classic “Bollito Misto” – boiled meats with vegetables, pickled fruits, and a green sauce, served from a trolley. A lighter option would be the “Risotto Milanese.”
Viale Pasubio 10, 20154 Milan
Nuova Arena
Nuova Arena is a fantastic restaurant to immerse yourself in traditional Milanese cuisine. The proprietor, Giovanni Mele, arrived in Milan as a teenager, studied under greats like Alfredo Valli, and worked in top restaurants until 1982. Since opening Nuova Arena, it has been a crescendo of satisfaction. The kitchen is now in the hands of Milanese chef Riccardo Giusti, who prepares Italian dishes using predominantly Sardinian products. In service, Giovanni’s son Nicolò ensures wonderful service. Dishes not to be missed include Mondeghili Milanese-style, veal Magatello in tuna sauce, Ossobuco, and Millefoglie with Chantilly cream.
Piazza Lega Lombarda, 5, 20154 Milano
BEST APERITIVO
Camparino in Galleria
Contrary to most bars in the famous Galleria, this stunning café bar is a Milanese institution. In 1867, Gaspare Campari opened a shop in the newly built Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, from where he sold his famous aperitif. His son Davide, who was actually born in the Galleria, took over the business and opened the Camparino Bar in 1915. This was followed by a repeated succession of the renowned Milanese aperitifs Campari and Zucca, which competed with each other to brand the bar. Campari took over Zucca again in 2012 and renamed the bar from “Zucca in Galleria” to “Camparino in Galleria” after 16 years.
Piazza del Duomo, 21, 20121 Milan
N’ombra De Vin
It was in 1973 when Father Giacomo Cora first opened the doors of the wine shop N’ombra de Vin, supported by the walls of the Basilica of San Marco, in an old suburb of Milan. In 2007, Cristiano Cora, the son of N’ombra de Vin’s founder Giacomo, took over the management of the wine shop. Cristiano was aware of the traditional and historical past of N’ombra de Vin and brought a spirit of innovation and youthful enthusiasm to its management, transforming it into a place for wine lovers of all ages while preserving the traditional charm of the wine shop. The associated salumeria has been recognized and awarded several times for its outstanding performance. Definitely a great place for an aperitivo.
Via S. Marco, 2, 20121 Milan
Bar Basso
It seems like you’ve pasted my previous response about Bar Basso. Is there anything else you’d like to know or discuss about Bar Basso or any other topic? Feel free to let me know!
Via Plinio 39, 20129 Milan
