The best restaurants in Milan, in the city centre and beyond

What is it? A modern Milanese trattoria headed up by one of the most popular chefs in town, Diego Rossi.

Why we love it: At this humble spot, Rossi has set out to honour offal, creating unfussy renditions of tripe, kidneys, liver, heart, lung and sweetbreads; the menu changes daily depending on what’s at the market. The chef also caters to less-adventurous diners and vegetarians with more standard dishes. In addition to the bold interiors and flavours, what makes Trippa so special is a warm atmosphere cultivated by Rossi’s business partner and front-of-house expert, Pietro Caroli.

Time Out tip: You can only reserve a table at Trippa via their website – available dates are released every first day of the month at noon for the following month (so on May 1 you can book for June for instance). Plan accordingly. 

Address: Via Giorgio Vasari, 1

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7.15-11.30pm; Friday 12:30 – 2:30pm (the kitchen closes at 2pm). Closed on Saturday and Sunday

Expect to pay: €20-40 per head without drinks (depending on how many dishes you order for yourself!)

What is it? An airy restaurant with its own kitchen garden and outdoor seating at the far end of the Naviglio Pavese canal. 

Why we love it: Erba Brusca is a laidback restaurant with a short and sweet menu featuring ingredients from the adjoining vegetable garden, tuning diners in with the land. It’s particularly popular on weekends when the Milanese escape to the countryside and the mountains that ring the city. French born, American-raised chef Alice Delcourt changes dishes regularly, but keeps a modern farm-to-table approach to whatever she makes. Whatever you order, pair it with a glass of natural wine from the expertly curated list.

Time Out tip: Erba Brusca is a little far from the centre, so keep that in mind when booking. Opt for lunch and walk back along the Naviglio Pavese (a canal) for a nice afternoon stroll. 

Address: Alzaia Naviglio Pavese, 286

Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday 12.30-2.30pm, 8-11pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday

Expect to pay: €30 per head without drinks,  €40-50 if you opt for the tasting menu 

What is it? Cucina Franca is one of Milan’s most relaxed yet thoughtful dining rooms, known for its ingredient-led cooking and easygoing, convivial atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that quietly draws in people who care about food, wine and good company. 

Why we love it: The menu is short, focused and driven by seasonality, with dishes that take inspiration from different cuisines while steering well clear of tired fusion tropes. Plates are designed for sharing and lean largely plant-based, with a strong emphasis on vegetables and flavour. The setting is simple but warm – mismatched crockery, wooden tables and eclectic details – making it ideal for dinners that stretch late into the evening or leisurely weekend lunches where one bottle of natural wine has a habit of turning into two.

Time Out tip: Tables are in high demand, so booking ahead is essential. If you want the full picture of what the kitchen does best, go for the tasting menu – and arrive hungry.

Address: Via Friuli, 78

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 7.30pm-11pm, Saturday to Sunday 12.30-2.30pm, and 7.30pm-11pm. Closed Monday.

Expect to pay:  €30-40 without drinks. The six-course (plus dessert) tasting menu is €40

What is it? Possibly Milan’s best restaurant for a contemporary take on traditional Milanese cuisine, courtesy of imaginative chef Cesare Battisti.

Why we love it: While the menu changes seasonally, his version of the classic risotto alla Milanese con ossobuco (saffron risotto with braised veal shank) is a fixture – and an absolute must-try. Silky smooth and vivid in both colour and flavour, it sees Battisti swapping Parmesan for the sweeter Lodigiano cheese, which gives this traditionally creamy dish an even richer taste. If you’re mainly craving pasta, try the recently opened Pastificio Ratanà, a five minute walk from the original. That’s all it serves – rigorously hand-made, of course.

Time Out tip: Tables are in high demand, so book well in advance, especially for dinner and weekends. If you can’t snag a reservation straight away, keep checking – cancellations do happen. Also, their famous costoletta is available by special order only, and must be requested at least 48 hours before your reservation.

Address: Via Gaetano de Castillia, 28

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 12-12.30pm, 7-11pm

Expect to pay: €60 per head without drinks 

What is it? CreDa is a laid-back neighbourhood favourite in Milan’s Crocetta district, where you can grab something casual over the counter or settle in for a proper sit-down meal. The vibe is as comforting as it gets: think mismatched chairs, vintage touches and shabby-chic interiors that feel a bit like your coolest grandma’s living room. 

Why we love it: Milan has seen a wave of traditional-meets-contemporary delis popping up recently – gastronomie, as they’re called in Italian, that focus on quality ingredients, classic dishes reimagined for today and a more informal approach to eating. Creda is one such place. Think hefty counter staples like nonna-style meatballs and mozzarella-oozing parmigiana – or stop for lunch or dinner to enjoy the well-executed offerings of southern chefs Crescenzo Morlando and Dario Pisani, who share a past in Michelin-starred kitchens and a passion for bringing honest food back to the table. We recommend the spaghettone with garlic, oil, chili, and peperone crusco (crispy dried sweet pepper). 

Time Out tip: In the warmer months, ask to sit in the delightful outdoor area at the front

Address: Via Orti, 12

Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-11pm; Sunday 11am-4pm. Closed Monday

Expect to pay: €20-30 per head without drinks 

What is it? Milan’s boldest Greek restaurant, specialised in Greek cuisine with imaginative Mediterranean and Balkan touches.

Why we love it: A standout in Milan’s dining scene, Vasiliki Kouzina brings a fresh, contemporary take on Greek and Mediterranean flavours that goes beyond the usual expectations. The menu showcases refined yet sincere dishes rooted in regional Greek tradition – from creative small plates to well-crafted mains – all delivered in a warm, stylish setting that feels both elegant and welcoming. It’s one of the city’s few places where you can genuinely savour Greek cuisine with a modern twist, supported by thoughtful wine choices and attentive service that keeps locals coming back. 

Time Out tip: Before dinner, get a drink at Kouzina’s younger sibling, Vasiliki Kantina, just across the street. It’s a deli and wine bar by the same owners boasting some 150 labels from the Greek regions. 

Address: Via Clusone, 5

Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 7pm - midnight. Closed Sunday

Expect to pay: €30-40 without drinks, €55 for the five-course menu or €65 for the six-course menu 

What is it? Gastronomia Yamamoto is a long-standing Japanese favourite tucked just behind the Duomo. Part takeaway, part sit-down restaurant, it’s best known for its bento boxes (no sushi here) and a compact dining room at the back serving comforting, home-style Japanese cooking.

Why we love it: Because it does quiet authenticity better than almost anywhere else in the city. Yamamoto specialises in the kind of everyday Japanese dishes that rarely get centre stage: deeply flavoured curry rice, pillow-soft unagi donburi and a rotation of impeccably prepared sides. Don’t miss the stewed hijiki or the miso-glazed aubergine, both standouts. Bonus points for the interiors, which put a clean, contemporary spin on the classic Japanese canteen. 

Time Out tip: Before you leave, browse the small retail corner for thoughtful souvenirs, including Japanese teas, bowls and packaged snacks: perfect gifts if you’re tired of fridge magnets.

Address: Via Amedei, 5

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 12.30-2.30pm and 7.30–10.30pm. Closed Sunday and Monday

Expect to pay: €20–30 per person, excluding drinks

What is it? A true Milanese institution, Da Giacomo is old-guard dining at its most assured. Located in Zona Risorgimento, the restaurant champions traditional Italian cuisine with a strong focus on seafood, served in one of the city’s most iconic dining rooms.

Why we love it: For one thing, it’s a looker. The dining room – designed in 1989 by the legendary Renzo Mongiardino – is all ornate wall panelling, graniglia floors and polished nostalgia, the kind of setting that instantly elevates a meal into an occasion.

The menu sticks confidently to Italian tradition, leaning heavily towards impeccably sourced fish and seafood. Expect paccheri with swordfish and aubergine, an extensive selection of raw carpaccios and tartares, and pristine market fish presented whole at the table before being filleted with old-school flair. The wine cellar is equally serious, built around historic labels and standout Italian and international bottles. Vegetarians are well catered for too, with classic dishes rooted in seasonality and quality ingredients.

Time Out tip: End the evening at Giacomo Pasticceria, the group’s refined pastry shop just around the corner, for traditional Italian sweets given a modern, elegant spin.

Address: Via Pasquale Sottocorno, 6

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 12.30-3pm; 7pm-midnight. Closed Tuesday

Expect to pay: €30-40 per person without drinks

What is it? Røst is a hip, Nordic-inspired bistrot in the buzzy Porta Venezia neighbourhood. One of Milan’s most exciting modern tables, it reimagines culinary traditions with a short, seasonal menu rooted in farm-to-table values. The interiors mirror the food’s ethos  – clean-lined, minimalist and welcoming –  setting the tone for a relaxed yet sophisticated meal.

Why we love it: Røst strikes a rare balance: it’s modern without being pretentious, creative without being gimmicky. The unstructured menu puts flavour front and centre, encouraging diners to order a handful of plates to share. Each dish features hyper-local ingredients and subtle nods to Nordic technique, making for a refreshingly interesting dining experience. Pair it all with a glass (or bottle) from their smart list of natural wines, and you’ve got yourself a pretty stellar evening. 

Time Out tip: Come with an appetite and a willingness to share. Ask the staff for recommendations: the kitchen changes with the seasons and their guidance will help you navigate the best combinations of plates and natural wines for the evening.

Address: Via Melzo, 3

Opening hours: Open for lunch Friday 12-30-2.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 12.30-3.30pm. Dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, 7-11pm. Closed Monday

Expect to pay:  €40-50 per person without drinks

What is it? Featuring a fixed four- to seven-course menu that changes seasonally Spore is a sleek restaurant in Porta Romana that’s been quickly gaining plaudits for its innovative culinary approach.

Why we love it: The protagonists at this open-kitchen eatery are fermented ingredients (‘spore,’ as you might have guessed, means spores), from kimchi and miso to shoyu, vinegar and sourdough, all of which are made in-house and used throughout the meal (which can be adjusted for special dietary requirements notified in advance). With an eye towards Asian, Scandinavian and Italian flavours, dishes evolve constantly with the kitchen’s ongoing experiments, and are paired with an extensive natural wine list.

Time Out tip: Book dinner for 7pm and spend the afternoon at Fondazione Prada, which is nearby. 

Address: Via Passo Buole, 4

Expect to pay: €45 for the four-course menu, €60 for the seven-course one, without drinks 

Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday 7-11pm, closed Sunday and Monday

What is it? Part bistro, part contemporary osteria in the vibrant neighbourhood of Nolo.

Why we love it: Silvano Vini & Cibi al Banco is a must if you’re after straightforward (but excellent) dishes, natural wines, and prices that are below the city average. There’s no stove or induction top in the kitchen here, just a massive oven, an airy and bright space with a charming ‘old Milan’ vibe. For the food, it’s Olivier salad, roast meats, oven-baked vegetables, lasagna, and aubergine parmigiana, but also Fassona tartare from top-quality Piedmontese beef, selected charcuterie platters, and what’s possibly the best toasted sandwich in Milan. 

Time Out tip: Whatever you do, order the toastie. 

Address: Piazza Morbegno, 2

Opening hours: Wednesday-Friday 6pm-midnight; Saturday-Sunday 12.30-3.30pm, 6pm-midnight. Closed on Monday and Tuesday

Expect to pay: €20-30 per head without drinks 

What is it? A ‘food collective’ consisting of three to four kitchens (they rotate and change often), a natural wine bar and one coffee shop, Sidewalk Kitchens is Milan’s hippest streetside food hall.

Why we love it: Located in Zona Risorgimento, it hosts a roster of innovative culinary outlets offering anything from smashed burgers to katsu sandwiches, plus occasional temporary residencies that are always fun, innovative and delicious. The aim is to showcase the city’s culinary range, support emerging cooks, and create a space that serves both an unfussy eatery and a community hub for the neighbourhood (and the rest of Milan, given its popularity). Food can be ordered as delivery, take-away, or eaten in the 80-place dining area.

Time Out tip: Follow Sidewalk Kitchens on IG to stay updated on their many, many food pop-ups and special events. 

Address: Via Bonvesin de la Riva, 3

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9am-5pm, 6-11.30pm

Expect to pay: €15 per head without drinks 

What is it? Fan Wu is one of Milan’s most talked-about Chinese kitchens, known for bringing thoughtful, regionally inspired fare to the city’s dining scene. It blends traditional techniques with creative flair, presenting dishes that feel both authentic and contemporary.

Why we love it: Fan Wu strikes a rare balance: it’s comfortingly familiar to anyone who knows good Chinese cooking, yet it surprises with refinement and precision. Expect bold flavours, beautifully executed classics and standout mains that elevate everyday ingredients – from rich, velvety broths to perfectly seasoned meats and vibrant vegetable plates. The vibe is relaxed, making you feel right at home even if it’s your first foray into this style of Asian cuisine in Milan.

Time Out tip: Share a few different plates so you can taste the variety. If it’s your first visit, ask the staff for their current favourites: they’re great at guiding you through the menu.

Address: Viale Tunisia, 30

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12-3pm and 7-11pm. Closed Monday 

Expect to pay: €20-30 per head without drinks

What is it? Nestled in the ‘almost-countryside’ (as they call it themselves) of Milan just north of the Martesana canal, Osteria Lagrandissima is a favourite among in-the-know Milanese.

Why we love it: Mostly thanks to its country-meets-minimalist vibes, a hyperlocal menu of simple dishes from the Italian culinary canon (the bread comes from the bakery of Tipografia Alimentare, another great spot nearby), and attentive service – not to mention reasonable prices, which are always a plus. The real winning card, though, is the home-made pasta, from the tagliatelle with white pork ragu to the ravioli in tomato sauce. 

Time Out tip: Go for lunch, then take a postprandial stroll along the Martesana canal and check out the newly-opened NAMA, an eclectic cultural space a short walk away. 

Address: Via Ponte Nuovo, 25

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 7.30pm-midnight; Saturday and Sunday 12.30-2.30pm and 7.30pm-midnight. Closed Monday 

Expect to pay: €30 per head without drinks 

What is it? A low-key standout in Milan’s Navigli area, Nebbia is part of the wave of neo-trattorie that have been reshaping the city’s dining scene in recent years (with Trippa often cited as the trailblazer). It’s contemporary without being showy, rooted in tradition but very much looking forward.

Why we love it: For its sleek yet unpretentious interiors, its thoughtful focus on natural wines, and its cooking, which balances comfort with creativity. The kitchen takes loose inspiration from Lombard tradition, reworking familiar flavours into seasonal dishes with a modern edge. Menus change regularly, but you can expect rich, satisfying plates punctuated by unexpected flourishes. The wine list – a carefully curated selection of small producers and natural labels – is also a real highlight.

Time Out tip: Nebbia really comes into its own in the evening rather than at lunch. Book ahead, especially for dinner:  tables don’t hang around for long.

Address: Via Evangelista Torricelli, 15

Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 12.30-3pm and 6pm-1am