Dining in Milan
Cracco Peck
Modern interiors and the talent of masterchef Carlo Cracco make this a perfect fine-dining choice. Close to the Duomo, the restaurant, one of Milan’s best, is linked to the wonderful Peck food store on an adjacent street. With first-class starters and mains, exceptional desserts and an impressive wine list, it is no wonder that the restaurant was voted as one of the world’s top 50 by Restaurant magazine. Closed Sunday.
Via Victor Hugo 4 (off Via Orefici)
Tel: 02 876 774.
Don Carlos
Don Carlos is up there with Cracco Peck. In a restaurant that makes the most of Italian produce it is hard to resist the six-course tasting menu. The traditional dining room, with its little shaded lamps illuminating original prints and sketches from early opera productions at La Scala, completes the scene and creates an ambience on par with that of the late 19th century when Verdi lived at the hotel.
Grand Hotel et de Milan, Via Manzoni 29
Tel: 02 7231 4640.
Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia
Aimo e Nadia has been serving up flavorful Italian ingredients, prepared with an artful simplicity, for almost three decades. The pasta dishes put most of the competition to shame and they perfectly illustrate what real Italian cooking is about. The dining room has terracotta floors and clean white walls hung with dramatic abstract contemporary paintings. The long taxi ride out to the north suburbs is wholly worthwhile.
Via Montecuccoli 6
Tel: 02 416 886.
Armani/Nobu
Another winner in the exclusive chain of worldwide restaurants is housed in the giant white stone Armani World on Via Manzoni. Waif-like models and fashionistas concerned with their waistlines can enjoy the stylish softly lit design, whilst nibbling now famous dishes like black cod in miso sauce as well as sushi and sashimi - or sipping sake with added gold leaf. Reservations essential. Closed at lunchtime on Sundays.
Armani World, Via Manzoni 31 (restaurant entrance at Via Pisoni 1)
Tel: 02 6231 2645.
Marino alla Scala
This first-floor restaurant above the designer ground-floor shop and cafe is situated in a Truddardi-owned palazzo, just to the left of the famous La Scala opera house. Diners can sink into the ochre-colored sofas and armchairs and enjoy the view of the Piazza della Scala. Fish and vegetable dishes predominate. There are excellent daily specials. Closed for lunch on Saturday and all day on Sunday.
Piazza della Scala 5
Tel: 02 8068 8201.
Anema e Cozze
One of four branches of this successful pizza chain, the emphasis at Anema e Cozze is on tasty Neapolitan pizzas topped with fresh seafood. Fishy toppings include the likes of clams, sardines, mackerel as well as the eponymous mussels. Fish-infused pasta dishes and seafood antipasti are also on the menu. This may not be Milan’s most sophisticated restaurant, but tasty food and reasonable prices ensure a steady flow of customers.
Via Palermo 15
Tel: 02 8646 1646.
Brek
If you’re looking for tasty and affordable food then you won’t go far wrong at this self-service restaurant located close to Piazza Cavour. Hearty pastas, fresh pizza, salads and gargantuan desserts are just some of the things on offer at Brek. Healthy fruit juices, hot drinks and alcohol are also on sale in this Italian fast-food outlet.
Via del’Annunciata 2
Tel: 02 653 619.
Sadler Wine & Food
Ideally situated for the Fiera district near Piazza Amendola, Claudio Sadler’s excellent food and wine bar offers a tempting array of meats, cheeses and dishes using unusual ingredients from carefully selected producers. This is a typical and comfortable Italian restaurant with light ochre walls, dark wood panels and tables, and a few excellent paintings on the walls. The setting is elegant but informal. Closed Sunday.
Via Monte Bianco 2/A
Tel: 02 481 4677.