Top 7 foods to try in Milan

Panettone at Pasticceria Marchesi

Usually enjoyed around Christmas and New Year, light and airy panettone bread is a sweet symbol of Milanese tradition and a must-try on any visit to the city. For some of the best example in Milan, the city’s original pastry shops are the place to head. Paticceria Marchesi was established in 1824 and is one of Milan’s oldest and finest pastry shops. Although founded over 200 years ago, it is still the go-to place for many of Milan’s best pastries, including the popular panettone. The sweet bread is traditionally studded with fruits and spices and is a top souvenir from Milan, especially during November and December.

Pasticceria Marchesi, Via Santa Maria alla Porta 11A, 20123 Milan, +39 02 862770

Bread and prosciutto at Taglio

Part café, part bar and part food shop, Taglio is the perfect place to indulge in Milan’s best bread and hams. The unpretentious atmosphere makes it an ideal place for a spot of lunch or dinner. While the interior may be plain, the food packs a punch, with flavours that keep customers returning for more. Focusing on simple, high-quality ingredients, as is the Italian way, the charcuterie boards are a must try.

Taglio, Via Vigevano 10, 20144 Milan, +39 02 3653 4294

Focaccia at Princi

Princi is the perfect place to indulge in Milan’s best pastries and breads, whether you are looking for a morning cornetto or stracchino cheese-filled focaccia as a post-shopping treat. The shop itself is sleek and luxurious thanks to a minimalist interior design by Armani favourite architect Claudio Silvestrin, while the olive bread sticks, hot slabs of pizza and moist focaccia make it a must-visit.

Princi, Piazza XXV Aprile 5, 20154 Milan, +39 02 2906 0832

Pizza at Dry

There is no shortage of amazing pizzerias in Milan, but one noteworthy recent addition to the scene is Dry. Serving a winning combination of cocktails and excellent pizzas, it has made a spectacular impression thanks to its impressive food and neo-industrial setting. Dry’s unfinished style, dim lighting and cosmopolitan atmosphere have made it a particular favourite with the fashion set.

Dry, Via Solferino 33, 20121 Milan, +39 02 6379 3414

Risotto alla Milanese at 23 Risotti

Risotto is the culinary pride of Milan. Rice was introduced into Italy some time in the 15th century, and plays an integral part in Lombardy cuisine. While you will find risotto dishes at virtually every restaurant, the local risotto alla Milanese is traditionally made with chopped onions, beef marrow and saffron. For some of the best risottos in the city, head over to 23 Risotti. As its name suggests, the restaurant specialises in the dish, and is well regarded in the city.

23 Risotti, Piazza Carbonari 5, 20125 Milan, +39 02 670 4710

Pasta at Ceresio 7

Choosing the ultimate destination for pasta in Milan is a daunting and near impossible task, yet Ceresio 7 surely wins for the most striking location. Located on a glamorous roof top, and owned by Dsquared2 brothers Dean and Dan Caten, it is one of the most fashionable places in Milan. Chef Elio Sironi creates a modern reinterpretation of Italian cuisine with sophisticated dishes such as homemade tagliolini with white truffle. This is a restaurant where style and substance go hand in hand.

Ceresio 7, Via Ceresio 7, 20154 Milan, +39 02 3103 9221

Fish at Giacomo Arengario

Located in the Museo del Novecento and with extraordinary views of the Duomo, Giacomo Arengario is a hotspot for the art and fashion crowd. The superb location is matched by the stylish interior, whose décor is influenced by 1930s architectures and patterns. The food is equally striking, offering classic dishes inspired by Italian traditions. The restaurant is particularly well known for its fresh fish, with top dishes including lobster ravioli, shrimp tartare, mullet fillet and oysters.

Giacomo Arengario, Via Guglielmo Marcono 1, 20123 Milan +39 02 7209 3814