The Italian food culture is known all over the world and dishes like pizza and pasta are something that really characterize the country. However, Milan is a city that has changed food trends. For example, they were the first in Italy to embrace Chinese cuisine. Since then, trends have varied between Indian, African, Japanese and Middle Eastern food.
Today, the classic so-called 'trattorias' are predominant, and particularly special to Milan are the vegetarian soup Minestrone Milanese and the bitter drink Campari, born in the early 20th century. Salami Salame di Milano and cheeses such as Mascarpone, Stracchino and Gorgonzola also originate from the city.
In Milan, happy hour is common from 7pm onwards, with drinks and a buffet costing around €5 - €8. Frog Caffé is an example of such a restaurant.
Milanese dishes
Minestrone Milanese
Vegetarian soup with tomatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, beans, potatoes and parsley that is equally good hot or cold. Served with a piece of bread.
Risotto Milanese
A classic Milanese dish dating back to 1535. Saffron is added to the rice which gives the dish a yellow color and a delicious taste. To make Risotto Milanese the right way, use the fine Arborio rice. Add butter and Parmesan cheese immediately after the rice is cooked.
Osso Bucco
Veal stew in tomato sauce and wine with onions, carrots, garlic, tomatoes, basil and parsley. Served with risotto, potatoes or noodles.
Drinks
Barolo Arione - a red spicy wine with hints of cherry. Best served with lamb or beef.
Negroni - an aperitif of Campari bitters, gin, red martini and ice.
Giorgi Barbera - a delicious red wine from the Oltrepó Pavese district.
Tips on restaurants
Da Ilia - a classic Tuscan trattoria known for its homemade pasta and wide range of wines. Located on Via Lecco.
El Brelin - located on the edge of the Naviglio canal, this is a romantic restaurant with an early 20th century feel. The menu offers pasta, gnocchi, risotto, meat dishes, Sunday brunch with Milanese scrambled eggs and more.
Trattoria da Pino - a typical trattoria located on Via Cerva with delicious food at a cheap price.
La Capanna - serves very good pasta and is a popular place located on Via Donatello.
The Italian food culture is known all over the world and dishes like pizza and pasta are something that really characterize the country. However, Milan is a city that has changed food trends. For example, it was the first in Italy to embrace Chinese cuisine.
Since then, trends have varied between Indian, African, Japanese and Middle Eastern food.
Today, the classic so-called 'trattorias' are predominant and particularly special to Milan are the vegetarian soup Minestrone Milanese and the bitter drink Campari which was born in the early 20th century.
Salamin Salame di Milano and cheeses like Mascarpone, Stracchino and Gorgonzola also originate from the city.