Milan, a city renowned for its design and fashion, is a treasure trove of hidden gems and local spots that even the most seasoned visitors might miss. As the city prepares for Milan Design Week 2026, Dezeen has tapped into the expertise of some of Milan's most exciting designers and tastemakers to uncover their favorite places to eat, drink, and immerse themselves in the city's vibrant culture. From traditional restaurants to cultural sites and vintage shops, these insiders reveal the essence of Milan through their unique perspectives.
Bars & Aperitivo Spots
Bene Bene: Architect and designer Maddalena Casadei recommends this bar run by three creative friends. She praises their exceptional service and music selection, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable drinking experience.
Bar Paradiso: Co-founders of NM3, Francesco Zorzi and Nicolò Ornaghi, endorse this wine bar with an impressive selection of wines. It's a perfect spot for wine enthusiasts looking to explore Milan's wine scene.
Bar Pieno: 6AM co-founders Edoardo Pandolfo and Francesco Palù introduce a temporary bar that will open during Design Week. Each evening, chefs from across Italy will serve their creative takes on classic panini and spritz, offering a unique culinary experience.
Pasticceria Cucchi: David/Nicolas co-founders David Raffoul and Nicolas Moussallem, along with NM3 co-founders Francesco Zorzi and Nicolò Ornaghi, recommend this place for its artisanal pastries and beautiful terrace. Their favorite dish is the 'cucchi omelette', a testament to the restaurant's culinary excellence.
Bar Basso: Alcova co-founder Valentina Ciuffi highlights the historical significance of this bar, which has played a crucial role in making Fuorisalone what it is today. It's an ideal meeting spot for designers during the night.
Lido Liquor Bar: Maddalena Casadei also recommends this rooftop spot, known for its authentic atmosphere, great food and drinks, and a vinyl collection curated by the owner, Sabina. The staff's kindness adds to the overall pleasant experience.
Restaurants
Nuova Arena: Formafantasma co-founders Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin suggest this classic Tuscan restaurant with high-quality products and family-style dining. It's a perfect choice for those seeking an authentic Tuscan culinary experience.
Trattoria del Nuovo Macello: NM3 co-founders Francesco Zorzi and Nicolò Ornaghi recommend this trattoria, known for its risotto and cotoletta. The chef, Giovanni Traversone, is a protégé of Gualtiero Marchesi, ensuring a culinary experience worthy of a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Bistrot della Pesa: Design consultant and gallerist Joy Herro praises this traditional restaurant for its 'casseula', risotto, stewed cabbage, and zabaione and zuppa inglese. The attention to detail in decor, including silver cutlery and breadsticks, enhances the dining experience.
Antica Trattoria della Pesa: David/Nicolas co-founders David Raffoul and Nicolas Moussallem, along with NM3 co-founders Francesco Zorzi and Nicolò Ornaghi, recommend this trattoria for its risotto alla milanese with ossobuco. The silver cutlery, flowers on the table, and carefully considered decor make it a memorable dining experience.
Al Matarel: Formafantasma co-founders Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin suggest this restaurant for its incredible food and the presence of 'la signora' serving at the table, creating a homely atmosphere.
Torre de Pisa: Dimore Studio co-founders Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran recommend this historic Tuscan trattoria in Milan's Brera district. It's known for its simple, traditional Tuscan dishes and warm, rustic atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a cozy meal.
A Santa Lucia: Tutto Bene co-founders Oskar Kohnen and Felizia Berchtold recommend this old-school Milanese restaurant for its simple, classic Italian food, charming atmosphere, and beautiful interiors. They even spent New Year's Eve here, making it a memorable dining experience.
Cafes and Pasticcerias
Panificio Davide Longoni: NM3 co-founders Francesco Zorzi and Nicolò Ornaghi recommend this place for its excellent breakfast and must-try focaccia. It's a perfect spot for a morning treat.
Marchesi 1824: Tutto Bene co-founders Oskar Kohnen and Felizia Berchtold recommend this historic cafe, known for its buzz in the mornings, even if it sometimes includes American tourists ordering espresso martinis for breakfast. It's a classic Milanese cafe experience.
Sidewalk Kitchens: David/Nicolas co-founders David Raffoul and Nicolas Moussallem suggest this place for its lively atmosphere, fresh ingredients, and the opportunity to enjoy street food outdoors while immersing oneself in the city's street life.
Giovanni Galli: Dimore Studio co-founders Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran recommend this shop for its candied chestnuts, boeri, fondants, and pralines. The shop windows alone are a dream, making it a delightful treat for sweet tooths.
Cultural Sites
Thaddaeus Ropac at Palazzo Belgioioso: Tutto Bene co-founders Oskar Kohnen and Felizia Berchtold recommend this gallery for its beautiful, understated outpost in Palazzo Belgioioso. They appreciate the international galleries establishing a presence in the city.
Ordet: Formafantasma co-founders Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin recommend this experimental and underground art and design space, similar to Milan's ICA, with a great program of exhibitions.
Grand Hotel et de Milan: Dimore Studio co-founders Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran highlight this hotel's rich history, having hosted the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Rudolf Nureyev, and Giuseppe Verdi. It's a symbol of Milan's cultural heritage.
Villa Necchi Campiglio: Dimore Studio co-founders Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran recommend this house museum, designed by Piero Portaluppi, for its elegantly restrained interiors and attention to detail, especially in the service areas.
Massimo de Carlo: Dimore Studio co-founders Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran suggest this gallery for its exceptional art in a truly exceptional setting. The gallery is housed within one of Piero Portaluppi's first projects in Milan, adding to its charm.
Cardi Gallery: Dimore Studio co-founders Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran recommend this gallery for its post-war and contemporary art, offering a quiet refuge in the city where they can discover modern artworks and appreciate the space's atmosphere.
Tribunale di Milano: Dimore Studio co-founders Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran highlight this stern Italian rationalist architecture as an incredibly beautiful example of the city's architectural heritage.
Vintage Dealers
Pennisi: Dimore Studio co-founders Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran recommend this curated antique jewelry shop for its small, gilded display cases in the shop windows. It's a curated antique jewelry lover's dream.
Raimondo Garau: Tutto Bene co-founders Oskar Kohnen and Felizia Berchtold suggest this vintage dealer for its beautifully mixed selection, reflecting owner Raimondo's impeccable taste. It's also a perfect excuse for a walk from their house, passing the Castello, through Brera, and finishing with a coffee on Corso Como.
Compasso Design: Tutto Bene co-founders Oskar Kohnen and Felizia Berchtold recommend this space for its meticulously researched design classics. The small sister gallery, Gilda & Co, is also worth a visit, located in the city center and dangerously close to Bar Basso.
Gelaterias
Gelateria Solferino: Architect and designer Maddalena Casadei recommends this family-run gelateria for its fantastic cream and fruit, which changes with the seasons. It's a perfect spot for gelato lovers.
Gelateria Umberto 1934: Dimore Studio co-founders Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran recommend this gelateria for its old-world setting and traditional flavors, resisting passing trends. It's a timeless choice for gelato enthusiasts.
Green Spaces
Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli: Dimore Studio co-founders Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran suggest this park for its perfect spot for strolling or reading a newspaper on sunny spring days. The park also hosts Orticola, a lovely fair for flowers in May.
