Best Restaurants in Milan to Suit Every Craving

Milan, Italy’s cosmopolitan capital of fashion and design, is a city where elegance and innovation meet centuries of tradition. Home to landmarks like the Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Sforza Castle, it’s also a cultural hub buzzing with creativity and style.

But beyond the catwalks and cathedrals, Milan has carved out a place for itself as a gastronomic destination. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to eat in Milan, from affordable trattorias to chic vegetarian spots, romantic ristoranti, and world-renowned Michelin-starred kitchens. Whether you’re shopping in Brera or catching a show at La Scala, Milan’s dining scene offers flavors as sophisticated as its fashion.

To make the most of your experience without lugging bags around the city, consider using Qeepl, a convenient luggage storage service with locations throughout Milan. Drop off your suitcases and explore the culinary gems of the city with total freedom.

What Should You Know About Food in Milan?

The best food in Milan is deeply rooted in Lombard tradition, with rich flavors and hearty ingredients defining many local dishes. Signature plates include risotto alla milanese, brightened with saffron and often paired with ossobuco (braised veal shanks), and cotoletta alla milanese, a breaded veal cutlet that predates the Viennese schnitzel.

Milan’s cuisine also reflects its status as a modern, international city. You’ll find stylish reinterpretations of classic dishes, as well as a wide range of global cuisines. With its blend of authenticity and refinement, Milan’s food scene caters to both traditionalists and trendsetters.

Best Affordable Restaurants in Milan

Milan’s glamour doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune to eat well. These affordable restaurants deliver fantastic meals without the upscale price tag.

1. Piz

Just a few minutes’ walk from the Duomo, Piz is a colorful, cheerful pizzeria with a short menu and a long line—both signs of quality. The Neapolitan-style pizzas are fluffy, perfectly charred, and topped with high-quality ingredients.

Pizzas are priced around €8 to €12, and every guest is greeted with a complimentary appetizer and drink. The quirky decor and lively staff make it a fun, budget-friendly dining experience in the heart of Milan.

2. Trattoria Madonnina

Tucked away in Ticinese, this old-school trattoria feels like a trip back in time. Red-checkered tablecloths, wooden chairs, and classic Milanese dishes like cassoeula (pork stew with cabbage) give it authentic charm.

Prices hover around €10–€15 per dish, and the daily specials are always a good bet. It’s a favorite among students and locals seeking comfort food and unpretentious atmosphere.

3. Ravioleria Sarpi

In the heart of Chinatown, Ravioleria Sarpi is a street food-style spot serving hand-made Chinese dumplings with a Milanese twist. Using high-quality Italian meats and organic flour, they offer a fusion of Chinese technique and local ingredients.

A generous portion of dumplings costs around €5–€8. Expect a line, but the turnover is fast and the flavors are worth the wait.

4. Miscusi

This pasta-focused chain near Porta Romana is modern, affordable, and mission-driven. Diners can mix and match pasta shapes, sauces, and toppings to create custom dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

Most meals stay under €13, and the vibe is clean and contemporary. It’s ideal for a quick, wholesome lunch or dinner in a stylish setting.

5. Panificio Pattini

A beloved bakery near Corso Buenos Aires, Panificio Pattini serves pizza by the slice, focaccia, and classic Milanese pastries. While technically not a restaurant, it’s a budget traveler’s best friend.

Savoury items start at €2–€4, and you can grab a quick lunch or snack while window-shopping along Milan’s busiest shopping street.

Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Milan

Vegetarian and vegan dining is booming in Milan, with more chefs embracing plant-based cooking as both sustainable and stylish.

1. Joia

Located in Porta Venezia, Joia is the first vegetarian restaurant in Europe to receive a Michelin star. Chef Pietro Leemann crafts beautiful dishes that blend spirituality, philosophy, and flavor using seasonal produce.

Lunch menus start around €35, while the tasting menu costs €90+. Each dish is like a work of art, perfect for a special vegetarian experience near Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli.

2. Flower Burger

With locations in Navigli and Porta Garibaldi, Flower Burger is a rainbow-colored burger joint with 100% plant-based patties and vibrant buns made with turmeric, beetroot, or spirulina.

Meals cost between €8 and €13. It’s fast, cheerful, and ideal for casual vegan dining before a walk along the Naviglio Grande canal.

3. Radicetonda

An eco-conscious vegan café near Piazza Cinque Giornate, Radicetonda focuses on organic ingredients and biodegradable packaging. Their lasagna, grain bowls, and seitan sandwiches are local favorites.

Dishes are priced around €9–€12. The calm interior and terrace make it a great lunch spot before heading to the nearby Fondazione Prada.

4. Soulgreen

Close to Piazza Gae Aulenti, Soulgreen is a design-forward vegan restaurant offering globally inspired bowls, raw desserts, and superfood smoothies. Their Middle Eastern falafel plate and Thai curry are bestsellers.

Expect to pay €14–€20. The stylish setting makes it popular with professionals and fashionistas alike.

5. Universo Vegano

Located near Brera, this fast-casual vegan eatery serves wraps, burgers, and desserts made from all-natural ingredients. It’s a small, cozy spot ideal for a quick and healthy bite.

Most meals stay under €10, and it’s conveniently located for those exploring art galleries and boutiques in Brera.

Romantic Restaurants in Milan

With its refined charm, Milan is made for romance. These restaurants offer the ambiance and cuisine for an unforgettable evening.

1. Ristorante Cracco

Located in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Cracco is helmed by celebrity chef Carlo Cracco and combines Milanese tradition with artistic presentation. Dishes like saffron risotto with bone marrow are modernized with elegance.

Main courses are €35–€60, with tasting menus starting around €160. The location alone—beneath the arches of Milan’s most iconic gallery—makes this a dreamy spot for a romantic dinner.

2. Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia

In a quiet residential area near San Siro, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant delivers refined Italian cuisine with storytelling at its core. Every dish reflects regional history and ingredients.

Menus start at €150 per person, and the intimate setting is ideal for special occasions. It’s worth the cab ride to savor this serene and exclusive escape.

3. Al Garghet

On the southern outskirts of Milan near Parco Agricolo Sud, Al Garghet offers rustic Milanese fare in a fairy-tale setting. Twinkling lights, antique furniture, and a cozy garden make it feel like a countryside getaway.

Main dishes are €20–€30, and the atmosphere feels worlds away from the city. Perfect for a quiet night surrounded by greenery and tradition.

4. Ristorante Trussardi alla Scala

Overlooking Teatro alla Scala, this Michelin-starred restaurant combines French technique with Italian ingredients. Think foie gras ravioli and parmesan foam served in a sleek, modern dining room.

Expect to pay €100–€150 per person. It’s a stylish, upscale choice for a pre-opera dinner or anniversary night out.

5. Osteria Serafina

Nestled in Isola, Serafina offers refined Mediterranean cuisine with soft lighting and rustic-chic décor. Dishes like lobster risotto and roasted octopus are both romantic and delicious.

Prices range from €25–€45 per dish, and the wine list features top Italian selections. After dinner, explore the artsy Isola district or enjoy skyline views from nearby Piazza Gae Aulenti.

Are There Michelin Star Restaurants in Milan?

Yes—Milan is home to a dazzling array of Michelin-starred restaurants. According to the Michelin Guide’s official website, the city currently has 22 Michelin-starred restaurants, spread across the 1-star, 2-star, and 3-star distinctions.

Here are three of the most notable restaurants across each level of recognition:

• Enrico Bartolini al Mudec (3 stars): Located inside the MUDEC Museum of Cultures, this restaurant is led by Chef Enrico Bartolini, known for sophisticated, art-inspired cuisine. The tasting menu blends tradition and modernity, with dishes like risotto with beetroot and Gorgonzola. Prices start at €250 per person, and it’s the only 3-star venue in Milan.
• Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia (2 stars): A longstanding institution near San Siro, this family-run restaurant delivers regionally inspired dishes with philosophical depth. Chef Alessandro Negrini focuses on ingredients from across Italy, priced around €150–€180 for tasting menus.
• Ristorante Sadler (1 star): Near Navigli, Sadler offers modern interpretations of classic Italian cuisine in a contemporary space. Dishes like sea bass with black truffle are both elegant and approachable. The menu costs €90–€120, and it’s perfect for a gourmet evening after a canal walk.

Milan’s Michelin presence confirms its status as one of Europe’s culinary capitals. Whether you’re chasing stars or searching for street eats, the city’s restaurants offer something unforgettable at every level.