This is the TAO or Sushi Samba of Milan. No big buddhas or expansive dining rooms, but the concept is the same. Japanese meets Brazilian, low light and exclusive atmosphere with a see and be scene crowd.

But the food does not disappoint. You don’t realize you have been eating mediocre sushi until you have good sushi and at Finger’s, it’s amazing. From the appetizers to the main courses, you cant order wrong. Order a lot, share and expect a high price tag. But it is worth it!

Owned by the same people who own Gnocco Fritto on the Navigli, but so different and so good! They do serve gnocco fritto as a starter, but go to their sister restaurant for that (where it is perfected by the ambiance). This restaurant is about the pastas and the steaks which are amazingly good. You virtually can’t order wrong and you will want to come back so you can try other things.

The atmosphere is upscale but relaxed… meaning elegant but not fancy. It is just that the lighting is just right, the staff is accomodating and you will have a nice romantic dinner without being in such a fancy place.

A little out of the center… but the best food for price usually are.

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An old osteria that has been around for almost a century. The owner is boisterous and fantastic as you walk inside and will lead you through dinner suggesting what is best.

Although it is a traditional milanese menu with Risotto and Ossobucco, they were written about their meat balls with polenta. That is what they suggest you order, and you will not be disappointed. Although everything is fantastic- from the affettati platters  and the pasta e fagioli starters til the end.

They have over 200 bottles in the cellar of national wines to choose from and a list that is in fact a book. Come with a big appetite and you will have a great night, but make sure to make a reservation because they are busy all nights a week. Informal atmosphere, inexpensive meal and delicious. A local restaurant for those who know where to eat in Milan.

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Owned by the same people as Giulio Pane e Ojo and literally right next door is Casa Tua.  If you havent been to either, you should book tonight at either one. Casa Tua rivals Giulio Pane e Ojo in every way.  A similar menu- down home Roman food that are hearty and quite frankly delicious. From the pasta to the meat dishes, you literally can’t order wrong. They provide the antipasti for you free of charge- whatever the chef has prepared for the day and then you choose and enjoy the rest.

There are two floors to this restaurant. The upstairs is light and lined with windows that give it a open feel. The downstairs is their taverna room that is more of a grotto type room, more intimate and quiet. They are different, but equally as nice.

And to rave some more, when the bill comes, you won’t believe how cheap it is considering what you just ate and the atmosphere you are in.

2 seatings: 8:30 and 10:30

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Via Muratori angolo Via Corio
Tel. 02.55.14.269

A new favorite! Gatto’ is small but unique. You enter through a store that sells a range of objects and things and head to the back room. There is a small, rustic, but beautiful dining room. It is simple, but no attention has been left unattended to.

The clientele appear to be regulars. People who are in the know and frequent top restaurants in Milan. The menu is simple- only about 4 items per course, but it is all delicious. You can’t go wrong with what you order. And the kitchen is open, so you can watch the chefs at work!

The price is surprisingly inexpensive for the place. And true Italian style, you can linger over your meal for as long or as short as you wish. This is a must try in Milan!

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Address: Via Castel Morrone, 10

Tel: 02 70006870

Closed sunday and monday lunch

Trattoria degli Orti is a Milanese restaurant with a limited menu but delicious food. This is a small restaurant with no more than 15 tables, but once you enter you are greeted warmly and will feel taken care of. The ambiance is rustic but nice, historic (opened in 1907) but classic, and the food is awesome, which is what matters.

Classic Milanese dishes make up the menu, like ossobucco, risotto, tagliatelle and veal. You will eat well for a reasonable price- not a novel concept, but sometimes in Milan you have to wonder where the good places are. Trattoria degli orti is one of them!

Trattoria Degli Orti

Via Monviso, 13

+39-02-3310-1800

For a trattoria in Milan deep in history and charm, Bagutta is the place. Right downtown, this legendary restaurant opened in 1924 and has since been visited by famed writers, models, actors, singers, you name it, they have eaten here.

Bagutta is full of character, with an ambiance unlike anywhere else in Milan. With high ceiling and paintings that cover the walls, it is hard not to be distracted from your company to admire the restaurant. Bagutta serves traditional Tuscan food specializing in fish. Be sure to order their antipasti and go up to the wide selection in the front and choose what you prefer.