FAVORITE FOOD/DRINK Archive

Osteria del Binari

This restaurant is unassuming from the outside and unassumingly large when you walk in. There are a few different rooms and it extends way into the back where there is a beautiful garden open in the summer months. Each table however is so intimate and cosy you will not realize the size or anyone else really. When you walk in, there is a fireplace in the front room and you feel at home and in an inviting, relaxed ambiance. It is perfect as the weather starts to get cold and you will wonder why you haven’t been here yet.

They serve regional milanese dishes with handmade pastas, meats and homemade desserts as well. You are in a family establishment in the middle of Milan and you will feel welcome and leave having enjoyed dinner. It is the perfect place for a date or for a relaxed or intimate dinner.

Via Tortona, 1
02 89406753

closed sundays

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Llevataps Spanish/Tapas Restaurant


If you are looking for a romantic restaurant in Milan with fantastic food, at reasonable prices, than this is the place. A menu of tapas and spanish inspired dishes set in a brick, grotto type like ambiance is llevataps restaurant. White tablecloth, candlelit tables contrast with the arched doorways and the old yet serene ambiance of the place.

There are three rooms to this restaurant, and although the back room is more private, the front room is really beautiful, so try to reserve a table there. The menu is spanish, but some of the dishes are inspired from different parts of the world. The shared dishes are all delicious, so you virtually can not order wrong. And for mains, it seemed as if the paella is what people there came for because there was no table without having ordered it.

There are only a handful of true spanish restaurants in milan and once you go here, you won’t need any others. You will leave wanting to come back.

Address: Via Ariberto, 31
Tel: +39 02 58101105

Latteria Cafe


If you have ever walked by Latteria, then you probably stopped in for a coffee, because it’s hard to walk by without wanting to go in. Right near Porta Genova, is this small, cozy cafe that has a french provincial theme. There are only a few tables, so you have to be lucky that one is free at the time you go, but if you can get the table at the window, or tucked in the wall, you will have a pleasant experience guaranteed.

Order a cappuccino, and one of their made to order paninis, bring the newspaper and settle into on a cold day. It will soon become your favorite neighborhood place who’s atmosphere make you feel comforted and at home. Yellow walls with shelves filled with jars of candy (all for sale by piece) and two women who run the cafe, serving fantastic coffees and paninis add to the nostalgia of the little place.

So stop by if you are in the area and sit for a while to relax from the day.

Address: via vigevano, 33

Bianco Latte

This is a place that you expect to be in Milano. All white, clean design, and a dining room bustling with people. However when you walk in, you will be surprised of it’s vast contrary to anything else in the city. The menu is comprised of gelato and latte-based deserts accompanied by healthy alternative meals- salads, paidinas and pastas.

This restaurant is a refreshing place in the restaurant scene of Milano. It is the perfect brunch spot, or for a leisurely lunch. The salads are great, the gelato is some of the freshest in the city and they have coffees and chocolate being ordered as much as the food.

There is the gelateria in the front an the restaurant in the back, so you can go just for a caffe or desert without having to sit down.

The lines are often long for a table, and the atmosphere is really pleasant, so go when you are not in a rush. But definitely go, especially if you want something with dean and deluca quality in a french provincial all-white atmosphere.

Address: Via Turati, 30

Tel: 02-62086177

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Panetteria El Prestin del Cantun

Bakeries and Panetterias have been featured in the past, but this place surpasses anything in the city. Once you see this place, you will not be able to walk by or be in the vicinity without stopping. They sell pizzettas and pomodoro focaccia made up of fluffy soft bread that are amazing. They have breads and sweets and anything carbohydrate fresh out of the oven.

There is not much to say about this Panetteria besides the fact that it is simply awesome. It is a must try!

Address: Via Francesco Cherubini 2
Tel: 0248003384

Osteria Posto di Conversazione

There are a lot of restaurants on the Naviglio. Some are completely overpriced for the food that they serve, and some are incredibly inexpensive trattorias with good food but a laid back and rustic atmosphere.

Posto di Conversazione is a restaurant at the beginning of Naviglio grande with excellent food in a charming atmosphere. It is a perfect date spot or for a quiet dinner friends. As the name suggests, it is a place where you can linger over dinner and “conversation.” Make sure you book ahead though as you want to make sure to get one of the few tables.

The restaurant is white table cloth, but not a stuffy attitude. The food is fantastic -especially the fish dishes- and the menu changes with the season. It all makes for a perfect dinner spot.

Posto di Conversazione is recommended- wonderful Italian food, average price and charming atmosphere!

(new photo coming soon)

Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 6
+39 02 58106646

website

Hotel Straf and Bar at Hotel Straf


The Staf hotel in Milan is one of the most popular, high design and coolest boutique hotels in the city. It is located right around the corner from the Duomo which makes it an ideal place to stay. There are only 64 rooms and 2 suites designed by fashion designer Vincenzo de Cotis who uses a eclectic mix of materials. It’s different, it’s atypical and it’s cool.

But if you aren’t looking for a hotel, go to the 1st floor bar at the Straf for a drink.

The bar stays in theme of being an unconventional space but is lively and full of well dressed people. There is not much seating inside, except a low leather couch that you sink into. But there is also space outside and many people standing in the street. When you turn the corner past the galleria, you know you are coming upon the Straf from the people and lighting.

It’s a must go to in the city for a drink before dinner or durning the day when you are downtown.

Address: via San Raffaele 3

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Living: Bar, Ristorante

Since it is still warm out, all the bars along Corso Sempione are still packed with people. But instead of going for aperitivo on Thursday with everyone else, standing in line for food and annoyed that you can’t get a seat outside, head over there on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

Living is the first bar up on Piazza Sempione- right at the beginning of the street with a huge outdoor space and similarly a huge inside as well. The inside is as you would expect from a name “living”- it’s inviting. The inside is fun with bright orange cushioned armchairs and sofas aligning the wall, which make it a place where you can stay for hours.

To be honest, Living is way more fun after 9 when the people leave and the bar is less crowded. That’s why you should go on an off night. Head over after work with a friend. Enjoy the weather while it is still warm or sit inside and lounge and have a few drinks!

Piazza Sempione 2
Tel: +39 (0)2-3310-0824

www.livingmilano.com

Cantina della Vetra

If you spend time in neighboring cities or travel down south on the weekends, you know that finding good quality Italian food in Milano without feeling like you overpaid for mediocracy is sometimes a challenge. There are restaurants with great atmosphere and there are restaurants with great food, but what is so hard with having both?!

Cantina della Vetra is a find. Tucked behind the square at Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore, once you see the place, you know it won’t disappoint. The atmosphere is relaxed but the clientele are not underdressed. The service is efficient, but not rushed. And the food and wine is really good.

The restaurant is busy and there is a small upstairs with tables that overlook the downstairs main room. Both areas are equal in atmosphere but they will accommodate wherever you want to sit.

Make sure you try Cantina della Vetra at some point. It’s a perfect spot for a date, dinner with friends or just an enjoyable Friday night. Oh- they also serve brunch!

Address: Via Pio IV, 3

Tel: 02. 89403843

Hours:

12-3 Lunch and sunday brunch

7:30-11:30 Dinner

web: www.cantinadellavetra.it

Giulio Pane e Ojo

Set in a former brothel, this restaurant is a cozy little place in Porta Romana with two dining rooms; one in the front and one in the back, each equally as nice.

Serving Roman fare, the menu is short, the food is delicious and the meal is cheap. That basically sums this place up- the food is authentically delicious and you will be shocked how inexpensive the bill is.

There are two seatings- one at 8:30 and one at 10:30, so you must make a reservation in advance if you want a table. Giulio Pane e Ojo is popular for a reason and tt’s a must try on all accounts.

Address: Via L Muratori 10

Tel: 02 545 6189

Web: http://www.giuliopaneojo.com/

Porta Romana