The concept of this restaurant is unique. They have set menu’s that are either 18 euro or 28 euro. But its more than that, because each price range has a few options of set menus to choose from. This is an important thing if you are not a big fan of the special/set menu theme of restaurants. Because set menu limits options, but this restaurant provides you with bountiful options, and in the end, there will be no surprises when the bill comes.

The atmosphere is modern and sleek. Clean and simple but elegant and nice. The food is very fresh, prepared simply but very good. Some regional dishes as well. So stop by one night for dinner, but they also offer Brunch (14 euro) lunch (7.50 or 12 euro).

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Set back from the street, located inside a monastery dating back to the 1400 is i Chiostri di San Barnaba. It is full of art and history in a minimalist design. There is an outdoor seating area inside this piazza/garden that is awesome in the summer. The restaurant is minimalist with bi-monthly exhibitions of paintings by local artists. They change their menu monthly as to ensure the freshness of the food that they serve.

It is a nice little restaurant for lunch or a quiet dinner. Make sure to go when the weather gets nice and book a table outside.

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Via San Barnaba, 48 – 20122, Milano. Telefono: 025466494

This restaurant/pizzeria should have been added months ago as it is a great pizzeria in the city- because the pizza is good, there is a lot more on the menu from pasta to steaks to order and the ambiance is fun and lively.  Fratelli la Bufala has locations all around Italy from Napoli to Ravenna, and here in Milano there are fourlocations, all a little different in size but all fantastic in food and ambiance.

The pizza menu is expansive and they have a lot to choose from. They are a little heavy though, as are all the portion sizes. From the salad appetizers to the steaks, the food comes out of the oven in large portions- atypical in Italy, so it is very easy to over order here.

It is a perfect place for an easy dinner but fun and pleasant.

(photo from Via Sabotino location)

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Twlve is a lounge bar that serves food all hours of the day. From breakfast, lunch and dinner to Sunday brunch and themed aperitivos. It  covers all of the bases. A nice atmosphere; sort of modern and sleek, a small upstairs, a good bar area and an outdoor patio. Twelve has a live Dj for aperitivo that goes along with it’s themed nights; mondays chill, Thursdays 80’s night, Sunday jazz… (check the website for a specific week and day).

This is a great place to go with friends. It is lively, always filled with people and music and the food is genuinely good. It is basically a staple place that will not disappoint.

Frank up by Porta Venezia is unique in that they serve a tapas style aperitivo. Popular, especially on thursday nights, this restaurant is filled with young people, but they have heat lamps outside for days like now which expands the small place.

Frank is small, but the atmosphere is cool. Blacks leather couches, red chairs and clear metallic tables fill the space. But the large mirrors and photographs on the walls give some sort of art feel.

The aperitivo is not large, small plates, but all very good. It is definitely a popular place and one you should try out one of these days. But if you are not into aperitivos, go during lunch. It’s more relaxed, you can easily get a table and sample some of their good food!

This cafe is popular in the summer as it has a large open patio out in the front, but the inside is so nice, its also very pleasant in the winter. Go for an aperitivo as they have a huge spread filled with all the Italian basics- proscuitto, cheeses, pastas, rice…

Besides aperitivo, it is also a great place to have a relaxing lunch and if you are heading to the park make this an afternoon destination.

Near Crocetta Metro stop and the Policlinico Hospital in Milan is a restaurant that is perfect for lunch. Lifegate Cafe is simple and informal, but offers a variety of food that will satisfy anyone. There are not many simple cafes in the city where you can order what you wish, without being at a bar or at an established restaurant, so keep this place in Milan

Lifegate cafe is a simple place with a blackboard menu listing everything from soup, hamburgers, and a simple fresh salad to antipasti, grilled chicken and 1k of florintina. Everything is organic, fresh and made to order. The cafe is made to allow you to sit, relax and enjoy your lunch like you were at home.

Lifegate cafe is a perfect place for a light meal, a huge meal, or for a simple caffe.

Via della Commenda

Tel‎ -02 5450765‎

Cadorna may not be a destination of choice if you are looking for a small little wine bar at night. But if you are heading to the station for a late train or when you get off work, head to Enoteca Per Bacco for a glass of wine.

They have 400 different types of wine, champagne, spumanti… and other liquors at the bar which make for a large and vast selection to choose from. They also have themed evening tastings, so call ahead and see what type of schedule they have.

Enoteca Per Bacco is pretty busy during lunch time as they serve hot foods and piadines but at night it calms down, so you can get a table and enjoy some wine and whomever you are with. They serve small crostinis during aperitivo time and do not skimp on the wine (5 euro a glass)

All in all, it is a cute little place in an unassuming busy area. It is worth a try on a weeknight when you need a break and glass of wine.

Address: via carducci 9

Tel: 02 86452009