In this article, I present you with three gourmet recommendations to treat yourself in Milan: one on the go, another for a canal-side aperitivo and, a third, for a more sophisticated dinner!
SUMMARY
On the go, next to the Duomo: Panzerotti Luini (Via Santa Radegonda, 16)
Aperitivo by the Naviglio Grande canal: La Prosciutteria (Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 53)
Sophisticated dinner near Parco Sempione: La Cantina del Giannone (Via Pietro Giannone, 10)
1. On the go, next to the Duomo: Panzerotti Luini (Via Santa Radegonda, 16)
Panzerotti Luini: an institution in Milan since 1949, when Giuseppina Luini brought this specialty from her native Puglia! We are not on a local product, but it remains very good and not expensive.
A panzerotti is a small turnover of fresh pizza dough, which is stuffed in various ways. In salted, they offer the panzerotti, either fried like a doughnut, or baked. They are sold warm. You must also try the sweet version, which is much thicker and has the consistency of a cookie. They are filled for example with chocolate/hazelnut, or chocolate/pistachio, a pure delight!
When you arrive in Via Santa Radegonda, 16, don't be afraid of the long queue in front of you that divides into two sides, the service is very fast and efficient. In fact, everything is already ready.
Concerning the price, we had twelve euros for two salted panzerottis and two sweet panzerottis, which is very correct. It's perfect for a meal without too much hunger and on the go.
The store is open every day from 10am to 8pm, except Sundays. You can find more information directly on their own website.
2. Aperitivo by the Naviglio Grande canal: La Prosciutteria (Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 53)
Here is now an address for when the aperitivo time rings, not to be missed, as this kind of happy hour is a North Italian tradition coming from the city of... Milan! Traditionally, it's about having a drink at the end of the day and receiving food, either in the form of a board or sometimes even an all-you-can-eat buffet...
The address I recommend here is located along the Naviglio Grande canal, a lively place for aperitivo in Milan. It is La Prosciutteria, which offers the best of Italian products.
They offer two sizes of cheese and charcuterie boards (at 10 euros or 15 euros per person for the biggest one). We had taken the biggest one which was very varied, excellent in taste and quality and especially extremely copious for two! A real meal in itself. The small one is enough if it is only a real aperitif or if you are less hungry. We also let ourselves be tempted by the Prosecco of the house, not bad at all! The atmosphere on site was nice, as was the service. They are open every day, from 12:00 to 00:30. Check out their website for more information!
As a bonus, I'll leave you two other nearby addresses that I had put on my wishlist for a nice aperitivo in Milan, but that we couldn't try because of lack of time:
Fonderie Milanesi: for an aperitivo with an all-you-can-eat buffet at 13 euros in an industrial atmosphere. Note that they are closed on Mondays (we were there on a Monday...).
Mag Cafe: for an aperitivo version of a cocktail bar, in a charming period décor.
3. Sophisticated dinner near Parco Sempione: La Cantina del Giannone (Via Pietro Giannone, 10)
Finally, I suggest a third address, this time more sophisticated and in an intimate setting, for a dinner near Parco Sempione: La Cantina del Giannone.
Initially, I wanted to discover this address to eat Milanese specialties and, in particular, the famous risotto Milanese style, with saffron. But, when I saw that their menu proposed a part with fresh black truffle, how to tell you... So it was black angus carpaccio with black truffle and burrata stracciatella, followed by a black truffle risotto and, for my husband, a dish of the house: breaded veal, perfectly cooked, with cabbage and saffron mayonnaise. Everything was delicious and the service was perfect. Note that this restaurant is open every night, Monday through Sunday (see their website)!
To finish, I leave you with these two other suggestions of restaurants that I had noted in the same area to taste Milanese specialties, but which were closed during our visit to Milan:
=> I hope this article has helped you in the preparation of your stay in Milan and, if you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate, I'll be happy to get back to you!
Don't hesitate to check out my other articles on Milan dedicated to tips on how to successfully see Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper at the last minute, but also on how to discover the mythical Scala on a guided tour and, finally, on five unusual places to discover in this city!