Milan: Must-Try Dishes & Drinks
- Kanela Fina
- Jun 29, 2021
- 5 min read
Milan is located in the Northern region of Lombardy (Lombardia), about 1 hour from Switzerland and Austria. There are different options to enter Italy if you are driving from Switzerland: from France via the Mont Blanc tunnel, or driving by the Aosta or Simplon Passes. It took us about 4 hours to reach Como through the Simplon Pass, and another 40 minutes to Milan.
Milan is Italy's (and the world's too) capital of fashion and design. I couldn't help but stand in awe at how everybody seemed to wear good quality leather shoes and bags, the elegance in which women dress, or the polished cut of suits. In a world where fast fashion has gained so much space and importance, Milan reminded me of the importance of local brands, artisanal know-how, and quality.
We knew 72 hours wouldn't be enough, but we covered a lot. Partly because we were excited after a year of travel restrictions and had made a good amount of research. And partly because there were significantly fewer tourists due to COVID-19.
I'm happy to finally have the time to sit down and detail the best foods we ate in the lovely city of Milan. If you are planning a trip to Milan, prepare to be enchanted by the beautiful flavours of Lombardy. The birthplace of panettone, it has a lot to offer!
Negroni
Negroni is a cocktail made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. According to Taste Atlas "Although its origin is unclear, it is believed that this cocktail was invented in Florence in 1919 by Count Camillo Negroni, who wanted to improve his favorite drink - the Americano - by replacing soda with gin" I have, however, read claims that the cocktail was actually invented in Milan.
Reportedly, Negroni was so popular that the Count started to produce its ready-made version in a distillery. Due to its bitterness, Negroni is considered an apéritif, and it is typically served on the rocks in an old-fashioned glass with an orange wheel garnish.
To be completely, totally, and absolutely honest, I didn't like it. It was extremely bitter and strong, which is no surprise as it is made of equal parts of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
Aperol spritz
Also known as Spritz Veneziano, is one of the most popular aperitif cocktails in Italy. And, if I may say, in Switzerland. According to Taste Atlas "It is made with a combination of prosecco (3 parts), Aperol (2 parts), and a splash of soda water. The drink is traditionally garnished with an orange slice and served in a wine glass with a few ice cubes. The history of Aperol Spritz dates all the way back to the Napoleonic wars of 1805, when the Austrians took local Italian wine and added a spritz (lit. splash) of water into it. Later on, water was replaced by soda water, and wine was replaced with a combination of prosecco and Aperol."
Some steps away from La Scala and Vittorio Emmanuelle we found this sculpture to Leonardo Da Vinci, who lived in the city from 1506 to 1513.
Iginio Massari
I had read about Iginio Massari - "Maestro dei Maestro", so I couldn't resist the opportunity to visit one of his shops in Milan. The particular shop we visited was meters away from the Duomo, had outdoor sitting space, and a decadent offer of pastries. We ordered cornetti and cappucino. We utterly regretted not ordering the famous Maritozzo, which we glimpsed on our way to the counter. I've already made a mental note to order one Maritozzo on our next trip 😛
Address:
Iginio Massari Alta Pasticceria
Via Guglielmo Marconi, Piazza Armando Diaz, 4, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
Cornetto con crema di nocciole from Iginio Massari.
La pizza
God bless the two hands that invented pizza. The beauty of Italy is that you can have marvelous and delicious food for nothing. And that's a gigantic plus. We found this little restaurant with outdoor sitting right next to Piazza Sempione and Arco della Pace. I'm certain there must be more renewed and popular pizza restaurants and tratorias, but this one was great too! The crust couldn't be thinner, it was crunchy on the edges, and the produce they used was seasonal. The variety of pizzas goes way beyond traditional margherita and 4 formaggi. We were the only tourists, 1000% recommend.
Address:
Taglialà - Arco della Pace
Piazza Sempione, 8, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
Cotoletta alla milanese
The Cotoletta alla milanese (literally "veal Milanese") is one of the most famous dishes in Lombardy, along with panettone! It's delicious, soft, breaded and full of flavour piece of meat. To me, this was one of the best things I ate in Milan. One highlight of this particular cotoletta was that pistachios were added to the breadcrumbs. With every bite, we could taste and bite the pistachios, which were a delightful addition to the overall sensational feast that is to eat cotoletta.
The internet is full of comments about how Cotoletta alla milanese and Wiener Schnitzel are the same thing, but that's far from true. One of the main differences is the thickness. If you have ever eaten schnitzel, you may appreciate how thin each steak is. That's not the case of the cotoletta. I'd say the thickness of each cotoletta might be of 1 to 1.5 centimeters. Also note that the cotoletta is prepared only with veal loin, while Wiener Schnitzel is prepared with a different cut of veal or pork.
Address:
Consorzio Stoppani (Consorzio Stoppani - La sagra della Cotoletta)
Via Antonio Stoppani, 15, 20129 Milano MI, Italy
The cornetti of Pasticceria Sissi
Pasticceria Sissi is one of those shops from another period of time, alien to the rest of the world and old-fashioned. Their products are lusciously made to feed and love their customer's bellies. Not only their cornetti are delicious, but the fillings... Oh wow. The cornetto alla crema pictured below had the best crema pasticciera I had in a long time. The capuccino was sublime, with a very thick foam. And what to say about their location at Piazza Risorgimento? The best part, their little (and hidden) terrace where you can observe very well dressed Italians drinking coffee and devouring cornetto before work.
It was May when we visited and they still had panettone to sell. Needless to say, we bought one because those are the best type of souvenirs. It was the best panettone we've tasted. My husband has been talking about that panettone ever since we came back.
Address:
Pasticceria Sissi.
Piazza Risorgimento, 6, 20129 Milano MI, Italy
Rissotto alla milanese
Another regional speciality of Lombardy, the risotto alla milanese. To my great disappointment, I couldn't have the risotto alla milanese because the restaurant we visited had recently changed the menu and switched the traditional risotto for risotto carnaroli con carpaccio di spada, lime e sfumatura al mezcal. It was delicious, but it was risotto alla milanese. My next visit will include risotto alla milanese and going to la Scala!
Address:
Consorzio Stoppani (Consorzio Stoppani - La sagra della Cotoletta)
Via Antonio Stoppani, 15, 20129 Milano MI, Italy
Gelatto
What would a trip to Italy be without gelatto? After a long day walking in the city, we found Cioccolatitaliani, a gem downtown, next to Vittorio Emmanuelle. The texture was creamy, rich and decadent. I don't think I've ever had a creamier gelatto in my life. 10/10.
We had the pleasure of trying two flavours: gianduja with hazelnut and chocolate, and milk cream with pistachio. Delicious!
Address:
Cioccolatitaliani
Via S. Raffaele, 6, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Let me know in the comment section if this entry was helpful, I'd love to hear about your experience eating in Lombardy and Milano!
Lots of love,
M
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