The best restaurants Milan

Timetable

Generally, restaurants serve meals between 12:30 and 3pm at midday and from 7:30pm to 11pm in the evening, but more and more places are offering continuous service, especially in the city center. Many restaurants close on Sundays, in August and for the winter vacations between December 25 and January 6. On Friday and Saturday evenings, reservations are always advisable.

Budget & Tips

In Milan, as in the rest of Italy, there are different types of restaurant, each with its own name and prices.

By ristorante means an establishment of a certain standard, with cloth tablecloths and napkins and attentive service. The bill exceeds €35 per person and, if the address is a little chic, even €50 per head.

The trattoriais a simpler place, often run by the same family for several generations. The atmosphere is informal and prices lower, usually between €25 and €45 per person.

In the same vein, theosteria is supposed to be a more modest version of the trattoria, serving local dishes for a bill ranging from €20 to €30 per person.

Today, the differences between each type of establishment tend to fade, so it's always advisable to check the prices on the menus posted at the entrance.

In the many pizzeriasyou'll generally spend between €8 and €15 for a pizza (gourmet pizzerias may charge a little more), and between €3 and €5 if you take it al taglio, in street food mode for a bite on the go.

Finally, don't forget that in Italy, cheap doesn't mean less good, and bars serve delicious stuffed panini (from €4 to €8) and even a few daily specials for less than €12.

What costs extra

Cutlery(coperto) is generally not included in the bill. You'll be charged between €2 and €6, depending on the level of the establishment: restaurant, trattoria or osteria. As in France, it's customary to leave a tip if you're satisfied with the service.

The local way

At home and in restaurants, Italians rarely drink tap water. So there's no need to ask for a carafe of water - you'll be stared at with wide eyes. You'll have to choose between acqua gassata / frizzante or naturale, sparkling or still water, and they'll bring you the bottle, which is generally cheaper than in France (€1.50 to €4 a bottle).

Kids

Children are welcome in all Milanese restaurants. It's easy to get a high chair or a simplified dish.

Smokers

As in France, smoking is banned in enclosed spaces in Italy, including restaurants.

Tourist traps

Milan is a business town, with little interest in mass tourism, and has escaped the invasion of touristy addresses, complete with touts and photos of dishes in the window. However, you'll find a few of these around the Duomo; needless to say, they're not to be missed.