If there’s anything that Vogue World: Milano has reminded us, it’s that the Italian way of life is deeply enviable—especially when it comes to food. Sure, the culinary reach of Italian cuisine goes far and wide, from New York pizza slice shops to high-end, award-winning restaurants that specialize in food from all over the country, but there’s nothing like sitting down for a meal in Milan.
The city might be known as a fashion capital, but its restaurant scene is just as dynamic. With Milan Fashion Week kicking off, we thought we’d take stock of the restaurants that keep fashion insiders—from Vogue writers to models, publicists, designers, and more—fueled for each new collection. Their picks range from fresh seafood to old-school trattorias, sushi spots, classic bistros, and more. Below, check out a guide to the best restaurants in Milan, courtesy of 11 friends of Vogue.
Noona Smith-Petersen, Publicist
Margherita Missoni, designer
“Osaka is a historic restaurant in Milan serving authentic Japanese cuisine.”
Tamu McPherson, fashion creative
“Bice is a classic Milanese bistro. Many of Milan’s classic bistros have closed, taking with them the quaint charm and traditional dishes that defined them. Bice remains, and so do its cotoletta and seasonal pastas. Plus, the atmosphere is always pleasant.
I am a creature of habit, and perhaps my favorite cuisine after my own Jamaican food is Japanese. Osaka is my other favorite restaurant in Milan. Its menu is classic, and the tonkatsu ramen is only served when they have precisely the right ingredients—and it can never be delivered, as doing so would ruin the experience. I have been dining there for years, ever since I spotted a well-known Japanese chef having lunch there.”
Mariacarla Boscono, model
“My favorite spots for a relaxing moment when I’m in Milan are undoubtedly Bar Basso, a city ‘institution.’ Then Langosteria (both the via Savona and Corso Matteotti locations) for a dinner featuring exquisite, high-quality seafood and Il Baretto for its cozy, informal atmosphere but with high-standard service.”
Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini, The Attico co-founders and co-creative directors
“Trattoria Masuelli San Marco. It’s a historical trattoria founded in 1921, and one of our favorite places to spend time with friends. The atmosphere is effortlessly Milanese and the menu features typical dishes from Lombardia and Piemonte, including one of the best risotto alla milanese con ossobuco you can find in town.”
