Milan, Italy

Eating out in Milan, Italy

Diners in Milan can choose between a wide variety of restaurants and cafes. There are cafés (called bars) where diners stand al banco (at the counter), and cafés where diners sit at à tavolas (at a table), but get charged up to four times as much. Trattorias or ristorantes (full restaurants) serve leisurely 3-course meals, and reservations are suggested. Most have both fixed-price menus and à la carte menus.

Gourmet

Peck's started as a small delicatessen in the 19th century and has since evolved into a world-famous dining experience. The deli still exists, with selections such as artichoke-and-parmigiano salad and succulent beef in herb sauce. The restaurant, filled with modern Italian art and gleaming marble, boasts such dishes as rack of lamb with fresh rosemary, risotto milanese, ravioli alla fonduata, and lombo di vitello (veal with artichokes). Save room for the chocolate meringue! Via Victor Hugo 4.

Highly Recommended

Giannino, with a choice of several attractive dining rooms, has been one of Milan's top restaurants 1899. Diners can watch the chefs as they work, or enjoy the view of the beautiful winter garden. House specialties include cotoletta alla milanese (breaded veal cutlet and risotto simmered in broth and coated with parmigiano), tagliolini con scampi al verde (homemade noodles with prawn tails in herb sauce), and orata al cartoccio (fish baked in a paper bag with shrimp, butter and fresh herbs). Via Amatore Sciesa 8.

Local Flair

Al Chico opened in the 1970s in a 19th-century building. The festive crowd, good service, and fresh ingredients have made it a favorite among the locals. Meals are served in a lovely dining room or outside on the veranda during the summer months. The menu includes pappardelle with porcini mushrooms, fondue bourguignonne, and branzini (sea bass) cooked in salt crust. There's an excellent selection of house wines from Tuscany. Via Sirtori 24 .

Romantic

Boeucc Antico Ristorante is the oldest restaurant in Milan, opened in 1696. The restaurant's three beautiful dining rooms are set in an elegant palace complete with fluted columns, modern art and chandeliers. In the summertime, diners can eat on the open-air terrace. The delicious dishes include a salad of shrimp with arugula and artichokes and penne al branzino e zucchini (sea bass and zucchini sauce). Save room for the tempting gelato di castagne con zabaglione caldo (chestnut ice cream with hot zabaglione). Piazza Belgioso 2.

Going party in Milan, Italy

There is plenty of after-dark fun to be had at the bars and clubs in Milan. And musical and theatrical productions are also plentiful in this European cultural center.

The Teatro alla Scalla

The season at this famous opera house runs from December though June. While tickets may be hard to come by, your hotel concierge can often work wonders. Classical concerts, ballets, and recitals also take place here.

Piccolo Teatro

This theater hosts a variety of Italian-language performances directed by Giorgio Strehler. Performances are usually held Tuesday though Sunday, from September through July.

The Conservatorio

This is the place to hear some of the best classical music in the world. A variety of high-quality performances take place year-round.

Nordest Caffe

Jazz concerts take place on Wednesday and Thursday nights at this elegant bar. Come on Fridays for classical music.

Capolinea

This exciting nightclub is open every night of the week. The wide range of music includes everything from jazz to New Beat to Dixieland.

Mazazzini Generali

Set in a restored warehouse, this dance club boasts an enormous dance floor and live concerts.

Common events in Milan, Italy

Epiphany (Epifania) Celebration

Festivities mark this Roman Catholic holiday throughout Italy. Impressive decorations are on display everywhere. January.

Settimana Santa

This holy week is celebrated all over the country. Parades and outdoor events mark the holiday. April.

The Feast of St. Ambrose (Festa di Sant' Ambrosio) The festive celebration marks the official opening of La Scala's opera season. The season continues in full swing through June. December.