Eating in Milan: traditional dishes and where to shop for food
Milan is a culinary capital, but its traditional dishes are few and well defined: the yellow risotto, the cotoletta, the ossobuco. Here you will find what to taste, the restaurants in our guide, the historic delis and how to use the markets if you are staying in an apartment.
Milanese dishes to try
- Risotto alla milanese: the yellow saffron risotto, the symbol of the city's cuisine.
- Cotoletta alla milanese: the breaded veal chop, on the bone.
- Ossobuco: braised veal shank, often served with the yellow risotto.
- Cassoeula: a winter dish with savoy cabbage and pork, to look out for in the colder months.
- Panettone: the Christmas cake born in Milan; in autumn it starts to appear in pastry shops.
Where to eat them: our selection
From the Easy Housing guide «Dove andare a Milano» (v2, September 2026).
- Trattoria Milanese: a historic trattoria with cotoletta, risotto and ossobuco; our pick for risotto alla milanese;
- Ratanà (Isola): seasonal Lombard cuisine; the veal chop must be ordered in advance;
- Latteria di San Marco (Brera): a small trattoria with home-style dishes, no reservations;
- Luini: the historic bakery known for its panzerotti, a stone's throw from the Duomo, for a quick lunch.
We do not list prices, opening hours or reviews.
Historic delis and pastry shops
- Peck: a historic Milanese delicatessen with cured meats, cheeses and sweets, ideal for a gift or a dinner in the apartment;
- Pasticceria Marchesi 1824: a historic pastry shop with cakes, pralines and coffee.
The markets: covered and neighbourhood markets
Milan has two types of market that are useful if you are staying in an apartment:
- Covered municipal markets: indoor halls in the neighbourhoods, with food stalls;
- Weekly neighbourhood markets: open-air, on fixed days in the different areas of the city.
The list, days and times are published by the Comune di Milano on its official website: check them before you go. For getting around, see Getting around Milan; for supermarkets and services, Staying in Milan.
More ideas
- In the evening: Milan in the evening.
- Full itinerary: A weekend in Milan.
- Events: for upcoming events see Events in Milan and check the official programme for any food events.
Looking for a place to stay in Milan? You'll find our homes below.
More guides on Milan: Events in Milan, Milan in the rain and Milan with children. Some of our homes in Milan: Elegant apartment near La Scala; Apartment with whirlpool bath in Brera; Design apartment in Brera. Or see all properties.