Eating in Monza: traditional dishes, food shops and markets
In Monza the food is Lombard, with a touch of Brianza: hearty dishes, risottos and meat, best paired with a stroll through the historic centre. Here is what to taste, where to do it according to our guide, and how to shop for food if you are staying in an apartment.
Dishes to try
- Risotto alla milanese and cotoletta: the Lombard classics, easy to find in Monza too.
- Cassoeula: the winter dish of savoy cabbage and pork, typical of Lombardy and Brianza, to look out for in the colder months.
- Panettone: the Lombard Christmas cake, which starts to appear in pastry shops in autumn.
Whether these dishes are on the menu depends on the restaurant and the season: always ask what the kitchen is offering.
Where to eat: our selection
From the Easy Housing guide «Dove andare a Monza» (v2, September 2026).
- Victory54: Lombard specialities, risottos and pizzas with a modern twist;
- Silvestro: contemporary Italian cuisine;
- La Cantina della Monaca: seasonal Mediterranean dishes in a historic venue;
- Hostaria Romana Quinto Quarto (Roman cuisine, our pick for carbonara), I Toscano (Tuscan cuisine) and La Bodega Argentina (grilled meats), if you fancy a change of region.
We do not list prices, opening hours or reviews.
Specialty food shops
Again from our guide:
- Drogheria Cirla: historic specialities, tea and fine Italian delicacies;
- Tea Shop Monza: loose-leaf teas, infusions and accessories.
They are also good ideas for a gift to take home.
The city markets
Monza has weekly open-air markets in the centre and in the neighbourhoods. Days, times and locations are published by the Comune di Monza: check them on the official website before you go, as they may change because of works, holidays or events. At the market you will find seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheeses and cured meats: useful if you are staying in an apartment with a kitchen.
For everyday shopping there are supermarkets and neighbourhood shops; you will find practical information in Staying in Monza.
More ideas
- In the evening: Monza in the evening.
- Full itinerary: A weekend in Monza.
- Events: on the days of the Monza Half Marathon, which is run every year at the Autodromo, some streets in the centre may be closed.
Looking for a place to stay in Monza? You'll find our homes below.
More guides on Monza: Events in Monza and Brianza, Getting around Monza and Monza in the rain. Some of our homes in Monza: Studio apartment in Monza; Two-level apartment in central Monza; One-bedroom apartment with garden in Monza. Or see all properties.