Restaurants in the very center
$$$$, Piazza Scala
closed Saturday lunch and Sunday
tel. 02 866651
A favourite with theatre-goers - La Scala goers especially, in view of its location - since the kitchen stays open until late. But check to see it's still there since the enlargement of the Scala's premises makes its future uncertain. Stylish ambience, excellent wine list and a choice of set menus as well as à la carte.
Bistrot
$$$, Via San Raffaele 2
closed Monday lunch and Sunday
tel. 02 877159
On the 7th floor of La Rinascente, with the Duomo practically sharing your table. Not a bistro at all really, but a fully-fledged restaurant. Appealing vegetarian menu (price-wise too), changed monthly. Open until 10:30PM.
Boccon di Vino
$$$$, Via Carducci 20
closed at lunch and Sunday
tel. 02 866040
A place with a difference, possibly definable as an upmarket tavern, where you eat countless varieties of salami and cheese, washed down with freely flowing, superb quality wines.
Boeucc
$$$$, Piazza Belgioioso 2
closed Sunday lunch and Saturday
tel. 02 76020224
A part of Milanese history, subdued and very elegant. Al fresco dining in the summer months, reservation essential.
Brisa
$$$, Via Brisa 15
closed Sunday lunch and Saturday
tel. 02 86450521
Clientele composed of professional people, journalists, artists. The meat dishes are first-class but there's a vegetarian menu too. Al fresco dining in the summer months.
Dolce Vita
$$$, Via Bergamini 11
closed Saturday lunch and Sunday
tel. 02 58303843
Elegant ambience with a pianist playing in the evening. Excellent Italian cuisine, with meat prevailing. Set menu at lunch.
Garbagnati
$, Via Dante 13
always open
tel. 02 86460672
The most famous bakery-patisserie in town also runs this excellent eat-all-day place. Café in the morning, self-service 12AM-2:45PM, restaurant 3-10:30PM (add another two $s to the evening bill). Daily specials, salads and yummy desserts.
Gemelli
$$$, Via Laghetto 2
closed Monday
tel. 02 76023300
Just a stone's throw from the university, here fish reigns supreme. Mediterranean cuisine, with Sicily setting the taste.
Giardino di Giada
$$, Via Palazzo Reale 5
closed Monday
tel. 02 8053891
The reputation of this Chinese restaurant, one of the very first to open in town, is untarnished.
Girarrosto
$$$, Corso Venezia 31
closed Sunday lunch and Saturday
tel. 02 76000481
One of the few places where the emphasis is still strongly traditional Tuscan. Hors d'oeuvres, tortelloni, grilled meat.
Lanterna
$, Via Mercalli 14
closed Sunday
tel. 02 58309604
Old style trattoria, no frills, just good solid food with the accent on Northeast Italian cuisine: barley soups, shin-bone of pork and goulash.
Mercante
$$, Piazza Mercanti
closed Sunday
tel. 02 8052198
A popular eating place, often crowded with trade fair visitors. The setting is especially appealing in summer, when tables are set outdoors in the old piazza. Starters, fish, risotto milanese.
Nobu
$$$$$, Via corner Via Manzoni
closed Sunday
tel. 02 72318645
If you don't like raw fish, ask for a New Age sashimi. Come here for creative and much talked-about Japanese cuisine. Chef Nobu made his début 18 years ago in LA and now has restaurants all over the world. This one opened in October 2000. Booking essential days in advance.
Salumaio
$$, Via Montenapoleone 12
closed Sunday and every evening
tel. 02 784650
In the courtyard of an elegant palazzo, the nearby Salumeria runs this small restaurant open for lunch from noon until 6:30PM. Al fresco in summer.
Santa Lucia
$$$, Via San Pietro all'Orto 3
closed Monday
tel. 02 76023155
Fashionable joint, open until the AM, frequented by entertainment and political stars. Good 'primo' dishes and pizzas, mozzarella in carrozza, pastiera napoletana.
Terrazza
$$$, Via Palestro 4
closed Saturday evening and Sunday
tel. 02 76002186
On the top floor of the building which houses the Centro Svizzero, this fish-only restaurant has innovative offerings, including sushi with Mediterranean ingredients and flavor. Splendid summer terrace overlooking the Giardini Publici. Friendly staff.
Pizzerie
Victoria
Via Clerici 1
closed Sunday
tel. 02 8690792
Location, pizza and food are good, prices affordable and staff friendly. Open late.
Ciardi
Via San Raffaele 6
closed Monday
tel. 02 877704
A preeminent name for pizza in the centre of Milan. Open late.
Rita e Antonio
Via Puccini 2/a
closed Saturday lunch and Monday
tel. 02 875579
Practically part of the newly renovated Dal Verme theater, they make a true Neapolitan pizza. Excellent breads and desserts.