EMPIRE TRAVELLER

TO STAY

 

PALAZZO PARIGI: In busy cities like Milan, boutique hotels are often better choices than large franchises - they're generally more authentic, unique, and intimate; and Palazzo Parigi is exactly that. A gorgeous and dreamy hotel of grand elegance. The lobby entrance alone is breathtaking, the breakfast terrace is a wonderful way to start the day with large windows overlooking the garden, and the lounge bar a cosy place to end it. The rooms are comfortable and luxurious, and the staff is helpful and friendly (with special thanks to the concierge for insider restaurant recommendations). This is not to mention the incredible spa & pool services offered at the hotel. Palazzo Parigi is also ideally located in one of the fashion districts of Milan, surrounded by some of the biggest shopping streets in the city, and only 10-15 minutes away from the Piazza Del Duomo on foot. An overall satisfying experience is guaranteed.

 

ARMANI HOTEL: The Armani Hotel is strategically located off of Via Montenapoleone and a short walk away from the Piazza del Duomo (closer than Palazzo Parigi). This is a much different experience, as the hotel is very tech-savvy and modern (everything in the room is controlled via touchpad, including the door lock). Cool and minimal in terms of design, but practically speaking the hotel is difficult to get around, the hallways are dim, and it often feels like walking through a maze (not child-friendly). The pool, however, is rewarding - located on the top floor with floor-to-ceiling windows and a panorama view of the city. A nice hotel if you're looking for a particularly modern and minimal experience.

 

FOOD & DINING

 

SOLFERINO: Burrata Cheese - Milanese Saffron Rice - Curry Cicatelli - Penne Arrabiata - Veal Cotoletta - Tiramisu - Millefoglie - Meringue

Are you looking for the perfect cotoletta in Milan? Look no further, because Solferino serves one of the city's most reputable and delicious veal milanese cutlets you will ever have. Ever. No exaggeration. The Saffron Rice is also a Milanese classic that you simply cannot miss at any restaurant - like risotto, it's super rich and creamy, with a subtle parmesan kick. The Curry Cicatelli was a more explorative pasta choice, and an excellent one too! The sauce is incredibly flavorsome, minus the typically overpowering taste of curry - a perfect pairing with the veal. As for the highlight of the night, the veal cotoletta at Solferino is unbelievable - the meat is so juicy and tender, you could mistake it for chicken; and the breading maintains its golden crisp from the first to last bite. Make sure you save your appetite for this one, because the portion is generous. For dessert, the Tiramisu was especially sweet and satisfying. Overall, Solferino is a true Milanese restaurant, small and familial, and more popular among locals. Definitely reccommended for authentic Milanese food.

 

RISTORANTE DA GIACOMO: Seafood Salad - Spider Crab Salad - Lobster Spaghetti - Shrimp Pesto Fettuccine - Salt Crust Seabass - Veal Cotoletta - Dessert Cart

Another restaurant for guaranteed-excellence in Milan, with delicious food in a familial atmosphere. The restaurant is authentic, classic, and unpretentious; a huge bonus is the lack of tourists. It's also a great choice if you're craving a fish-based meal in Milan. For starters, both salads were incredibly fresh and well-assembled; the Spider Crab Salad is a particular menu highlight, so don't miss it. For the primi piatti, the Lobster Spaghetti was good but sadly lacked enough lobster meat; the Shrimp Pesto Fettuccine definitely outshone, with tender baby shrimps tossed in rich, home-made pesto sauce and pasta. The Salt Crusted Seabass is an excellent choice to share between two-three people; it's super light and zesty. The veal cotoletta was satisfying, but still incomparable to Solferino's. For dessert, there's a cart full of home-made tarts and pastries to choose from. Great food quality and atmosphere at Da Giacomo; add it to your list!

 

OSTERIA DEL BINARI: Bresaola - Terrina di Foie Gras - Gnocchi Al Pomodoro - Minced Beef Gramigna - Ossobuco + Milanese Risotto - Vitello Di Porcini - Cheesecake

Sticking to the local and authentic theme, Osteria Del Binari is another classic Milanese restaurant located by the river. Despite the romantic and time-honored atmosphere, Del Binari is not as polished as Da Giacomo or Solferino; the food is traditional, but not outstanding. The Terrina di Foie Gras was nonetheless superb, served with toast and sweet blackcurrant compote. The pastas were also excellent and actually more satisfying than the main courses. The Ossobuco served on a bed of Saffron Risotto is a delicious Milanese dish, but can be too fatty for others' liking. As for dessert, the Cheesecake (which is more of a home-made sponge cake) was surprisingly good, but their complementary palmier pastries are even better! Not a bad experience at Del Binari, but not particularly remarkable.

 

10 CORSO COMO: Caesar Salad - Mini Pizzas - Salmon Finger Toasts

Located in one of Milan's biggest fashion districts, 10 Corso Como is a cool and modern cross between an art gallery and courtyard café where you can enjoy quirky exhibitions and good food. There are always new and different exhibitions on display in the gallery, so make sure to check those out. As for the café, it's located in a discreet courtyard behind a conservatory of large plants and flowers; the atmosphere is peaceful and ideal for a lunch break away from the buzzing crowds of the city. The food is not particularly special, but it is not disappointing; the salad is fresh, the pizzas are satisfying, and the finger toasts are perfect for a quick bite. An overall fun and artistically pleasing experience here. Check it out if you're in the area.

 

NOBU: Shrimp Tempura - Crispy Rice Salmon - Scallop Skewers - Lobster Tacos - Sushi - Wagyu Beef - King Crab - Bento Chocolate Box

Brought to Milan by the Armani Hotel, Nobu reflects the same elegance and modernity of the fashion house. An excellent choice if you want to take a break from pastas and enjoy quality Japanese cuisine in Milan. The meal was satisfying from appetizer to dessert, and the service was quite pleasant. To start off, order the famous Shrimp Tempura pops without second thought; the Crispy Rice Salmon cubes are also an amazing no-brainer; the Scallop Skewers and Lobster Tacos were relatively good. Next came a selection of sushi rolls, the best of which were the Spicy Salmon & Spicy Tuna, and the Soft Shell Crab. For main courses, the Wagyu beef with anticucho sauce was surprisingly delicious; but the main star for me was the King Crab with creamy sauce - pulled tender crab meat with a creamy layer of sweetened sauce and a hint of spice to pull it all together, this is an incredible dish. For dessert, the Bento Chocolate Box is a complementary combination of rich chocolate soufflé & refreshing green tea ice cream. An excellent experience.

 

IL SALUMAIO: Burrata - Vitello Tunato - Veal Ragu Tagliatelle - Porcini Tagliatelle

An elegant but laidback restaurant just off of Via Montenapoleone, with a courtyard seating perfect for summer; excellent Italian food and a friendly staff. The Burrata salad is super light and creamy, and the Vitello Tunato greatly complements it (fantastic sauce). As for the pastas, the Porcini Tagliatelle is a good choice for a light yet filling dish; but the Veal Ragu Tagliatelle (ordered upon request) is what pasta-dreams are made of - rich with flavorsome tomato sauce and a satisfying portion of minced veal ragu, it's a perfect balance of pasta and meat. A delightful lunch-break.

 

STK: Burger & Crab Sliders - Yellowtail Ceviche - Fried Calamri & Shrimp - Rib Eye Steak - Truffle Parmesan Chips - Lobster Mac n Cheese - Cheesecake - Playground Dessert

A hip and happening Brazilian steak restaurant at ME Hotel, with a very upbeat atmosphere fitting for young crowds and a weekend night out (though the music is relatively loud for a restaurant). For starters, the Burger Sliders are good for sharing but the Crab Sliders were disappointing and difficult to eat (whole fried crabs placed between tiny buns). The Yellowtail Ceviche and Fried Calamari/Shrimp with raspberry mayo are a much better choice. The Rib Eye steak was good, but unfortunately overcooked (well-done instead of medium); and for sides, try the Truffle Parmesan Chips and the super cheesy Lobster Mac n Cheese. For dessert, the "Playground" (a combination of cotton candy, brownies, caramel popcorn, donuts served on a ferris-wheel-like tray) is fun & creative, but the New York style Cheesecake is the winner. Overall STK was not a bad experience, but I would not prioritize a night out in Milan at this overly-commerical chain restaurant when there are many more unique dining options in the city. 

 

PIZZERIA SPONTINI: Quick-grab Pizza

Are you looking for the cheesiest, jaw-dropping slice of pizza in Milan? Spontini is for pizza lovers who enjoy a doughy crust mounted with soft cheese that stretches from plate to mouth. This small shop located around the Piazza Del Duomo is the real deal, you cannot miss it when in Milan. Don't be discouraged by the long lines, because the service is pretty fast and efficient; and you won't regret the wait! Open for lunch hours at 11:30-2:30 PM and again at 6:00-11:30 PM.

 

LUINI PANZEROTTI: Puff Pastries

A real classic established in 1949, Luini is the first original bakery to introduce the panzerotti pastry to Milan; so you know this is the real deal when it comes to these heavenly puff pastries stuffed with savory fillings. Also located around the Piazza Del Duomo (a corner away from Spontini), Luini's pastries are unmissable. Make sure to check their opening hours.

 

CIOCCOLATI ITALIANI: Gelato & Desserts

Located right across from Spontini, Cioccolati is a small corner of sweet-tooth heaven. They serve a large variety of gelato-flavors and desserts that you can pretty much customize to your liking - from gelato cones wrapped in crepe, to pancakes and waffles, to chocolate stuffed brioche bread, this place has everything to satisfy your sugar cravings.

 

SAVINI: Gelato - Classic Italian

Ristorante Savini is located inside the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Piazza Del Duomo. I didn't try the restaurant's food, but they have a pretty good reputation. They also have a gelato window for passersby, so make sure you try it! So rich and creamy, and full of flavour.

 

PLACES TO VISIT & THINGS TO DO

 

PIAZZA DEL DUOMO: Tourists and crowds aside, Piazza Del Duomo is really the center of sightseeing, shopping, and eating in Milan. If you want to properly explore the city, I would suggest making this your starting point and expanding onwards from there. The cathedral itself is breathtaking, both outside and inside especially. Make sure to buy a ticket to the towers as well for a panoramic overview of the entire piazza; not to mention the gorgeous architecture up there.

 

GALLERIA VITTORIO EMANUELE II: The famous Galleria you see in all the photos is another Milan-must. Besides the shopping, the gallery itself is rich in architecture and incredibly gorgeous any time of the day. It's also open 24 hours a day so you can enjoy a midnight stroll through it, or even see it in the early hours of dawn.

 

MONTENAPOLEONE: The biggest designer-fashion destination in Milan is Montenapoleone, located just a few minutes away from the Piazza. If you're on a shopping mission, start at Montenapoleone and just explore the surrounding area; you'll find yourself walking through different side streets lined with all the designer boutiques you could dream of.

 

CORSO COMO: Another major fashion and art district in Milan, Corso Como is a more hip and quirky location to go gallery-hunting and shopping. This trendy neighborhood complex has some of Milan's best shopping outlets and happening exhibitions. It also has a large branch of the famous Eataly store! A feast for the eyes and the mouth.

 

CLUB PLASTIC: Not for the faint-hearted or close-minded. Plastic is notorious for its LGBT scene (dancers and clubgoers alike), underground vibes, and its discreet location away from the busy streets of Milan. The club is not at all glamorous or pretentious, nor is it a tourist hub; the crowd is friendly but everyone is there to enjoy themselves. My favorite part is the mind-blowing mix of disco, techno, and deep house music. Plastic is definitely a memorable club experience. If you're open and experimental, you'll enjoy it; just make sure you have a ride back home, because the surrounding area is remote and quiet. 

 

PINACOTECA DI BRERA: A public art gallery with a large collection of Italian Renaissance paintings dating from the 14th-20th centuries, located in Palazzo Brera with a large courtyard. 

 

SANTA MARIA DELLE GRAZIE: This church houses Da Vinci's Last Supper painting - a must see when in Milan. Since it's typically a very crowded site with a heavy demand on tours & visit, make sure you book your tickets to see the painting early in advance.

 

FONDAZIONE PRADA/BAR LUCE: An art house founded by Prada, Fondazione Prada showcases a number of different galleries, installments, and exhibitions of modern & contemporary art. Visiting the art foundation is a fun, quirky, and thought-provoking experience for all art and fashion lovers. Don't leave without stopping off at the colorful and nostalgic Bar Luce, a real-life retro dream designed by Wes Anderson.

 

TRAVELING TIPS

 

1. Just walk around! Like most Italian cities, Milan is ideal for mindless and mapless walking, and occasionally getting lost. The best way to explore the city is on foot.

 

2. Take dining advice from a true local. While Milan has some of the world's finest restaurants, you'll find the most delicious Milanese food at small, family-run places that use authentic recipes and traditional cooking techniques.

 

3. Experiment with the nightlife. Milan has some really fabulous clubs, as well as more underground/casual places with good music.

 

4. Walk around the Piazza and through the Galleria really late at night. Beautiful.

 

5. Book a strategic hotel! You don't want to be stuck in a boring or quiet area in Milan. Stay close to the center and you'll find most of the city scene happening around you, and almost everything in walking-distance.