Where to eat and drink in Milan as per the city’s designers

Want to know where to eat in Milan during Salone del Mobile 2025 and beyond? We asked local designers – Atelier Biagetti, Cristina Celestino, DWA Design Studio, Older, Paloma Serafini Associati and Studiopepe, some of the most exciting names in the city’s contemporary design scene – about their favourite Milan restaurants, cafés and bars. Even during the busiest of times, there are two things Italians will always prioritise: their morning espresso and a cheeky aperitivo. So for the best coffee, cocktail, lunch and dinner spots in Milan, here’s where the designers go.

Where to eat in Milan, a designers’ guide

Laura Baldassari and Alberto Biagetti of Atelier Biagetti

Atelier Biagetti, known for its tongue-in-cheek installations, objects and performances – and showcasing its Wearable Casa collection in collaboration with MCM at Milan Design Week 2024 – was born from the creative collaboration between architect and designer Alberto Biagetti, and artist Laura Baldassari in 2003.

Morning espresso at Mag Cafe

‘Our first cup of coffee in the morning is always the one we brew at home with our reliable old Moka pot. After sipping on our homemade coffee, we like to take a stroll along the beautiful Navigli canal. While enjoying the stunning view, we make a pit stop at Mag Cafe – a lovely little bar that serves excellent coffee. If we’re lucky, we may even spot some swans floating by.’

Mag Cafe is located at Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 43; farmilygroup.com

Casual lunch at I Capatosta

‘We have truly developed a bit of a fixation when it comes to lunchtime at I Capatosta because of their amazing pizza! But, if you’re not in the mood for pizza, don’t worry – they’ve got a vast menu of mouth-watering Neapolitan dishes to choose from, such as gnocchi alla Sorrentina or pasta e patate,’ say Baldassari and Alberto Biagetti (I Capatosta is also featured in Wallpaper’s insiders’ guide to 25 Milan pizza spots.)

I Capatosta is located at Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 56; icapatosta.it

Aperitivo at Rita’s Tiki Room

‘During spring, it’s always a delight to step out and unwind with an aperitif while the sun is still shining. If you’re looking for a great spot, head over to Rita’s Tiki Room. The cocktails are sure to impress, and the staff are incredibly friendly, making you feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical island.’

Rita’s Tiki Room is located at Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 69; ritastikiroom.com

Dinner at Osteria Grand Hotel

‘Osteria Grand Hotel is an authentic restaurant in Milan that serves traditional Italian cuisine. The restaurant has a long-standing history dating back to the early 1900s when it was known as El Gandin. In the old days, it was renowned for its bocce courts and terrace that hosted evening dances. Weather permitting, you can enjoy dining outside under the beautiful pergola.’

Osteria Grand Hotel is located at Via Ascanio Sforza, 75; grandhotelosteria.it

Cristina Celestino

Cristina Celestino is an architect and designer who founded the furniture brand Attico Design in 2011, and whose projects span from interiors such as a Rome apartment to refillable candles by Diptyque.

Morning espresso at Pasticceria Gelsomina

‘I take my first espresso leisurely at home, during breakfast with my daughter Bianca. A second espresso is mandatory at Pasticceria Gelsomina, where I relish the sense of unfinished interior design that accentuates the abundance of excellent pastries!’

Pasticceria Gelsomina is located at Via Carlo Tenca, 5; pasticceriagelsomina.it

Casual lunch at La Belle Aurore

‘I always have a soft spot for a casual lunch at La Belle Aurore. There’s a nostalgic allure to this place that remains unchanged over the years. I adore their home-style cooking; a must-try are the meatballs or their tomato pasta.’

La Belle Aurore is located at Via Privata Giuseppe Abamonti, 1; @la_belleaurore

Aperitivo at Bolo'bolo Bar

‘Bolo’bolo, near Piazza Baiamonti, is a bar tucked away on a side street inaccessible to cars. The space is designed in an old-fashioned way and boasts a beautiful, large central counter that serves the most delicious cocktails.’

Bolo'bolo Bar is located at Via Maurizio Quadrio, 25; bolobolobar.it

Dinner at Polpo Semplicemente Pesce by Spica

‘I love the seafood restaurant Polpo Semplicemente Pesce. The marine atmosphere and the azure colours instantly put me in a good mood. I like it because it also offers a tapas menu, perfect for shared dinners with friends. I also really like how they project old seaside photos from the 1970s and 1980s... it brings back many childhood memories.’

Polpo Semplicemente Pesce is located at Via Melzo, 9; polpopesce.it

Frederik De Wachter and Alberto Artesani of DWA Design Studio

DWA Design Studio, established in Milan in 2005 by Frederik De Wachter and Alberto Artesani, is a versatile practice specialising in interiors, exhibitions, retail, art direction, and product research. Longstanding collaborator of Wallpaper*, DWA is behind the design of our Class of '25 exhibition at Milan Design Week.

Morning espresso at Pasticceria Alvin’s

‘For great coffee and a sweet treat, go to Pasticceria Alvin’s. The lombardino is their speciality: a beignet with whipped cream and marron glacé.’

Pasticceria Alvin’s is located at Via Melchiorre Gioia, 141; alvins.it

Casual lunch at Gastronomia Yamamoto

‘We like to go to Gastronomia Yamamoto, which serves delicious Japanese dishes with sometimes subtle Italian influences. Their famous katsu-sando is a must-try.’

Gastronomia Yamamoto is located at Via Amedei, 5; gastronomiayamamoto.it

Aperitivo at Silvano

‘We love to go to Silvano, a great spot near our studio to gather and have a glass of wine accompanied by small platters to share. Wine and food are delicious, and there is always a great crowd – you always meet people you know. We recommend the asparagus with romesco or the carpaccio.’

Silvano is located at Piazza Morbegno, 2; silvano.superbexperience.com

Dinner at Pastamadre

‘Pastamadre near Porta Romana has, for us, the best pasta in town. Try the pasta con le sarde – it’s to die for.’

Pastamadre is located at Via Bernardino Corio, 8; pastamadremilano.it

Letizia Caramia and Morten Thuesen of Older

Danish and Italian studio Older, founded by Letizia Caramia and Morten Thuesen in 2013, specialises in sustainable, utilitarian uniforms alongside object design. Their debut furniture collection in 2020, titled ‘Wide Eye’, was a playful collaboration with Danish artist Alexander Vinther.

Morning espresso at Casa Capitano

‘We love a small coffee bar called Casa Capitano, located on our studio’s street. They make a wonderful espresso, which has that perfect balance between being slightly bitter and having notes of chocolate somewhere – it’s never too warm, not too big. We drink our coffee here perhaps 5 days a week. For those with a sweet tooth, we recommend asking for their torta Caprese al cioccolato.’

Casa Capitano is located at Via Castel Morrone, 35

Casual lunch at La Belle Aurore

‘We eat at La Belle Aurore every second day for lunch; the staff here is like family to us. We pretty much order the same thing every time.’

La Belle Aurore is located at Via Privata Giuseppe Abamonti, 1; @la_belleaurore

Aperitivo at Terroir

‘We often go for a glass of wine at Terroir after work. Owners Gabrielle and Ayumi have a fabulous selection of natural wines you can buy or order by the glass. The regions of Friuli or Slovenia are our preferred ones for macerated or white wines.’

Terroir is located at Via Macedonio Melloni, 33; terroirmilano.it

Dinner at Trattoria Masuelli San Marco

‘As we supply uniforms to many restaurants, it’s quite difficult for us to pick only one. Yet, one that is very off-the-map in terms of trends but not quality is Trattoria Masuelli San Marco, an iconic trattoria from 1921. Besides the two Gio Ponti for Venini chandeliers hanging in the restaurant, the kitchen offers timeless and chic takes on Milanese classics. Order the hen salad and pair it with a bottle of wine from Jura – this way, your evening or lunch is on the right path.’

Trattoria Masuelli San Marco is located at Viale Umbria, 80; masuellitrattoria.com

Ludovica Serafini and Roberto Palomba of Palomba Serafini Associati

Palomba Serafini Associati, established by architects and designers Ludovica Serafini and Roberto Palomba in 1994, is an interior design and architecture studio, with past projects spanning minimalist mini pools for Kos and a Puglian palazzo.

Morning espresso at Pasticceria Caravaggio

‘Our go-to is – undoubtedly – Pasticceria Caravaggio, a traditional pastry shop next to our studio. Thanks to our longtime acquaintance with the owners, they always know our order: a breakfast wheat brioche with berries and a good coffee.’

Pasticceria Caravaggio is located at Via Giuseppe Meda, 14; pasticceriacaravaggio.it

Casual lunch at Giacomo Bistrot

‘Choosing Giacomo Bistrot, a French-style bistro with an English feel, is always a good shout for its central location, seasonal menus and truly exceptional cocktails.’

Giacomo Bistrot is located at Via Pasquale Sottocorno, 6; giacomomilano.com

Aperitivo at Sogni Milano

‘Sogni Milano is a welcoming, exquisitely-furnished place perfect to enjoy a cocktail with friends and good music.’

Sogni Milano is located at Via S. Calocero, 8; sogni.eu

Dinner at Ristorante BBQ Milano

‘For dinner, we recommend Ristorante BBQ Milano: the owners, Danila and Andrea, turn typical dishes into moments of pure pleasure.’

Ristorante BBQ Milano is located at Via Pasquale Sottocorno, 5/A; ristorantebbqmilano.it

Arianna Lelli Mami of Studiopepe

Studiopepe, an architecture and design studio founded by Arianna Lelli Mami and Chiara Di Pinto in 2006, specialises in luxury retail, hospitality, residential spaces and product design, with past pieces including fringed mirrors and a knotted chair for Visionnaire.

Casual lunch at Trattoria Torre di Pisa

‘A classic place to eat a good riso al salto is Trattoria Torre di Pisa in Brera. But if you fancy something different, check out Emoraya: a Japanese trattoria with a bright ambience where every dish is a surprising discovery.’

Trattoria Torre di Pisa is located at Via Fiori Chiari, 21; trattoriatorredipisa.it

Aperitivo at Kanpai

‘As an aperitif you have great cocktails at Kanpai, it is also a restaurant and they make delicious saucers to share.’

Kanpai is located at Via Melzo, 12; kanpaimilano.it

Dinner at Røst

‘For the evening, choose Røst, they offer sophisticated, tasty fish dishes. The atmosphere is metropolitan, easy and refined – the staff is very friendly.’

Røst is located at Via Melzo, 3; rostmilano.com

Looking for Milan pizza recommendations? We've got those too.