CHATEAU EXCURSIONS Episode No. 10: Eating and Drinking in Milan with Carolina Grignaffini, Chateau Orlando Project Manager

I’m a ragazza di Porta Venezia.

I basically move up and down the east side of Milan and that’s where my radar stops – partly because I’m lazy, partly because I genuinely love the concept of staying “local”.

This list describes for me the real beauty of Milan: that perfect balance between modernity, internationality, and the simple joy of a few olives and some crisps with an extremely Italian aperitivo.

DRINK

Bar Nico

THE place to be in one of my favourite corners of the city. I adore the interiors (designed by Sagoma Studio). Everyone is cooler than me here, and I love that. Amazing wine list, I’m obsessed with their mussels. And their bread – never underestimate the bread.

Bar Stoppani

The REAL bar. Your proper neighbourhood spot: morning cappuccino, evening aperitivo, a toast (sandwich) at any hour of the day. I sometimes stop here alone to reflect in front of a spritz. The perfect bar, really.

Bar Paradiso

Superb wine selection and simple food made from carefully sourced small producers. 

Palinuro

The owners wisely kept the original bar structure untouched. Respect.

Bene Bere Bar

Music, drinks, and an international crowd.

Bar Basso

Luke, this one’s for you. We always end up here together. Sticky, chaotic, iconic. Their glassware collection genuinely moves me – especially the massive Holy Grail-style goblet they use for the Negroni. Sometimes, it just feels right to order a very big cocktail.

Camparino

The iconic one. Right in Galleria, Piazza Duomo. You simply haven’t done Milan if you haven’t been here.

EAT (I know you’re here for the trattorias.)

Masuelli

Absolutely perfect perfect mix of Lombard (hello cotoletta!!) and Piemontese (agnolotti del plin!) cuisine. 

Trippa

A relatively new spot, yet already a legend in Milan. Good luck getting a table. The hype is 100% justified though. 

Ai Fiori Blu

I love their modern twist on some of the more underrated dishes of traditional Italian cooking. 

Sandì

A fabulous new opening in the neighbourhood. A true gem. 

Bar Quadronno

Go here to educate yourself on the Italian panino. 

Santa Lucia

A trattoria with a capital T, but also one that understands international guests might want lunch at 3:30pm. That alone is worth a mention. 

Ristorante Pizzeria Maruzzella

Want a proper Ristorante Pizzeria? This is it. Pizza, seafood dishes, the classics.