Luini ★ 4.8
Luini near the Duomo has served fried panzerotti at under 3 euros since 1949. The tomato-and-mozzarella half-moon is the definitive Milanese street lunch; the queue
Try: Panzerotto fritto
Eat well in Milan for under €15 a plate: the places locals on a budget actually use.
Cheap eats worth seeking out
Giannasi ★ 4.4
Giannasi at Piazza Buozzi in Porta Romana has roasted chicken on the spit since 1967. A quarter chicken with potatoes for under 4 euros is the best calorie-per-euro
Try: Rotisserie chicken quarter with roasted potatoes
Pizzeria Spontini ★ 4.5
Pizzeria Spontini on Via Santa Radegonda has been the working Milanese lunch since 1953. The fat-base square slice with heavy mozzarella for under 5 euros at the cou
Try: Thick-crust pizza al taglio by the slice
Ravioleria Sarpi ★ 4.3
Ravioleria Sarpi in Milan's Chinatown sells four hand-folded dumplings for under 5 euros from a street-side counter. The xiaolongbao with broth and the boiled pork-a
Try: Hand-folded xiaolongbao and dumplings
Mercato Centrale Milano ★ 4.2
Mercato Centrale at Stazione Centrale is the food hall where a 5-euro pasta portion at the artisan counter beats any train-station canteen in Italy.
Try: Artisan pasta, pizza and cheese from 32 stalls
Trattoria da Pino ★ 4.1
Trattoria da Pino near the Quadrilatero has served two-course working lunches to Milanese office workers for decades. The daily-changing menu of risotto and second c
Try: Milanese two-course lunch menu
Budget Eats in Milan, FAQ
When is the best time to eat in Milan?
Peak food season in Milan is year-round.
What time do people eat in Milan?
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
How does tipping work in Milan?
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
What is the one dish to try in Milan?
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Milan rewards trust.