Japanese, modern€€€€isola
Iyo in Milan's Sempione district was the first Japanese restaurant in Italy to hold a Michelin star (2015). Haruo Ichikawa's modern kaiseki kitchen still defines the
Signature: Omakase sashimi, Black cod miso, Kaiseki tasting
Order: The kaiseki tasting set or the omakase sashimi at the counter; the black cod with miso is the signature desser
Tip: Bookings open one month ahead. The Iyo Aalto sister room in Porta Nuova holds the second star; book that for sushi.
Modern Italian€€€€isola
Ceresio 7 in Milan's Sarpi district is the rooftop restaurant atop the Dsquared2 headquarters, with two pools and a 360-view terrace. Elio Sironi's modern Italian ki
Signature: Tagliolini al limone, Vitello tonnato, Crudo di pesce
Order: The tagliolini al limone, the vitello tonnato and a glass of Franciacorta at the bar before sitting down.
Tip: Bookings open three weeks ahead; ask for the pool-side terrace. The aperitivo at the bar starts 18:30 with city skyline views.
Modern Italian€€€isola
Innocenti Evasioni in Milan's Sempione district is Tommaso Arrigoni and Eros Picco's romantic garden-set dining room, opened 1998. The seasonal tasting menu and the
Signature: Tortelli of caciotta, Pigeon breast, Tasting menu
Order: The tortelli of caciotta cheese, the pigeon breast and the seasonal tasting set.
Tip: Bookings open two weeks ahead. The garden tables in summer are the destination; book at least a fortnight in advance.
Modern Indian€€€porta-venezia
Cittamani in Milan is Ritu Dalmia's modern Indian dining room near Brera, opened 2018. The Goan fish curry and the layered tasting set still define Milan's high-end
Signature: Goan fish curry, Butter chicken, Naan stuffed with paneer
Order: The Goan fish curry, the butter chicken and the stuffed paneer naan.
Tip: Bookings open two weeks ahead. The Sunday lunch tasting set with chai pairing is the editor's pick for first visits.
Japanese, sushi€€€€centro-storico
Wicky's in Milan's Centro Storico is chef Wicky Priyan's 12-seat omakase counter, opened 2009, the Sri Lankan-trained sushi master who put Italian fish on the Japane
Signature: Omakase sushi, Yellowtail crudo, Tempura
Order: The full omakase set at the counter; do not order off the carte.
Tip: Bookings open 30 days ahead and sell out within hours. Lunch omakase at 12:30 is cheaper than dinner; vegetarian option available with notice.
Modern Italian, fine dining€€€€navigli
Contraste in Milan's Naviglio Pavese district is Matias Perdomo's Uruguayan-Italian modern kitchen, holding one Michelin star since 2017. The seafood-led tasting men
Signature: Sea urchin and parmesan, Risotto with razor clams, Tasting menu
Order: The carte blanche tasting set at 130 euros; the sea urchin with parmesan is the signature.
Tip: Bookings open three weeks ahead. The chef's counter at the open kitchen is the spot to ask for; vegetarian menu available.