Lombard Trattoria€€€isola
Antica Trattoria della Pesa in Milan's Porta Garibaldi has cooked the Lombard farmstead canon since 1880, set in the old grain-weighing house.
Signature: Risotto alla milanese, Ossobuco, Cassoeula
Order: The risotto alla milanese, the ossobuco and the cassoeula in winter.
Tip: Bookings open one week ahead by phone. The dining room has the original 1880 wood-panel interior; ask for a table by the window.
Japanese€€€€isola
Iyo in Milan's Sempione district was the first Japanese restaurant in Italy to hold a Michelin star (2015). Located in Isola. Priced at €€€€.
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. Located in Isola.
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€€€centro-storico
Innocenti Evasioni / Terrazza Triennale in Milan is Tommaso Arrigoni's rooftop dining room atop the Triennale Milano in Parco Sempione, the relocated 2026.
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 rooftop 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. Located in Porta Venezia. At Piazza Carlo Mirabello 6.
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.
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.