Restaurants in Downtown (Milan)

Tribeca Lounge

This young bar has thrown itself with all of its might into the Milanese nightlife and has, with full right, acquired a place of honour among the most à la mode bars in the city. It is divided into two parts: bar and restaurant. The kitchen is unequalled with respect to its aperitifs. The bar is typically New York in style, with photos of famous personalities that dominated the 60s and 70s adorning the walls. Founded by Simona Ventura and Giuliano Pagliuca amongst others, it is packed to the gills with models, theatrical performers and TV stars after performances.

Yguana Café

This American-style bar and restaurant, popular with models and their retinue, offers mostly underground music and thumping sound. Try the house cocktails, created on site from zealously guarded recipes. The bar is large so you are able to carve out a niche for your own private party.

The English Football Pub

Remembered by many as the old Ponzoni inn, the building is now a Bramantesque pub that specializes in football with prints, photographs, and trophies from English football. Everything is English: the beer and the food, whether hot, cold or sweet. The Sunday pay-per-view of Inter and Milan includes a brunch. Private parties can be arranged.

Charleston

A Famous restaurant in the city center, Charleston is popular for its fresh buffalo milk mozzarella pizzas. Customers are served delicious and authentic Tuscan fare with its heap of fish and varieties of meat dishes. You can opt to sit at the outdoor terrace and enjoy you view as you savor the mouthwatering pastas, or cutlets with fries. The enoteca has some fine wines that will go well with your flavorful meals.

Antica Gelateria del Corso

Add this as a stop on any itinerary that brings you to the Galleria del Corso. The historical building, filled with elegant furnishings, is spread over three floors to hold the large number of people who come here everyday to try one of its delicious specialities, or for a cup of coffee. The Nescafé machine is a real novelty and can serve six different types of coffee. The weekend brunch from noon-4p on Saturdays and Sundays includes American-style buffet foods, sliced meats, salads, cakes and ice creams.

Berlin Cafè

As its name implies, the Berlin Café is one of the few German-style bars in Milan. It has a relaxing and austere atmosphere achieved by the subtle lighting and decor inspired by historical German bars. The bar, always full, offers cocktails and beers for all tastes to a diverse crowd. The Sunday brunch is not to be missed, especially if traditional American brunches are your cup of tea! There is a good food menu offering starters, main courses and desserts. Happy hour from 6p-9p.

Cracco-Peck

Since 1883, Peck's has styled itself, “the Temple of Italian Gastronomy”; for the Milanese, this favourite luxury delicatessen is on a par with Fauchon in Paris or London's Harrods. Buy some delicious Prosciutto or parmesan cheese to take away or have shipped home. For more of the same at a luxurious sit-down meal and for a taste of the deli's fabulous desserts, pop into its restaurant near the shop (just along from the Duomo).

Biffi Scala -Toulà

Biffi and Toulà are both legendary names in the town's gastronomic history. Some years ago they merged to become a symbol of prestige for Milanese traditional cuisine. This is a high quality restaurant; although the lunch menu is simpler than that the evenings', the food is still of a high standard and is served in a beautiful location. Head to Biffi for an important business lunch or after the theatre. Don't miss the rice, and the meats such as veal liver with onions. Good wine list. Expensive restaurant.

El Bodegon del toro bravo

This excellent Spanish restaurant has not changed in quality or location since its opening in 1972. Situated on the border of Chinatown in a quiet, ancient street, it has an Andalucian look full of wooden tables and artistic references to bulls. Try the classic Paella or Zarzela without fear: they are a sure bet. Reasonable prices and good Riojas to wash down the substantial Spanish dishes.

Bice

Situated in a choice spot at the heart of Milan's chic shopping district (Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni and Piazza San Babila), this legendary restaurant, initially a popular lunchtime venue for downtown industrialists and bankers, became a big favorite with Milan's smart set during the 1980s. Little has changed since then and the restaurant remains high profile. Bice's menu features a selection of sublime soups, risottos, pastas and meat dishes.

Boeucc

The dining room at Boeucc is warmly decorated with ceramics, paintings and soft lights. This romantic Lombard classic spot near Manzoni's museum, in the very centre of Milan is popular among locals and tourists looking for a cozy spot to wine and dine. For dining, choose a room that suits your preference and occasion: the room with the pillars or the large room. The decor is classic, with everything from the furnishings, cutlery and seating arrangements reminiscent of an era gone by. The menu features the regional delicacies, with seasonal preparations adding a fresh touch to the menu. Do check the extensive wine list for a suitable wine to go with your meal.

Paper Moon

It stands on the corner of Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga. A favourite haunt of the up and coming and the generation before them. The place is rather small but many people like being sat close to so many beautiful people! Elegant decor (black and white lacquer), with signed photos on the walls of famous visitors. Once it was used for a snack before or after the theatre but now the pizzas and first courses are very good. Excellent list of wines.