Eating out in Milan

Obviously, Milan is more a center of fashion than of gastronomy, but this doesn't mean you won't come upon culinary delights here. Traditional Milanese dishes are simple, nourishing and well-prepared. They recently gained in popularity, and you will find more and more tourists flocking to traditional eateries rather than exotic ethnic restaurants. Additionally, Milan possesses an enviable taste for the unique, and Chinese food was inaugurated as a trend here before anywhere else in the world. After that, Milan discovered Indian, African, Japanese and Arabian food. As for classic establishments, you will find restaurants, inns and taverns on every street, where you will be served the best of traditional Milanese dishes. Another custom in Milan is happy hour. This runs from 6:00 to 9:30 in the evenings. Cocktails are served with a number of courses consisting of meat, fish, pasta or cheese.
The starter is an important part of every dinner, especially in this city. A great choice is the classic antipasto, which is made with boiled calf, knee cartilage and onions, with everything sliced into tiny pieces. Actually, it is far more delicious than it sounds, and goes well with all cocktails. A classic Milanese main course is risotto, consisting of rich beef bisque and a savory saffron flavor. It is widely accepted that you eat a second course here, and in this regard the cassouela is a top choice. It is cooked with pork and vegetables, including green cabbage. However, if you're not the adventurous type, you could opt for a more familiar dish, Milanese cutlets, which are crispy and delectable, made with veal chops. Another option is veal tonne. This is a lighter, more health-conscious dish with a veal slice, anchovies, tuna fish and mayonnaise, served with fresh caper sauce.
The Milanese traditionally eat Panettone at Christmas. This is a cake favored by locals. It is best served with Mascarpone cream. Mascarpone is also a classic Milanese cheese, figuring as an ingredient in most creams and desserts. Milan is known for its cheeses, such as Grana Padano and Gorgonzola. The latter enjoys the most fame. This rich, flavorful delicacy is a must at all dinner tables. It is creamy with blue veins, and makes for an excellent starter. The greater area of Milan specializes in Salame di Milano, consisting of beef, minced pork and several varieties of cheese. We should also note the Crescenza, a fresh, soft cream cheese. It is best eaten with raw vegetables or spread on bread.
The best places to visit for brunch are Tribeca, Le Biciclette and Diana Garden. Tribeca features buffet meals which are a blend of American and Italian cuisine. The atmosphere is elegant and trendy. Another locale in this category is the Diana, in the garden of the Diana Majestic Hotel. You are likely to spot many celebrities here. As for something less formal, Le Biciclette, a former bicycle store, is an ultra-modern hi-tech design venue serving excellent brunch.
We should also mention the best ethnic restaurants in Milan. One is Sarla, a recently-opened Indian eatery. The interior is elegant yet relaxed. Authentic Indian artwork graces the walls. The fresh spices are the most important ingredient in all the dishes. The best Japanese restaurant in town is Nobu, located in the area of Montenapoleone. This impressive, high-class establishment is a great place to take your boss. The menu features a wide range of Japanese dishes with extraordinary Latin spices. Naturally, quality comes with a price. Dinner is far from cheap here. Finally, The Don Juan is a steak house specializing in Argentinean cuisine. This is also a very costly place, but the juicy, enormous steaks are worth it.
You will certainly visit a restaurant at least once during your visit, but you will probably want to buy food to bring home as well. In that case, a visit to Peck is mandatory. This store offers cheeses from all parts of the country, unique spices, excellent wines, virgin oils, and every possible kind of salami.