Taste Milan’s delights

Milan isn’t just the fashion capital of Italy—it’s also a treasure trove of culinary delights waiting to be discovered. by you. On a recent food-tasting adventure in Milan with local guide there, I was introduced to the authentic flavors that define the city’s vibrant food scene. Here are some must-try dishes to savor during your visit:

1. Risotto alla Milanese

Cesare Battisti, chef of the Ratanà restaurant in Milan, situated on the ground floor of a restored early 20th-century train station, is known for his cuisine that reinterprets the Lombard tradition with modern techniques. Battisti’s risotto alla milanese is an iconic dish is a creamy saffron-infused risotto that perfectly reflects Milan’s sophistication. The saffron aroma envelops you as soon as the plate hits the table, and it’s intoxicating. The golden rice is drizzled with gremolata, a parsley, lemon, and garlic condiment traditionally served with ossobuco. Per the vecchia Milano canon, Battisti tops the risotto with a veal shank–dislodge the bone marrow and slosh it around the rice before digging in.

2. Cotoletta alla Milanese

A golden, crispy breaded veal cutlet that’s pan-fried to perfection, this dish is a Milanese classic. Your local Milan guide can point you to the best trattorias serving this timeless favorite. Whether you prefer the classic bone-in version or the more modern Cotoletta a Orecchio di Elefante, this dish offers a taste of Milan’s rich history and culture.

3. Panettone

A must-have during the holiday season, this sweet, airy bread studded with candied fruits is a Milan original. Pair it with a glass of dessert wine for the perfect ending to your meal.

4. Polenta e Brasato

The name brasato derives from brace (BRA-chay), the hot coals over which the meat was traditionally cooked. Braised beef marinated in a fine Barolo wine is one of the most representative and classic dishes of the Piedmont region, a savory delight for a cozy dinner on cold nights in Italy. Barolo is a rich, deeply concentrated full-bodied wine, with pronounced tannins and acidity (and therefore ideal for marinating) which gives its intense flavor an extra aroma and unique taste to the meat. Rosemary and bay leaf are also known for their invigorating properties. For a hearty and comforting meal, try this dish of creamy polenta topped with slow-cooked braised beef or lamb. It’s the perfect choice on a chilly Milan evening.

5. Gorgonzola Cheese

Hailing from nearby Lombardy, Gorgonzola is a creamy, tangy blue cheese that’s a staple in Milanese cuisine. Some claim that it was first made, in the town of the same name on the outskirts of Milan, in the year of grace 879. According to others, the birth took place in Pasturo in Valsassina, a great dairy center for centuries, thanks to the presence of those excellent natural caves whose average temperature is constant between 6°C and 12°C and therefore allows for the perfect success of Gorgonzola, as well as various other cheeses.
Enjoy it on fresh bread or in a rich sauce over pasta.

Exploring Milan’s food scene with a knowledgeable guide adds so much depth to the experience. From hidden gems to local insights, food tasting in Milan becomes a journey through tradition and flavor. If you’re a foodie at heart, make sure to savor these dishes during your visit—you won’t be disappointed!