Bon Appetit

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• Emiliana Tortellini read more ›
  (17 Via Ariberto. Tel. 02 5810 9707)
  Quality traditional fare comes as standard at this little restaurant that's a favourite stop for lunch. The menu is inspired by the flavours of Emilia, the region around Bologna. Choose with care and you can spend very little.
• Noi Due read more ›
  (1 Viale Col di Lana. Tel. 02 5810 1593)
  This converted dairy is one of Milan's best cheap eateries. It features cool, simple décor and serves up organic vegetarian food. Closed on Sundays and Monday lunchtimes.
• Osteria della Lanterna read more ›
  (3 Via Mercalli. Tel. 02 5830 9604)
  Quality fare but good value and your bill will come in at less than €15 if you choose carefully. The cooking combines traditional recipes from Lombardy and Friuli, and the pasta is made on the premises.
• Al Buon Convento read more ›
  (26 Corso Italia. Tel. 02 869 2899)
  Italians are masters at copying foreign décor and this cosy, straightforward trattoria and sandwich bar in the city centre could easily be a tearoom in the Yorkshire Dales.
• Biancolatte read more ›
  (30 Via Turati. Tel. 02 6208 6177)
  This little trattoria offers great value, not far from the up-market shopping district. Fare includes salads, meat dishes and piadine-the sandwich made from flat, pitta-like bread from the Romagna region.
• La Giara read more ›
  (10 Viale Monza. Tel. 02 2614 3835)
  This small restaurant offers budget-priced delicacies from the Puglia region-the area that makes up the heel of Italy-including pasta with beans and pasta with chickpeas. Simple décor but a lively, welcoming buzz.

• La Rondine read more ›
  (11 Via Spartaco. Tel. 02 5518 4533)
  Expect excellent home-made dishes ranging from pasta and gnocchi to risotto at La Rondine (The Swallow). One of the specialities is deep-fried pumpkin flowers - surprisingly delicious.
• Ombre Rosse read more ›
  (29 Via Plinio. Tel. 02 2952 4734)
  This intimate wine bar-style diner is a good place for a romantic meal and serves traditional north Italian dishes including vitello tonnato (veal with tuna sauce) as well as couscous.
• Officina 12 read more ›
  (12 Alzaia Naviglio Grande. Tel. 028 942 2261)
  This canal-side hangout is a good bet either for a pre-dinner drink with snacks (the Milanese ritual of aperitivo) or a dinner with friends. The menu ranges from pizza and pasta to the classic veal cutlet, cotoletta alla milanese.
• Piquenique read more ›
  (24 Via Bergognone. Tel. 02 4229 7225)
  Chic and lively, this wine bar in the Navigli area is a great place to take a party of friends. It serves wholesome bistro fare, including quality seafood dishes.
• Lux read more ›
  (Via Canonica, corner of Via Moscati. Tel. 02 349 2460)
  A good spot for a lively meal out with friends, at Lux the food remains solidly traditional: pasta dishes, ossobuco (knuckle of veal) and risotto alla milanese.
• Merluzzo Felice read more ›
  (6 Via Lazzaro Papi. Tel. 02 545 4711)
  The Merluzzo Felice (Happy Haddock) is much more than a fish bar, serving Sicilian creations including spaghetti with clams, lobster and king prawns, as well as a speciality couscous. A good spot for a romantic dinner.

• Taverna della Trisa read more ›
  (1 Via Ferruccio. Tel. 02 341 304)
  This cosy taverna set in the Trade Fair district serves up the traditional soups, meat dishes and polenta of the Trentino region near Venice.
• Al Pont de Ferr read more ›
  (55 Ripa di Porta Ticinese. Tel. 02 8940 6277)
  Popular restaurant in the Navigli district that has become something of a Milanese institution offering traditional cooking, a relaxed atmosphere and rustic décor with brickwork and beams.
• Il Faro read more ›
  (6 Via Marco D'Oggiono. Tel. 02 5810 4107)
  Seafood cooked in a variety of creative ways is the hallmark of this tiny restaurant. The inspiration for the cuisine is Sardinian and you can sample fresh pasta with shellfish and seafood risotto.
• Coniglio Bianco read more ›
  (12 Alzaia Naviglio Grande. Tel. 02 5810 0910)
  A busy eatery in the Naviglio district, Coniglio Bianco (White Rabbit) is best known for its traditional meat dishes. There are tables outside for the classic view over the canal - it could almost be Venice.
• Osteria della Cagnola read more ›
  (14 Via Cirillo. Tel. 02 331 9428)
  A beautiful old-style trattoria in the Sempione area where you can sample traditional cooking from Lombardy, including gnocchi, risotto and ossobuco (veal). Why not try the Italian take on tripe? It's an acquired taste but surprisingly delicious.
• Osteria Borsieri read more ›
  (39 Via Borsieri. Tel. 02 607 0800)
  This quality trattoria in the popular Isola district serves cooking from the Emilia region in the centre of northern Italy, the original home of ravioli and spaghetti bolognese.
• Ferrelli read more ›
  (6 Via Farini. Tel. 02 2906 0440)
  This new arrival caters for varied tastes and combines modern, creative cookery with traditional ingredients, including olive oil from the Puglia region, in the heel of Italy.
• La Fermata Pizza e Mare read more ›
  (19 Via Porro Lambertenghi. Tel. 02 9737 8447)
  Smart with brisk service, this Neapolitan restaurant offers genuine local cooking including a wide range of pizzas and seafood specialities.
• I Soliti Ignoti read more ›
  (9 Via Sacco. Tel. 02 3656 1136)
  This new arrival is set in an up-market residential area west of the centre and attracts a fashion-conscious crowd with its traditional specialities including pasta, steak and fish dishes. Shameless Spaghetti Western décor.
• Osteria del Treno read more ›
  (46 Via San Gregorio. Tel. 02 670 0479)
  This friendly, traditional eatery gets rave reviews and has been a key player in Milan's slow-food revolution. It serves high-quality food, including a good choice of regional meats and cheeses.

• Giannino read more ›
  (6 Via Vittor Pisani. Tel. 02 6698 6998)
  This long-established Milanese institution is next to the Stazione Centrale and offers a wide ranging menu of mostly traditional food. Possibly the best cotoletta alla milanese (veal cutlet) in town.
• Don Carlos read more ›
  (Grand Hotel, 29 Via Manzoni. Tel. 02 7231 4640)
  This music-themed eatery is set inside the hotel where the composer Giuseppe Verdi used to stay - and died, in 1901. Named after one of his most famous operas it serves up exciting modern Italian fare.
• Acanto read more ›
  (Hotel Principe di Savoia, 17 Piazza della Repubblica. Tel. 026 230 2026)
  This modern, creative eatery in one of Milan's leading five-star hotels offers a wide choice of dishes and a long and sumptuous wine list.
• Kisho read more ›
  (12 Via Morosini. Tel. 02 5501 0058)
  Japanese food has become the up-market cuisine of choice in Milan and this dark, ultra-minimalist hang-out serves a wide variety of dishes, including sushi and teriyaki.
• Santini read more ›
  (3 Via San Marco. Tel. 02 655 5587)
  This popular modern Italian eatery in the buzzing Brera district is part of an international chain with branches in London and Edinburgh. Ideal for a romantic evening, the cuisine combines tradition with creativity.
• Sadler read more ›
  (14 Via Troilo. Tel. 02 5810 4451)
  One of Milan's leading chefs offers creative cuisine ranging from anchovy and potato pie with sour berries to pork loin served with fennel seeds. On the pricey side (up to €100) but worth it for quality and service.
• Locanda Chiaravalle read more ›
  (36 Via San Bernardo. Tel. 02 539 1235)
  This refined home-from-home attracts diners looking for something a bit different. There's authentic Milanese cookery, a garden and views over a medieval abbey.
• Alice read more ›
  (9 Via Adige. Tel. 02 546 2930)
  There's plenty of delicate creative fare on offer at this converted monastery. The ambience is sober but will appeal to those who like peaceful, elegant surroundings and traditional food.
• Porto read more ›
  (6 Piazza Generale Cantore. Tel. 02 8940 7425)
  Creative seafood dishes of all kinds, including soups, scampi and fish steaks, are served in refined surroundings overlooking the old dock at the start of the Navigli district. Expect to pay up to €60, excluding drinks.
• Lyr read more ›
  (48 Corso Sempione. Tel. 02 3361 2490)
  Lebanese food is served in chic, up-market surroundings to a trendy crowd. This restaurant cum cocktail bar won't disappoint lovers of exotic flavours and cool elegance.

After Dark

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• Frizzi e Lazzi read more ›
  (5 Via Torricelli. Tel. 02 837 8228)
  A bit tatty but cool nonetheless, this old-style Naviglio bar has a pleasant courtyard for the summer months and serves drinks of all shapes and sizes, plus sandwiches at reasonable prices.
• Speakeasy read more ›
  (7 Via Castelfidardo. Tel. 02 653 6645)
  This disco-pub in the Brera district serves up quality American-style food, then you can dance to live bands or revival tracks. It's also open from midday for a filling brunch.
• Bloom read more ›
  (21 Via Statuto. Tel. 02 659 2920)
  This colourful modern bar is a popular haunt but not too expensive. It opens during the day for breakfast and coffee, but comes alive at happy hour with cocktails and snacks.
• Crash read more ›
  (3 Viale Montenero. Tel. 02 8969 7623)
  Popular with twenty- and thirtysomethings, this low-lit lounge bar in the Porta Romana area is a convenient place to kick off the night. Great value cocktails, too.
• Joe Peñas read more ›
  (17 Via Savona. Tel. 02 5811 0820)
  A pleasant Mexican-inspired bar that's a good place to kick off a night on the Navigli. Generously-sized cocktails and discreet Latin-American music complete the ambience.
• Pitbull Café read more ›
  (11 Corso Como. Tel. 02 2900 2343)
  Set in Milan's busiest nightlife street, this tiny bar offers a surprisingly big buffet to go with the cocktails. Popular with twentysomethings as a pre-club meeting point.

• Scimmie read more ›
  (49 Via Ascanio Sforza. Tel. 02 8940 2874)
  This tiny venue on the Naviglio Grande has a big reputation on the international jazz scene, attracting famous artists. There's also occasional stand-up comedy - in English.
• Gattopardo Café read more ›
  (47 Via Piero Della Francesca. Tel. 02 3453 7699)
  This up-market nightspot in the Sempione area attracts an older crowd, usually thirtysomethings, with its live cover versions of current hits and refined atmosphere and décor.
• Santa Tecla read more ›
  (3 Via Santa Tecla. Tel. 02 8901 5282)
  Recently reopened, this venue has had a complete (and stunning) redesign and the stage is set for live jazz gigs as well as music of other kinds. Full meals are available at lunchtime and in the evening, as well as cocktails and snacks.
• La Salumeria della Musica read more ›
  (2 Via Pasinetti. Tel. 02 5680 7350)
  Jazz and R 'n' B predominate at this quality live music venue on the south side of the city, a big, old factory easily reached by taxi or public transport.
• Biko read more ›
  (20 Via De Castilla. )
  A recent arrival just off busy Corso Como, this hang-out has a more multicultural vibe than Milan's usual offerings, and features DJ sets and live bands on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
• Rolling Stone read more ›
  (32 Corso XXII Marzo. Tel. 02 733 172)
  One of Milan's longest-established nightspots, Rolling Stone opens on Friday and Saturday nights for lovers of rock of all kinds. On Saturday there are live acts in the early evening.

• Borgo del Tempo Perso read more ›
  (36 Via Fabio Massimo. Tel. 02 569 4755)
  This massive disco complex on the outskirts of Milan opens from Thursday-Sunday with different areas devoted to different music styles, plus an outdoor garden for a night under the stars.
• B Cool read more ›
  (5 Bastioni di Porta Volta. Tel. 02 2900 5823)
  It may seem like this place is worth avoiding for its name alone. Persevere, though, because this disco-bar really is a cool place for grilled food, cocktails and dancing.
• Barrio Alto read more ›
  (24 Via Serio. Tel. 02 5681 6599)
  A pseudo-colonial styled hang-out where you can drink, dine and dance till late. The food is pretty good - it's well worth sampling the paella with a jug of sangria.
• Gioia 69 read more ›
  (69 Via Melchiorre Gioia. Tel. 02 6671 0180)
  Popular with the fashion crowd, this converted garage has two main rooms and an outdoor cocktail garden. There's also a restaurant serving up high-class Mediterranean cuisine.
• Food & Fashion read more ›
  (2 Via Palestrina. Tel. 02 9738 3003)
  Probably Milan's newest arrival, this venue follows the current trend of offering all-day opening with DJ sets until late. Ever popular happy hour cocktails too. Free entry.
• Atomic Bar read more ›
  (24 Via Felice Casati. Tel. 334 147 7164)
  This long-established club north of the centre is strictly for fans of underground rather than commercial music and attracts an individual crowd. Open from 10pm till late. Free entry.
• Oracle read more ›
  (Largo La Foppa, 47 Corso Garibaldi. )
  This new arrival in one of Milan's trendier areas combines a Japanese-look restaurant and music bar featuring live acts and DJ sets.
• Black Hole read more ›
  (118 Viale Umbria. Tel. 02 7104 0220)
  There's goth rock during the week, including live bands, while the theme changes to commercial and revival music on Saturday nights. The €10-€15 entry price includes a first drink.
• Ricci read more ›
  (27 Piazza della Repubblica. Tel. 02 3652 3348)
  Recently renovated, this elegant hangout opens daily till late serving (rather pricey) cocktails with snacks, then DJ sets till the small hours. Popular discobar with twentysomethings.
• Luminal read more ›
  (14 Via Monte Grappa. )
  Luminal opens for cocktails and snacks, with dancing later on as famous-name DJs take to the decks. As with most Milan venues, the entrance fee includes a first drink.
• Diverso read more ›
  (224 Via Gallarate. Tel. 02 3800 3856)
  This welcoming club is a bit of a hike from the centre but worth it when you get there: a chic lounge with live music on Thursday and DJs at the weekend.
• De Sade read more ›
  (21 Via Valtellina. Tel. 02 688 8898)
  A weekend-only venue mostly dedicated to hip-hop and house music with DJs from the international circuit. Opens from 11pm onwards.

This month...

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Tips

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