When visiting Italy’s financial capital of cosmopolitan Milan, you’ll likely find yourself spending a lot of time at and around the Duomo cathedral.
This curated guide details sit-down restaurants near the Duomo in Milan as well as some casual eateries if you’re low on time.
The Duomo is the cultural and physical heart of Milan. Soaring from the center of the city’s circular urban layout, all life literally revolves around this beacon of gothic architecture and Milanese history.
Although it’s only recently become a tourist hotspot – with 9.1 million tourists in 2024 according to the city’s marketing arm Milano&Partners – the northern capital of Lombardy has been a destination for newcomers for generations, with migrants arriving from both within Italy and beyond.
A melting pot of cultures and cuisines, the city boasts a deep pride in its traditions as well as solid respect for the creativity of new perspectives.
The historic center within the inner circle of the city is the cultural hub, where you can find museums, archaeological sites, theatres and shopping districts, and of course, endless food options. This is just one of many reasons why a visit to Milan is well-worth the real estate on your Italy itinerary!
The risk, however, when searching for a bite to eat is falling for the tourist traps, but with a little guidance, you can find a delicious meal a stone’s throw away from the Duomo.
Here’s our recommendations for some great spots to grab lunch or dinner with great service and vegetarian options. Whether you’re looking for simple Italian pasta dishes or quintessential MIlanese dishes like risotto giallo or cottoletta (cutlet), risotto al salto (think Italy’s version of crispy rice) more contemporary interpretations or a quick bite, there’s something for every discerning palate while exploring Milan’s bustling center.
NB: Some of these spots are closed on Mondays and Sundays and it’s always a good idea to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Photo credit: Sugo Facebook
Sugo
Just around the corner from the Duomo, Sugo is a contemporary restaurant with a retro vibe that reflects the modern and young eateries that have popped up in recent years. With respect for traditional cuisine, these places, typically helmed by hip young chefs who infuse fun and creativity into their fare.
Here you can find a classic risotto giallo, as well as their take on the cottoletta – an antipasto of mini cutlet for dipping in horseradish mayo, as well as other unfussy but hearty meat and pasta dishes. Prices are on par with what you find at downtown spots without being excessive.
Address: Via dell'Unione, 11
Website: https://www.instagram.com/sugo_milano/
Price: €€-€€€
(photo credit: Al Cantinone website)
Al Cantinone (Two locations)
This elegant but laid-back trattoria is a great place for either lunch or dinner in the heart of Milan, with many dishes from the Milanese tradition, as well as other Italian staples, such as risotto variations, pastas, fish and meat dishes. The feel is cozy and not pretentious.
For a quicker lunch, their bistrot, popular among local office workers, is a great spot for a warm meal without too long of a wait and at decent prices (around 10-15€). No need to book here. You can select a primo or secondo and contorno or all three, pay up front then head to the buffet in the back where your meal is warmed up before finding a seat.
Address: Via Agnello, 19; Via dell'Unione, 8.
Website: https://www.alcantinone.it/
Price: Bistrot € Restaurant €€
Photo credit: Peck Facebook
Peck
If you are looking to treat yourself for a meal, this historic delicatessen is a Milanese institution of the highest quality. A culinary menagerie, its store on street level is a feast for the eyes and belly. The place has everything from classic Milanese dishes to other Italian favorites, an endless cheese counter, fresh produce, packaged artisanal foods, desserts, gelato and a wine cellar. Their paté, imprinted with their iconic logo, is famous.
For a taste of their creations, their bistrot upstairs, Piccolo Peck, serves a long list of hot and cold dishes, including all the Milanese staples. On the pricier side, a risotto con ossobuco will set you back 38€.
Address: Via Spadari, 9, Closed Sunday
Website: https://peck.it/en/bistrot/
Price: €€€€
Curious Appetite’s Insider’s Food Tour of Milan
Milan is more than risotto, but the risotto is also very very good. Especially where we stop near the Duomo in Milan to savor some of the city’s best baked goods, cured meats, cheese washed down with local wines and more on our Fodor’s-approved Milan Food Tour
Over three hours, our bonafide Milan expert shares an in-depth overview of Lombardian regional food, diving deep into Milanese culture while supporting local food heroes, historical guides and small businesses.
We can accommodate most dietary restriction or lifestyles as well as mobility limitations, contact us to inquire for options.
Website: https://curiousappetitetravel.com/milan-food-tour
Our Milan Food Tour is available every day, making it perfect for Sundays and Mondays in particular, when a lot of restaurants are closed.
Photo credit: Pasto Facebook
Pasto - Laboratorio di pasta con cucina
By far the most affordable place for a bite to eat, Pasto is a fresh pasta lab with handmade pasta dishes conjured up daily, with the menu changing weekly. Located on a quiet street in the cinque vie, indoor seating is limited but extends to the street in warmer weather. Vegetarian options are plenty!
The place fills up fast and always has a line, so call ahead or show up early.
Address: Via Zecca Vecchia, 4
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pastomilano/
Price: €
San Mauri
Also tucked into a side street of the cinque vie district, San Maurì is a contemporary restaurant open for lunch and dinner. It’s warm and welcoming vibes makes it a great place for a more relaxed meal amidst a busy day of sightseeing.
Lunch, frequented by local office workers looking for a quick but satisfying meal, has a fixed menu that changes regularly, whereas at dinner, you’ll find refined Milanese classics – risotto giallo con ossobuco, cottoletta di vitello, and mondeghili.
Address: Via San Maurilio, 4 (closed Sunday)
Website: https://www.sanmauri.it/
Price: €€-€€€
Trattoria Milanese - Dal 1933
The menu here is a doozy. With more than 60 dishes crammed into their single-page menu, it might seem a little overwhelming, but it offers a chance to try something a little different from the typical Milanese trifecta of risotto, ossobuco and cottoletta – perhaps a cassoeula, stewed pork and cabbage, rustico buckwheat polenta with egg and gorgonzola, or if you’re feeling brave, the cervello (veal brain) or rognone (kidneys).
Dishes here are on the pricier side: a cottoletta will cost you around 32€, and the “pranzo turistico” fixed lunch menu of one primo, one secondo and a dessert is 48€.
A certified old-school trattoria – white tablecloths, wine bottle-lined shelves, friendly service, antique decor – this restaurant is warm and cozy in feel and fare, the perfect place to tuck into for a long meal with a good bottle of wine.
Address: Via Santa Marta, 11, Closed Sunday
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TrattoriaMilanese1933/?locale=it_IT
Price: €€€€
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