2010

First time in Milan. Staying at Hotel Gran Duca di York near the Domo (4 nights). Chose this hotel based on budget & location to sights we want to visit. Now I am looking for places to have dinner in the neighborhood. Started the search by looking at guidebooks and online resources (Trip Advisor, etc ...). Well, a girl has to start somewhere, right? Have noted some places for lunch BUT totally uninspired by the selections for dinner.

Any recommendations for restaurants in the neighbourhood? Would be willing to expand the search to places that would be easy to get to by transit or cab. My goal is to have a list of restaurants from which to choose while there.

Thanks!

vincenzo32951

We liked the Al Mercanti, which is in a square near the Duomo and Galleria. Some tourists there, but mostly Italians who seemed to be regulars, judging from the conversations they had with waiters and staff. The food was good. The service can be a bit brusque, though not rude, for tourists. For example, our waiter never offered us a wine list as he attempted to take our dinner orders. I then spoke to him in Italian and asked why we weren't offered wine. His demeanor seemed to change after that, and the night went fine. All in all, I'd recommend the place, but don't be surprised if the waiters aren't fawning.

A warning: Around the corner, on a main street, is the Cafe Mercante. It's a sidewalk-cafe tourist trap. We happened to stop there spur of the moment. Mediocre, overpriced food and a hidden service charge. Stay away.

bvlenci

We often stay in that area, and I have yet to find inspiring food around there. For lunch, you can eat on the rooftop terrace of the Rinascente department store. They have some good choices at reasonable prices.

mainetrvlgrl

We stayed at the Hotel Gran Duca di York-and they were fantastic at booking dinner reservations for us! I can't recall exactly where we ate (I could look back at my photos/notes), but we didn't have a meal that wasn't amazing with them setting us up each evening. I've never done that before-but they didn't disappoint!

Southam

Not in your area, actually closer to the main train station, but Milan is easy to navigate -- L'osteria del treno. I at meat like a wolf in this family-operated osteria where the customers were clearly not tourists. Here is a view: http://www.osteriadeltreno.it/?lang=en
The menu has a whole page of starter meat dishes preserved in various ways; the mains run to regional specialties such as rabbit. The several connected rooms are decorated with train prints. Finish with a plate of Lombardy goat cheeses. I was fatter and very happy. Address: Circ. Ferrovieri via St. Gregoirio 46/48
www.osteriadeltreno.it

2010

Thanks for your replies. Feeling hopeful there are some possibilities in the neighbourhood and beyond for us to have a decent meal.

Vincenzo: The menu at Al Mercante looks appealing as does the interior. Actually, we prefer waiters who do not 'fawn' over us but thanks for the warning.

bvlenci: I had made a note about lunch at Obika at La Rinascente (7th floor). Look forward a pleasant meal there.

mainetrvlgrl: Good to know that the hotel's restaurant recommendations were good. The folks there have been really helpful making other arrangements for us. So, it may be worthwhile to ask for their recommendations.

Southam: Osteria del Treno looks great! I will add this restaurant to my list in case we feel like venturing a little further afield.

kawh

we have had many great meals in milan-- at several of the above restaurants.

but i am going to give you 2 very touristy possibilities to add to your list. maybe you already had more exquisite food than you can take at your agriturismo, or in a little village...

first, on a rainy, stormy night, we decided to dash into the nearest spot and eat at the top of rinascente department store at Obicà Mozzarella Bar. i think it's a chain. beautiful view of the top of the duomo, surprisingly good food at a reasonable price, and filled with local shoppers as well as tourists.

second... and this was a gamble for us... was the SUPER touristy ...Tram Ristorante ATMosfera. it's a vintage tram with a tiny kitchen. it travels on the regular tracks around milan for 3 hours while you drink champagne, a bottle of wine, surprisingly good food,(amazing carpaccio/anchovy/lime starter) and see the sections of milan that you may not have seen. of course, this being italy, they take a smoke break mid-way through.a chance to meet the others.

we had the best time. we were the only foreigners... it was filled with locals out for very special occasions. we became really friendly with two 20-somethings taking their nonna out for her 90th. the waiter was lovely, and the cook chatted us up during the stop. we got quite drunk and had a fantastic rainy evening.

i was shocked when hubbie agreed it was worth a try... and even more shocked when we had an amazing time!

2010

Hi kawh: Thanks for sharing your dining experiences. The second maybe a hard sell to DH and for me who feels queasy in a revolving restaurant! Sounds like a novel idea - glad you & your husband enjoyed it.