Eating & Drinking better during Milan Design Week
A newsletter about the culture of eating and drinking better in Northern Italy.
Photo: Marco Curatolo / Bold! Campari's typography: Munari, Depero and Beyond, at the Galleria Campari in Sesto San Giovanni (M1 Sesto) through June 2025
My favorite time of the year in Milan is just around the corner! While you're here for design, you're also in Italy—so making sure you're well-fed during Milan Design Week is just as important IMHO.
Risotto & Steel’s MILAN FOOD & DRINK MAP FOR DESIGN WEEK
This map highlights top dining spots across Milan's nine zones, featuring a mix of Italian favorites, select international spots, and bars known for excellent coffee, wine, and great panini. You'll also find a few fast-casual options—reliable choices when you find yourself needed something quick —with multiple locations across the city (and they all deliver, too).
And of course, I couldn’t leave out my favorite gelaterie!
Every spot on this map is one I’ve personally visited, ensuring plenty of choices.
TIPS FOR EATING BETTER DURING DESIGN WEEK See below!
Milan Design Week (April 8-13) is one of the city's busiest, most dynamic and international events, drawing half a million people from 180 countries over six days—undoubtedly the largest annual gathering of designers in the world. While Milan’s expansive Rho Fiera exhibition center (with indoor space the size of six football fields!) serves as the industry’s foundation, the exhibits and events in centro have become just as influential, transforming entire neighborhoods into electric intersections of design and culture—fashion, sustainability, and food.
And, as luck would have it, Milan is usually bathed in sunshine during Design Week, only adding to the city’s infectious energy. The locals are out enjoying the action too.
The nonstop pace of Milan Design Week is both exhilarating and exhausting, with days spent dashing between exhibits and events. By evening, you’ll inevitably find yourself holding a Prosecco—or wishing you had one (though most events remain industry-focused and invite-only). Not long after, you’ll likely be on the hunt for the perfect spot to unwind—whether that’s with some aperitivo snacks or a really good risotto.
If you’re planning to be in Milan, give me a shout or better yet, join my small group tour of Duomo & Brera (there are still some spots the morning of April 4th)!
My love for design goes back nearly 20 years, starting with my work as a strategist at the architecture firm Rockwell Group. This MDW I even played a small role in shaping their food and beverage offerings for Casa Cork—so be sure to check out this installation during MDW on via Solferino!
Tips for Eating and Drinking better in Milan during Milan Design Week:
Taxis (and Ubers) are usually extremely hard to find (and expensive) during Milan Design Week. Plan ahead and make reservations in central locations that you know you won’t skip. Italians take reservations seriously, and with Salone in full swing, restaurants will be especially overwhelmed—so be realistic about traveling to a meal that isn’t close to a metro stop or near your lodging.
Use the metro…and the tram and the bus! They are generally extremely clean and well-lit. After midnight they stop running so plan for a taxi or Uber. The new M4 is a game-changer from getting across the city from Tortona to Dateo.
Use Google Maps (R&S MILAN FOOD & DRINK MAP FOR DESIGN WEEK) to bookmark potential spots to eat and drink. Since plans are always shifting, having a few options saved will help if you need a last-minute option.
Don’t expect perfect service. Milan has many incredible restaurants that are beloved by locals, but that doesn’t mean they’re used to massive crowds—or even English-speaking visitors. Be patient and understand that Salone pushes every restaurant to its limits.
Tip for great service! While tipping isn’t the norm in Italy, a little extra is always appreciated, especially during such a hectic week. If you receive great service, leaving a tip will be warmly welcomed!
Disclaimer: Everything I recommend here comes from personal experience. If not, I’ll always credit the person who shared the recommendation with me. The same goes for restaurants—if I was invited to dine somewhere, I’ll be upfront about it. I’ve found that restaurants with PR support are often well-equipped to welcome tourists, offer online booking, and generally provide a smooth experience. If I enjoy a place, I’ll happily recommend it!
We are planning trips for fall 2025 --it's never too early to drop us a line if you're planning to travel in Northern Italy.