Milan: Where Fashion Meets Football and Authentic Lombard Flavors

Views from the roof of the Duomo

Our Italian honeymoon began in Milan, Italy's fashion capital and home to some of the most sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine in the north. As avid soccer fans, we had planned to catch an AC Milan match, but when the game got moved to the day before our arrival, we channeled our energy into exploring this incredible city instead. One of the most features we noticed immediately was that Milan was built in circles. Its layout dates back to Roman times when it was called Mediolanum. The city expanded outward in concentric circles from the original Roman settlement, with each ring representing different historical periods. This design makes Milan incredibly walkable - something we took full advantage of during our stay!

Lombard Cuisine

Authentic Lombard cuisine tends to be heartier, featuring butter, cheese, beef, and comforting potato-based dishes like gnocchi, or polenta, rice, and cozy soups. While Northern Italy’s food traditions differ from the classic Mediterranean diet, they still reflect many of its core principles: fresh, seasonal ingredients, high-quality olive oil, and the joy of sharing meals with others. I’ve found wine pairings to be more of an art than a science. There are no rules, just personal preferences. Still, to get you started, I’ve shared a few favorite pairings to go along with classic Lombardy dishes.

Regional Specialties & Wine Pairings:

• Risotto alla Milanese - The region's signature saffron risotto pairs beautifully with Lombardy's crisp white wines like Franciacorta, similar to champagne as a sparkling wine. 

• Cotoletta alla Milanese - This breaded veal cutlet pairs well with a young Valtellina Superiore (Nebbiolo-based red from the north) or a dry white like Lugana. 

• Pasta with Gorgonzola - Lombardy's famous blue cheese shines alongside a rich white like Gewürztraminer or chardonnay. For a red, opt for a softer Barbera or Valellina Nebbiolo.

Our Milan Food Journey

On our first night, we wanted something quick, casual and authentic. After 24 hours of traveling you better believe pasta was involved. Via Pasteria became our Mediterranean haven, where I discovered my new obsession: Linguine alla Nerano with Provolone del Monaco DOP. I’ve heard whispers that this is also Stanley Tucci's favorite pasta preparation, which is all I needed to know. This dish perfectly showcases the Mediterranean diet's emphasis on quality ingredients: tender zucchini, aged cheese, and perfectly al dente pasta. Zack's Conchigliette with Argentine prawn ragù featured Piennolo del Vesuvio DOP tomatoes and burrata stracciatella, paired with a southern Italian red wine that balanced the seafood beautifully.

Linguine alla Nerano from Via Pasteria

We also enjoyed Diavola pizza and a Mediterranean salad at Sciué Navigli, a charming spot in the heart of the Navigli district. The spicy salami pizza paired beautifully with a glass of local Lombard wine. One theme you’ll notice throughout our trip is that even when indulging in pizza and pasta, vegetables were almost always present, typically as a side dish or salad. It’s a simple, consistent way we made sure to get enough fiber and quality nutrients with every meal.

In Milan's artistic Brera district, we discovered a charming small-bites cafe called Sicilian that gave us a delicious preview of southern Italian flavors to come. We shared insalata arancia finocchio e mandorle (orange, fennel, and almond salad), arancini, and caponata di melanzane (eggplant caponata) - all perfectly paired with Etna Bianco, a crisp Sicilian white wine that was exactly what we needed to cool off on a warm Milan day. From a Mediterranean diet perspective, this meal was perfect: antioxidant-rich vegetables, healthy nuts, and the social experience of sharing small plates.

On the walk back to our hotel, we couldn't help but stop for some gelato. Fatto Con Amore was outstanding and we indulged in the this pistachio and raspberry combo topped with a wafer.

True to Italian tradition, we began each morning with an espresso and a pistachio cornetto—a ritual that captures the Mediterranean approach to starting the day with intention. The pistachio cornetto, with its flaky pastry and rich nut filling, was a delicious treat to accompany our morning caffeine routine.  

Must-See Milan Highlights

The Duomo: Is a stunning Gothic masterpiece that took nearly six centuries to complete, famous for its forest of spires, flying buttresses, and over 3,000 statues adorning its exterior. At its peak sits the golden Madonnina statue– a symbol of hope and protection over the city, and visitors can walk on the cathedral's rooftop terraces for breathtaking views of the city and the Alps.

Sforza Castle & Sempione Park: This felt like Milan's version of Central Park, perfect for a romantic stroll between meals. The imposing 15th-century castle, now houses several museums and art collections, while the sprawling Sempione Park behind it offers tree-lined paths, fountains, and the striking Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) at its far end. 

Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie: Home to Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" - though tickets sell out months in advance within minutes of release, you can still tour part of the beautiful church for free. The walk there through Milan's charming neighborhoods is worth it alone.

Navigli District: The major canal district where we bought a bottle of local wine to sip while watching the sunset. The evening market with local vendors was the perfect introduction to Italian culture.

Quadrilatero della Moda: Milan's fashion quadrilateral is a shopper's paradise, with luxury boutiques lining the prestigious streets. Between the high-end fashion stores, you'll discover exceptional delicatessens, artisanal bakeries, and traditional Milanese trattorias. 

Where We Stayed + Recommendations

Hotel: The Square Milano Duomo exceeded expectations with its gorgeous rooftop restaurant wrapping around the building. Every evening, locals and tourists gathered to catch the sunset - it perfectly embodied the Mediterranean lifestyle of savoring life's simple pleasures.

Recommendations: Give yourself 2 full days in Milan. The city is perfectly walkable and flat, making it easy to explore on foot while working up an appetite for your next incredible meal.

Next up: Our journey continues in Lake Como...

Rooftop Sunset | The Square Milano Hotel