the Milan black book

Del Selletto – A historic boutique specialising in pyjamas and dressing gowns, where I've been buying all my sleepwear for as long as I can remember. The quality-to-price ratio is truly unmatched, with silk sourced from Lake Como and impeccable tailoring. A timeless address where Milanese families have been going for generations. 

Ferramenta Spinardi – A historic ferramenta in Milan, and a true reference for window and door handles. The level of quality found here is truly unique to this address. Their range of Art Deco-style handles remains a timeless reference. 

Hostaria Terza Carbonaia – The reliable choice. I've been going there since I was born. My parents even had their wedding meal there. The antipasti buffet is incredible: there's everything you could want, and everything is homemade. My favourite dish: a tagliata with porcini mushrooms. 

Hodeidah – It's an old coffee roastery (celebrating its 80th anniversary this year) located halfway between my home and my studio. I love how authentic it all remains, but above all, I love the aroma of the coffee. It's small, unfazed by trends, serves great coffee, and has friendly, knowledgeable staff. 

Armani/Libri and Micamera – I love spending time in bookshops, and I think I spend more on books than on anything else. When I'm in Milan, I love going to Armani Libri – I really like their selection – to the iconic Hoepli (which I truly hope doesn't close, as all Milanese fear) and, for books on photography, to Micamera, a must-visit for lovers of the genre. 

Telerie Spadari and Risi – I love the pyjamas by Telerie Spadari, founded in 1946, which also makes beautiful made-to-measure shirts, and the casual-chic clothing (strictly logo-free) by Risi, an authentic Milanese boutique just a stone's throw from Corso Magenta. 

Francesco Maglia, Ombrellificio – If I had to recommend a unique place where you can treat yourself to something that will last a lifetime and enjoy an experience at the same time, I would definitely mention Francesco Maglia and his Ombrellificio. Having an umbrella made by him is an experience in itself. 

Laboratorio Paravicini and Osanna Visconti – For anyone with a home project on the go. 

Loste Cafe – The best coffee in town to gently step away from the frenzy of Salone. A place to slow down, even just for a moment. Don't miss the cardamom roll – simple, perfect, almost essential. 

Tearose Boutique – A place to feast your eyes and be quietly enchanted by beauty. Flowers, floral compositions, and carefully selected unique pieces. A kind of beauty that asks nothing, except to be looked at. 

Sandi – Perfect for a lunch with friends. A must. It won me over with its stracciatella – a delicate broth with beaten egg. A dish from the heart, the kind that carries memories, like the one my mother used to make on more difficult days. And I love the curtains in the window – a small detail, but one that lingers. 

Fondazione Luigi Rovati  – A journey into the history of the Etruscans, the ancient civilisation at the origins of Italy. Here, archaeology meets contemporary art in a beautifully curated space. There's also a garden – a quiet place to pause, breathe, and step out of time for a moment. 

Sant Ambroeus – A Milanese institution you always end up going back to.

Da Giacomo – Feels unchanged and simple since Mongiardino, yet it always feels like a special occasion whenever you go.

Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone – A quiet courtyard just steps away from the city’s busiest street, perfect for lunch.

La Libera Osteria dei Binari – A hidden garden where you can rest after a hectic day.

Trattoria Milanese – The place where you truly feel Italy at heart, especially with the Milanese risotto.

Bice – One of those places that still carries old Milan charm, a timeless institution.

Camparino – An easy stop for an aperitivo with a view of the Duomo.

Bar Basso – Always a bit chaotic, always part of the ritual!

Fondazione Achille Castiglioni – A very direct way to step into Castiglioni’s world. Humble and poetic.

Micamera – A small but very precise selection for photography lovers.

Lorenzi Milano – One of those places where everything is carefully chosen, a paradise of delicate objects.

Museo Bagatti Valsecchi – More like stepping into a private home than a museum.

Villa Necchi Campiglio – Calm, light-filled, iconic, and surprisingly peaceful in the city.

Museo Boschi Di Stefano – A very personal collection that still feels alive.

Pasticceria Sissi – A quiet favourite for a slow morning coffee.

Pasticceria Gattullo – Best experienced at the counter, as the regulars do.

Marchesi 1824 – An easy stop hidden inside the Galleria.

Massimo De Carlo – Well-curated contemporary shows in a Portaluppi setting.

Trattoria Trippa – Modern Milanese cooking you won’t forget; booking in advance is recommended.

La Bottega del Gelato – A true classic where sorbet is served directly inside the fruit.

Pettinaroli – The most charming stationery and historical place in Milan.

Orologeria Sangalli dal 1900 – A very unique place specialised in horology that can only be understood by experiencing it, you only see this in Milan!

Ottica Chierichetti – A heritage optician, with real attention to service like no other.

CROMO Tea House at Torre Velasca – A secret tea house concept on the rooftop of one of Milan's most iconic brutalist towers. Incredible location, completely under the radar.  

Pizza Stella – Best pizza in Milan. Great people, great food. Your local must-go pizza spot.  

Bene Bene Bar – A small bar with the most incredible sound system, designed by legendary Giorgio di Salvo. Activated every night with music and drinks. This year it hosts the launch of the new media platform ALBUM.  

La Latteria – For food in general. Beyond having some of the best food in the city, it makes me feel at home. As I have lived away from my family for the past 32 years, it gives me a sense of family and belonging.

Sant Ambroeus – For lunch. It reminds me of the time I used to live in New York City.

Thaddaeus Ropac Gallery – I love the exhibitions. It offers a more international point of view.

UMITBENAN – My store in Via Bigli has been designed as a place where I can relax and meet people. It is a home away from home and a space where I can interact with my clients.

Eredi Zucca – A barber shop right next to my store, where I go for face massages instead of power naps.

Union Fade and Cloister  – Vintage stores with an excellent selection.

Dal Bolognese – Order the ricciola tartare, followed by their seasonal seafood pasta on a sunny summer day. In winter, though, I love starting with cold cuts and fried panzerotti and roast beef with smashed potatoes or of course, their bolognese pasta! 

Sant Ambroeus – The artichoke salad followed by veal paillard and vegetables, and a principessa cake too. 

⁠Langosteria – I always order tuna tartare with aubergines or pappa al pomodoro with clams, followed by their signature paccheri with sea bass and chilli, and their fruttini ice creams.

Palazzo Parigi – This is my favourite spa in Milan.

Four Seasons Hotel Milano –  For the best courtyard terrace in the city.

Macelleria Popolare – The perfect spot for authentic Italian street food with a great outdoor setup and a surprisingly serious wine list. End with the made-to-order espresso tiramisù.  

All Time Tones – Best record shop in the city. Go before or after Macelleria Popolare.  

LuBarino – The kiosk right in the heart of Brera. Classic aperitivo, artisanal arancini, beautiful square. The ultimate Design Week pit stop.  

Al Consolare – I literally grew up in this seafood restaurant, so it feels like home. Everything on the menu is great. Right now, I am completely obsessed with their pasta with scampi, zucchini, and carrots. 

LuBar – I honestly love going here at all hours of the day. But if I had to give a specific tip for Design Week, I'd recommend it for a late dinner. Salone schedules are crazy, and since our kitchen closes late, it could be very nice. Get the spaghetti ai ricci di mare. 

La Latteria – A historic institution that serves the simplest, yet the best food in Milan. Go very early, like at 11:45am, to get a table and to see Maria – one of the iconic owners – still running the show. 

Casa Ramen Super – If you want a break from classic Italian dishes, this place serves simply one of the best bowls of ramen ever. 

L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele – The best authentic Neapolitan pizza in Milan. The classics are flawless, but order the calzone con la ricotta.  

Ristorante Charmant – The perfect place when I want a more intimate and classic seafood dinner. They serve the absolute best catalana di aragosta in the city. 

Accademia Libanese – Whenever I am craving Middle Eastern flavours, this is my go-to. 

Nuova Arena – Open since 1982 under the same family management, this is the cosy trattoria Milan keeps to itself. Great quality at honest prices, and the kind of warm room that makes you want to stay for another glass. 

Trattoria del Pescatore – The best dish is the astice alla catalana (a Sicilian dish of lobster with tomato in a lemon sauce) and spaghetti alle vongole. 

Al Fresco – Right in the middle of the design district, and a must-go for lunch. The food is really good, and the terrace and garden are beautiful. It was just fully renovated. 

Sakeya – Japanese cuisine (not sushi) with a massive selection of sake from all over Japan that literally surrounds you. The restaurant's small size makes it very intimate, and the service is also very good.