Easy Italian in Piedmont and Lombardy: 12 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Milan

Must-try foods in Milan

• Risotto alla Milanese
  Risotto alla MilaneseThe golden soul of Milanese cuisine, this creamy rice dish is infused with high-quality saffron, giving it a vibrant yellow hue and a distinct earthy aroma. Traditionally prepared with beef marrow (midollo), butter, and plenty of Parmigiano-Reggiano, it is often served as a 'primo' or alongside Ossobuco. For a modern 2026 twist.
• Panettone
  PanettoneWhile globally associated with Christmas, Milanese artisans have successfully pushed Panettone into a year-round delicacy by 2026. This tall, leavened sweet bread is filled with candied fruits and raisins. High-end pasticcerias like Marchesi 1824 and Cucchi offer seasonal variations, and in September 2026.
• Minestrone alla Milanese
  Minestrone alla MilaneseUnlike the pasta-heavy soups of the south, Milan's minestrone is vegetable-centric and frequently features rice. It is a slow-cooked medley of seasonal Lombardy produce including cabbage, beans, celery, and spinach. In September, it is often served 'tiepido' (lukewarm), reflecting the transitional weather.
• Panzerotto
  PanzerottoThough originally from Puglia, the panzerotto became a Milanese rite of passage thanks to Luini near the Duomo. This deep-fried dough pocket is typically filled with tomato and oozing mozzarella. In 2026, it remains the ultimate 'on-the-go' lunch for students and office workers alike. Despite the city's high-fashion reputation.
• Busecca (Milanese Tripe)
  Busecca (Milanese Tripe)A thick, warming soup made from tripe, beans, and vegetables, once so central to the local diet that Milanese people were nicknamed 'buseccari' (tripe-eaters). It is a rich, savory dish topped with a generous dusting of Grana Padano. While once considered 'poor' food.

Trip guide

• About Milan
  About MilanMilan is a major metropolitan city in northern Italy and the capital of the Lombardy region. Founded by Celtic tribes around 590 BC, the settlement was later conquered by the Romans in 222 BC and renamed Mediolanum. It served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire from 286 AD to 402 AD.
• When to go
  When to goThe best times to visit Milan are from April to June or September to October, when the weather is pleasantly mild and ideal for walking. Summer (July and August) can be oppressively hot and humid, while winters are often cold, grey, and foggy. Peak tourist season coincides with major events like Fashion Week and the Salone del Mobile, so aim for the shoulder seasons to avoid the highest prices and largest crowds.
• Getting around
  Getting around Milan

  • International Flights and Malpensa Express Most travelers arrive via Malpensa Airport (MXP). The Malpensa Express train is the most efficient way to reach the city center, running every 30 minutes to Milano Cadorna or Milano Centrale stations.
  • ATM Public Transport (Metro, Tram, and Bus) Milan features an extensive integrated network managed by ATM. The four metro lines (M1-M4) are the fastest way to navigate, while the historic orange trams offer a scenic route through the central districts.
  • High-Speed Rail (Trenitalia and Italo) Milano Centrale is a major European rail hub connecting to Rome, Venice, and Paris. High-speed Frecciarossa and Italo trains provide a sustainable and rapid alternative to flying for domestic and cross-border travel.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Validate your public transport ticket immediately upon boarding or entering the station to avoid heavy fines.
  • Book tickets for the Last Supper and the Duomo terraces weeks in advance as they sell out quickly.
  • Expect to pay a 'coperto' service charge per person when sitting down at restaurants for a meal.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Milan

  • Milan Fashion Week SS 2027: Running from September 22–28, 2026, featuring 60 shows including the major debut of Loris Messina and Simone Rizzo at Moschino.
  • Dalí and Fashion Exhibition: A major new exhibition opening at the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) on September 24, 2026, exploring the surrealist artist's influence on style.