From Milan With Love – A Love Letter To Italy’s Fashion Capital – By Lawson Mpame

Milan is renowned for its style, fashion and known for the extravagant Milan Fashion week. But you may be surprised to learn that there is far more to the city than meets the eye. From exquisite architecture to delectable cuisine and a vibrant nightlife, this city captured my heart once again during my recent visit. In this article, I’ll delve into everything from top restaurants and bars to navigating the city and exploring its architectural wonders.

Fortunate to receive an invitation to Milan Fashion Week for the second consecutive year, I decided my stay this time around needed to be for 3 days to fully immerse myself in the city’s rich culture. Despite misconceptions about expense, flights and accommodations were surprisingly affordable. Opting for morning flight allowed ample time to make the most of what Milan has to offer, given the two and half hour long travel time. Our accommodation was a charming AirBnB nestled in a picturesque architectural Piazza in central Milan. It offered both convenience and comfort at a reasonable rate of 235 euros for two nights.

Culinary Delights:

On our inaugural evening in Milan, our mission was clear: to experience the city’s renowned best pasta restaurant firsthand. But before indulging in culinary delights, we embarked on a leisurely stroll, soaking in the city’s timeless charm. A visit to the awe-inspiring Santa Maria Delle Grazie church offered a glimpse into Milan’s rich architectural history, setting the stage for an evening of cultural exploration around the city before dinner.

As dusk descended, we sought solace in the tradition of the Milanese aperitivo, opting for a Negroni at a quaint street cafe. Surprisingly, the cafe surpassed expectations, crafting impeccable Negronis with finesse—an ode to Milan’s dedication to excellence. With spirits lifted, we ventured to Osteria Da Fortunata, a haven for pasta lovers and the best pasta in Milan. The sight of pasta being freshly made in the restaurant’s window only heightened anticipation for what lay ahead with our dinner choice.

We ordered some sharing plates to start, a bold red and a classic Carbonara for the main dish. Savouring each bite of the Carbonara, I was transported to gastronomic bliss, the harmonious blend of flavors leaving me utterly astounded. Priced at a modest €18, this culinary masterpiece is a must-try for any visitor. And to aid digestion, the zesty Lemoncellos proved to be the perfect post-dinner companion.

With appetites satiated, our quest for the perfect nightcap led us to Corso Como—a bustling hub full of bars, vibrant Milanese patrons who bring the area alive. 

Corso Como 10, a personal favourite bar that I visited last year, called to us with promises of the finest Negroni in Italy. As we savored our cocktails, complimentary snacks flowed freely, a testament to Milan’s convivial drinking culture. 

Post after-dinner drinks, Friday night unfolded with a whirlwind of excitement, from attending my first Milan Fashion Week show to embarking on a spirited club crawl with newfound friends and my group of friends who joined me on the trip. We partied until the early hours of the morning. 

Exploring by Night:

Navigating the city’s vibrant nightlife was a breeze, thanks to the efficient metro, vintage trams, and reliable taxis. However, a word of caution: while taxis offer convenience when you hail them, beware of nighttime meter anomalies with FREENOW taxis, a quirk worth noting for savvy travelers!

On Saturday, we embarked on a culinary adventure starting with brunch at the breathtaking Terreza Duomo Lounge Bar, offering panoramic views of the iconic Duomo and Piazza. A destination not to be missed, despite its upscale reputation, the experience proved to be worth every penny. From exquisite food to impeccable cocktails and attentive staff, the ambiance was nothing short of extraordinary.

Indulging in a sumptuous Ragu Risotto for lunch, accompanied by delightful tequila cocktails—because, as they say, it’s 5 pm somewhere—culminated in a divine tiramisu experience. Despite not having a sweet tooth, I found myself enchanted by the irresistible flavors of this heavenly dessert which I can attest to being the best darn tiramisu I have ever had in my entire life! Nothing compares! 

Hours melted away as we savored our time at the bar, making new friends, sharing laughter, and creating lasting memories. With spirits soaring and appetites whetted, we set off for an evening of gastronomic delights.

Opting for a steakhouse dinner in Milan might raise eyebrows, considering the abundance of Italian cuisine, but let me assure you, there are steakhouses, and then there are STEAKHOUSES. Beef Club is a culinary gem unlike any other, where the refined decor sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Offering a tantalising array of beef cuts and dishes, each dish surpassed expectations. 

Our culinary journey began with a delightful surprise—a beef cheek Bon Bon amuse-bouche compliments of the chef, accompanied by an exquisite sauce. A perfect bottle of red complemented our starters, including a decadent bone marrow dish that left us craving more. For the main course, we savored a T-bone steak, creatively presented amidst plumes of dry ice fog—an impressive sight indeed. Accompanied by fried cauliflower with garlic aioli and an array of sauces and salts, including nduja, Bearnaise sauce, and charcoal sea salt, every bite was a symphony of flavors.

As we concluded our meal with refreshing limoncello, we couldn’t help but marvel at the culinary delights we had experienced. With spirits high, we returned to our apartment to freshen up before embarking on our final night out in Milan, savouring every moment of this epicurean adventure.

We kicked off our evening at Ceresio 7, a striking rooftop bar offering a panoramic view of Milan that’s especially mesmerising after dark. Despite the steep price of €20 per cocktail, we indulged in their signature drinks, knowing that this establishment, frequented by celebrities like J-Lo, lives up to its reputation. Satisfied with our drinks, we then made our way to a hip-hop nightclub, where we danced until the early hours of the morning.

*Farewell to Milan:**

On our final day, we sought out another rooftop spot for lunch, and The Dome Milano caught our eye. While the prices were steep once more and the portions somewhat modest, it provided a delightful conclusion to our trip. Despite its small size, the lasagne surpassed expectations, ranking as one of the best I’ve ever tasted. After a bit more sightseeing and leisurely strolls, it was time to head home, cherishing the memories of our Milanese adventure.

Milan, you’ve captured my heart, and I’m confident that anyone who visits and explores the places I’ve experienced will fall in love with you too! Your abundance of style, culture, mouthwatering cuisine, captivating architecture, and vibrant nightlife make you truly one-of-a-kind. I eagerly anticipate returning in May, when the city basks in the warmth of the sun. Until next time, Milan, arrivederci!

From Milan With Love – A Love Letter To Italy’s Fashion Capital By Lawson Mpame

“Hi, my name is Lawson, and I’m a lover of all things travel, style, and gastronomy. These elements define my personal brand and fuel my passions. As a contributor to Taste.ie, I aspire to explore new destinations and savor exquisite dining experiences around the world. Join me on my journey as I uncover the finest places to visit and the most delectable cuisines to enjoy.”