Milan Mini-Guide
Live from Milan, our contributors Alicia Sciberras and Jack Milenkovic have been busy running all over Milan soaking up the inspiration but have also found time to have an espresso or two. Here, they’ve collated the must do’s in Milan – your mini-guide to what to do, where to shop and where to refuel… La Dolce Vita!
10 Corso Como
Retail mecca since 1990, with it’s multilayered mix of art, fashion, food and energy found here. Undoubtedly one of the chicest mini-mall in the world. A must for your Milano checklist. Corso Como, 10
Antonia
In the Brera district, this boutique is housed in a renovated 19th-century palazzo, the interiors of which were conceived by design icon Vincenzo De Cotiis using polished brass tables and conceptual light fixtures that give the space an almost gallery-like atmosphere. Anotonia houses a large range of designers like Balmain, Maison Martin Margiela and Raf Simons. Via Cusani 5
Carlo e Camilla
Carlo e Camilla, located in a renovated former sawmill, the industrial setting adds a cool factor not easily found elsewhere in Milan, attracting a big fashion and art crowd following. And the drinks — like the Not Ordinary Mule, made with gin, turmeric and ginger — are just as much reason to come as the food. Via Giuseppe Media 24
Ceresio
Of course, most of you probably already know about the hotness that is CERESIO 7 (previously featured here and here), and the restaurant pool club now has the latest edition – Gym and Spa designed in the spirit of an exclusive private club. Dean and Dan Caten of Dsquared2 collaborated with Storage Associati to create an inviting, singular and relaxing space which includes an expansive gym and fitness area as well as private and group training rooms. The club is equipped with state-of-the-art fitness machines. The wellness and beauty area features a pool, whirlpool, Turkish bath, sauna and massage and beauty cabins. Via Ceresio 7
Fondazione Prada & Bar Luce
Co-chaired by Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli since 1995, Fondazione Prada is an institution dedicated to contemporary art and culture, hosting events, art festivals and exhibitions. Largo Isarco, 2
Gelateria Solferino
Best damn gelato in town – and during the fair, the shop front is clad with Hermes wallpaper. Via Solferino, 18
Giacomo
Bulleri’s legendary restaurant in Milano. A landmark and a meeting place for generations, the Giacomo brand has continued to innovate for over fifty years with six businesses that now bear the name of Giacomo: Da Giacomo, Giacomo Bistrot, Giacomo Caffè, Giacomo Arengario and finally Pasticceria da Giacomo and Tabaccheria da Giacomo. Palazzo Reale, Piazza del Duomo, 12
Mercato Metropolitano
This farmer’s market in Navigli not only sells some of the best produce, cheese and meat in Milan, but has an amazing selection of Italian street food to try. Shop, drink or eat on the spot and take a walk around the renovated Darsena, Milan’s central canal. Via Valenza 2.
Palazzo Segreti
The 18-room hotel to friends for “the beautiful antique charm” mixed with striking modern interior elements, like the contemporary photography on the walls. The location — between the Duomo and Sforzesco Castle is a short walk to Via Montenapoleone — is conveniently located near most activities around the city. Via San Tomaso 8.
Pasticceria Marchesi
Opened in 1820, the panettone from Marchesi are legendary. Having a coffee at the bar is a quintessential Milanese experience. Via Santa Maria alla Porta 11/a.
Flower Bistrot by Storage Associati
Potafiori is part flower shop, part cocktail bar and all day cafe/restaurant, located in Milan’s Bocconi University district. Designed by Storage Associati, the client – singer and florist Rosalba Piccinni – gave the architects a carte blanche to interpret a new world of flowers & food. Potafiori is open 7 days, from 8am to midnight, offering cappuccinos in the morning and jazz songs on the piano during aperitivo hour. Only in Italia! Via Salasco 17, Milan
Tearose
De Cotiis picks up innovative, modern floral arrangements from this style world favorite (which regularly provides flowers for virtually all of the Milan-based fashion houses). It also sells wonderful gifts, including fragrances, clothing and accessories from the likes of Alexander Wang and Phillip Lim. Via Croce Rossa 2.
Villa Nechi Campiglio
Piero Portaluppi-designed, Rationalist mansion-turned-museum. Completed in 1935, it was magically shown off in the 2010 film “I Am Love,” where Tilda Swinton played a matriarch presiding over an aristocratic clan, sparking renewed interest in the house. Via Mozart, 14
Mantra
In need a break from the carb-loading? Mantra is the answer with an asparagus salad to zucchini “spaghetti” with tomato and pesto. There’s also a market that sells raw nuts, seeds, cold-pressed juices and herbal teas. Via Panfilo Castaldi 21.
Images Courtesy of Alicia Sciberras
