How To Do Milan in Style
From DMAG’s secondhand finds to Le Specialita’s homegrown menu, here’s the Local Hype.
Welcome to Local Hype, a travel diary where we compile a curated list of our “Hometown Heroes” for you to enjoy. Featuring the buzziest hotels, restaurants and local treasures that we’ve experienced for ourselves suggested by the city’s locals.
Next up? Milan, the city of luxury fashion, contemporary design and menus that make you want to cancel your return flight.
We traveled to the city for Milan Fashion Week and, outside of seeing the season’s showcases, we were on a mission to find the best streetwear stores, dinning experiences and, of course, in vogue hotels to tuck in for the night. From Bottega Veneta‘s new home in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to 10 Corso Como Café’s mouth-watering meals, we tested the must-stop spots for your next trip.
So, buckle up bellas and read below for our top picks of restaurants, shops and stays.
Shops
DMAG
After a busy fashion week, nothing feels better than dropping into DMAG. The outlet is home to, what feels like, every brand under the sun, from emerging designers to Italian heritage houses. Offering a more economic way to shop your favorite brands, DMAG is packed with beautiful finds including Marine Serre, Diesel, Vetements, Marni and more. Take it from a rookie, you’ll want more than just a quick stop here before the airport to sift through all that the store has to offer.
Bottega Veneta
If you plan to stop at the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II while visiting Milan, you can’t miss the chance to check out the new Bottega Veneta store. Tucked in Italy’s oldest, four-story shopping gallery, the venue feels more like an exhibition space than a retail store. The luxury brand’s new home offers dark green marble floors, a wooden spiral staircase, soft leather sofas and, of course, the latest iterations of the “Orbit” sneakers and “Jodie” bags.
Antonia
Antonia Giacinti opened it’s new location, Antonia Sant’Andrea, in 2023; quickly gaining the attention of the Milanese creative industry and tourists alike. The store is situated inside Portrait Milano which boasts a 2,800 square meter courtyard that held Ferragamo‘s Spring/Summer 2023 runway. Known for it’s blend of luxury and contemporary streetwear, Antonia Sant’Andrea offers a mix of brands including Jil Sander, Loewe, Jacquemus and more.
Restaurants
Bar Paradiso
At the intersection of fashion and food, Bar Paradiso is as much a spot to enjoy small bites as it is to admire fits. From selling limited edition Gucci postcards to hosting intimate fashion week dinners, the bar is the perfect place to unwind for a glass of organic wine in style. As for food, the menu is packed with Italian meats, sandwiches, Crescia Sfogliata and sweet focaccia.
Le Specialita
If you want to feel like you’re eating in an Italian grandma’s kitchen, Le Specialita is the spot for you. This restaurant is packed from open to close with everyone from Justin and Hailey Bieber to local families and birthday celebrants. While the menu’s focus is on traditional pizzas, they also offer a variety of cured meats, fish dishes and pasta. Side note: despite there being pineapple pizza on the menu, you will be judged for ordering it.
10 Corso Como Café
Surrounded by lush greenery and floor-to-ceiling windows, 10 Corso Como Café is luxury dining unlocked. The restaurant is a part of 10 Corso Como’s wider ecosystem which includes a cultural space and a store offering brands from Gentle Monster to Acne Studios. The menu has rich truffle pasta, calamari, steaks and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. While we came for the meal, we stayed for the delicious cocktails ranging from classic Italian Negronis to frosty and fruity spritzes.
Particolare Milano
Right across from Bar Paradiso, you’ll find the masters of creative cuisine at Particolare Milano. Inspired by architecture from the late ’50s, the venue is decorated with diamond textures, mirror tiles and golden lamps. With a focus on quality in the small details, each plate is both a favorable and an artistic experience. We tried the burrata and the short rib for our mains and finished the meal with an espresso-infused chocolate soufflé. Duo Milan Porta Nuova, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Hotels and Accommodation
Duo Milan Porta Nuova, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
The Duo Milan Porta Nuova is a contemporary hotel with stylish flare. With 239 rooms and suites, the hotel felt both boutique and elevated in unison. The lobby has a cozy cafe, outdoor courtyard, photo-booth and co-working space while the rooms are decorated with bright pops of color, large closets and incredibly comfortable beds. Its Duo Bistro has a range of international cuisines and Italian favorites, making it easy to dine directly downstairs without having to book elsewhere. The staff were incredibly kind with booking taxis, answering questions and accommodating late check-outs. We can’t wait to go back next time we’re in town.
The Westin Palace, Milan
Wether you’re in the city for work or pleasure, staying at the The Westin Palace, Milan feels like a luxurious safe haven. After a busy fashion week schedule, nothing feels better than walking into The Westin Palace, where everything is taken care of with ease. It’s location is perfectly situated for traveling around the city and is tucked on top of a grassy knoll which feels hidden away from the busy streets. The courtyard is a perfect place to spend an afternoon either on emails, with an Aperol spritz or both. The rooms have plenty of space to unpack and get comfortable and the mix of wood and mirror paneling in the interiors gives an extra level of elegance.
Airbnb
For a home away from home, the best way to stay in Milan is through Airbnb. Wether you want to feel like a local or have the flexibility of an open space, the platform provides options at any price point and for any needs. We stayed just a short walk from the Duomo and loved how easy it was to get around. Check-in and check-out were a breeze and it was great to relax into the space with its homey family-room, kitchen and mezzanine bed. Additionally, Airbnb recently launched a “Guest Favorite” badge which our apartment was included in. The feature highlights the most-loved homes on the platform, according to guests and offers an extra layer of reassurance when searching for your perfect stay.
