MILAN is, without a doubt, Italy’s trendiest city for fashion and cuisine.

Milan’s fertile restaurant scene is definitely worth a check, with its mix of favorite classic restaurants and new, cool spaces.

A craving for good food and exceptional restaurant designs brought me back to the city recently, and each of the venues I visited offered something unique, whether it be an individual take on Italian cuisine or top-notch atmosphere.

Carlo e Camilla in Segheria

One of my personal favorite spots in Milan, Carlo e Camilla in Segheria, is a must-visit if you are a design-conscious foodie. Housed in a defunct sawmill, the raw cement structure gives an ultra-cool feel to a glamorous evening.

The concept was born from an encounter between art director Tanja Solci and Michelin-starred chef Carlo Cracco. High ceilings and bare cement walls set the stage. Only two very long tables intersect to form a cross in the dining area, while noble crystal chandeliers hang overhead.

The styling of the long tables is another magnificent highlight. A selection of white porcelain dishes with different designs are elegantly placed on the tables, so that each guest has a slightly different dining experience starting from their plate.

The cuisine is rather contemporary and fusion-themed, made with high quality ingredients. The menu is rather simple with limited options. For first-time diners who want a full dining experience, a tasting menu (six courses) is an ideal choice. However, the reason to dine at Carlo e Camilla is its exceptional space and mood. It’s a place not to be missed. It’s also an ideal place to have an excellent aperitif or an evening with excellent crafted cocktails.

Marta

When food meets design, the results can be magnificent.

Marta is an expression of a contemporary lifestyle, bringing within the charms of food ready to become emotion, to become memory.

Marta was born through a collaboration with Spazio Rossana Orlandi, a revered platform for avant-garde design and lifestyle. Though the gallery space was closed during my recent visit, the Marta bistro was a great discovery.

It’s the kind of place that you see and fall in love with. The interior space is ultra cool with a fun arrangement of random furniture and accessories. It gives off a contemporary retro look with a well-curated selection of tables, chairs, serving dishes and tablecloths. Every corner there has a fun surprise awaiting.

Chef Marta Pulini’s concept of cuisine goes to the purest and most natural ingredients. She is the founder of Bibendum Catering and chef at Franceschetta 58, Massimo Bottura’s bistrot.

The menu here is centered around fresh ingredients and original tastes, with dishes that are meant to be shared. Marta is a cool, adorable space to gather with friends and share simply good food and wine during a Sunday brunch or an intimate evening.

Address: Via Matteo Bandello, 14

Bar Basso

There are no rivals for Bar Basso, a monument to the aperitif in Milan.

In fact, Bar Basso is credited as the place that introduced the concept of the aperitif to everyday diners in Milan. It’s also known for the invention of Negroni Sbagliato.

Today, Milan locals as well as visitors gather at this classic Milanese bar for aperitif drinks and to soak up the vintage ambience. Waiters in uniforms, red napkins on the table and the classy bartenders keep old-time manners alive and well in the modern city.

Bar Basso is a historic bar for sophisticated drinking devotees. Since 1947, cocktails have been served shaken and stirred at this neighborhood establishment.

The cocktail list features more than 500 drinks, ranging from the classics to several new inventions.

For the first time guest, the Negroni Sbagliato, the signature drink and an invention of Bar Basso, is a must try. They serve up massive glasses of Negroni Sbagliato with bubbles instead of gin.

Address: Via Plinio, 39

Fonderie Milanesi

Fonderie Milanesi is hidden inside an industrial yard off Via Giovenale. The industrial decor and laid-back atmosphere gives off a hipster, cool ambience. Locals love to hang out here over Sunday brunch or during aperitif time.

The open-air space is one of the best options for a pleasant summer night filled with good food for sharing and quality cocktails. The location is not very central but the cool space makes it a destination in its own right.

The cocktail bar is more than grounded with an extensive list. There are more options on the a la carte menu for a proper dinner.

Fonderie Milanesi is definitely the place favored by those who love cool design and laid-back lifestyle.

Address: Via Giovenale 7

Langosteria Bistrot

Probably one of the best seafood bistrots in Milan, Langosteria Bistrot welcomes its guests with its refined style. The dining room is bright and classic and staff are professional.

Its specialty is raw seafood, caught and delivered daily, and all ingredients are top of the range. On a recent visit, I tried the scampi tartar, an extremely delicious, light appetizer to start a seafood lunch. The top quality scampi was mixed with extra virgin olive oil and a light buttery sauce.

The squid and bottarga spaghetti was another highlight. Bottarga has a peculiar taste that diners either love or hate. I was hooked the first time I tasted it. With squid mixed in, the pasta tasted fresh with a touch of salted, cured roe. However, the salty taste of the bottarga was not overwhelming.

The service is impeccable at Langosteria Bistrot. It’s a delightful seafood bistro I would love to come back to.

Address: Via Privata Bobbio 2

Ceresio 7

On top of the building of Dsquared2 group, Ceresio 7 is probably one of the most trendy and stylish dining options in the city.

It wowed me the first time I visited, during the Milan Expo last year. There is no better place to sip a spritz and check out Milan’s fashionable crowds and the city’s skyline. A pleasant and unexpected surprise for a historical building rooftop, Ceresio 7 has two wonderful swimming pools with a 360 degree view of the urban skyline providing a city resort experience where one can truly unwind.

Ceresio 7 is open from morning to midnight. The kitchen is headed by exective chef Elio Sironi. The chef’s signature is “exacting simplicity,” through the rediscovery of Italian classics, reinterpreted to value real flavors and consistency in dishes. At the same time, the interior’s savvy design adds kick to its concept.

Address: Via Ceresio, 7