1. Corso Como 10
Corso Como, 10
Who hasn’t heard of this legendary place? One of the city’s most stylish boutiques – a cocktail of the masterpieces of avant-garde designers, and haute couture dresses and accessories which look more like art objects in a gallery of modern art. Not everybody knows, however, that there is a great restaurant by the shop. It’s hidden away in a patio, practically undetectable to the eye of the bystander because of the lush greenery. This place is inhabited by the elaborately dressed stars of street style and influential buyers, traditionally wearing totally black.
2. Café Trussardi
Piazza della Scala, 5
A glass cube covered by greenery in one of Milan’s central squares is hard to miss. This is the famous Café Trussardi. It’s near the brand’s boutique, which is praised by literally all of Italy’s fashionistas. That’s why it’s always noisy, crowded, fun and free-spirited. I like coming here during lunch when all tables are booked, order a cup of my favourite cappuccino and amazing (best in the city!) tiramisu, and observe everything around me.
3. Emporio Armani Caffè
Piazzetta Croce Rossa, 2
The best cocktails in the city! No doubt! There’s also a possibility to enjoy them with those who set the runway on fire during the fashion week! Designers, creative directors of the greatest brands, models, stylists, make-up artists – everyone’s here in the evening! Very stylish interior of sophisticated red and black eclecticism, which, for some reason, always reminds me of those private cars in Tokyo that won’t let you in unless you have an invitation.
4. Maio Restaurant
Piazza del Duomo
On the rooftop of Milan’s most popular shopping center, La Rinascente, undergoing a never-ending reconstruction, sits the Maio Restaurant. A view of Duomo, the city’s greatest cathedral, gives this restaurant its main selling point. For our resident shopaholics, this spot will become a resting place after a six floor shopping marathon. By the way, this place is adored by fashionable journalists and buyers of large companies because of its stylish, cozy atmosphere, and the spirit of relaxation roaming free.
5. The Stage
Piazza Gae Aulenti, 4
One of the most grandiose and well thought-out examples of how you can mix a good boutique with a good restaurant. And all under the roof of just one brand. In this case it’s Replay! The concept is both simple and genius: tables neighbour masterfully placed clothes stands, hangers become interior elements, and waiters strut between tables like models on a runway. A great idea - Russian marketers might want to take notes on this one.
6. Ceresio 7
Via Ceresio, 7
Another facility opened by a fashion designer - this time the fabulous Caten brothers from Dsquared 2. It’s situated on the roof of a historical building, and the main shtick is that it’s not just a restaurant, but also a bar and an open-air pool right beneath the sky! All the trendsetters come here towards lunch time and stay for the rest of the day: swim, tan, showcase the latest trends in beach fashion, drink cocktails, and have supper in the evening. Real Italian dolce vita!