Chiara Anselmo (1974)

I must admint that “navigli”, is probably the most touristic area in town. Probably because, especially in summer, the atmosphere here is very relaxed and the water adds to the “holiday feeling”. However if you follow my simple tips you’ll have the chance to experience one of the most romantic parts of the city (especially in fall/winter).

Navigli in Milan is the name for canal. Originally it was built to connect Milan with the lakes and with Switzerland. The are two main Navigli: Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese: they are both nice but it depends on what you are looking for.

Naviglio Grande is more on the bohemian side. There are many restaurants, cafes and second hand shops. Here, each last Sunday of the month, a big Antiques Market is held (Mercatone Naviglio Grande). You’ll find furniture, items for the home, old books, jewelry etc. In my opinion is perfect for a pleasant walk on a Sunday morning in spring/autumn or to have a drink in the afternoon.

In Naviglio Pavese (just beside the other Naviglio) the atmosphere is younger. I recommend to come here at night in autumn or in winter, for a romantic walk. Unless you are looking for a party atmosphere, then come here on a Saturday night for a drink or two.

Just beside Piazza Duomo and nearby Piazza alla Scala, is a small square named Piazza San Fedele. I have always been fascinated by this place because in Milan there are not so many little squares like this and also because even if it is situated in the very center of the city it is always very peaceful, maybe because it’s quite small.

It is not so famous even if there is a statue of Alessandro Manzoni and a nice Church which gives the name to the square.

If you are around this area for shopping or for a tour I recommend you come here for a nice break. I like to come here with an ice cream or with a snack (perhaps eating one wonderful panzerotto from Luini (check the Luini article) which you can by just a few steps away from the square) and rest for a while, just people spotting or reading a book.

I love walking. One of my favorite streets in Milan, for a nice walk is Via Vincenzo Monti. I’ll try to find at least 10 good reasons why it can be renamed as “the best street in Milan”  for me:

*1. It is beautiful: with high trees and old beautiful buildings on the side.

*2. It is very centrally located (near Cadorna station) but there is not much traffic, and this is definitely a plus considering that it is located in the very city center.

*3. There is one of my favorite patisseries  (At numer 26).

*4. There are many nice restaurants  (pizzeria da Biagio is one of my favorites at number 28 ).

*5. There is a great hair stylist (Tony&Guy at number 27).

*6. There are two beautiful flower shops and I love flowers.

*7. It is close to the Triennale Museum (modern art/design museum).

*8. It is very close to the biggest park of Milan (Parco Sempione).

*9. There are a few supermarket and biological shops (Centro Botanico, at num 32)

*10. It is very close to  Malpensa Express (train shuttle to Malpensa Milan International Airport).

For all these reasons I recommend you to reserve at least a couple of hours to wander around Via Vincenzo Monti, have a nice coffee or a pizza or just enjoy window shopping.

Apart from the food which is very good one of the best things at Ciriboga is the atmosphere. It’s not easy to define: something between a french bistrot, a countryside farm and a winter garden. There are many different furniture around the dining room all with different inspirations (North African, French, Oriental) but the result is pleasant, bohemian and intimate at the same time.

There also different green plants around (which I appreciate very much).

The place is quite small so booking is recommended, especially on weekends.

Coming to the food you will find a creative, fusion/Mediterranean experience, with an Italian heritage. The name of the dishes are quite evocative so I will write down some for you and you can start dreaming about it: Fried Ravioli with Basil Aubergines Puree served with Fresh Cherry Tomatoes and small Bites of Buffalo mozzarella cheese; Mango Gazpacho; Fried focaccia with fresh Burrata (similar to Morrarella) cheese. I’ll stop here because I’m starting to get hungry and you?

There are not many Spanish/ Tapas Restaurants in Milan. I don’t know why since Spanish food is so good. AJO BLANCO is probably the best tapas bar in Milan.

It is located in quartiere Isola (close to Porta Garibaldi station/ undergound: Green Line) which is not very touristic but is becoming a new trendy place full of nice cafes, shops (especially vintage and second hands) and restaurants. To get here the easiest way is to take the underground, get off at Porta Garibaldi station then walk around, it is not very big so you can easily visit the entire area in one afternoon.

After your promenade around Isola area you could stop for a nice dinner / aperitif at Ajoblanco. The selection of tapas is very big and includes: meat/fish and vegetarian options. They also have good traditional Spanish salami and cheese, including typical cheese from different regions  of Spain.

Regarding wines you will find a big selection of Spanish bottles but here I always go for Sangria. They have different types including one with Cinnamon (which is my favorite) and also with white wine.

My favorite orders are: tortilla Espanola (with potatoes and onions), Concia de berenjena (aubergines marinates with olive oil, garlic and mint), Huevos Flamenco (fried egg with spicy tomato sauce) and Pisto manchego ( tasty mixed vegetables) but there are so many options that one dinner is sure not enough to try all!

The place is quite big but on weekends I would book in advance.