As the most un-Italian, experimental place one can imagine, Milan picked up the dinner club trend already well established in NYC, London etc. Melissa and Lele are the amazing folks regularly hosting social dinners in their design loft. Plus theatre events and concerts with aperitivo beforehand.
There are several reasons why I am one of the regulars: Where else can you go to enjoy high-class Italian food with an innovative twist, meet new people, feel at home, play table soccer, and share one big table in the living room of two designers without spending an arm and a leg? Nowhere else in Milan!
Ma's atmosphere is absolutely unique and authentic, warm and welcoming, quirky and cool. Melissa and Lele are great hosts, taking care of every wish one might have. Being a designer myself, I especially love the design side of it: The whole loft is a well-curated, eclectic collection of design objects, put together with a great hand, just lovely. As an add-on, you can take home every object you fall in love with for a very decent price.
Now, the food. It is prepared in an open kitchen, using the freshest seasonal ingredients, and it is always super-delicious. There are several resident and guest chefs cooking while you eat the four-course meal. My favourite is Stefano Ratti, a genius of fancy, niche and surprising dishes. Italian hospitality at its best.
Make sure to register and have a quick finger booking your seat, it sells out in no time.
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One of the most interesting in the city, founded in 1576, it has the same structure as some Roman-Greek circular temples, "tholos" in ancient Greek.
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It was built in the V century around a stone, which beneath it had the relics of four Christian martyrs who were brutally tortured and then killed...
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Alda Merini was one of the most interesting people in the city and was always wandering around Navigli, so anybody could go and meet her in that district.
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Though Pinocchio's statue is easy to overlook, it serves as a reminder of Milan’s deep connection to Italian culture, inviting us to see beyond the surface
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On Saint'Eustorgio square stands the statue of Saint Peter of Verona, the crual Inquisitor of Milan and Como, overseeing trials for witchcraft and sorcery.
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Villa Invernizzi is an impressive Milan mansion with its own covey of pink flamingos. They spend their quiet lives in the garden, used to the attention.
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AOC's charm is not just in the goods but in the story behind them, shared passionately by the founder’s son and his wife, who now run the store.
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These fountains, both historic and functional, are reminders of Milan’s longstanding connection with mineral water—an overlooked aspect of the city’s past.
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Casa 770 striking facade was built to bring a piece of Brooklyn’s spirit to Milan, it’s the only one in Europe, and now it serves as a cultural hub.
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Locals say via Bagnera is haunted, with the wind carrying whispers of a gruesome legacy. Pause and imagine Milan’s hidden history in this quiet corner.
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Backdoor43 in Milan is life experienced through a whiskey glass. This is the smallest bar in the world. 3 people maximum for each session, booked in advance.
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"Tenoha Milano" has Nippon minimalism. No fluffy puff, no chichi, no HelloKitty. This place oozes craftsmanship, period. You'll wanna come back asap.
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185 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 185 Insider Tips from our local Spotters