Milan is a city of myriad resources, a symbol of innovation, design and fashion where inclusion meets progress and where the restaurant industry runs at a fast pace, with new openings and historic venues, as we have described in our new guide Lombardy. If we consider the pandemic crisis, still not completely behind us, the forced closures and the impossibility of sharing time together, it is inevitable that it is precisely the open spaces that are so coveted and attractive. These include the beautiful terraces of the hotels or buildings in the heart of the city, from which you can enjoy a beautiful view and a refreshing breeze. This is unmissable for the people of Milan - for whom the aperitif is a veritable institution - but also enjoyed by tourists and occasional visitors, who despite the hot summer temperatures still want to visit the city. Below, you can find the most beautiful venues in Milan.
We start with the hotels: the rooftop of the Excelsior Hotel Gallia is home to one of the best-loved terraces in Milan, the ideal place to disconnect from the chaos of the city. In the kitchen, brothers Vincenzo and Antonio Lebano, under the supervision of the Cerea brothers (who have just inaugurated the new format DaV), carefully prepare both lunch and dinner: Mediterranean cuisine - a happy north-south crossover - with particular focus on local Lombardy tradition. Then there is an all-day dining menu with delicious proposals for a break overlooking the city of Milan: sandwiches, salads and appetizers, as well as excellent aperitifs, with traditional and more adventurous drinks. There is an extensive wine cellar and carefully chosen labels.
On the top floor of the Hotel dei Cavalieri, The Roof welcomes customers every day, offering a breathtaking view of the city's monuments, including the historic church of Sant'Alessandro and old Milan, all just one step from heaven. The lounge bar is the perfect solution for an aperitif or after dinner drinks; from the restaurant, you can enjoy dishes prepared by master chef Paolo Scaccabarozzi: great raw materials and an all-Italian menu. Accompanied by an excellent wine list and a carefully chosen drink list.
In the heart of Milan, a few steps from the Central Station and the iconic Bosco Verticale, the Hyatt Centric Milan Centrale boasts one of the most pleasant terraces in the city, thanks to the Organics Skygarden@Cielo, a green corner that is right on trend in modern urban architecture. The craft cocktails are accompanied by a fresh and highly appealing menu: on the one hand, a selection of oysters in the Plateau Royal, on the other hand-minced Fassona beef tartare, trio of pinse and other tasty seasonal dishes
Ristorante Torre - Fondazione Prada
On the sixth floor of the tower of the Fondazione Prada Museum, in the spaces designed by Rem Koolhaas, the terrace offers visitors a new perspective on the city through the large windows and the mirror cladding of the parapet, which creates a continuum between space and panoramic view of the city of Milan. In the kitchen, chef Lorenzo Lunghi has designed a menu that reserves a special place for his native Tuscany. The restaurant is open only in the evening, except on Saturdays and Sundays (when it is also open for lunch). Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
In one of the most evocative and charming places in Milan, Domenico Della Salandra serves up a delicious menu on this beautiful garden terrace overlooking Piazza San Marco. Now that summer has arrived, the menu is full of fresh and light dishes; from tuna en croute with sweet and sour reduction, to pappa al pomodoro and gazpacho, fresh ricotta mousse with honey, grapes and black pepper. There is no shortage of traditional dishes - try the risotto alla Milanese - but also the more adventurous options, such as glazed rigatoni filled with ragù, caciocavallo and Teroldego. The menu is echoed by a top-class drink list selected by Filippo Sisti, with great classics and more innovative recipes.
Another amazing terrace in Milan. We are on the roof of a historic building, headquarters of the Dsquared2 group, where we find two magnificent swimming pools with a 360° view of the city panorama, and chef Elio Sironi in the kitchen to prepare a delightful menu, designed specifically both for the restaurant and for the pool guests: a Piccoli Morsi menu, available from 1pm to 6.30pm, to be enjoyed en plein air and accompanied with signature cocktails by Abi El Attaoui's (bar manager); and à la carte menus only in the restaurant. Ceresio 7 is open every day.
Giacomo's panoramic terrace overlooking Piazza Duomo is one of the most scenic in the city, the venue itself is worth a visit, for an atmospheric lunch or dinner accompanied by traditional Lombard cuisine with an international twist, such as sea bass tacos in ceviche. Giacomo Arengario is also the ideal place for a tea, a coffee, a drink after the theater, a break after visiting the museum (yep, it is located right at the top of the Museo del Novecento), certain that you will never be disappointed.
On the terrace of the Milan Triennale, on the edge of Parco Sempione, the Osteria con Vista proposes (for lunch and dinner) culinary ideas by Stefano Cerveni, created by Salvatore Demuro and his brigade. A delicious, seasonal cuisine, with something for everyone and original touches that prevent it from ever being boring. For example, veal cutlet alla Milanese, cherry tomatoes and wild rocket, or Cavalier Cocco coarse linguine with cheese and pepper, served with Mazara del Vallo red prawn tartare. The menu also makes room for traditional regional dishes, such as - the everlasting - risotto alla Milanese with dried gremolada. Wine cellar ad hoc, like the mixology.
Symbol of urban lifestyle and icon of the Italian aperitif, Terrazza Martini is the perfect destination for those who want to relax, enjoy excellent drinks accompanied by appetizers overlooking the Milan skyline, to be enjoyed from this rooftop overlooking Piazza Diaz, a short distance from the Duomo.
Inspired by urban industrial style, as found in Berlin or London, on the terrace (a former car park of a disused dealership) visitors enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with music and cocktails against a sunset backdrop. The first drink is accompanied by lupin beans, taralli olives and edamame; instead, on the menu, fun dishes to share, including baba ghanoush or hummus, but also panini and dishes. Aperitif from 7pm to 8.30pm. Closed on Tuesday.
On the terrace of the Globe, on the top floor of Palazzo Coin, you can admire a stunning view over the roofs of the city, which can be enjoyed from lunch to after dinner (including Sunday brunch). The food is divided into different menus that adapt to the day: a quick lunch based on salads, tasty hamburgers but also pasta and rice dishes and seafood crudités; a more relaxed dinner and an unforgettable after dinner. Excellent drinks, including cocktails.