ASK NADINE CHOE, THE STANZA

MILAN: A Guide to shopping and eating in the city

Uma Chalik

and

Nadine // The Stanza

Apr 04, 2025

One constant of Miscellaneous Good: I only share recommendations I can personally vouch for.

When I’m planning a trip, I start by texting a few trusted people for 2-3 recommendations in their area of expertise – my friend who works in fine art for all the galleries to visit, my friend who grew up in the neighborhood for the top 3 local coffee shops.

I'm bringing that same concept to Miscellaneous Good with Ask a Friend — where I ask people I trust for their un-Googleable recommendations in their city.

For this edition, I’m especially excited to Ask Nadine Choe, founder of The Stanza Media, for a guide to shopping and eating in her home city of Milan, just in time for Salone.

If you're not familiar with The Stanza, it's one of the smartest, sharpest reads on the business of luxury. I first discovered it through a coworker years ago (thanks, Kendall) and was immediately drawn to how Nadine breaks down the economics of fashion and hospitality with clarity and wit. Since then, it's become my go-to source for news and analysis on the luxury industry—what’s happening behind the scenes, and why it matters.

In short: if you want to shop, drink, and eat like you live in Milan (and have high-end taste), Nadine has the recommendations.

WHAT’S YOUR STYLE

What’s your favorite type of restaurant? What kinds of restaurants do you gravitate towards most?

It depends on my mood! I love restaurants generally - the vibe, the food, the service, the overall experience. Luckily Milan has a lot of good options - see below for all sorts of options!

How would you describe your style, and where do you tend to shop?

I actually shop mostly on Vestiaire or Vinted, both of which are incredible if you’re in the EU! I’ve been on an Alaia kick recently - I love the tailoring. The good thing about Italy is that you can find a lot of great secondhand Prada and Gucci both at secondhand stores or on resale platforms.

WHERE TO EAT

CHIC & ELEGANT MILANESE

NATURAL WINE BARS & SMALL PLATES

Bar Nico - The bar is named after Nico, the owners’ elegant Afghan hound, and he’s become something of a brand ambassador. Check out their instagram for a good time.

Bicchierino Bar - For those that love silver plates, charcuterie, and orange wine.
Bar Nico - For those who appreciate design, good wine, and an intimate setting. And check out their instagram for a good time.
Bar Paradiso
Ultramarino
Minerale
Dexter
Osteria Alla Concorrenza
Atypique

DIFFERENT & CREATIVE

SPECIALTY CAFES

Loste - The best cinnamon rolls!
The Coffee
Pan Milano
Gelsomina - A great iced coffee!
Orso Nero

TRADITIONAL LOMBARDIAN

Trattoria Milanese
Osteria Dei Binari
Dal Bolognese - Order a cotoletta or ossobucco with saffron risotto - two classic Lombardian dishes.

TRADITIONAL MILANESE PASTICCERIA (COFFEE, PASTRIES, LUNCH)

Pasticceria Sissi
Pasticceria Gattullo
Pasticceria Cucchi - where locals go
Sant Ambroeus
Cova
Montenapoleone Marchesi (Via Santa Maria alla Porta) - An upscale option if you want to have afternoon tea.

JAPANESE FUSION

Some of the best restaurants in Milan, in my opinion

⭐ Yapa
⭐ Bentoteca

SUSHI & IZAKAYA

House of Ronin - Hatsune Ronin has incredible omakase.
Kappou Ninomiya - A bit further out from central but quality sushi.
Nomado - A new spot that opened in the city center. Get the “nigiri nomad style”.

WHERE TO SHOP

VINTAGE

Cavalli e Nastri (Mora location) - Incredible designer pieces!
Shop the Story - The owner has an encyclopedic knowledge of 90-00’s archival runway collections