4 Best Restaurants around Milan’s Duomo

The iconic Duomo di Milano is a true wonder of architecture and history that serves as a scenic backdrop for some of the best restaurants in Milan. This includes humble street food places like Cesarino Milano to restaurants serving authentic Milanese classics like Al Cantinone.

One could argue that no Milan food tour would be complete without enjoying one of the following restaurants around the Duomo di Milano.  

Must-Try Restaurants Near the Duomo

There are a lot of great places to eat near the Duomo di Milano. However, I think the following are the best restaurants for just about any occasion.

Cesarino Milano

Photo credit: Cesarino Milano

Cesarino Milano is just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Duomo di Milano and other landmarks like the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Teatro alla Scala. This makes it an ideal stop for tourists exploring central Milan, who want to enjoy a world-class sandwich experience on a budget.

The ambiance is simple yet inviting, with touches of elegance to the décor. There’s an outdoor seating area, which lets you sit in the energy of the city.

Cesarino Milano specializes in gourmet panini sandwiches, made with their delicious house-made sourdough bread. It’s the perfect vehicle for premium ingredients, such as local salumi and artisanal cheeses.

They also serve light salads and aperitivo platters to start your evening off right. Their spritz and Italian wine offerings pair perfectly with the food.

Cesarino Milano (€6–€9) – Via Pattari, 2, 20122 Milano MI, Italy. Open every day from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Al Cantinone

Photo credit: Al Cantinone

Al Cantinone is just a few blocks from the iconic Duomo di Milano and conveniently located in the Centro Storico. It’s a prime location for tourists exploring nearby landmarks, who want to enjoy a taste of authentic Milanese cuisine.

The ambiance at Al Cantinone has the welcoming vibe of a classic Italian trattoria with charming, unpretentious décor. Yet it’s central location in the city gives it a lively energetic atmosphere​

Al Cantinone’s menu specializes in traditional Northern Italian food and Lombard cuisine. Some of their signature dishes include risotto alla Milanese with osso buco, and classic cotoletta alla Milanese. However, they also have vegetarian and gluten-free options, to cater to people with special dietary needs.

I think the secret gem on their menu is their tiramisu. The robust coffee they use in the base and the complex flavor of their chocolate blend perfectly into a memorable, elevated dessert.  

Al Cantinone (€25–€40) – Via Agnello, 19, 20121 Milano MI, Italy – Open every day from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Temakinho

Photo credit: Temakinho

Temakinho is a Nikkei fusion restaurant that blends Japanese and Brazilian culinary traditions. While they have three locations in Milan, I think their location on Via Guglielmo Marconi, is one of the best restaurants near the Duomo di Milano.  

The atmosphere at Temakinho is lively, with trendy décor emblematic of the colorful vibrancy of Brazilian culture. This includes lush plant motifs and vibrant elements along with upbeat music. Yet somehow this international flair seems to meld perfectly with Milan’s fashionable vibe.

Temakinho specializes in Nikkei cuisine, which is a fusion of Brazilian flavors and Japanese techniques and Brazilian flavors. This includes things like sashimi, unique sushi rolls, and temaki hand rolls, using tropical ingredients like mango, passion fruit, and plantains.

One of my favorite signature dishes on their menu is the Temaki de Salmão e Maracujá. It’s a delicate hand roll made with salmon and passion fruit that allows both ingredients to play perfectly together. They also have an Ebi Hot Roll made from tempura shrimp in a sushi roll topped with a creamy, tangy sauce that’s rich with Brazilian flavors.

Temakinho (€10 to €20) – Via Guglielmo Marconi, 4, 20122 Milano MI, Italy – Open every day for lunch from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM, with dinner from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM.

Panzerotti Luini

Panzerotti Luini is just a few blocks from the Duomo di Milano and the Rocca 1794. Making it a great place to sample classic Milanese street food while enjoying some of the elegant shopping experiences Milan is known for.  

The ambiance at Panzerotti Luini is charming, with a priority on fast service. While the line outside can sometimes be long, it tends to move fast, making it a great place to grab some street food on a walking tour.  

As their name implies, the menu at Luini’s is panzerotti centric. It’s essentially a small type of calzone that’s filled with quality, affordable ingredients before being fried golden brown and delicious.

One of their signature panzerotti favorites is a classic mozzarella and tomato combo as well as spinach with ricotta or my favorite ham and cheese. In the mornings they often have dessert panzerotti with apple-cinnamon, and Nutella mixed with seasonal fruits and nuts.

Panzerotti Luini (€3-€5) – Via Santa Radegonda, 16, 20121 Milano MI, Italy – Open Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Traditional Milanese Dishes to Try Around the Duomo

The restaurants around the Duomo di Milano offer an eclectic mix of international flavors like Nikkei cuisine, tasty street food, and Milanese classics.

Risotto alla Milanese is a gourmet risotto made with the area’s rich Lombard butter and infused with saffron. This gives it a terroir and a touch of elegance with Milanese flair.

Ossobuco is made from a slow-roasted veal shank, which speaks to the nearby bucolic alpine meadows filled with some of the world’s best beef herds. Many times, it’s served with polenta or a bed or risotto which also highlights Milan’s hearty fare.  

Cotoletta alla Milanese is a breaded veal shank that’s perfectly pan-roasted in rich butter. It’s reminiscent of the schnitzel you find on the other side of the Alps, yet the restaurants near the Duomo di Milano make it with typical Milanese elegance.  

Panini sandwiches are an elevated Italian pressed sandwich that you can enjoy in an outdoor seating area or take with you. There are several shops within walking distance of the Duomo di Milano.

Tips for Dining Near Milan’s Duomo

Dining near the Duomo di Milano goes hand-in-hand with a walking tour in the heart of the city. If you want a fine-dining meal at a place like Al Cantinone, or Temakinho, I find it’s best to plan the meal for after the tour.

You might want to plan your reservations for late afternoon or early evening. This also lets you enjoy some of the aperitivo experiences near the Duomo di Milano.

If you’re taking a day tour of the area around the Duomo do Milano, then lunch might make more sense for your experience. You could even pick up a panini sandwich at Cesarino Milano or some street food to eat while taking in the local architecture.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Milan. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/milan/

Cesarino Milano. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.cesarinomilano.it/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Best food in Italy. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/guides/best-food-in-italy/

Al Cantinone. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.alcantinone.it/

Temakinho. (n.d.). Temakinho Milan Duomo. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.temakinho.com/pages/temakinho-milan-duomo

Luini. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.luini.it/