Cheap Eats in Milan — How to Eat Well on A Budget

There’s this perception that Milan’s high fashion, finance, and fine dining make it an expensive place to visit. Yet the truth is, at street level, there are a lot of vibrant eateries and delicious dining options that are very budget-friendly.

Having a game plan that includes some of these less expensive options is a great way to save on the budget for your next Milan food tour. Spending a little less on one or two meals in the day could even leave you with more money available to splurge on something special.

Traditional Milanese Dishes on a Budget

Milan has tons of delicious budget-friendly traditional dishes like risotto alla Milanese, ossobuco, and polenta. Just to name a few. It’s also an international city that embraces the cuisine of other countries like Japan, Peru, and Indian cuisine.

There are even some budget-friendly restaurants offering American fare for a little taste of home. Without having to resort to fast food to save a euro.

Best Cheap Eats in Milan: Top Spots to Try

There are a lot of great budget-friendly restaurants in Milan to try. Yet I think the following are a good place to enjoy classic Milanese dishes and ethnic cuisines without blowing up your budget.

Panzerotti Luini

Panzerotti Luini in Milan is a must-visit spot for budget-conscious travelers looking for an easy introduction to Italian street food culture. It’s conveniently located near the iconic Duomo di Milano, making it a great spot to stop for a quick snack or breakfast on a walking tour.

The ambiance at Panzerotti Luini is cozy and unpretentious, with a layout meant for expedited service. Their popularity and low prices make them very popular with tourists and locals, so expect the line to keep moving.

The menu at Luini’s focuses on panzerotti, which is basically a small, fried calzone that’s filled with a variety of high-quality, affordable ingredients. Some of the panzerotti they offer include classic mozzarella and tomato and like spinach with ricotta or ham and cheese.

However, I think the secret budget-friendly gem to try in the morning is their apple and cinnamon panzerotti. It’s very reminiscent of an apple hand pie like you might find in a US bakery, giving you a cheap taste of home after being abroad for a while.

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

Spontini

Photo credit: Spontini

Spontini is a popular Milanese pizza chain known for its thick, belly-filling slices of pizza served in a fast-casual environment. They have multiple locations, but I think they do it best at their pizzeria near Milan’s Central Station and the Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano.

The atmosphere at Spontini is casual with a retro aesthetic and fast service. You can grab a quick slice at the counter or sit down at their limited number of tables.  

The thick slices at Spontini are almost a hybrid between classic Neapolitan-style pizza and American deep dish. While they offer a wide range of options, their Margherita is by far their signature slice.

However, in the spring I think their secret budget-friendly gem is the Primavera. They use fresh, in-season vegetables from local producers to capture the lesser-known agrarian flavor of Milan, in a comfort-food slice of pizza.

Spontini (€5-€8) – Via Gaspare Spontini, 4, 20129 Milano MI, Italy – Open Monday to Friday for lunch from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, with dinner from 6:00 to 10:30 PM. Weekends from 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM. 

Ravioleria Sarpi

Photo credit: Ravioleria Sarpi

You might be surprised to hear that Milan has a Chinatown district, which is home to one of the best affordable dumpling restaurants you’ll find outside of China. Ravioleria Sarpi offers an authentic taste of handmade Chinese dumplings with flavorful Italian twists.

However, they operate out of a small kitchen visible through its street-facing window, where staff prepare fresh dumplings in plain sight, while there is no indoor seating, which I think adds to their street food charm.

Ravioleria Sarpi’s menu features a wide assortment of dumplings filled with beef, pork with Savoy cabbage, as well as vegetarian-friendly fillings like tofu, and spinach. All at cheap prices ranging from €3 to €5.

The budget-saving gem here is that they also sell uncooked dumplings. So, if you’re staying at a vacation rental with a kitchen, you can take a few orders back to cook at home!

Ravioleria Sarpi (€3-€5) – Via Paolo Sarpi, 27, 20154 Milano MI, Italy – Open every day from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM.

Miscusi Milano Centrale

Photo credit: Miscusi Milano Centrale

As the name implies, Miscusi Milano Centrale is a budget-friendly eatery conveniently located near Milan’s central train station. This makes it easily accessible for people looking to enjoy customizable Milanese fare without breaking the bank.

Miscusi’s atmosphere is vibrant and friendly, with simple décor and communal tables. This sort of encourages you to get to know your fellow diners.

The menu is innovative in that you can choose fresh pasta and customizable options, to have it your way. Some of their staple sauces include classic tomato and basil, creamy carbonara, and rich meat ragù. They often have plant-based options to accommodate vegetarians.

Their dish is the “Nonna’s recipe” which changes with what’s fresh and best in-season. It’s typically a selection of traditional sauces or an elevated version of their in-house ragù that you can pair with your pasta of choice. 

Miscusi Milano Centrale (€3-€5) – Piazza S. Camillo de Lellis, 20124 Milano MI, Italy – Open every day from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM.

Tips for Eating Cheap in Milan

One of the best ways to eat cheap in Milan is to try out some of the local markets. The vendors there are usually happy to give you a taste, which will help you understand what Milanese flavors are in your wheelhouse. You might even find some local ingredients to take back to your vacation rental where you can cook an inexpensive meal for yourself.

Enjoying Milan’s aperitivo culture is also a great way to save money on meals while enjoying some of the city’s refreshing beverages. Many bars and pubs have deals where you can get an aperitivo drink €8 to €12 which includes access to a buffet, small plates tapas, or finger foods.

If you want a formal sit-down meal, try to look for trattorias and osterias, which tend to have a more affordable price point for Italian food. They can be a great way to save money on lunch, so you have more budget left over if you want to do something special for dinner.

Sources:

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

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

Spontini Milano. (n.d.). Pizzeria Milano Buenos Aires. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://spontinimilano.com/pizzerie/MILANO-BUENOS-AIRES/

La Ravioleria Sarpi. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.laravioleriasarpi.com/

Miscusi. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://miscusi.com/it/app-login

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