When traveling for wine takes you to northern Italy, it’s almost certain you will find yourself in Milan. Whether flying into Malpensa Airport or taking the train, your journey to Piemonte, Veneto, Lake Garda or Como will surely take you through Italy’s second largest city, either as you arrive or depart. No matter the length of your stay, you will need to find the right restaurants in Milan.
Milan is a hub not only for fashion, finance, and international travel, but also for dining and wine. This city offers so much to experience! A short trip might feel overwhelming, but still so worth it. Having an idea of where you want to go is the first step to maximizing your time in this big city.
Between seeing the sights like the incredible Duomo di Milano, medieval Sforza Castle, or shopping for the latest fashion and design at the historic Vittorio Emanuele II shopping mall, you’re going to get thirsty for wine. If you aren’t in a hurry, take the day – or two – and explore some of the wine bars and restaurants in Milan.
7 Wine Bars & Restaurants in Milan Perfect For Wine Lovers
Cantine Isola
Via Paolo Sarpi, 30 corner via Arnolfo di Cambio, 1A 20154 Milan
Cantine Isola has been around since 1896. So, it’s safe to say that this wine shop and bar is a solid choice for any Milan wine tasting experience.
This charming spot is located in Milan’s Chinatown neighborhood. Once you walk inside, you feel as though you have entered the cellar of a well-versed wine collector. The walls all around are full of bottles just waiting to be explored. From labels with accessible price points, to bottles worth adding to a collection, there are endless options to taste. Wine enthusiasts of all levels will find something to enjoy.
Cantine Isola does not take reservations. Once you arrive, you can pick a bottle from the shelves or ask for a suggestion. All the wines can be poured by the glass, giving guests the opportunity to delight in various tastes from around the world in one setting. There is limited seating inside, and a small outdoor patio that allows you to sit along the sidewalk and observe the activity of the neighborhood as you sip. For a full meal, you’ll have to look elsewhere, as there are only small snacks available for purchase.
With such a casual and welcoming atmosphere at this Milan wine institution, it can be hard to not spend all day tasting your way through the shelves of Cantine Isola.
Convivio Enoteca Milano
Via Sabotino 2 20135 Milan
Convivio wine shop and bar is located in Porta Romana, one of the historic districts in the city. This is where the ancient “Porta Romana” gate marked the beginning of the road to Rome. The shop offers guests a relaxing environment to sip wine by the glass or bottle, along with a menu of small plates, such as cheese and meats, select pastas, and occasionally even oysters to enjoy with sparkling Franciacorta.
Because this wine bar is cozy, it may not be ideal for large groups. But it’s the perfect stop for sampling Italian wines and beyond with friends or a partner during a day of enjoying the historic sites of Milan.
El Buscia
Viale Beatrice d’Este 48, 20122 Milan
Via Raffaello Sanzio 4 20149 Milan
Bubbles lovers, get ready! El Buscia is a very special wine bar that focuses only on sparkling wines. The name of the bar comes from a Milanese dialect phrase, “el vin che el buscia,” or “the wine that has bubbles.”
Here, you will find a modern bar serving sparkling wines from all over the world at various price levels. Sure, they may have your favorite bottle of Champagne, but you are in Italy! Take the opportunity to try one of the many options of Italy’s premium Franciacorta or Trentodoc sparkling wines, or even enjoy a refreshing spumante on a budget.
El Buscia offers the perfect oasis to dip into after a hot summer day of walking the streets of Milan. Stop by, cool down, and indulge in a glass (or more) of cold, refreshing bubbly at one of their two locations in the city.
Top Missori Wine Bar & Bistrot
Piazza Giuseppe Missori, 3 20123 Milano
After you’ve seen the awe-inspiring Duomo di Milano, you can make your way over to one of the “top” wine bars and restaurants in Milan located in the neighborhood, just a relatively short walk away from the Cathedral (everything is walkable in Europe, right?). Enjoy an aperitivo here before dinner, or simply dine on site. This wine bar and restaurant has a full menu of delicious items, from creative cheese and meat plates that can be shared by the whole table, to dishes like roasted octopus, salmon marinated in Campari, and gourmet burgers.
Top Missori has an extensive wine list of over 100 labels. Guests can choose anything from a lively Aperol Spritz to something more serious, like a Barolo or Brunello. If the day is winding down, this is the spot that can take you into the night. Top Missori is open until 1AM Monday through Wednesday, and until 2AM Thursday through Saturday (closed Sunday).
Osteria Alla Concorrenza
Via Melzo, 12, 20129 Milan
This authentic style Italian osteria is your wine drinking location for the evening, especially if you’re looking for old school Italian bar vibes.
The word “osteria” traditionally refers to a place serving wine and simple food. At Osteria Alla Concorrenza, the traditional meaning still stands, but with enhancements like gourmet-style hot dishes, in addition to fine cheese and cured meats. If the food tastes too good to be just some neighborhood hole-in-the-wall, you know you’re on to something! This little osteria is the sister restaurant to Traottoria Trippa, one of the most sought-after restaurants in Milan.
The wine list leans more on the “natural wine” side, with funky bottles showcasing artistic labels. Not your grandfather’s Chianti. Want to stay refreshed with a Langhe Arneis? How about a light and easy Terre Sicilian Rosso? Pinot Nero (Noir) is not something you see from Italy all the time. But here, there’s a great bottle from Vigneti Delle Dolomiti IGT that pairs perfectly with a light cheese and cherry dessert.
Pastamadre
Via Bernardino Corio 8 20135 Milan
All the wine drinking around Milan will surely inspire an appetite. Everyone knows that Italy is the pasta capital, so it only makes sense to wine and dine at Pastamadre in Milan, located in the Porta Romana district.
This quaint restaurant of less than 40 seats focuses on Mediterranean cuisine and really fun natural wines and sour beers. The ingredients are straightforward, sourced from small producers with an emphasis on what’s in season. The menu features pasta dishes such as spaghetti with mussels, or pasta with sardines and wild fennel, pine nuts and saffron, and fresh regional dishes like octopus salad, Piedmontese meatballs, or Apulian artichoke with sila potato, and Ragusano Caciocavallo fondue.
The wine list has a broad Italian selection, as well as international options. However, the common thread is similar to the philosophy of the dishes served here: smaller producers crafting straightforward wines. Every bottle has an origin story. Don’t be afraid to ask for more details.
What’s great about Pastamadre is that you ultimately feel no judgment in this convivial little restaurant. Whether you’re here for lunch or dinner, explore the list. Be curious about the wines, and enjoy the pairing of both the thoughtfully prepared dishes and the expertly curated and intentional wine list.
Obicà Duomo
La Rinascente, Piazza Duomo Food Hall 7°, 20121 Milano
Located on the 7th floor of La Rinascente shopping mall in the Piazza Duomo is this Italian mozzarella and pizza restaurant in Milan with an incredible view of the neighboring Cathedral.
While Obicà is not a unique spot to Milan, this particular location is incredibly special due to its position overlooking one of the largest, most incredible cathedrals and architectural feats in the world. Make a reservation to drink and dine alongside others who are there to appreciate the beauty of the city with some height.
The wine list is all Italian, so really lean into something you’ve never tried before. Options for Italian wine lovers range from premium Franciacorta and Prosecco Superiore for bubbles, to classic Gavi or Vermentino for whites. Barbera, Chianti, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, and even Cannonau are included if you’re craving red. If it’s hot outside, you’ll definitely need a glass of Nero d’Avola Rosato from Sicily to keep it fresh while you revel in the sights. When you’re ready to move on from wine, Obicà also features a list of Italian gins for a special cocktail treat – Italiano style.
Time to plan your trip and drink and dine at these restaurants in Milan!
Find more articles about traveling for wine on Wine Guide Miami in our “Travel” section.
Jacqueline is a professional wine + travel writer, radio host, wine columnist, and consultant based in Miami, FL.
She is the monthly “Vino” columnist for Biscayne Times newspaper, a guest host covering the drinks segment on Linda Gassenheimer’s podcast show, “Food, News, and Views,” and Star Wine List’s Miami Ambassador.
Jacqueline is a Certified Sherry Wine Specialist & WSET 3.
