Milan is a city that truly surprises you. It’s a place where you can find both high fashion and hearty trattorias, making it an incredibly exciting destination for food and wine lovers. The city will also be in the spotlight as a host for the 2026 Olympics, so there’s a lot to explore. Whether you’re planning a winter trip or a summer getaway, this guide will help you find some of the best wine destinations in Milan and even a couple of gems near Verona, perfect for a day trip from the Olympic host city of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Milan’s Top Wine Destinations
Ristorante Cracco Grandeur
Ristorante Cracco offers a really elegant take on modern Italian food. It’s located right in the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a beautiful spot near the Piazza del Duomo. Chef Carlo Cracco’s menus, both tasting and à la carte, are full of creative twists on classic dishes. You might find familiar flavors like saffron risotto or stuffed pigeon, but with a unique touch. The wine program here is exceptional, with a strong emphasis on Italian wines. They have a fantastic collection of benchmark Barolo producers, such as Gaja and Aldo Conterno, which you’ll want to explore.
Acanto’s Classic Elegance
Acanto feels like a picture of old-school, cosmopolitan Milan. It’s situated near the Piazza della Repubblica, inside the grand Principe di Savoia hotel. The dining room itself is impressive, with high ceilings, beautiful crystal chandeliers, and walls accented with gold. It creates a very elegant setting for the food prepared by chef Matteo Gabrielle, who has roots in northwestern Lombardy. If you want to relax further, you can enjoy wine or tea in the hotel’s plush salon, or try an experimental cocktail at the Principe Bar. It’s also conveniently located close to the Giardini Indro Montanelli park and museums like the Galleria d’Arte Moderna.
Affinatore Steakhouse Experience
At Affinatore, the restaurant’s dedication to fine steaks and wine is immediately apparent. The walls feature sleek glass cases showcasing impressive dry-aged steaks and some of the most respected bottles from their extensive wine cellar. The decor, with plush leather and polished wood, gives off a high-end, old-school club atmosphere. Downstairs, there’s even a cigar bar. The wine director manages an incredible list that includes impressive selections of Masseto and Château Lynch-Bages, among many others. Watching the beef seared tableside is quite a show.
Langosteria Seafood Paradise
Langosteria is a sophisticated, dimly lit spot in Milan’s Zona Solari that really celebrates seafood. The menu offers a wide variety of crudos, tartares, pasta dishes, and grilled options, including things like olive-studded tuna cheeks or spiny lobster. The wine program here is particularly massive, with over 17,000 bottles in their cellar, curated to perfectly complement the food. You’ll find extensive verticals from favorite Burgundy producers as well as key Italian wines. Langosteria also has other locations in beautiful spots like Paraggi, Paris, and St. Moritz.
Seta’s Modern Italian Flavors
Seta, located within Milan’s Mandarin Oriental hotel, offers a refined contemporary Italian dining experience. Chef Antonio Guida masterfully blends tradition with modern techniques. The tasting menus are filled with inventive dishes, like raspberry risotto with herb cream, showcasing both regional Italian influences and global inspirations. The wine program, overseen by director Andrea Loi, features an extensive selection of Italian labels from renowned producers like Biondi-Santi and Roagna, alongside international luxury bottles such as Krug. The opportunity for al fresco dining here is lovely.
Tuya Milano’s Unique Vibe
Stepping into Tuya Milano feels almost like entering another world, with jade green lighting washing over the dining room, emanating from an elaborate light display above the leather booths. The menu offers rich, decadent dishes, such as tenderloin slathered with foie gras or octopus confit. The wine director highlights collections of top Burgundy crus and prestige bottles like Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia and Bodegas Vega Sicilia. It’s interesting to know that Tuya also has locations in Mykonos, Greece, and Bucharest, Romania.
Zelo’s Four Seasons Sophistication
Zelo, situated in Milan’s city center within the , presents elegant Italian cuisine and wines. The dining room is bright and airy, and there’s also a serene courtyard setting which is very appealing. Chef Fabrizio Borraccino’s menu focuses on seasonal creations and local classics with a fine-dining polish. The wine program and expertly selected pairings are particularly strong in Italian selections. They feature producers from Alto Adige, such as Elena Walch and Cantina Terlano, all chosen to enhance each dish. A special treat is the Calvisius caviar multi-course menu, including dishes like linguine with lobster and caviar.
Barbacoa Churrascaria Flavors
Barbacoa Churrascaria offers a taste of Brazil’s gaucho-inspired grilling. As is traditional with churrascaria dining, you can expect a continuous parade of expertly grilled steak, lamb, chicken, and sausage, served directly from swords. The wine list here offers select Italian bottles, with top choices including Antinori’s Tignanello and Prunotto Barolo. This location is one of seven worldwide, with another Award of Excellence winner in São Paulo.
STK’s Upscale Steakhouse Vibe
STK has established itself as a go-to spot for steak and wine enthusiasts globally, with 23 restaurant award winners around the world. The Milan location boasts an upscale lounge atmosphere, complete with a DJ late at night. The menu is packed with fantastic beef options, from USDA prime to Japanese Wagyu and European cuts. The wine list is quite comprehensive, featuring everything from sparkling wines like Lombardy’s own Ca’ del Bosco to powerhouse reds such as Napa’s Opus One Cabernet Sauvignon.
Verona Area Wine Treasures
Antica Bottega del Vino Historic Charm
Antica Bottega del Vino stands as one of Italy’s most esteemed wine institutions. It provides a captivating glimpse into Verona’s past, with its elegant 19th-century interiors, classic local cuisine, and a Grand Award–winning wine program. Located in the heart of the old town, this spot has a history as a restaurant dating back to the 1500s. Since 2010, it has been owned by a consortium of local producers including Allegrini, Zenato, and Brigaldara. For those attending the Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, it’s worth noting they have a new location there, opened just in time for the games.
Borgo Antico Tuscan Influence
Borgo Antico is situated about a 40-minute drive northwest of Verona, in the charming hamlet of Pescatina. This restaurant truly honors the heritage and beauty of the surrounding Valpolicella area. It’s housed within the 17th-century Villa Quaranta, which is a unique “wine hotel” and thermal spa resort. The villa is owned by the well-regarded Tommasi family from the region. Wine plays a central role in the dining experience and in the stay at the villa, with opportunities for guided wine tastings and tours of Valpolicella and Verona readily available.
What’s the best way to experience Milan’s food scene
Exploring the various Michelin-awarded restaurants offers a diverse culinary journey. You can try menus that focus on specific regional ingredients or innovative dishes that push the boundaries of Italian cuisine.
Consider making reservations well in advance, especially for the more popular establishments like Ristorante Cracco or Langosteria, as they are highly sought after.
Are there family-friendly wine spots in Milan
Yes, many restaurants, like Acanto and Tuya Milano, are noted as being family-friendly. They offer diverse menus that can cater to different tastes, and their atmospheres are generally welcoming for children.
When we visited Acanto, Lily was fascinated by the grand dining room, and Michael appreciated the classic ambiance while enjoying his wine. Ethan was happy with simpler pasta dishes, so it worked out well for everyone.
Can I find steak houses with great wine lists
Absolutely. Both Affinatore and Barbacoa Churrascaria are specifically highlighted for their impressive steak offerings paired with extensive wine selections. Affinatore focuses on dry-aged steaks and a vast cellar, while Barbacoa brings Brazilian churrascaria style with curated Italian wine pairings.
Michael is a big steak fan, so Affinatore was a definite highlight for him. He spent a good amount of time poring over their wine list, impressed by the verticals they offered.
What experiences should I seek near Verona
Near Verona, you have the option of visiting a historic wine institution like Antica Bottega del Vino, which offers a deep dive into local history and wine culture. Alternatively, Borgo Antico provides a unique experience within a wine hotel and spa, nestled in the beautiful Valpolicella region, perfect for wine lovers.
We decided to take a day trip to Borgo Antico. The drive through the Valpolicella countryside was lovely, and staying at the Villa Quaranta offered a peaceful escape. Lily loved exploring the gardens, and we all enjoyed a relaxed wine tasting session.
This guide offers a glimpse into some of the most outstanding wine destinations in Milan and the surrounding Verona area, perfect for anyone looking to indulge in Italy’s rich culinary and vinicultural heritage.