AFFORI—An elegant, contemporary restaurant, it offers a selection of first-class fish and seafood dishes, either raw or cooked, tuna tartare with vegetables, salmon salad with oranges and radicchio, squid with potatoes, apple strudel and chocolate pie with a traditional balsamic vinegar sauce. €€€. Closed on Mon. www.ristoranteaffori. com. Via M. Novaro, 1, corner of via Astesani. T: 02 66208629. M3 Maciachini. Closed from 8 to 24 August.

ALFREDO GRAN SAN BERNARDO—Founded by the famous Alfredo Valli, an authentic legend of Italian cuisine, this is one of the best places to savour real Milanese cuisine. “Must try” dishes are “risotto”, “cotoletta alla Milanese”, and cassoeula. Zabaione, chocolate cake, and finger biscuits are the perfect end to a perfect meal. Open daily. €€€. Via G.A. Borgese, 14. T: 02 3319000. Closed from 7 to 28 August.

ALLA COLLINA PISTOIESE—An historic restaurant serving excellent Tuscan cuisine. Meat and fish specialities, traditional soups and, of course, the “must-eat” “fiorentina” or fresh, grilled fish. Closed on Fri and on Sat at lunch. €€€. www. allacollinapistoiese.com. Via degli Amedei, 1. T: 02 86451085. M3 Missori. Closed from 5 to 27 August.

ALLA CUCINA DELLE LANGHE—This stylish restaurant, with its wooden decor, large mirrors and discretely placed tables, is a favourite with VIPs on account of its ultra-glam, Corso Como location. The house speciality, from the Piedmontese cuisine, are “bagna cauda”, “risotto al Barolo”, “tajarin”, a type of pasta resembling spaghetti. Dinner by candlelight. Closed on Sun. €€€. www.trattoriaallelanghe.com. Corso Como, 6. T: 02 6554279. M2 Garibaldi FS. Closed from 6 to 28 August.

AMICI MIEI TRATTORIA—Typically Italian tavern offering traditional Lombardy fare. A hot favourite with students from the Bocconi Università which is just around the corner. Closed on Sun at lunch. €€€. Viale Bligny, 42. T: 02 58321197. Closed on 15 August.

AURORA—A nineteenth century interior in winter and a fresh outdoor area for alfresco dining on hot summer evenings. Located in the vibrant design area, its offers typical Piedmontese cuisine with typical cold meats, fresh cheeses and substantial main courses. Don’t forget to end your meal with Aurora’s pear and chocolate cake. Great selection of wines from the Piedmont region. Closed on Mon. €€€. Via Savona, 23. T: 02 89404978. M2 Porta Genova FS.

BAGUTTA—One of Milan’s oldest restaurants, Bagutta is famous, among other things, for a literary prize that was once awarded here. In fact, it is also for this reason that it is patronized by VIPs and intellectuals. Its top-class cuisine (Tuscan and Lombard) can also be savoured in the garden. House specialities include: la “fiorentina”, the famous Florentine T-bone steak, the “scaloppina alla Bagutta”, and soups. Closed on Sun. €€€. www. bagutta.it. Via Bagutta 14. T: 02 76002767. M1 San Babila. Closed from 6 to 30 August.

BARONE (IL)—Sardinian cuisine at its best, thanks to premium ingredients and the skilled culinary techniques of its chef, Luigi Piccolillo. The restaurant’s “must try” dishes must be booked in advance: “porceddu a carraxau” (suckling pig cooked under a stone) and “taccolas di Capoterra”. Also worth a try are lamb, stuffed pasta, fish and desserts. Closed on Sun. €€€. www.ilbaronesardo.it. Viale Espinasse, 43. T: 02 33001883. Closed from 5 to 25 August.

CANTINA DI MANUELA (LA)—Boasts a friendly though trendy atmosphere, reminiscent of old Milanese taverns. Guests can enjoy a selection of lightly cooked, traditional dishes prepared with the best regional products. The venue’s hallmark feature is its wine list offering over 400 Italian labels and some thirty different varieties sold by the glass: quality, affordable prices and inventive cuisine. The kitchen stays open until 12 midnight. Closed on Sun. €€€. www.lacantinadimanuela.it. Via G.C. Procaccini, 41. T: 02 3452034.

CHICK N QUICK—Bistrot owned by famous, two star Michelin chef, Claudio Sadler who recently opened this minimalist, charming, contemporary, though elegant restaurant, in the vicinity of his more famous venue. It offers simple though high quality cuisine with highlights including grilled specialities and raw fish. Great wine cellar. Closed on Sun and on Mon at lunch. €€. Via A. Sforza, 77. T: 02 89503222. M2 Romolo. Closed from 6 to 23 August.

CONTE UGOLINO DA MARINO—An historic Milanese venue, serving authentic Tuscan cuisine. Opened in 1935, by “nonna” Irma Biondi, it is now run by her grandchildren, daughter and son-in-law. Excellent traditional soups and fish starters. The house specialities continue to be their famous “bistecca alla fiorentina” and an assortment of grilled meats. Closed on Sun. €€€€. Via C. Beccaria, 6. Via C. Beccaria, 6. T: 02 876134. M1-M3 Duomo. Closed from 5 to 28 August.

CONVIVENDO—A characteristic restaurant in the heart of Milan, it is the ideal spot for those who wish to try the flavours of good Italian cuisine set against the romantic backdrop of an old Milanese courtyard. It has two dining rooms to guarantee a peaceful, relaxing meal. Traditional and upgraded dishes. Music live on Fri and Sat night. Closed on Sat at lunch and on Sun. €€€. www. ristoranteconvivendo.com. Viale San Michele del Carso, 7. T: 02 48519944. M1 Conciliazione. Closed from 7 to 21 August.

DAL BOLOGNESE—This restaurant also owes its fame to its “twin” in Rome. Here, as in the capital, the restaurant is a favourite with VIPs, managers and business men. Emilian cuisine (”tagliatelle alla bolognese” and “tortellini in brodo”), great cold cuts and mixed boiled meats washed down with a selection of fine wines. Closed on Sat at lunch and on Sun. €€€. Piazza della Repubblica, 13. T: 02 62694845. M3 Repubblica. Closed from 5 to 22 August.

DITIRAMBO—Delightful restaurant in the romantic, historic Isola Garibaldi district with a good atmosphere and creative, traditional Italian cuisine, prepared with passion and flair by chef Paolo Noè and his young assistant Yury Martoscia. Closed on Sat at lunch and on Sun. €€€. www.ditirambocafe.it. Via Garigliano, 12. T: 02 69006955. M3 Zara. Closed from 14 to 21 August.

DON LISANDER—For more than sixty years, a fashionable restaurant situated right in the heart of Milan, just a short distance from the Teatro alla Scala. An elegant atmosphere and impeccable service. The menu features traditional Lombardy and regional Italian cuisine. The speciality of the house is risotto. For dessert, also try the chestnut semifreddo with persimmon sauce. €€€. www. ristorantedonlisander.it. Via A. Manzoni, 12/A. T: 02 76020130. M3 Montenapoleone. Closed from 12 to 17 August.

DONGIÒ—This restaurant, owned by the Criscuolo family, is the best place to discover cuisine from Calabria, one of the most beautiful regions in Southern Italy. It is renowned for its starters, the real pride of its chefs, and its “caciocavallo silano”, a typical cheese found in the south. Also worth trying is its “tiramisu”. Closed on Sun. €€. Via B. Corio, 3. T: 02 5511372. M3 Porta Romana. Closed from 13 to 27 August.

EDONE‘—The daughter of Eros and Psyche, in Greek mythology, the word Edonè means a true incarnation of pleasure. A fabulous seafood restaurant with a reputation for some of the best fish in Milan. Simply and elegantly decorated with a fish counter displaying only the freshest produce. House specialities are definitely concentrated on raw fish dishes: tartare, shellfish platters, carpaccio, unusual combinations, classics upgraded by the chef and mouth watering desserts. Also offers a business lunch featuring a selection of dishes taken from the menu for which they only charge 18 euros. Closed on Sun and on Mon at lunch. €€. www.edonemilano.it. Via Orti, 31. T: 02 36534864. M3 Crocetta, M3 Porta Romana. Closed from 7 to 29 August.

FICO D’INDIA—True Sicilian cuisine in Milan: Messinastyle capon, “maccheroni alla Norma”, tuna fillet with onion sauce and fish cous cous. Closed on Sat at lunch. €€€. www.ristorantealficodindia.it. Via R. Bonghi, 11. T: 02 84892887. Off Map Giannino Tratt oria—One of the oldest restaurants in Milan, it was opened in 1899, by Pisa-born Giannino Bindi. Boasting a 300 seating capacity, the restaurant has a number of elegantly furnished dining rooms decorated in light and dark shades. Classic menus and simple food made from only the finest, freshest ingredients. A varied menu in keeping with the restaurant’s age-old tradition featuring a wide selection of fish and meat, regional dishes and mouth watering desserts. Closed on Sat and on Sun at lunch. €€. www.giannino.it. Via V. Pisani, 6. T: 02 66986998. M3 Repubblica. Closed from 6 to 20 August.

GIULIO PANE E OJO—A taste of Rome in Milan (but also in other cities such as Munich and New York). Always crowded and patronized by a young, trendy clientele, it offers the best recipes of Roman tradition. This restaurant is popular on account of its good quality food, friendly atmosphere and fair prices. Closed on Sun. €€. www.giuliopaneojo.com. Via L.A. Muratori, 10. T: 02 5456189. M3 Porta Romana. Map H7. Closed on 15 August Isola dei Sapori—A good place to take a break from shopping. It offers all the flavours of Sardinia with fresh fish dishes and roast suckling pig (order in advance). Once a month Sardinian dinner. Closed on Sun and on Mon at lunch. €€€. www. ristoranteisoladeisapori.it. Via A. Anfossi, 10. T: 02 54100708. Closed from 7 to 31 August.

L’ALTRA ISOLA—A stylish though simple trattoria and a real “home from home” thanks to the food and welcome given by its patron, Gianni Borelli, boasting over forty years of experience in the business. Milanese and Lombardy recipes executed to perfection. In addition to “cassoeula”, which is the speciality of the house, cold cuts, “risotto”, tripe, “ossobuchi”, “stracotto” (pot roast) with polenta and “zabaione”. Closed on Sat at lunch and on Sunday. €€€. Via E. Porro, 8/b. T: 02 60830205. M3 Maciachini. Closed from 8 to 21 August.

LOCANDA DEL GATTO ROSSO—This restaurant advertises itself as “agritourism in the city”. It provides diners with charming neo-liberty setting in keeping with the elegant atmosphere of the Galleria and offers the old-world cuisine of Northern Italian regional cooking based on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Courteous service and an elegant atmosphere further enhance classic dishes interpreted with particular flair. Open daily. €€. www.lalocandadelgattorosso.it. Via U. Foscolo,3 Corner of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. T: 02 72022411. M1-M3 Duomo.

MASUELLI SAN MARCO—Milanese, Lombard and Piedmontese cuisine at this historic Milan-based trattoria which is still run by the family. The restaurant has been welcoming customers in the same way for almost a century and the menu, as was customary in those days, still offers several fixed dishes. Monday “boiled meat”, Tuesday, “tripe”, Thursday, “cassoeula”, Friday cod. One of the house favourites is the classical “risotto alla milanese”. Great selection of wines. Closed on Sun and on Mon at lunch. €€€. www.masuelli-trattoria.com. Viale Umbria, 80. T: 02 55184138. Closed from 6 to 28 August.

NON SOLO LESSO—Its relaxed welcoming atmosphere is reflected in its particularly versatile menu: a la carte food until midnight, €15 menu at lunch and happy hour from 6.30 to 8pm. Northern Italian cuisine. Open every day. €€. www. nonsololesso.it. Via G. Broggi, 13 (entrance from Via F. Redi corner of via G. Jan) T: 02 36533440. M1 Lima. Closed from 6 to 21 August.

NOVELLI—This trattoria, located on the outskirts of the city, is a part of Milan’s history. It is, in fact, the favourite haunt of one of Italy’s most popular celebrities, the Milanese singer, Adriano Celentano. Lombardy and, in particular, Milanese cuisine take centre stage. An absolute “must” are its “risotti” (order in advance for a minimum of 5 people) and boiled chicken. Closed on Mon. €€. Viale Padova, 344. T: 02 27207769. M2 Cascina Gobba. Closed from 12 to 31 August.

NUOVO MACELLO—Traditional dishes, upgraded with great skill and creativity: “risotto alla milanese” and “cotoletta alla milanese”, but also more experimental specialities such as “topinambur gnocchetti” with thyme-flavoured codfish, grilled pork spare ribs with pan-cooked cabbage and a spicy sauce, fresh chestnut desserts, marrons glacées and persimmon crème brulée. Closed on Sat and Sun. €€€. www.trattoriadelnuovomacello.it. Via Lombroso, 20. T: 02 59902122. Closed from 11 to 31 August.

OSTERIA DEL BINARI—This delightful “Osteria” with its romantic air, also offers its clientele a charming garden for al fresco dining. Saffron risotto, “cotoletta alla milanese” and braised dishes but also vegetarian cuisine. Pasta, bread and desserts are always home-made. Open daily. €€€. Via Tortona, 1. T: 02 89409428. M2 Porta Genova FS.

OSTERIA L’E’ MAISTESS—Located in a romantic town in the heart of the country on the outskirts of Milan, this is the ideal spot for a romantic meal for two. It has elegant dining rooms, soft lighting and a magnificent garden for al fresco dining. Its chef, Cosimo Urso, offers an array of imaginative specialities of Italian regional cuisine in keeping with its name which, in Milanese dialect, means “never the same”. Closed on Tues. €€€. www. osterialemaistess.it. Via Marchesa Medici, 14 – Gaggiano loc. Fagnano (Mi)., T: 02 9085052. Closed from 16 to 31 August.

PELLAPRAT—This restaurant, located in the heart of the Milanese movida in the Navigli area, was opened by the talented chef, Giacomo Leporati. Simple though warm ambiance. Best dishes: rabbit salad in porchetta, wild game with “risotto alla milanese”, “cotoletta alla milanese”, “ossobuco” and “cassouela” and shrimps with mustard. Service and cover charge included in the price. Open evenings only, closed on Sun. €€€. Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 13. T: 02 58100895. M2 Porta Genova FS.

PESA (LA)—If you’re looking for simple Milanese or Lombard food during your stay in the city, then this genuine “trattoria” is an absolute “must”. It has several small dining rooms, red and white checked table cloths and an outside dining area for warmer summer evenings. Its wine list is really interesting and features several superb choices. A truly delightful atmosphere. Closed on Sun. €€. www. lapesatrattoria.it. Via G. Fantoni, 26. T: 02 4035907. Closed from 21 to 31 August.

QUATTRO MORI—Large, well-spaced tables in this dining room overlooking the garden. The restaurant also has a smaller room illuminated by 18th century light fitting and appliques. This historic venue is one of the most renowned in town and offers fabulous fish dishes but also fresh, homemade pasta and a variety of meats. It has a well-stocked wine cellar and offers a large selection of Italian and foreign labels. Closed on Sat at lunch. €€€. www.ristorantequattromori.it. Largo M. Callas, 1., T: 02 878483. M1 Cairoli.

RIBOT—Tuscan menu featuring maccheroni Montalcino and old or Catalan-style fiorentina. The former is made in a pan with braised vegetables while the latter is served with raw vegetables and balsamic vinegar. Excellent quality meat. The ambience is pleasant and suitable for business lunches and dinners. Highly professional service. Closed on Mon. €€€. Via M. Cremosano, 41. T: 02 33001646. M1 QT8. Closed from 6 to 24 August.

ROSSE (LE)—“Salumi-bar”: this is how the restaurant describes its particular speciality. Its menu features dozens of high quality cured meats, excellent cheeses and dishes of the day featuring pasta, rice and vegetables. Set in a charming corner of Milan, in corso Garibaldi, in summer, clients can eat outside in a Parisian-style courtyard. Fabulous selection of wines. Closed on Sun. €€. www. lerosse.it. Corso G. Garibaldi, 79. T: 02 92870416. M2 Moscova. Closed from 8 to 21 August.

SALE ROSSO (AL)—Situated just a short distance from Fieramilanocity, this restaurant&bistrot offers a fish-based menu defined as “contemporary Milanese”, boasting a wide selection of raw fish and high-quality ingredients. Diners can also enjoy a large selection of fine wines in a modern, elegant marine-style atmosphere. Closed on Sat at lunch and on Sun. €€. www.alsalegrosso.it. Via I. Nievo, 33. T: 02 341290. . Closed from 10 to 28 August.

TAVERNA DEL SACRIPANTE—Simone Suardi is one of Milan’s youngest and most talented chefs. A protégé of the famous Pietro Leeman, chef patron of the famous Joia restaurant, he boasts creativity, technical ability and intelligence. At his restaurant, with its Parisian-bistrot type atmosphere, clients can savour a mixture of creative, traditional dishes. In addition to risotto, fish’n chips and fried pizza are his “must-try” specialities. Always closed at lunch and on Mon. €€. www.sacripante. com. Viale Coni Zugna, 52. T: 02 83390065. M2 Sant’Agostino. Closed from 4 to 25 August.

TI RICORDI—Boasting a large, luminous dining room, this restaurant is ideal for a dinner with friends. It serves typically Southern Italian cuisine but also a number of Milanese specialities. Highlights include a wood-fired oven for sumptuous pizzas Always open. €€. www.tiricordiristorante.it. Via G. Murat, 32. T: 02 69311398. M3 Maciachini. Closed on 15 August.