Due to its intense history and its location on the border, Lombardy has one of the most varied cuisines in Italy. Traditional Milanese recipes are usually quite heavy, probably because of its extreme weather and the influence that the French and the Austrians have had on the region. Pasta is obviously at the centre of Lombard gastronomy, but so is pork, veal, dairy, rice and corn. With their local produce, Milanese prepare deliciously decadent dishes that you can find at many of the city's restaurants.
Best Local Cuisine in Milan
Discover the top Milan local cuisine
Dessert made with stewed chestnuts, sweet wine and cream
Busecchina
Typical Christmas pudding made with grapes and apples
Carsenza
Stuffed pasta, typical from Bergamo
Casoncelli
Hearty winter casserole made with pork and cabbage
Cassoeula
Crispy and golden breaded veal cutlet
Cotoletta alla Milanese
Salad made with with beef or pork leftovers
Insalata di Nervetti
Hearty vegetable soup
Minestrone
Traditional Milanese pork meatballs
Mondeghili
Milanese speciality made with veal shanks
Ossobuco
Christmas sweet loaf bread
Panettone
Boiled cornmeal eaten as porridge, baked, fried or grilled
Polenta
Creamy rice dish with saffron and cheese
