Milan is a city with many influences from other Italian cities – both in the north and south of Italy. These street foods in Milan offer a diverse range of flavours and textures, allowing you to explore Milan’s culinary scene while enjoying convenient and delicious on-the-go options.
Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets or taking a break from sightseeing, Milan’s street food scene has something to satisfy every craving – savoury or sweet preference. Join me on a journey through Milan’s bustling streets as we discover the street food delights that this Italian metropolis is known for.
What's inside?
What Street Food is Milan Known For?
Milan is renowned for its diverse street food offerings that cater to both locals and tourists. One of the most iconic Milanese street foods is the “Panzerotto.” This fried pocket of dough is typically stuffed with tomato, mozzarella, and sometimes ham, creating a heavenly blend of flavours and textures. It’s a savoury treat that’s easy to grab on the go.
What is the Most Famous Street Food?
When it comes to the most famous street food in Milan, you can’t miss “Pizza al Taglio.” This Roman-style pizza is sold by the slice and offers a variety of toppings. Whether you prefer classic Margherita or something more adventurous, you’ll find a slice that suits your taste. It’s the perfect snack to fuel your exploration of Milan’s streets.
Now let’s delve into the street foods in Milan and where to eat them:
Panzerotto
A portable and deep-fried pastry filled with ingredients like tomato, mozzarella, and ham. It’s a handheld snack perfect for on-the-go munching.
Where to eat Panzerotto in Milan
Try Panzerotto Luini, a historic bakery located near the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), for some of the best panzerotti in the city. It’s a personal favourite.
Panettone
A sweet bread loaf filled with candied fruits and raisins, traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season. If you ever find yourself in Milan during the Christmas season, you need to have a Panettone with warm milk or your favourite coffee for breakfast to get into the Milanese Christmas spirit!
Where to eat Panettone in Milan
Pasticceria Marchesi, a historic pastry shop, is an excellent choice to indulge in Panettone.
Pizza al Taglio
Roman-style pizza that is sold by the slice. The rectangular pieces are topped with a variety of ingredients, and you can choose your preferred slice.
Where to eat Pizza al Taglio in Milan
At Spontini near the Duomo or at Pizzarium, a renowned spot in Milan for pizza al taglio in the Porta Romana neighborhood.
Tramezzino
Triangular sandwiches made with soft, crustless white bread and various fillings like tuna, prosciutto, or egg salad. They’re perfect for a quick and light meal or snack.
Where to eat Tramezzino in Milan
You can find delicious tramezzini at Panificio Bonci, a bakery known for its high-quality sandwiches.
Focaccia
A flatbread topped with olive oil, salt, and sometimes herbs. It can be served plain or with various toppings like cherry tomatoes or olives.
Where to eat Foccacia in Milan
Try Focaccerie Genovesi Milano in the Lima neighbourhood for some exceptional focaccia options.
Piadina
A thin Italian flatbread typically filled with ingredients like prosciutto, cheese, and arugula. It’s a delicious and convenient snack.
Where to eat Piadina in Milan
Antico Vinaio near Duomo is where you should go for different choices of Piadina.
Arancini
Rice balls filled with ragù (meat sauce), mozzarella cheese, and sometimes peas. They are coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried to perfection.
Where to eat Aracini
Visit A’Vucciria in the Navigli neighbourhood for an array on aracini options.
Gelato
Italian-style ice cream that is creamier and denser than regular ice cream. It comes in a wide range of flavours, from classic vanilla to inventive fruit combinations.
Where to eat Gelato in Milan
Cioccolati Italiani offers a delectable selection of gelato and is located in the heart of Milan, near the Duomo and also in the Navigli area.
Cannoli
Sicilian pastries consisting of crispy, tube-shaped shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese and often garnished with chocolate chips or candied fruit.
Where to eat Cannoli in Milan
Pasticceria Marchesi, a historic pastry shop, is an excellent choice to indulge in cannoli.
Supplì
Roman rice croquettes filled with ragù and mozzarella cheese. They are fried to perfection, creating a crispy exterior and a gooey interior.
Where to eat Supplì in Milan
Try Supplizio Milano for some of the best supplì in the city.
Schiacciatina
A small, round sandwich made with fresh, soft bread filled with ingredients like cold cuts, cheese, and vegetables.
Where to eat Schiacciatina
Visit Panino Giusto, a popular chain specializing in schiacciatine.
Mozzarella in Carrozza
A deep-fried sandwich made with mozzarella cheese and bread, often served with tomato sauce or anchovies.
Where to eat Mozzarella in Carrozza
Sample this delightful snack at Panzerotti Luini or other Milanese eateries specializing in fried treats.
Polenta e Osei
A traditional Lombard dessert made from layers of sweetened polenta and chocolate. It’s a unique and indulgent treat.
Where to eat Polenta e Osei in Milan
Pasticceria Cucchi, an iconic pastry shop in Milan, is known for its exceptional polenta e osei.
Panino with Cotoletta alla Milanese
A breaded and fried veal or chicken cutlet, typically served with a wedge of lemon. Putting the Cotoletta inside a panino bread turns it into a Milanese street food ready to eat on the go.
Where to eat Panino with Cotoletta alla Milanese in Milan
Head to Pizzeria Grazie Italia for a taste of Panino with Cotoletta alla Milanese.
Brioche with cold cuts and cheese
Savoury Italian brioche with cold cuts such as prosciutto, salami, mortadella and cheese or salads as filings. The taste is salty and you can enjoy it as a late morning snack with your favourite caffe.
Where to eat Brioche with cold cuts and cheese in Milan
Try Pave Café in the Brera district for some varying options.
Brioche and Gelato or Granita
Succulent and moist Italian round bread with gelato or granita filling. Granita is a semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water and various flavourings such as strawberry or orange. Originally from Sicily, it is available throughout Italy in varying forms.
Where to eat Brioche and Gelato or Granita in Milan
Made in Sicily in the Ca’Granda area is a nice place to savour the brioche and granita, while Gusto17 in the Sant Agostino area is good option for brioche and gelato.
Sardenaira
A Ligurian flatbread topped with tomato, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes anchovies. It’s a flavourful and portable option.
Where to eat Sardenaira in Milan
You can have this at one of Princi’s bakery in Corso Como area or Milan Centre.
Sicilian Panelle
Chickpea fritters served in a soft roll. They are a Sicilian specialty and offer a unique blend of textures and flavours.
Where to eat Sicilian Panelle in Milan
Look for street vendors in Milan’s Navigli district or visit Sicilian restaurants for authentic panelle.
Crespelle
Thin Italian crepes filled with a variety of ingredients, such as Nutella, jam, or ricotta cheese. They are a sweet treat for those with a sweet tooth.
Where to eat Crespelle in Milan
Explore local bakeries and creperies in Milan for freshly made crespelle.
Risotto alla Milanese to go
One of the most renowned Milanese dishes is “Risotto alla Milanese.” This creamy saffron-infused risotto is a culinary masterpiece that perfectly captures the essence of Milan.
Where to eat Risotto alla Milanese to go in Milan
Giannasi dal 1967 is an Italian takeout stall in the Lodi area.
Milan’s street food scene is a testament to the city’s culinary diversity and the fusion of tradition with innovation. From the beloved Panzerotto to the iconic Panino with Cotoletta alla Milanese, there’s a street food option to satisfy every palate.
So, the next time you find yourself in Milan, take a break from the high-fashion boutiques and architectural wonders to explore the city’s streets and savour its delectable street food offerings. Milan’s street food isn’t just about filling your stomach, it’s about immersing yourself in the local culture and experiencing the soul of this vibrant Italian city through its flavours.
Buon appetito!
wonderful article! what is the name of the sandwich in the picture (looks like ham, mozzarella and tomato sauce?) and where can I get it??