Milan is a food lover’s dream. While the city is home to fancy restaurants, it’s the street food scene that really gives you a taste of the city’s true flavors. Milan street food is all about fresh, hearty snacks that you can enjoy while you’re out exploring the city.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through 7 of the best Milan street foods you can’t miss. Each dish is not only delicious but also tells a story about Milan’s history and food culture. Let’s dive into the best street bites Milan has to offer!
Best street food in Milan
1. Mondeghili: The Milanese Meatballs
Milan’s mondeghili are the best Italian meatballs!
Mondeghili are traditional Milanese meatballs made from beef, veal, or pork mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and herbs. The key to their irresistible flavor is the mix of savory, tender meat on the inside and crispy, golden crust on the outside. Traditionally, these meatballs were a way to use up leftover meat, but today they’ve become a beloved snack on the streets of Milan.
Mondeghili are perfect for when you want something rich and comforting, and they’re often served with a side of bread to soak up the juices. You'll find them at local trattorias or street vendors, and they’re a great way to get a taste of Milanese history.
📌 Best to eat at: Trattoria La Pesa dal 1902
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
2. Michetta: Milan’s Bread Roll
Your go-to Milanese snack: Michetta
Michetta is a simple but genius version of a bread roll. With its crispy crust and airy inside, it’s perfect for piling in all your favorite fillings, like cold cuts, cheese, or even just a drizzle of olive oil. Basically, it’s Milan’s take on a sandwich, only way tastier!
You’ll find michetta sold in bakeries and sandwich shops all over Milan. For an authentic taste, join a Milan street food tour that takes you to local favorites like Panarello, one of the city’s famous bakeries, to grab a fresh michetta!
📌 Best to eat at: Panarello
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
3. Panino with Cotoletta Alla Milanese
Crispy cotoletta in a panino | Photo Credits: Nick's Negozio
The panino with Cotoletta Alla Milanese takes Milan’s classic comfort dish and turns it into the perfect street food. Cotoletta Alla Milanese is a breaded veal cutlet that’s shallow-fried to a golden crisp. When served in fresh bread, it becomes a crispy, juicy sandwich that packs all the delicious flavor of Milan in every bite.
It’s the perfect street food snack when you’re craving something heavy and quick while exploring Milan’s beautiful streets. If you’re in the mood for something classic, this sandwich is definitely for you!
📌 Best to eat at: Pizzeria Grazie Italia, close to Piazzale Vincenzo Cuoco
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
4. Barbajada: The Sweet Drink of Milan
Sip Milan’s famous chocolate-coffee drink | Photo Credits: Doğu Tuncer on Pexels
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Barbajada is the drink you need to try. This classic Milanese drink is made by mixing chocolate, coffee, and milk, topped off with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s like a warm treat that combines two of Italy’s best-loved drinks: coffee and chocolate.
Barbajada dates back to the 19th century and was once a popular street drink in Milan. Today, it’s served in cafés across the city, where it’s a perfect pick-me-up on a chilly afternoon.
📌 Best to drink at: Torrefazione Moka Hodeidah
⭐ Rating: 4.4/5
5. Farinata: A Savory Chickpea Pancake
A slice of Milan’s favorite chickpea flatbread
Farinata is a simple, savory pancake made from chickpea flour. It’s crispy around the edges and soft in the middle, making it a perfect street food for any time of day. While farinata originally comes from Liguria, Milan has embraced this dish and made it their own. It’s served as a thin, crispy slice, and you can find it all over the city, especially in markets and food stalls.
📌 Best to eat at: Monterosso, a local spot outside the Porta Genova Station
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
6. Portafoglio: The Milanese Folded Pizza
Portafoglio, a pizza you can fold!
Portafoglio is a folded pizza-like pastry that’s perfect for snacking. It’s thin, crispy, and filled with all sorts of delicious ingredients like cheese, cured meats, and vegetables. It’s Milan’s take on pizza in convenient form!
To get the best taste of Portafoglio, book a Navigli Milano food tour. It’ll take you to local spots where you can try this classic Milanese snack, along with other street food favorites, as you wander through the charming Navigli district.
📌 Best to eat at: A'Ricetta in Navigli
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
7. Tiramisu: The Sweet Street Dessert
Tiramisu, Milan’s favorite dessert
Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that has found its way onto Milan’s street food scene. This decadent treat is made by layering coffee-soaked ladyfingers with mascarpone cream and a dusting of cocoa powder. Tiramisu has its roots in Veneto, but Milan has adopted it as one of its most beloved desserts. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for a sweet snack after a day of exploring.
Want to try making it yourself? Book a Tiramisu cooking class in Milano and learn how to make this famous dessert from scratch. It’s a fun way to bring a piece of Milan’s culinary culture home with you!
📌 Best to eat at: Spun Tiramisu
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
Tips for Your Milan Food Trip
🌍 Get the Italy eSIM
Staying connected during your Milan food adventure is a game-changer. With the Italy eSIM, you can easily navigate the city, search for nearby restaurants, or share your culinary finds on social media without relying on Wi-Fi. No need to swap SIM cards; just activate it digitally when you arrive. Plus, you’ll have internet access for mapping your route to all the food hotspots!
🚄 Travel Smart with the Eurail Italy Rail Pass
Milan is a great base for exploring other parts of Italy, so why not take another food day trip to another city? The Eurail Italy Rail Pass gives you unlimited travel across the country, helping you save time and money!
📍 Plan Your Food Stops
Milan’s street food scene is spread throughout the city, so take some time to plan your stops. Try exploring different districts to get a taste of Milan’s variety, from classic Italian pizza to modern fusion bites. You can even join a Milan food tour to guide you to the best places!
FAQs about Milan street food
1. What street food is popular in Milan?
Milan is home to a variety of delicious street food, including the iconic Mondeghili meatballs, Michetta bread rolls, and the savory Farinata pancake. Milan street food is a wonderful way to experience the local culture.
2. Where can you find street food in Milan?
You can find street food all over Milan, from bustling areas like Navigli and Porta Venezia to quieter streets near the city center. Keep your eyes open for local bakeries, trattorias, and small shops that serve fresh, tasty snacks.
3. Is Milan street food expensive?
Milan street food is quite affordable, with many snacks costing between €2 to €6. It’s a great option for those who want to experience authentic Milanese flavors without breaking the bank.
4. What is the most famous street food in Milan?
The most famous street food in Milan is the Cotoletta Alla Milanese, a breaded veal cutlet served in a sandwich. It’s a Milanese classic and a must-try when visiting the city.
5. Can you eat street food late at night in Milan?
Yes! Many Milanese cafés and street food vendors stay open late, especially in lively areas like the Navigli district. So, if you’re craving a midnight snack, Milan has got you covered.
Ready to Taste Milan?
Milan’s street food has something for every craving with its savory snacks, sweet treats, and everything in between. As you explore the city, you’ll find delicious options around every corner. Grab a bite and dive into the vibrant food scene!
For an even better experience, be sure to book your Milan food tour today and take your culinary adventure up a notch!
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