So needless to say, this time around I was thrilled to start our villegiattura in Italia’s fashion capital and couldn’t be happier to find all my favorite designers of both home goods and fashion all in what seemed like one small corner of the city just steps from our hotel. And while my time here was quite limited I am happy to share all the places I loved and will be sure to visit next time in this mini Milano guide, xx.
A Milano Morning
Given our limited time here I fought hard through the jet lag and took the opportunity to head out into the fashionable city on my own while Arthur and Parker slept soundly. I started my morning off at a classic NYC spot that of course originated in Milan, my dear Italian cafe and eatery, Sant Ambroues. Just like it’s locations on the upper east side and in Palm Beach, the original Sant Ambroues Milano was sleek, sophisticated and yet still held it’s warmth decked in dark green marble and awnings to match, layered with pastel cakes and their signature coral take-away boxes as a delicate accent to the beautiful dark wood. I sat outside for a little breakfast service of espresso, lemon water and a toast I didn’t realize including ham and cheese before heading out for the day, ready to move swiftly through as many chic places I could on a Sunday morning in Milano!
Italian Tablescaping
And yes, Sunday morning in Milano is exactly what it sounds like, not ideal. Sadly, many of the shops I had been clamoring to visit were closed, like Cabana (which fortunately has a wonderful online shop) and the Mecca, The Ginori 1735 Flagship!
Fortunately I was able to get my ginori fix at Rinascente, a department store that’s comparable to Bloomingdales or Neiman Marcus, where I was able to find a great mix of high end Italian brand tableware. It was there that I found out the sad, sad news that Ginori had retired the Vermiglio colorway for the Oriente Italiano dinnerware. But was I was able to snag the last saucer for my coffee mug, bringing me absolute joy as a I write this post! I also found a glamorous and colorful champagne coupe set that I loved so much on our trip I decided to purchase a full set in both colorways, including the purple and blue combo here.
La Scicura Lady
I could have stayed at Rinascente all day long but I knew my solo time was limited so I made my way to The Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an opulent shopping mall that must have had some palatial history associated with it given how grand the space was with skylight ceilings and ornate mosaics on the ground. I didn’t visit any of the shops there but I passed by a lovely cafe I will most certainly be checking out next time that reminded me a bit of The Ivy if the colors were a bit muted called, Savini.
My next stop was La Double J, the designer of the dress I wore (full outfit linked here) that morning and a colorful brand started of course by an American woman who was actually set to open a store at Palisades Village before the fires unfortunately. The store alone was enough to send my mind into shock it was so wonderfully layered with bold and bright patterns that screamed Italian resortwear, but for a more sophisticated taste I might add. Call it old lady chic or as the Italians say, scicura, which roughly translates to “elegant older woman,” my style mantra since birth!
My Ralph’s Fix
After my immersion in the most beautiful patterns I made a quick espresso stop at Ralph’s Milano because what kind of American would I be if not and after thoroughly enjoying my time (and well deserved margarita) at Ralph’s Paris, I had to find my way to the elegant wood espresso bar where I savored my last few moments to myself before heading to my mission to wake Parker!
Lucky for me, Parker was an absolute delight and got right into his stroller the second I mentioned our next destination, some sweet treats at the famed Milenese patisserie, Marchesi 1824. The place has a real Breakfast at Tiffany’s vibe with glossy counters and treats to match, it’s almost like an upscale beauty counter but for gorgeous cakes and candies. I wish I could find a retailer in the States to purchase the candies from but this is perhaps what makes this place so special! Parker, as one would expect, was truly a kid in a fancy candy store and ultimately settled on a popsicle while I sent Arthur out to fetch the rental car before lunch.
Lunch al Fresco
Then we strolled to see the Duomo and find some “treasure” aka gold coined euros before a lengthy walk to lunch at Da Giacomo, a famed Italian party well known for it’s seafood forward menu, which ironically Parker had requested on our ride over! And as you’d imagine, lunch did not disappoint as we munched on seafood gnocchi, steak and truffle pasta, all before heading to our next destination, Lago di Como!
Monica’s Mini Guide to Milan
Stay
Principe di Savoia // an elegant 5 star historic hotel, not as walkable to the center of town as others but the most opulent!
Senato Hotel Milano // a boutique hotel we stayed in that was great perfectly positioned to the Quadrilatero della Moda area of the city, super walkable and chic, would most certainly recommend!
Portrait Milano // Upscale, 5 start and in a great location with a fabulous restaurant Beefbar.
The Unique Brera // an all suite small boutique accommodation in the charming neighborhood of Brera, we almost stayed here but I wanted to be closer to the Quadrilatero della Moda area given the short time we had.
The Couper Spiga // A small boutique suite-only hotel in a great location, chicly decorated but doesn’t allow children just fyi!
Four Seasons Milan // ultimate luxury, location and a beautiful garden to dine in. Definitely a great spot for an aperitivo in between shopping hauls!
Bulgari Hotel Milano // Super fashionable, modern and perfectly Milanese to stay in a fashion designer’s hotel!
Dine
Da Giacomo // Opulent interiors unlike anywhere else in Milan with a long history and loyal crowd!
Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone // A fashionable lunch spot right in the middle of the Quadrilatero della Moda with a palatial courtyard I was dying to visit, however, it’s closed on Sundays!
Four Seasons Milan // great courtyard for an upscale apertitivo.
Marchesi 1824 // One of the most famous patisseries in Milan with stunning cakes and candies!
Savini // cute cafe/lunch spot located in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
BICE // A super fashionable spot for lunch and dinner known by locals and the fancy fashion crowd!
Le Specialità // Yummy pizza joint!
Ralph’s Bar // If you like Ralph’s Paris, then you will love this little charming spot for lunch or dinner in the heart of the fashion district or just for an espresso stop. The courtyard is so quaint and I wish I had enough time to try.
Sant Ambroeus Milano // My favorite cafe and lunch spot in NYC, also located in Palm beach but born out of Milan and so of course I had to make my way over for an early breakfast! A wonderful spot for everything from espresso and pastries to lunch and dinner!
Cracco // Michelin starred and super fancy located in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Beefbar // A trendy steakhouse al fresco!
Shop
Rinascente // a department store that’s comparable to Bloomingdales or Neiman Marcus, where I was able to find a great mix of high end Italian brand tableware and also housing many upscale Italian and European clothing brands.
Ginori 1735 Flagship // THE MECCA!
La Double J // the most beautiful patterns and colorful, elevated resortwear! So chic that Passalaqua’s pool is decked out with their bold prints!
Cabana // A maximalist’s dream shop with tablescape trinkets in the most elegant patterns and color ways! I was devastated to see it was closed on my day there but fortunately their website has everything!
Astier de Villatte // a chinaware shop I wish I had been able to visit with a sprawling selection!
Cavalli e Nastri Brera // the vintage shop I almost made it to but didn’t have enough time before lunch unfortunately!
Laboratorio Paravicini // stunning ceramics shop!
Wait and See Srl // another vintage shop worth checking out.
Shop Milano
