by Amy Frearson
As Milan Design Week approaches, we reached out to designers to share their preferred destinations in the city. Standouts include a gin distillery brimming with plants, a "chocolate factory," and a gallery housed in a former locomotive factory.
Ceresio 7, recommended by Fabio Novembre
Fabio Novembre, a Milan native, suggested several of his preferred locations. One is this chic rooftop dining spot, featuring a swimming pool and some of the finest panoramic views in the city.
Via Ceresio 7
Ristorante Cracco, recommended by Fabio Novembre
Former MasterChef judge Carlo Cracco runs this lavish eatery near the Duomo. Novembre calls it, simply, "the finest restaurant in the city."
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II
Galleria Rossana Orlandi, recommended by Benjamin Hubert
Rossana Orlandi's namesake gallery is an essential exhibition venue each Milan Design Week. London-based Benjamin Hubert also suggests stopping in for lunch.
"If I'm in the area during the day, I try to take a moment to eat and drink at Rossana Orlandi," he mentioned.
Via Matteo Bandello 14/16
Photo courtesy of 10 Corso Como
10 Corso Como, recommended by Benjamin Hubert
Hubert's other pick is the iconic 10 Corso Como, established by former Italian Vogue editor Carla Sozzani to blend art, design, music, and cuisine.
"I also make a point to browse what's new in tech or fashion," Hubert said.
Corso Como 10
Fondazione Prada, recommended by Lara Bohinc
Though it opened just three years ago, this arts center has become a favorite for many, including regular Milan Design Week attendee Lara Bohinc.
Designed by OMA, the complex features a "haunted house" covered in 24-karat gold leaf, a cinema hidden by mirrors, and a café designed by filmmaker Wes Anderson.
Largo Isarco 2
Pasticceria Marchesi, recommended by Ilse Crawford
A Milanese staple, this pastry shop and coffee bar chain is also part of the Prada family—acquired by Miuccia Prada in 2014. There are now three locations around the city, including the original on Via Santa Maria alla Porta.
"Here, even quick moments are wrapped in elegant ritual," said London-based designer Ilse Crawford. "They have lovely cups and tiny pastries to start the day, and the staff seem like they've been there forever."
Various locations
The Botanical Club, recommended by Fabio Novembre
This bar and restaurant group claims to be Italy's first micro-distillery. Its specialty is gin, with one of the largest selections in the city.
Novembre advises visiting the Via Tortona branch for its lush, plant-filled interior.
Via Tortona 33
Pasticceria Knam, recommended by Fabio Novembre
Novembre describes this patisserie as "the chocolate factory." It offers an array of meticulously crafted cakes and pastries, from fruit tarts to panettone.
Via Augusto Anfossi 10
Convivium, recommended by Lee Broom
This 32-year-old Italian restaurant sits in the heart of Brera and is a favorite of British designer Lee Broom, who exhibits in Milan each April.
"I always try to go whenever I'm in Milan," he said. "It's incredibly busy, very lively with excellent food and loads of authentic Italian atmosphere."
Via Ponte Vetero 21
Pirelli HangarBicocca, recommended by Phillip K Smith III
A former locomotive factory, this vast warehouse now serves as a major contemporary art venue. Its permanent exhibits include The Seven Heavenly Palaces, a large site-specific work by German sculptor Anselm Kiefer.
Phillip K Smith III, who is creating this year's COS installation, rated it as a must-visit for tourists.
Via Chiese 2
Photo by Federica Santeusanio
Dabass, recommended by Fabio Novembre
A 19th-century art-nouveau building in Porta Romana houses this stylish bar, Novembre's final suggestion. It features retro interior details, from the monochrome tiled bar to the sculptural lighting pendants.
Via Piacenza 13
Bar Basso, recommended by Lara Bohinc
No Milan guide would be complete without Bar Basso, the undisputed after-hours hotspot of Design Week.
Bohinc didn't elaborate on her choice, but according to Dezeen editor-in-chief Marcus Fairs, it's the ultimate spot for booze-fueled networking.
"For a bar with no music, an out-of-the-way location, a dangerous crush, and very pricey drinks, Bar Basso makes no sense as the design world's preferred watering hole," said Fairs. "Every year, people call for the madness to end and for a rival bar to appear. But none ever does."
Via Plinio 39
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