Either you are on your first visit to Milan, or one of the many times you've come to the city and - no excuse is accepted - even if you are a Milanese always in search of new hot venues to add to your favourites, every moment is perfect to go off the beaten tracks and discover the newly revamped Isola District. Located under the shade of the futuristic Bosco Verticale, the district offers many gourmet destinations to satisfy all appetites, even the most demanding ones'... now you know, you can't help but try them!
A map of these venues follows
1. Deus Café - All day long menu
Nestled in the very heart of Isola District, this young and fashionable venue is one of the favourite haunts of bikers and surf lovers from all over Milan – and not only. Indeed, besides an intimate and luxuriant patio and an inside dining room featuring a post-industrial allure, Deus Café is also home to a small shop selling bikes, motorbikes and surfboards from the Australian brand Deus. The well-stocked menu features tasty options available all-day long, ranging from gourmet salads to special toasts, burgers and fish delicacies, as well as a whimsical dinner menu including fish and meat specialities with a contemporary twist. Moreover, Deus Café is also the ideal hub for a quick coffee stopover or to enjoy an inebriating cocktail or aperitivo.
Address:Â Via Thaon di Revel, 3
GPS: 45.49094, 9.18886
Phone:Â 02 83439230
Public Transport: M3 (yellow line) – M5 (purple line) Zara
Open Sun- Thurs 9.30am-1am; Fri-Sat 9.30am-2am.
deuscustoms.comÂ
2. The Stage - Panoramic Dining
Fashion and panorama lovers can’t miss the trendy The Stage bar and restaurant by casualwear brand Replay. Set in the futuristic Porta Nuova district and featuring a privileged panoramic position overlooking Piazza Gae Aulenti, the restaurant conjures up urban and baroque architectural element, while its menu features a well-balanced meld of top-notch and exotic creations. Enjoy precious meat and fish creations born from the top-quality and seasonal ingredients cooked in full respect of their nutritive properties without giving up on taste, while enjoying a beautiful view on one of the most appealing districts in the city. Savvy connoisseurs will have a new destination in town!
Address: Piazza Gae Aulenti, 4
GPS: 45.48334, 9.18889
Phone: 02 63793539
Public Transport: M2 (green line) – M5 (purple line) Garibaldi F.S.
Open Mon-Thurs and Sun 12.30pm-3pm and 7.30pm-11pm; Fri 12.30pm-3pm and 7.30pm-12am; Sat 7.30pm-12am.
www.replaythestage.com
3. Osteria dei Vecchi Sapori - Informal Dining
It’s true that Isola District has almost entirely changed its look, though some shops and restaurants in the area have kept their original allure unaltered: Osteria dei Vecchi Sapori can be acknowledged among these. Here, small wood tables and bench seats where guests can sit close to each other provide diners with a real feel-at-home experience in an atmosphere where time seems to have stood still and where traditional Italian cuisine takes central stage. Among these, Milanese specialities such as saffron risotto with ‘ossobuco’ (a cut from the veal’s back with a parsley, lemon juice based sauce) or the famous Milanese breaded cutlet, served in big portions in a lively environment and paired with a rich wine selection. The perfect solution to satisfy all appetites.
Address: Via Carmagnola, 3
GPS: 45.48636, 9.18668
Phone: 02 6686148
Public Transport: M5 (purple line) Isola
Open Mon-Fri 12.30pm-2.30pm and 7.3opm-11.30pm; Sat-Sun 7.30pm-11.30pm.Â
www.vecchisapori.it
4. Il Liberty - Fine Dining
If busy places are not your thing and you feel like enjoying a quiet lunch or dinner in an elegant setting, then il Liberty is the place to be. Located in a minimal, but uber sophisticated venue just steps away from Corso Como area, the restaurant offers contemporary cuisine tailored by chef Andrea Provenzani featuring a small yet delicious menu reinventing some of the most traditional Italian favourites. If looking for a new culinary experience, make sure you book the exclusive tasting menu called ‘menù alla cieca‘ (literally ‘blind menu’), featuring a top-secret selection of delicacies changing on a daily base upon the chef’s inspiration.
Address:Â Viale Monte Grappa, 6
GPS: 45.48054, 9.19149
Phone:Â 02 29011439
Public Transport: M2 (green line) – M5 (purple line) Garibaldi F.S
Open Mon-Thurs 12.30pm-2.30pm and 8pm-10.30pm; sat 8pm-10.30pm. Closed on Sunday.
www.il-liberty.it
5. Bio.it - Vegetarian Organic Restaurant
Right under the design towers of the Bosco Verticale visitors to the district can find the impressive glass and wood structure with a Nordic look home to Bio.it restaurant. This cosy bistro, also housing a bar open all-day-long, serves a vast array of vegetarian delicacies cooked only with the use of selected organic ingredients of Italian origin to provide guests with tasty and healthy options both for lunch and dinner. At Bio.it breakfast and aperitivo as well turn into the perfect excuse to taste never-before-tried delicacies, which can also be taken away and eaten on the go. For a light and well-balanced snack wherever you go.
Address: Via Federico Confalonieri, 8
GPS: 45.48635, 9.19002
Phone: 02 36798430
Public Transport:Â M5 (purple line) Isola
Open Mon 8am-4pm; Tue-Fri 8am-3.30pm and 6.30pm-11.30pm; Sat 9.30am-12am; Sun 9.30am-11.30pm.Â
bio.it