Rome may be Italy’s political capital, but Milan is the country’s industrial, financial and fashion capital, home to the Italian stock exchange and the headquarters of many of Italy’s biggest companies, including Pirelli and Alfa Romeo.

Some would also argue that it is Italy’s cultural capital; it is also home to the world-famous La Scala opera house, which may be renowned for its operatic output but also has an excellent orchestra and a very good ballet company, and one of Italy’s most important contemporary theatres, Piccolo Teatro di Milano.

Milan’s culture is not confined to the stage either – most of Italy’s major newspapers, magazines and book publishers are based in Milan, as are the city’s main Italian fashion houses and exhibitions. In short, Milan is the dynamic city that is to Italy what New York is to the US

And like New York, Milan is the modern culinary salt that attracts many of the best talents from across the peninsula and beyond. It’s great for out-of-town visitors as well as residents with exotic and innovative tastes.

Less known for its traditional cuisines, Milan is known for its eagerness to bend over backwards in search of the latest delicacy or the newest chef. To be honest, these folks have disappeared; while there’s nothing exciting about an unexpected collision or an unusual presentation, traditional Milanese dishes are exceptionally satisfying, inviting one to gather friends around the table and spend time together.

In short, comfort food at its best.

Some traditional Milanese recipes:

Risotto alla Milanese
One of Milan’s symbols: a delicious, creamy golden risotto made with saffron.
Pan-Fried Milanese Risotto (
A quick and easy finish remains Milanese-style risotto.
Milanese-Style Veal Cutlet ( La cotoletta alla milanese )
The pan-fried veal cutlet is simple, but it can reach great heights.

A Milanese dish made with veal cutlets (or scaloppini) and prosciutto in a clever lemon and asparagus sauce.
Ossobuco, salted veal mince
A classic dish traditionally served with creamy polenta.
Artusi is a cotoletta alla Milanese
A delicious variation on the classic Milanese style veal cotoletta Pellegrino Artusi.
Chilled veal tuna in a tuna-cabbage sauce (Vitello tonnato)
A classic summer road and a must-have for Milan’s 15 August presumption feast.
Pappardelle pasta in egg sauce (Pappardelle alla boscaiola)
Thick strips of fresh pasta noodles in a rich, satisfying natural mushroom sauce.
Milanese-style Minestrone )
A refreshing spring minestrone with green peas, zucchini and many other Vegetable Recipes.
Meat-Stuffed Milanese Ravioli
Simple Milanese ravioli with a meat-based filling.
Cassoeula
Rich, satisfying Milanese pork and cabbage stew.
Milanese Tripe Soup Busecca )
Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it; this rich, bean-filled soup is winter comfort food at its best.
Panettone
Milanese Classic Christmas Cake

[Edited by Danette St. Onge]