As a food enthusiast, I believe every destination has its own unique street food experience. Sampling street food in Milan is no exception. Eating my way through Milan’s street food cuisine was in fact a tasty way to explore the Milanese/Italian food culture.
With poor time management and a lack of meal preparation habits, I often find myself turning to convenient grab-and-go options when I am short on time. In this article, I’m sharing a list of my favorite budget friendly go-to addresses, a highlight of Milan’s most renowned treats and where to find them. Let’s do this!
Milan's Street food chronicles.
1. Luini.
If you’re wandering around the charming streets of Milan and stumble upon Luini’s bakery, consider yourself lucky! Located near Duomo, Luini’s is a hidden gem renowned for Mrs. Giuseppina Luini recipes brought all the way from Puglia.
Walking in, you are instantly greeted with the smell of freshly baked pastries. A variety of golden-brown delights filled with savory or sweet fillings. But what sets Luini apart is its signature Panzerotti. These filled little pockets are simply irresistible. With classic combinations like tomato and mozzarella to inventive creations featuring spinach and ricotta, this place is sure to satisfy. Luini’s Bakery is heaven, which is why you you wouldn’t want to miss it. If you happen to visit the city, or if you’re just passing by, treat yourself to one of the most authentic Italian bites in Milan.
Trust me, each snack is a little piece of Puglia right in the heart of Milan’s street food landscape. Also, ask if they have the Tomato, Mozzarella and Pesto fried Panzerotti, it is a killer.
For more information: Luini
2. Trapizzino.
If you have read our Roma’s food articles, you will probably remember this name. Trapizzino is a popular Italian address that made its way to Milan’s Street food. The brand stands out for combining the flavors of traditional Roman cuisine with a modern twist. A triangular pocket of pizza dough, like a pocket sandwich, but with a lighter and fluffier texture. Filled with various savory fillings, it’s a tasty and convenient way to enjoy authentic Italian flavors on the go.
Bonus point, stepping into the world of Trapizzino opens the door to enjoy their delightful Supplì. With the classic “on the phone” Supplì and the newest creations like the Supplì al Tortellino, there’s always a surprise waiting to be discovered.
For more information: Trapizzino
Location: Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 2, 20143 Milano MI, Itaty.
3. A’Vucciria, a bit of Sicily in Milan's Street food scene.
This place is a typical Sicilian rotisserie and fry shop where you can taste Sicily’s finest treats. From the classic Arancini to fried Calzones and Panzerroti, they’ve got Sicilian cuisine well covered. Besides the scent of Arancini, there’s the pastry section with its Cannoli, fried Iris with ricotta, Cassatine, and Cartocci. A’Vucciria is yet another must-visit, especially if you haven’t already been to the south of Italy.
For more information: A’Vucciria
4. Spontini.
Spontini started out as a restaurant in Via Marghera, Via Cenisio, and Piazza Cinque Giornate. However, after recognizing the needs of busy individuals, the company inaugurated the first Spontini Point on via Santa Radegonda. Quickly, the place became a cool spot where you can grab a slice of pizza and eat it standing up.
Using fresh Italian ingredients, Spontini’s dough is kneaded and leavened manually on a daily basis. Their menu includes a variety of pizzas with generous portions at affordable prices. This is definitely one of the best corners for an authentic Milanese bite to dine-in or for a takeout.
When it comes to Spontini, I would never say no. Their thick crispy Focaccia base makes the slices so crunchy and flavorful. That and their generous servings of cheese, literally a highly recommended street food (aka comfort food).
For more information: Spontini
Location: Spontini around Milan, Italy.
5. Romoletto.
According to Romoletto, there is only one city more Roman than Rome: the Milan of Romoletto. I might have to agree, this place is a heaven. Located near Colonne di San Lorenzo, Romoletto made its entrance to Milan’s Street food scene with the authentic food of Rome. From classic pizzas and its revisited versions, to the traditional supplì al telephone and its variants, Romoletto brings the capital to your plate.
Whether you like your pizza plain, garnished on the surface or freshly stuffed, this place has got your cravings covered. For a healthier bite, you can order traditional Roman vegetables to pair with their pizza instead. Told you, they have got everything taken care of.
For more information: Romoletto
Location: Corso di Porta Ticinese, 14, 20123 Milano MI, Italy.
6. Another Milan's Street food bliss, La Piadineria.
Originally born in the Emilia Romagna region, the Piadina, also known as Piada, was a traditional humble meal made from simple and inexpensive ingredients. However, over the years, it has captured hearts and secured its place as on the best street food in Italy. Piadina is a pillowy soft flatbread loaded with fresh cheese, crisp greens and a base of choice (meat, chicken, salmon, …).
During my time in Milan, Piadineria was one of my top picks whenever my taste buds switched to Piadina cravings. I have tried most of the savory fillings; fresh cheese like Squacquerone and Stracchino, Arugula, Salmon, Tomatoes, and grilled vegetables. On the sweet side, my go-to Piadine were either Nutella or fresh fruit based. Reflecting on it, Piadina was one of my most satisfying snacks, both outdoors and homemade.
For more information: Piadineria
Location: Piadineria around Milan, Italy.
7. Pizzotella.
Pizza Al Taglio, my Roman addiction. And when it comes to the real pizza by the slice, Pizzottella is definitely it. Every day, 14 Pizzottelle are displayed on the counter, pre-cut into portions and neatly arranged in small trays. Unlike Pizza Al Taglio, where slices are cut upon ordering and priced by weight, Pizzotella offers square pieces with different pricing depending on the ingredients.
Alternatively, if you’re dinning in a group, you can choose “social” trays, available in sizes of 30, 60, or 90 centimeters. These sizes are perfect for sharing and can be enjoyed at the communal table in the charming arched basement.
Ordering tip: When sharing the meal with someone, I suggest ordering different types of pizza and having them cut into halves or quarters. This way you can both sample and try more options within one serving.
For more information: Pizzotella
8. Mascherpa tiramisù.
I couldn’t overlook Milan’s street food scene without mentioning Mascherpa, the first Tiramisuteca in the city. This charming shop is a haven for Italy’s favorite dessert, Tiramisu.
Mascherpa holds the distinction of being the first and only artisan Milanese workshop dedicated to Tiramisu. Using a traditional family recipe, they offer a modern interpretation of Tiramisu in three jar formats. The menu features innovative twists on Tiramisu, offering customers the option to create their own combinations or indulge in Tiramisu sticks—a sort of ladyfinger bases covered with creative fillings. Alternatively, for those craving an extra coffee kick, the Tiramisu bowls feature a soft cream base garnished with ladyfingers and served with a carefully curated coffee.
Besides, Mascherpa has a special flavour each month. Thus, Mascherpa is an unmissable destination for any foodie looking for appetizing variations of the most renowned Italian dessert, Tiramisu.
For more information: Mascherpa
As I wrapped up my journey living in Italy, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the delicious memories I’ve created at each stop. From the comforting aroma of Luini’s Panzerotti to the indulgent sweetness of Mascherpa’s Tiramisu, every bite has been a true delight to my senses. In view of this, exploring Milan’s Street food landscape was my way of appropriating the city. And I can only hope your Italian culinary adventure will be filled with more surprises and unforgettable flavors. Buon Appetito!
Side note:
As you might have noticed, some of these establishments are part of national and international food chain. Don’t be deceived, the quality remains consistent, and its widespread availability makes it even more convenient to enjoy wherever you go.
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Further readings:
- If you recharged your street food cravings, check out our food recommendations when in Milan.
- Never two without three, we also gathered a list of the must-try Gelato’s in the city.
