Milan Design Week: Designers Share Favorite Spots

Once a year, designers from around the world flight to Milan Design Week to see the freshest trends in furnishings and decor at Salone del Mobile. With a continuous turn of meetings and exhibition viewings for five days, a bit of rest is needed. Whether it’s eating on local delicacies or investigating the breathtaking design that dots the Milanese streets, interior designers are masters when it comes to kicking back stylishly in the fascinating city.

Jamie Drake

Photo: Courtesy of Langosteria

“I love white truffles; one could say I’m a truffle hound. Of course, the best in the world are from Tuscany, but the most fabulous truffles I’ve ever savored were enjoyed at Il Ristorante Trussardi alla Scala (Piazza della Scala, 5; 39-02/8068-8201). Located on the second floor of the renowned fashion luxury brand Trussardi‘s flagship store, the understated room has a commanding view of the historic La Scala opera house. The ethereal scent and taste of their truffles over homemade pasta haunt me to this day.”

Sasha Bikoff

“At Langosteria (Via Savona, 10; 39-02/5811-1649), I had the most amazing seafood with sliced foie gras layered in between langoustine tartare. It is a favorite for locals, and the Italians, of course, do everything perfectly from architecture to design to fashion—but especially the food.”

Brett Beldock

“For me, no trip to iSaloni is complete without a visit to Bar Basso (Via Plinio, 39; 39-02/2940-0580) for their world famous Negroni cocktail, which is about the size of a football—literally. I happened upon this little neighborhood gem many years ago while walking the Milanese streets in the rain. It is an unpretentious respite from the craziness of the fair with the most charming staff.”

Alexa Hampton

“Next week will be the first time I’ve been to Milan in years. The top two musts on my list are Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie (Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie; 39-02/467-6111) and La Scala (Via Filodrammatici, 2; 39-02/88791), where we will be taking our kids to hear music in one of the most magnificent places on this earth.”

Ken Fulk

“Giacomo Bistrot (Via Pasquale Sottocorno, 6; 39-02/7602-2653) is a glorious old-world-style spot. The interiors and food are sublime. It’s as if a Parisian grande dame had a mad love affair with a dashing London gentleman—all smack dab in the Italian capital of fashion and design!”