Where to eat in Milan for Valentine's Day. The restaurants chosen by Gambero Rosso

Even under the Madonnina, the "standard" options for Valentine's Day dinner and pre-set menus are numerous. No need to worry, though, if you have a refined palate. There are plenty of excellent places open all year round that are perfect for a "special" dinner. We give you some clever ideas to celebrate as a couple without sacrificing food, wine, and atmosphere, with options for all tastes and preferences, from those who love Zen gardens to those who want to get away from the metropolitan chaos, from those who won't give up pizza - as long as it's gourmet and accompanied by a respectable wine list - to enthusiasts of Asian flavors, but in a gourmet key. Here are some gems between Milan and its surroundings for Valentine's Day.

Where to eat in Milan for Valentine's Day

Confine - Pizza e Cantina

Pizzeria. Francesco Capece and Mario Ventura opened in April 2023. Both from Salerno, Francesco takes care of the kitchen, and Mario takes care of the cellar: an underground and elegant space, where hundreds of references (mostly from France and various regions of Italy) are stored, giving rise to interesting pairings. After croquettes, omelets, and supplì, excellent classic and experimental pizzas are served, as well as fried pizzas and small pans for sharing. Tasting options are interesting, and desserts are a must.

Confine - Pizza e Cantina - p.zza Guglielmo Massaia - 375 5426086 - confinemilano.it

Gloria

Bistro. Tommaso Melilli, Rocco Galasso, and Luca Gennati (both from e/n natural wine bar) have taken over from Carmine and Gloria, the former managers of the trattoria, revitalizing the sign and refreshing the furnishings. Dark wooden tables, mostly "artisanal" wine bottles on the walls (no menu but a frequent rotation), an outdoor area, and two "festival benches," plus two small counters that cannot be reserved. Their cuisine, by their own definition, is "normal," somewhat inspired by French bistronomy, where Melilli grew up. Minestrone is already a must. Affordable prices for the Milanese square.

Gloria - via M. Pichi, 5 (ang. via G. Borsi) - 02 45474710 - gloriamilano.com

Gong Oriental Attitude

Chinese. Celebrations for the Chinese New Year are in full swing, but it's an additional reason to treat yourself and your loved one to an evening in one of the best Asian restaurants in Italy. Giulia Liu is, after all, the city's most famous patron (always book in advance), and Gong's success, in addition to its timeless ambiance and precise service, is particularly due to its ability to constantly evolve Oriental Attitude (still present in the sign, perhaps for good luck) towards a cuisine without borders and of great personality (see foie gras marinated in miso and filled with Nashi pears or tacos where a crescent of lettuce is served with duck brunoise and vegetables).

Gong Oriental Attitude - c.so Concordia, 8 - 02 76023873 - gongoriental.com

Innocenti Evasioni

Restaurant. The famous Zen garden of Bindellina has given way to a large green outdoor area with beehives. The move several months ago to a rapidly developing Bovisa has done wonders for Tommaso Arrigoni, 25 years after the opening of Innocenti Evasioni. The venue is spacious, very bright thanks to the windows, and of modern taste. On the one hand, the kitchen has not changed, always attentive to balance and with a delicate touch. The environment is always particularly charming, and there is also a shop (spoiler: with gift ideas for Valentine's Day).

Innocenti Evasioni - via Candiani, 66 - 02 33001882 - innocentievasioni.com

Il Liberty Milano

Restaurant. Andrea Provenzani is a chef and patron with broad shoulders who, despite being on the scene for over twenty years, never stops updating and experimenting. There's no discussion on the classics, beloved by numerous regulars, such as the "pink" Milanese veal cutlet with crispy potato chips and sweet and sour double tomato jam. However, the creations of the moment also have their own significance. The dining room, with a balcony for intimate dinners, is elegant but not stiff, just like the service. The wine cellar keeps pace.

Il Liberty Milano - v.le Monte Grappa, 6 - 02 29011439 - il-liberty.it

Manna

Restaurant. After a few months of hiatus for a profound restyling, Matteo Fronduti and his Manna are back in operation with the cry of "not dishes but fire, fury, back pain"... The second life of one of the least conventional and most interesting restaurants in Milan starts with a completely renovated space with a cocktail bar, while the kitchen, despite continuous evolution, remains the faithful expression of its passionate patron. After all, the longest and most delicious tasting is called Porcherie (roast beef fat, marinated mackerel, tiger's milk and peanuts, and kidney, sea urchin, gin, and parsley, just to give two examples).

Manna - p.le Governo Provvisorio, 6 - 02 26809153 - mannamilano.it

Motelombroso

Restaurant. This semi-peripheral venue is difficult to classify, invisible from the street, enigmatic, a bit metropolitan electricity, a bit Zen garden. The proposal is contemporary, with clear and well-defined flavors and a concise and eclectic menu, with dishes that are worth sharing. It is suitable for both dinners with friends and romantic evenings for two, thanks to a deep wine list and empathetic service. Don't miss the dessert, for example, "raspberry and saffron" (saffron and white chocolate soft cake, raspberry ice cream).

Motelombroso - alzaia Naviglio Pavese, 256 - 333 1855267 - motelombroso.it

Oasi Galbusera Bianca

Restaurant. A half-hour drive from Milan, a bio-relais de charme with warmth and refreshment in the green and uncontaminated Brianza, where dozens of apple varieties are cultivated to save them from extinction. Gaetano Besana is the visionary creator of all this, where the table pays homage to the territory and its fruits, with a lot of attention to vegetarian and vegan dishes. Examples? Traditional sciatt served with Milanese salad, homemade gnocchi with meat sauce and turnips in cooking, beer-braised chicken thighs with baked potatoes.

Oasi Galbusera Bianca - La Valletta Brianza (LC) - via Galbusera Bianca, 2 - 039 570351 - oasigalbuserabianca.it