Good, healthy, low in calories, rich in Omega 3 and then part of the tradition of many Italian regions. Fish consumption is growing rapidly in Italy, especially among young people. Every Italian consumes an average of 30 kg of fish per year; and if in 2021 only 13% of customers chose fish-based dishes, this percentage jumped to 43% in 2024 and the growth continues.
Milan has always been one of the centers with the highest number of “fish-food” restaurants; here are some:
June 13thMilan – Via Carlo Goldoni, 44. Tel. 02.719654 – https://www.13giugno.com/
Here the heart is Sicilian, or rather Palermo, but the mind is international and open.
Since 1988 Saverio Dolcimascolo offers dishes such as pasta with sardines, bavette with sea urchins, tuna morsels with chickpea macco; but then over time it has evolved for many years and has introduced «plateau of fruits de mer» which have nothing to envy of the Parisians and, more recently, dishes such as red tuna tartare with buffalo stracciatella and black truffle, or crunchy baby octopus on potato and lime cream. But what is notable on June 13th is the attention to the environment, both in the new outdoor area, and in the beautiful “greenhouse”, and in the classic elegant interior of the restaurant. There is a refined air, with attention to detail, without forcing. And the prices, for so much goodness, are reasonable: around 70 euros.
A’ Riccione Bistrot, Milan – Via Procaccini 28. Tel.: 023451323 – www.ariccionemilano.it
A few steps from Chinatown, in via Procaccini, a true temple of fish and seafood. Upon entering, immediately on the right, there is a large counter full of various types of «sea food». A real “invitation to the dance”.
In the pleasant rooms, informally elegant, decorated with stylized fish and designer furnishings and, in the new part, with paintings by Chiara Bellonithe wonderful cuisine is offered. Caviar, a wide choice of oysters, the wonderful plateau with shellfish and seafood, steamed octopus, spaghetti with sea urchins and then Black cod encrusted with black truffle or catch of the day, Sicilian style, Ligurian style in salt or grilled. There is also the interesting Business Lunch proposal: three dishes for €40. Excellent wine list. Friendly and efficient service. Over €80 drinks not included.
TuyaMilan – Piazza Bo Bardi Lina, 7 – Tel.: 389 959 5221 – http://www.tuya.it/
More than a restaurant, it is a “multifaceted” place to spend an evening. In Piazza Bo Bardi Lina, a stone’s throw from Piazza della Repubblica and Citylife, Tuya is a magical place, made up of good food, excellent music, unusual and very pleasant decor and atmosphere. In the large semi-circular room, with beautiful marble tables, there is a large open kitchen and a large open cellar. The cuisine is refined but easywith particular attention to product quality. The raw dishes are excellent, starting with the red prawn carpaccio, the seafood platter and oysters (splendid), and the tuna tartare. And then, beef cheek with pumpkin puree, cod with strawberries, lamb cutlets with kalamata olives.
Excellent, attentive and smiling service. Over €100 drinks not included.
Seafood wine shop, Milan – Via Luigi Federico Menabrea, 12. Tel.: 02 6883224 – https://enotecadimare.it/
You can smell the sea when entering this very pleasant place which, even in its colours, white and blue, is very marine.
And then there is all the Neapolitan colour, in the service and also in the food. Few tables, well set, a serene atmosphere and a very attentive and personalized service from the friendly staff Giovanni d’Alterio. The cuisine is “simply refined”, based on fish, shellfish and fresh pasta. In summary, it could be described as: innovation and tradition, with sea products as «light motif».
Among the dishes, the Royal boat stands out, with an excellent assortment of shellfish and seafood; raw seafood; Catalan-style prawns; tagliolini with cuttlefish ink; the very light mixed fried food.
Super cellar with over 200 labels. Around €70 for so much goodness.
Derby GrillMonza – V.le Cesare Battisti, 1. Tel. 339 791 3900 – https://derbygrill.it/
A real, pleasant surprise, in a very charming location. Right in front of the Villa Reale of Monza, an eighteenth-century work by Piermarinithere is a wonderful veranda, where you have lunch and dinner, looked after, cared for, spoiled by the maître Antonio Renzulli.
The style, care and furnishings are reminiscent of the great historic London hotels; the food is not, it is decidedly classic Italian, with a refined and “rejuvenated” touch. You could define it as an Italian-style Claridge’s: with Claridge’s service and style, but with a smile and an all-Italian “flavour”.
The chef Fabio Silva offers dishes such as calamari stuffed with escarole, prawns and stewed chickpeas; or the rabbit terrine with Taggiasca olives; ravioli stuffed with mascarpone and truffle; tuna with turnip greens; or splendid grilled meats. The Florentine steak is also wonderful in its presentation.
Behind it is the beautiful Hotel de la Ville, furnished with very good taste and beautiful antiques. For so much beauty and goodness around €100.
