If you’re anywhere on social media, especially Instagram, then you’d be smart to follow Brian Atwood (if you’re not already, that is). It’s easy to be envious of this famous shoe designer for his movie star good looks, megawatt smile and jet set lifestyle (who wouldn’t?)… But you simply won’t find a nicer guy on the planet. Work naturally takes him often to Milan, so here is his insiders guide to Italy’s fashion centric city.
Table of Contents
FAVORITE HOTEL AND WHY?
I personally love the Four Seasons. I love that it is right in the center of Milan around fabulous shops. It is a staple during fashion week and definitely a place to people watch. It used to be a monastery before it became a hotel. The restaurant is delicious and the lobby is great for a drink; on cold nights you can go to the smaller area with a fireplace. Very cozy and chic in an Italian way. The courtyard is also a fabulous place to have a drink on a sunny day.
BEST PLACES TO SHOP:
Milan is a shoppers’ paradise. From Via Montenapoleone to 10 Corso Como to Excelsior to shopping in Brera.
BEST SHOP FOR MEN’S SHOES:
Gucci.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH (for food):
Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone. Gorgeous place with great Italian food. If you go during spring or summer, eat outside in the courtyard if you can get a spot.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH (for people watching):
Bice and Salumaio.
MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT FOR DINNER:
Giacomo Arengario is very romantic with a stunning view of the Duomo.
BEST PASTA IN MILAN:
Bistrot Giacomo… spaghetti pomodoro. Yummmmm.
IF YOU ARE SPENDING A WEEKEND IN MILAN, WHAT ARE 3 THINGS YOU MUST DO:
1. If you get time, go to Lake Como. It’s only a 45 minute drive and you can eat at Il Gatto Nero or Villa D’Este, then go on a Riva boat tour of the area. It’s fun.
2. Go to Bastianello for a coffee.
3. Head to Marchesi for an Aperol Spritz.
DUOMO, LAST SUPPER OR LA SCALA?
Duomo.
VIA MONTENAPOLEONE OR CORSO COMO?
Both.
LA DOLCE VITA OR CINEMA PARADISO?
La Dolce Vita.
Four Seasons Milan|Via Gesù, 6/8| +39 02 77088
10 Corso Como| 10 Corso Como| +39 390 265 3531
Excelsior Milano| Galleria del Corso, 4|+39 02 7630 7301
Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone|via S. Spirito, 10 / via Gesu, 5|+39 02 7600 1123
Ristorante Bice|Via Borgospesso, 12|+39 02 7600 2572
Giacomo Bistrot|Via Pasquale Sottocorno, 6|+39 02 7602 2653
Il Gatto Nero|Via Privata Decemviri, 14|+39 02 738 8450
Villa D’Este| Via Regina, 40| +39 031 3481
Pasticceria Bastianello|Via Borgogna, 5|+39 02 7631 7065