Milan Design Week isn’t just about exhibitions and installations—it’s a citywide takeover where design infiltrates every corner, from concept stores to cocktail bars, sleek restaurants, and underground creative hubs. Whether you’re deep in Brera’s historic courtyards, exploring the avant-garde energy of Porta Venezia, or discovering cutting-edge spaces in Isola and Tortona, the week is about immersing yourself in Milan’s unique intersection of design, food, and culture.
If you’re visiting Milan, you may also want to read our insiders guide to Milan or the best things to see in Milan.
1
Moebius
A hybrid space blending a cocktail bar, a vinyl shop, and an experimental bistro, Moebius is a true design-lover’s playground. Formerly a textile warehouse, this space now hosts two souls, rich in atmosphere and meticulously curated in every detail. The interiors mix raw industrial aesthetics with warm, curated details. While the downstairs is a laid-back, sleek environment for savouring a fantastic cocktail (the 3-meter-high bottle cupboard behind the bar has it’s purpose), the floating mezzanine upstairs is dedicated to fine-dining by part-owner and chef Enrico Croatti.
2
Ultra milano
Ultra in Milan redefines the concept of a pizzeria with a meticulously crafted Cocktail pairing. This innovative space is born from the same, visionary owners of our beloved Carico; a beautiful collaboration between Dom Carrella and Fabrizio Margarita whose shared vision was to offer the city a place that ” feels a little like Milan and a little like somewhere else.” The spot reimagines a Milanese night out weaving a gastronomic journey that embraces a new, modern conviviality.
3
Camparino in Galleria
Campari is a world famous liqueur, created by Gasparre Campari in 1860, just before the unification of the Kingdom of Italy. This Camparino in Galleria was born in 1915 thanks to Davide Campari, who opened it as the “younger brother” of Caffè Campari. It quickly became a symbol of the Milanese aperitivo, a meeting place for intellectuals and prominent figures who gathered to socialise while sipping a Campari.
4
Autem
For the 2025 Salone del Mobile in Milan, chef Luca Natalini of Autem collaborates with artist Paola Paronetto, who has created the exclusive artwork “Autem” as a tribute to his culinary vision. On display until the end of April, the piece reflects their shared passion for art and nature. Natalini, known for his sustainable, seasonal approach, sees cuisine as a creative expression that transcends taste and art. Paronetto, inspired by floral forms, crafts symbolic, animated objects blending art and design. The matte white “Autem” sculpture, with fluid surfaces and shifting light reflections, evolves throughout the day, creating a dynamic visual experience. Enriched by elements of Natalini’s Cucina di Mercato, it embodies the fusion of food, design, and atmosphere.
5
Vesta
A sleek reinterpretation of the classic Milanese bar-bistrot, Vesta is the brainchild of architect Stefano Belingardi Clusoni, who has infused the space with minimalist sophistication and a touch of brutalist inspiration. The interiors play with contrasts of raw and refined materials—cool concrete surfaces softened by rich wood paneling and leather banquettes. At Vesta, fish prevails with a crudo bar, oysters, carpaccios and caviar to star on the menu. As for mains, dishes are reinterpreted with a contemporary flair such as spaghetti, vongole and bottarga or ravioli cacio e pepe with bergamot. This is the right place for an evening with family or friends but also for a job dinner.
6
Bar Nico
Bar Nico, designed by SagomaStudio, is the latest hotspot in Milan’s Acquabella district. Located on Piazza Guardi, this 75-square-meter wine bar was once a commercial space, a tire shop, and originally a pasta factory. Founders Chiara Pino and Riccardo Ganelli embraced an adaptive reuse approach, preserving original terrazzo flooring with visible signs of its past. The design plays with contrasts: cement elements juxtapose with warm wooden furnishings, while steel accents add a contemporary edge. At night, Bar Nico glows red, transforming into a beacon for locals and passersby. With its blend of heritage and modernity, it has quickly become a social hub, where history, architecture, and conviviality seamlessly intertwine.
7
Abba
In Milan’s Certosa District, Abba emerges from the transformation of a former brush factory into a refined dining space by Italian architect Giulio Marchesi. With large windows and a palette of natural tones—earth, sand, and wood—the restaurant embodies elegance, simplicity, and harmony with nature. By night, it becomes an intimate and romantic retreat, offering a sensory dining experience. At the heart of Abba is chef Fabio Abbattista, whose philosophy blends Pugliese traditions, global influences, and haute cuisine techniques. His menu adapts not just to the seasons but evolves daily, guided by the optimal ripeness of ingredients. Vegetables take center stage, while ethically sourced meat and seafood complete the experience.
8
10_11, Portrait
This is perhaps one of the most characteristic places in the city for enjoying an aperitif, especially now as the days are getting longer and we can make the most out of the outdoors. The exteriors of the 10_11, within the Portrait hotel, is set along one of the fascinating 17th century colonnades that encircles the piazza, once home to the Archiepiscopal Seminary, one of the world’s largest seminaries. It’s a favourite of Milan’s elite, perfect for sipping a spritz or enjoying a plate of spaghetti served at midnight.
9
Sogni
Sogni is Storage Milano’s latest masterpiece, where bold geometries and fluid lines shape a visually striking yet intimate space. The design cleverly balances soft pastels with deep, moody hues, creating a dreamlike contrast that plays with perception. Located in the Sant’Ambrogio neighbourhood, this cosy, dream-like space is the ultimate pit-stop for a late-night cocktail.
10
Labsolue Bar and roof terrace
In the Tortona neighbourhood, Magna Pars recently launched their LabSolue Bar and Roof Terrace, a space where fragrance, nature, and Italian hospitality come together. Nestled among Milan’s rooftops and overlooking the internal garden, this venue features Mediterranean olive trees, climbing jasmines, and a cozy veranda that opens during the warmer months. At its heart is the Olfactive Aperitif, an innovative take on the Milanese aperitivo, where classic cocktails are infused with artisanal fragrances from LabSolue Perfume Laboratory. Crafted by renowned perfumers, the drink menu evolves with the seasons, pairing scents with flavours and signature dishes. A must-try is 201 ULIVO, an olfactory cocktail inspired by the LabSolue fragrance
11
Specialty coffee fix from Spazio Mirabilia
Spazio Mirabilia just landed in Milan’s Tortona district, and it’s not your average café. Created by Alice Monti, a specialty coffee expert since 2009 and founder of Mirabilia, Italy’s first independent specialty coffee subscription service, this space is all about mindful, sustainable coffee drinking with a side of fun, education, and community. Think of it as part cozy living room, part event space, where you can sip on top-tier brews, join a tasting, or dive into a hands-on workshop. The layout flows naturally, from a welcoming lounge decked out with custom wallpaper by Colorobe, to a communal table perfect for sharing ideas, all the way to a modular kitchen designed by Elmar, ready to transform for coffee workshops or creative projects. Check out and book the workshops here.
12
Bar Basso
A legendary name in Milan’s design scene, Bar Basso is where creatives flock for the iconic Negroni Sbagliato, served in oversized glasses. During Design Week, expect the world’s best designers casually sipping their drinks while chatting about the latest trends.