Outdoor dining in Milan: 10 unmissable spots with dehors selected by Gambero Rosso

Hidden gardens, tables along the Navigli, charming inner courtyards, terraces with a view: there are as many dehors to enjoy in the fine season as you could wish for, all across the metropolis.

Outdoor dining in Milan: 10 unmissable spots with dehors selected by Gambero Rosso

Giolina

Pizzeria. Among the most characterful establishments in Milan, recognisable both for its charming location (and equally charming dehors) and for its refreshingly original offering. The pizza is contemporary in style and crafted with great care by chef Danilo Brunetti. There are also padellino pizzas and a parallel menu dedicated to soft burgers made with Giovenca Sannita beef. Complemented by an excellent selection of natural wines from both Italy and abroad. The vintage touches in the décor, light colour palette, and friendly service all contribute to a pleasant experience.

Giolina – via F. Bellotti, 6 – 02 76006379 – giolina.it

Innocenti Evasioni / Terrazza Triennale

Restaurant. The venue on Via Candiani (inaugurated in 2023 with its stunning garden view) remains open for pre-booked events, while Arrigoni and his team have now relocated to the beautiful terrace atop the Triennale (where they had been operating on a part-time basis since 2023), a striking and iconic location that now hosts the “new” Innocenti Evasioni. The style remains clean and elegant, with two tasting menus blending local tradition and international inspirations (for example: powerful mixed Gragnano pasta with tomato cream, or Milanese risotto with chicken broth and acidified butter). There’s also a cocktail bar and an unforgettable atmosphere.

Innocenti Evasioni/Terrazza Triennale – v.le Emilio Alemagna 6 – 334 6778784 – innocentievasioni.com

Mandarin Garden Bar & Restaurant

This is the bistro of the five-star luxury Mandarin Oriental, which also houses the acclaimed fine dining restaurant Seta led by chef Antonio Guida. Guida also oversees the food offering in this space, which during the warmer months allows guests to enjoy meals at outdoor tables in the splendid, verdant internal courtyard. Ideal for breakfast, tea, a light or hearty snack, or a full meal, with dishes that range from traditional classics to Mediterranean flavours. Excellent cocktails are available to accompany meals, aperitifs, or after-dinner drinks. High-level service.

Mandarin Garden Bar & Restaurant – via Andegari, 9 – 02 87318898 – mandarinoriental.com

Motelombroso

Restaurant. A zen (and hi-tech) oasis in this semi-rural suburban area. A near-hidden place that’s hard to find but even harder to leave, thanks also to the continuous evolution of its cuisine – reflected in an ever-changing and stimulating menu. An inclusive and almost ascetic venue, where the garden is a true sanctuary for the soul.

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

Osteria del Binari

Restaurant. Guests can sit in the Art Nouveau-style dining room or, in summer, in the cool garden – one of the most beloved green “oases” in Milan. The kitchen serves traditional Milanese fare (such as cassoeula, ossobuco with saffron risotto, mondeghili, rustin negàa) as well as seasonal and Mediterranean dishes, like ravioli stuffed with borage and ricotta with cherry tomato concassé, and cod filled with salt cod, basil purée, and crispy asparagus. Great wine list. Reasonable prices.

Osteria del Binari – via Tortona, 1 – 02 89409428   – osteriadelbinari.it

Onest

Wine Bar. An all-day venue combining café, bakery, and a creative enoteca focused on high-quality ingredients and sustainability. Coffee is served strictly without sugar, all ingredients are certified origin, and lunch and dinner menus are far from ordinary (featuring dishes like Albenga’s zucchini trombetta, charred Vesuvian apricot and labneh, Chinese cabbage, spiced apple sauce, peanuts and coconut, nori seaweed powder, short pasta with pepper and almond cream, smoked Mustia ricotta, and lemon thyme). A fun selection of natural and biodynamic wines, focusing on Italy and France but also offering Austrian and Spanish gems.

Onest – via G. Turroni, 2 – 351 8578998 – onestmilano.com

Un posto a Milano

Bistro. Bare brick walls and panoramic windows instantly transport guests to a contemporary rustic space. Set in Cascina Cuccagna – an 18th-century farmhouse now a multifunctional centre – this bar/restaurant is a perfect escape from the city’s fast pace. Guests can sunbathe while leafing through a magazine, enjoy a jazz concert, or relax with chef Nicola Cavallaro’s cuisine – known for his deep commitment to short supply chains. The menu changes daily and caters to all, with house-made bread and pasta, and great charcoal-grilled dishes using Calabrian holm oak. Must-try desserts. Drinks include craft beers and wines from independent winemakers; service can be hit or miss.

Un posto a Milano – via privata Cuccagna, 2 – 02 5457785 – unpostoamilano.it

Ribot

Restaurant. This historic venue turns 50 this year and is well-known for its spacious, shady outdoor area. In addition to the original location, there’s also the Bistrot in Piazza Firenze and Ribot Borghetto in Melchiorre Gioia – equally pleasant, with more relaxed formats. Tried and tested service and cuisine: expect a menu that combines tradition, seasonality, and Mediterranean flair, with satisfying grilled meats (the owners are of Tuscan origin).

Ribot – via M. Cremosano, 41 – 02 33001646 – ribotmilano.it

Tipografia Alimentare

Bistro. A cheerful spot along the Martesana canal, now a go-to for a large local crowd. Offers simple but well-executed dishes with good options for vegetarians and vegans. Lunch is straightforward but sometimes playfully provocative, while dinner brings more sophisticated offerings. The wine list is extensive and well curated. Service fits the laid-back vibe. Special mention for the sourdough bread. The outdoor space is a peaceful green setting right by the Martesana canal.

Tipografia Alimentare – via Dolomiti, 1 – 02 83537868 – tipografiaalimentare.it

Vòce in Giardino

Bistro. The A&N group’s offshoot with a view of La Scala (see also Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia) is no longer just a “city centre office” for the parent restaurant, but a high-level gastro-bistro, with cuisine matching its pedigree and set within a prestigious cultural complex that includes the Gallerie d’Italia and Alessandro Manzoni’s house. Everything becomes even more “special” in spring, when the secluded garden opens – an exclusive space where guests can dine for lunch or enjoy an aperitif surrounded by art and beauty.

Vòce in Giardino – via Manzoni, 10 – 349 3273374 – aimoenadia.com

Cover photo: Osteria del Binari