Here's where to eat gourmet in the shadow of Milan Cathedral

Inside the prestigious Park Hyatt Milano, on Via Tommaso Grossi, just a stone's throw from the beating heart of the city, is Pellico 3. Led by chef Guido Paternollo, the restaurant has been conceived as an immersive experience in culinary modernity, with dishes that focus on enhancing the raw material through haute cuisine techniques that are never ostentatious. Paternollo, a young but already established talent, brings to the table a cuisine that dialogues with nature and the territory, enriched by international inspirations such as his past work with Enrico Bartolini, Marc Veyrat, Yannick Alléno and Alain Ducasse.

Valerio Braschi, very young winner of MasterChef Italy (he was just 18 years old) is now one of the boldest voices of the new Italian cuisine. He has brought his creative energy to Milan with the View project. Vista sul Duomo, the restaurant plays on the double meaning of its name: a breathtaking view of the city and a gastronomic vision outside the box. Braschi is not afraid to be daring and builds dishes that often turn into sensory experiences, capable of disorienting and enchanting at the same time. His is a cuisine that fuses play, technique and experimentation, with a narrative behind each creation that also tells of the purest Italian tradition.

Horto stands out for the visionary imprint of its founder, the South Tyrolean chef Norbert Niederkofler, three Michelin stars. The project, which combines elegance and sustainability, was born with the intention of proposing a cuisine that respects nature, with particular attention to seasonality and short supply chain, interpreted by chef Alessandro Piton. Niederkofler thus brings his "Cook the Mountain" concept to the Duomo, adapting it to the urban context: essential dishes, made with few ingredients processed to enhance their purity and evocative power.

Located inside the Museo del Novecento, Giacomo Arengario is more than a historic restaurant on Milan's piazza: it is an experience that encompasses art,history and gastronomy in a single setting. Directly overlooking the Duomo, with floor-to-ceiling windows that seem to embrace the spires, it is one of the city's most atmospheric locations. The ambience evokes the elegant style of the historic Giacomo's, with stylish wood panelling. In the kitchen, the Italian and Milanese tradition is celebrated: from saffron risotto to the famous cotoletta, passing by fresh fish dishes and preparations that combine classicism and modern touches.

This concept space that combines a bookshop, design store and a bistro just a stone's throw from Piazza del Duomo is the brainchild of Chichi Meroni, a lover of art, design and fashion: this restaurant is conceived as a cosmopolitan salon in the heart of Milan. This is the ideal place for those looking for an experience that combines culture and gastronomy, perhaps starting with a visit to the bookshop or design store and ending with lunch or dinner, far from the hectic tourist trade.

For those who want a more informal but still quality break, Obicà Mozzarella Bar alla Rinascente is one of the most popular options. Located on the seventh floor of the historic department store, it offers a privileged view of the Duomo, making even a quick lunch a memorable moment. The concept revolves around mozzarella di bufala campana Dop, offered in different variations and accompanied by cured meats, vegetables and light pizzas. The menu, simple but carefully prepared, allows you to savour the best of Italian tradition in a fresh, contemporary key.