Salone del Mobile: must-see events for food lovers

Ristorante Cracco in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is dressed in art thanks to the return of a long-awaited project: the exhibition in the lunettes of the historic restaurant, commissioned by Umberta Gnutti Beretta, Carlo Cracco and Paride Vitale. Until 1 May, the windows come alive with Fantasy, the installation by artist Gaia Alari that transforms the heart of the Gallery into a dreamlike visual experience suspended in time.
Three video animations - Fantasy, created for Lunar Vacation, The Space Between, a flow of thoughts chasing each other as if in an infinite circle, and the unreleased Untitled, which investigates archetypes and visual languages - accompany the public on a journey between imagination, space and temporal perception. Curated by Annalisa Inzana and Chiara Pozzi, the exhibition renews the dialogue between contemporary art, gourmet food and public space, bringing the magic of fantasy directly under the lights of the Gallery.

Casa Cork by David Rockwell brings an immersive installation dedicated to sustainable cork design to Milan Design Week 2025. Realised by the Cork Collective with Amorim Cork and designed by the renowned Rockwell Group, Casa Cork, in via Solferino 31, hosts a selection of cork furniture and objects by international designers and brands, including Artemest, Thomas Cooper Studio and 4Spaces. Completing the experience a wine bar and an events space with free wine tastings and artisan specialities, with the artisan micro-bakery Le Polveri.

Acetaia Giusti and Deodato Arte present "Lights and Colours: Contemporary Dialogues", a diffuse exhibition animating the Giusti Boutiques at Via Spadari 6 and Corso Como 3 with the works of Marco Lodola and Daniele Fortuna. From 6 to 13 April, lights and colours become the protagonists of a visual dialogue made of contrasts and harmonies: Lodola enchants with his light sculptures inspired by Pop Art, while Fortuna brings mythological and artistic icons reinterpreted in hand-painted wood.

Eataly Milano Smeraldo is transformed into an enchanted world with The Garden of Wonders, the immersive installation created by designer Elena Salmistraro for Interni's Cre-Action project. From 7 April, visitors will be able to let themselves be guided on a sensorial journey through plants, colours and vibrant shapes that crosses the entire store in Piazza XXV Aprile, from the entrance to the second floor, culminating in the spaces of the Food&Pizza Theatre, where inspiration becomes reality. To welcome passers-by, a large illustration on the shop front immediately introduces them to this fantastic universe, turning even a simple shopping or lunch break into a creative and surprising experience.

The Principe Bar at the Hotel Principe di Savoia in Piazza della Repubblica is transformed thanks to the exclusive takeover by Missoni. Throughout the month, the iconic elegance of the maison envelops the spaces with vibrant patterns, refined fabrics and design details that reinvent the atmosphere of the famous Milanese bar. The experience is rounded off with a signature drink list, devised by bar manager Daniele Celli: four signature cocktails inspired by the Missoni style, including two creations born from the collaboration with Malfy Gin. The Malfy Originale Negroni, intense and elegant, and the Sunset Spritz, citrusy and fruity, flank bolder proposals such as the Spicy Mezcal Margarita and the non-alcoholic alternative The White Pearl.

De'Longhi transforms a historic Milanese tram into a travelling Coffee Lounge: a mobile design lounge that travels through the city along the "Perfetto District", an itinerary through 9 locations including showrooms and art galleries, where coffee machines will be the protagonists of experiential installations. On board, you will be able to taste coffee and participate in dedicated workshops, as well as discover the Rivelia Limited Edition, the new limited edition coffee machine decorated with the lively and playful graphics of artist Antonio Colomboni, aka ScombinAnto, who also designed the exterior of the tram. The experience is free, with mandatory registration at perfettodistrict.delonghi.com.

Tuscan winery Ruffino returns to Milan Design Week with the second edition of OrobyRuffino - The Art of Connection, an immersive project hosted at the Milan Triennale (viale Alemagna 6). A journey through art, wine and conviviality inspired by the prestigious Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Riserva Ducale Oro. The protagonists are five artists and design studios - Agustina Bottoni, Beatrice Dettori, Studio Martinelli Venezia, Millim and Uroš Mihić - invited to interpret the concept of connection through unprecedented works, between aesthetics, innovation and Tuscan spirit.

Complimentary Belgian beer for those who come for a unique multi-sensory experience: at the Brussels House in Milan, overlooking the evocative Bosco Verticale at 23 Via de Castilla, the (Un)Wrapped exhibition featuring 10 Belgian designers is on until 13 April. In line with the theme of Design Week, the exhibition explores the balance between functionality and emotion, using raw or regenerated materials through the circular economy to create objects that go beyond mere utility, shaping new sensory experiences.

Back for the third year running is the pop-up of La Marzocco Caffé at Via Palermo 11, in the heart of Moscova. Inspired by the colours of the legendary Porsche Martini, the space combines artisan and automotive aesthetics, offering a 'luxury workshop' experience. In addition to the display of the iconic Micra and Mini cars, visitors will be able to discover the bespoke creations of Officine Fratelli Bambi, La Marzocco's espresso machine tailoring department.

Modbar presents an exclusive 'Espresso Atelier' pop-up in the heart of Brera. The brand, known for its modular coffee system that places the technology under the counter, leaving only the refined 'taps' visible, transforms the espresso experience into an interactive ritual between barista and customer, in a minimalist and beautifully designed environment. Making the experience even more immersive is the collaboration with renowned pastry chef Fabrizio Fiorani,

Carpano, the historic brand of Fratelli Branca Distillerie, celebrates MDW with Edicola Carpano, in Corso Garibaldi 85, a meeting place in the heart of Brera. For free, everyone has the opportunity to learn more about the company's origins and taste its iconic vermouths, Carpano, Antica Formula and Punt e Mes. But there's more: a special drinklist dedicated to Carpano products will be available at the nearby romantic Fioraio Bianchi Caffè, for a unique sensory experience.

Artisia - the 3D-printed pasta - will be the protagonist of the exhibition "Prendete & Mangiate", produced by 5VIE with the curatorship of Carolina Levi, founder of Spazio Giallo, in via Cesare Correnti 14. A project that involves various artists in a stimulating and enlightening dialogue, in a journey that combines art and gastronomy. From 8 to 12 April, the experience will also move to Tommasi Milano, where "Artisia, Aperitivo d'Autore" will offer a perfect combination of art and cuisine. Finger food made with 3D pasta will be paired with cocktails mixed by the famous venue's bartenders, creating a multi-sensory experience not to be missed.

An installation celebrating Gaetano Pesce, the multifaceted artist and designer known for his experimental and innovative approach, from 7 to 13 April, at Identità Golose. The space hosts a proposal that exploresthe interconnection between cuisine and design, in line with the "Connected Worlds" theme of Fuorisalone 2025. The installation, inspired by the art of Gaetano Pesce, is combined with a special menu created by Executive Chef Edoardo Traverso, where textures, colours and unexpected structures come together to offer a unique experience. An encounter between the senses, creativity and innovation, not to be missed at Via Romagnosi 3.

On Thursday 10 April, Eggs Milano, a restaurant dedicated to egg-based gastronomic creativity, will host "28 Pastai, la rivoluzione della forma", a special evening in which the chef Barbara Agosti will interpret 28 Pastai pasta with an unusual menu, all centred on eggs - both chicken and fish - and the versatility of Pasta di Gragnano Igp. The role of design lies in the shape of the pasta, which becomes the protagonist: 28 Pastai will in fact bring its new formats to the stage, the result of careful research that combines design and territory.