Sunset at Ceresio 7.
One of the best things about a city-break is eating out and experiencing a bit of the local food culture and cuisine. Not always easy with a little one in tow, right? Here is a list of Shine A Life's top tried-and-tested (and-tasted!) eateries for Mamas and Babas in Italy's Fashion Capital. Don't miss these Milanese Must-Eats!:
Ceresio 7 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
Poolside drinks and a 360 degree view of the Milanese skyline? Look no further. Ceresio 7 is chic, glamorous and almost baby-friendly! Head up for an Aperativo around 7pm to beat the heat for your baby, and enjoy the view of the sunset over Milan's business district. For 15€ you can get a cocktail or preggatini (aka virgin cocktail), and an array of amuse-bouches will be served to you in short succession for no extra charge - buffalo mozzarella (oh my!), prosciutto ham, focaccia, etc. There's not much room for strollers on the rooftop but there are large black sofas for your baby to perch on by your side. And of course the well-dressed staff will welcome your little one in style ("Bello! Bella!" etc. etc.).
Eataly
"Life is too short to not eat and drink well" is the manifesto for this multistory complex, home to an abundant indoor open market and selection of restaurants. Eataly's philosophy is to make available high quality products, representative of Italy's food and wine culture and history, at affordable prices. On each floor you will find an extensive range of pastas, wines, oil, meats, cheeses, chocolates; and the list goes on. If you want to sit down and eat there are several restaurants to chose from with lift access and high chairs, but no children's menu per se. The waiting staff will be happy to heat up any baby food that you take along, or if your little one is big enough they can share whatever you order. Eataly is a great place to buy gifts to take back home with you, or quirky gadgets for your kitchen!
California Bakery
Milan's first American Bakery: this is the place to be for brunch. There are five boutiques across the city offering a delicious selection of bagels, pastries, salads and hot plates. California Bakery is homely and rustic, and there are even "breastfeeding-friendly" signs. If you prefer to make the most of the Milanese sunshine, and enjoy an afternoon at the park with your nature baby (Parks Sempione or Porta Venezia in northern Milan, or Ravizza in the south), try California Bakery's Picnic Brunch service: a personalized picnic basket for two complete with a blanket and pillows on loan (children's picnic baskets are also available).
Cioccolati Italiani
According to my inside source this is the best ice cream in Milan, and I can confirm that they are pretty sensational! A trip to Italy would not be complete without a well-deserved gelato after all. Cioccolati Italiani's wow factor has to be the freshly melted chocolate they pour into the cone before scooping in the ice cream. Perfect for every mother's indulgence...
Got somewhere to add to the list? Leave a comment below! Buon appetito!
Sisi and her tootsies at the Bulgari Resort Hotel, Milan.