Drogheria Milanese

This pleasant, friendly brasserie not far from Navigli is definitely not for tourists. It's mostly locals here, though they welcome wayward foreigners. The design combines elements of American and French bistro with distinctly Italian retro details. The menu, too, mixes American and Italian cultures, with pasta and hamburgers appearing side-by-side. Inside, the atmosphere is lively and humming, especially during lunch and dinner, when hungry patrons arrive in droves and it's simply impossible to find a table (Milan is famous for this). Drogheria Milanese is casual, but the food is great.

We recommend: Start with a few "small plates" for the table – it's a great way to sample lots of different foods. Try the stuffed squid, Sicilian shrimp, and octopus with potatoes. For the main course, order ravioli with shrimp, or Spanish hamburger. Meat-free options include a vegetarian hamburger with herbs and avocado, and vegetarian tartare with lime and avocado.

Cuisine: Italian/American

Atmosphere: lively

The crowd: local designers, journalists, and writers

Key info: If you're looking for a quiet, romantic evening, go somewhere else. Drogheria Milanese is more appropriate for loud, lively get-togethers with friends. The cocktails are fantastic, so you'll meet many locals if you come for an aperitif.

Tags: Drogheria Milanese