Milan Fashion Week: addresses for aperitifs and dinners for true fashionistas who don't compromise on taste

The epicenter of the week, both geographically and symbolically, is obviously the Duomo, particularly its Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. This year, it's in even greater focus because, on September 22nd (the very eve of Fashion Week itself), it will be the focus of Vogue World Milano, a charity event organized by the leading fashion magazine to raise funds for Italian culture and craftsmanship.

Expect even more hefty crowds on those days, but the regular events you can enjoy on site are equally unmissable: a delicious afternoon snack at Marchesi 1824, right above the renovated Prada flagship store (be sure to try the new line of pralines, available in seven flavors and featuring the distinctive hexagonal shape); a 100% old-school Milanese aperitivo at Camparino (Campari Seltz and cheese crostini, and you'll forget about the wrong outfits!); and if you opt for a Michelin-starred treatment, dinner overlooking the Galleria at the ever-present Carlo Cracco.

If you want to double your success, sitting at Verso's spacious chefs' tables, facing the masterful Capitaneo brothers' (two Michelin stars) open kitchen, could be an experience worth a whole week. Just a short distance from the Galleria, the marvelous square of the Portrait Hotel offers a haven from the hustle and bustle while still being in the heart of the city. You'll feel like you've been teleported to a city within a city.

Among the many gastronomic addresses to try, the most festive is definitely Rumore Bar: here the clinking of champagne glasses and signature cocktails echoes the live music that accompanies every evening, not to mention the street food straight from the kitchens of the neighboring Beefbar (and during Fashion Week there is a special activation signed by SŌWLS tequila in collaboration with The Revelrie and four specialty cocktails).

If it's the view you're after, the perfect place is Etereo, on the rooftop of the 5-star Casa Brera hotel: revisited traditional Italian cuisine, international mixology, and, most importantly, the Duomo spires as far as the eye can see. After an afternoon in the Brera district, the most colorful and delicious dinner is at Gloria Osteria: beyond the unparalleled menu, two things are essential: order the unbeatable chocolate soufflé and a special cocktail, like the Rush Martini, one of 10 cocktails recently launched to celebrate Belvedere Organic Vodka F1, the limited edition that celebrates the adrenaline of motorsports by infusing it into 10 signature drinks at 10 Milanese locations (in addition to Gloria, also Sogni, Ceresio 7, Moebius, and so on).

Must-see addresses during Milan Fashion Week: outside the city center but at the heart of taste

But if agoraphobia grips you, it's best to strategically move away from the Fashion District and head to less crowded neighborhoods. To discover how, sometimes, true glamour lies in the most hidden or hidden gems. Like Bar Paradiso, on Via Tiraboschi (Porta Romana area), a contemporary reimagining of the legendary neighborhood bar, because bistros and wine bars are labels that are a bit narrow here: hospitality prevails above all, and you're sure to find the right people here (including Dua Lipa, who has chosen it as her favorite spot in the city). Don't hesitate to order bread and mortadella: it's a must here.

The unmissable aperitivo is definitely at Bar Basso on Via Plinio, but it might be difficult to score a Negroni Sbagliato (invented here) in its signature oversized glasses, given the crowds of cool people gathered here these days. An excellent (and brand new) alternative nearby is Bardo, much more than a listening bar, recently opened by Lupo Fabiani (son of legendary fashion photographer Bardo Fabiani) and his team: every night a different music genre and iconic style shots on the walls.

You can't go more than 3-4 days without pizza: so even this Fashion Week, the right time will come to stop by Confine, in Piazza Cardinal Massaia: it's the number one pizzeria in Italy according to the 50 Top Pizzas, all thanks to the fortunate combination of contemporary Campanian pizza and an impressive wine cellar (try the tasting accompanied by champagne).

To work off the heat, remember that Milan's hottest new sport right now is bocce. The perfect place to head is the Ufo bistro/listening bar on Via Orobia, where you can enjoy bread and salami, meatballs, eggplant parmigiana, rabbit in tomato sauce, and other deliciously home-cooked dishes, just steps from a charming outdoor bowling alley. If you're near Fondazione Prada, a must-visit, especially at the end of the day, is Torre Ristorante, which recently launched an innovative drinks menu in collaboration with Remy Savage, the king of minimalist mixology. With a delicious cocktail in hand, even the most talked-about fashion show can wait. And then, enjoy an Italian dinner featuring pappardelle by chef Lorenzo Lunghi, which will delight you.