Known as a fashion capital and financial center,  Milan also has a vibrant food scene made all that much better with its international flair enhanced by several lively immigrant communities.

Foodie Milan

Bulk items at Peck in Milan (photo: Brent Petersen)

At first, Milan is a bit difficult to understand. When traveling to Italy, I’m always looking for that regional dish, that local specialty, that unique pastry that defines a place. While  Milan claims Panettone, Risotto, and Gorgonzola, these dishes aren’t as celebrated as other local fare in other parts of the peninsula.

Instead, Milan is like New York, albeit on a much smaller scale. Both cities are financial centers and home to a robust fashion industry. And, the job market attracts people from all over the country and all over the world. This results in a food scene rich in cuisine from places usually not found in Italy.

International Food

Milan is an international city like New York or London. Workers from all over the world flock here for economic opportunities, many of which lie in the fashion and banking industries. Of course, not everyone is a financier or supermodel (though you do see plenty of them) as most folks work everyday jobs.

Read the rest of the Milan, Italy Foodie Travel Guide.