Last week Martina Mondadori Sartogo, founder of Anew and Cabana magazines and Memoria Publishing Group, hosted a dinner to celebrate Tory Burch In Color in her hometown of Milan. Among the guests: 50 of the city’s movers and shakers, from editor J.J. Martin (that’s her invite, in the slideshow) to jewelry designer Osanna Visconti di Modrone. We chatted with Mondadori Sartogo — who hails from Italy’s most famous publishing family — about her favorite spots in the city for the ultimate insider’s guide to Milano.
Milano Libri on Via Verdi.
And to find amazing art…
Museo Poldi Pezzoli. Galleria Lia Rumma and Massimo De Carlo for contemporary art. Nilufar for the best modernist and contemporary design. And Dimore Studio, Via Solferino, for amazing contemporary furniture.
And for architecture lovers…
The courtyards in Milan’s Centro Storico, in particular: Via San Maurilio and Via Santa Marta; Via Bigli; Via Morone; Via Panfilo Castaldi and Via Tadino. And Piero Portaluppi’s Villa Necchi, a real Modernist gem.
The city’s best gardens and parks…
Milan’s private gardens are the city’s best kept secret… Have a glimpse of the Giardino Poldi Pezzoli from the veranda of the Don Lisander restaurant on Via Manzoni. Or enjoy the views of Palazzo degli Atellani’s private garden from the Lisson Gallery windows, on Via Zenale. My favorite public park is Villa Reale, Via Palestro.
To find the best espresso…
Sissi, Via Calvi (also go there for the best apple pie in town or so called “charlotte di mele”). Bastianello, Via Borgogna, for the best croissant and cappuccino for breakfast.
The restaurants beloved by locals (and what to order)…
La Latteria on Via San Marco — you cannot book a table or pay by card, but it is Milan’s real best kept secret for lunch! I would suggest ordering their “rice all’arturo,” or hand-made meatballs, and apple compote with ice cream for dessert. Giacomo — order the seafood salad or crab as entrèe, sea bass or mushrooms as main course and “la bomba” for dessert. Alla Collina Pistoiese — the best artichoke salad in town. LA RISACCA 6 for seafood — ask for a mix of entrees but make sure you have a taste of their raw seafood platter. It also has the best vanilla ice cream to eat with wild strawberries. La Libera or Bebel’s for an easy but good Sunday night dinner — very good pizza and meat.
And for the best desserts…
Ranieri on Via Moscova — go for the do di petto!!! Galli, for the best marron glacès in the world, and Panariello, for the best crostata, both in Corso di Porta Romana.
Best city escape…
The Bulgari Hotel, both the garden and spa.
Top hairdresser…
Sara Hilow, Via Borgogna.
Best view in Milan…
From the top floor and spa at the Armani Hotel on Via Manzoni. Milan is not much about breathtaking views and skyline but to look at the roofs and the churches. Ultimately Milan is a big village and that’s what makes it so special.