Anyway here comes the places (everything from the only man i trust enough to fix my shoes to my favorite cafe) to that I think are a must when you live here, or just are here for a small vacation:
YOU WILL FIND ALL OF THEM ON THIS MAP
CAFE/RESTAURENT
The Californian Bakery
Italy has a loot of good FOOD, but when it comes to sweets, such as cakes and cookies I must say that I have been very, very disappointed. I am in reality the (in)famous Cookie Monster, i just portray a serious architect student as a cover-up. Not only do they have a big selection, they have a wonderful display that makes you want to try them all, wonderful staff that puts a smile on your lips from the time you are showed to a table til the time you go to bed, and a truly inviting atmosphere.
GELATERIA
Afterwards you should go towards Le Colonne and have an ice-cream at my favorit Ice-cream bar, and believe you me, I have tried many, but no one beats this one. It's called, as you can see, GELATERIA Le Colonne. When there you have to try their sorbet with wild strawberries called Fragoline di Ribera. It's like a taste of heaven. After going there oh so many times, and tried oh so many variations I now prefer to have it with lemon sorbet.
CAFE/RESTAURENT
If you happen to be close to le Giardini Publici then i would suggest you to go to a little restaurent/cafe called Bianco Latte. Maybe I have been too influenced by my swedish genes, but i truly enjoy this cosy and still clean space. It fealt like home from the very first time I entered.
APERETIVO
One thing that is rather special for Milano is it's tradition of having aperetivo. For someone new Aperetivo might be in need of an expleantion: To go out for an Aperetivo is basically to go out for dinner, but insted to pay for the food, you pay for your drink and then you eat til you drop. It is not the same thing as tapas seeing that beer normally isn't what is served. Almost every bar you come across serve aperetivo from opening til around 11 in the evening, but the quality of the food is normally rather bad.
After trying out different one, I rather quickly found a spot that has become my number one place to go when i'm not in the mood to cook, or when i just want to sit down and have an easy evening with my friends. This place is called LA ORA FELIZ and can be found in the area of Le Colonne. Don't miss it, and don't be late cause then you will not get a table (opens at 5 and is open ALL YEAR AROUND, as they have written on a sign behind the bar)
RESTAURENT
It is called Tre Fratelli, as in Three Broters, and they truly are just that, three brothers running a restaurant where most of it's clientele are regulars and you can understand why, not only because of the food, but also due to it's wonderful hosts. They are kind, sweet and always in the mood for a good laugh. The pizzas are my favorite, but for those of you who are in mood for something you can't find anywhere else, well, then you have to try their dish called "Sotto Coperta". I'm not going to tell you anything other then that it is a surprise containing seafood.
LUNCH italian style
Luinis is yet another must when you are here. They are famous for their Panzerotti. There are no tables, just a long queue and good food. You find it close to Il Duomo, so if you are close, make sure to grab one on the go.
FOOD MARKET
Every tuesday and saturday there is a market close to my house. It's located on VIA BENEDETTO MARCELLO close to the central station. When there, don't miss the cheese-truck. Here you find wonderful cheese and salami and a truly italian man to help you find what you want. Try their long SALAMI PICCANTE that's hanging above the counter. It has become a most in my family and i have to send it home to my father on a regular basis. Closes at around 1 in the after noon, so don't come too late.
VINTAGE MARKET
The area of Navilgi hosts a market every last sunday of the month. Here you can find anything from antiquates to vintage clothes to pure junk. It's a wonderful and chaotic place to be, and if you are in Milano that time of the month, you should make sure to visit it.
BAKERIES
I have to favorite ones, one is right next to Via Benedetto Marcello, and the other one is located on Via Giovanni Battista Pergolesi. The first has an amazing interior and wonderful staff, the second has a horrible interior but and even more wonderful staff (if/when you become a regular the probably will give you test-bites of different things they are selling, such as cakes and bread etc while waiting to get served)
SHOE-REPAIRER
This is in Bovisa, so a bit outside of the center, so you have to take bus 92 or 82 to get there. But when it comes to shoes i'm picky, so finding a person i trust with my shoes is incredibly important wherever in the world i am at. This man is short, with huge glasses and a gentile smile on his face. He store is always overflowing with shoes, so you might have to wait a week or so til they are ready, but it is woth it, he is worth it.
I have probably forgotten something, some places, but this will have to do for now
