Historical activities in Milan

Between tradition and specialty: discover the historical food and wine realities in and around Milan

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The list of historic stores in Lombardy is being enriched each year with new awards, rewarding the history and tradition of these businesses.

With the latest recognitions, the total number of signs with more than 40 years of history behind them has reached almost 4,000. Within that list, which was desired and promoted by the Region of Lombardy, are stores, historic establishments and artisan workshops.

Each place has its own stories to tell, traditions, habits and even food customs, all to be discovered and ... tasted!

In order to understand and appreciate the true nature of an area, it is therefore important to also get to know the flavors and culinary traditions that belong to it, through a fascinating visit to the historic stores and establishments, where you can breathe in an atmosphere of yesteryear.

In this case, we offer a selection of the historical activities related to the food and wine sector for the Milan area.

Peck — The story of Peck, a benchmark for good food and wine for gourmands around the world, begins in 1883. It was in Milan that the enterprising charcuterie maker from Prague, Francesco Peck, decided to open a German-style charcuterie and smoked meat store, with the ambition of making it the most prestigious delicatessen in the city. In a short time, Peck achieves its goal, becoming one of the city's cult places. Peck represents an established reality in the world of haute cuisine, standing out for the exclusivity of its proposals and the attention paid to the customer.

Via Spadari, 9, Milan

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Premiata Pescheria Spadari — Just a stone's throw from the Duomo, since 1933 Premiata Pescheria Spadari has been interpreting the tastes of its customers, who are as attentive to the quality of the very fresh catch as they are to the service and courtesy of the staff. From the blue fish of the Italian seas to the most sought-after crustaceans and seafood, the best raw materials are selected to arrive very fresh on the counters. First courses, main courses, fried in the cone, grills and FishBurgers can be enjoyed at Pescheria Spadari, accompanied by an excellent glass of wine.

Via Hugo Victor, 3, Milan

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Besuschio Confectionery — In 1845 Ambrogio Besuschio decided to open a cafeteria in Abbiategrasso under the arcades of the Market Square, and since then his children, and their children's children, have never interrupted the tradition of the pastry art. Their store is a genuine symbol of Abbiategrasso, among the most renowned local businesses even at the national level thanks to the many awards won. Today, fine chocolatier Andrea has the task of taking the family business into the future, perpetuating the tradition in modern terms.

Piazza Marconi, 59, Abbiategrasso (MI)

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Magenta Bar — Bar Magenta, at the intersection of Via Carducci and Corso Magenta, is an establishment with timeless charm and a long history. Founded in 1907, it is an ideal landmark for those looking for a moment of leisure in the beating heart of the city. You can enjoy an excellent coffee or indulge in an afternoon snack; for an informal but tasty meal, the place also offers a choice of tasty sandwiches accompanied by carefully selected beers. If you prefer an aperitif, you will have a wide range of cocktails, perfect for sipping while watching life flow by in the lively neighborhood.

Via Giosuè Carducci, 13, Milan

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Jamaica Bar — To speak of the history of Jamaica is to speak of the history of Brera, of Milan, of the art of the last century. Founded in 1911 by Carlo and Lina Mainini, it achieved its popularity when their son Elio arrived to flank "Mamma Lina." He succeeded in combining the restaurant business with his great passion for art, welcoming within the walls of the Jamaica those who were major figures in painting, photography, journalism and theater of the 20th century. The Jamaica is now carried on by Elio's wife Vittoria, daughter Micaela and granddaughter Carla, maintaining the characteristics that made it famous.

Via Brera, 32, Milan

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Gallery — Il Galleria, an establishment established in the late 1960s as a café, bar and pastry shop inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, has for 50 years been a solidly established establishment well-known to those who for business, shopping or tourism find themselves passing through the historic center of the Lombard capital. Its location has made it unequivocally a witness to the historical events of the second half of the last century. Even today, the restaurant still offers fine dining in a very elegant and cozy setting, where all the details of service are important.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 75, Milan

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Cova Confectionery — Cova Pastry Shop is known as one of the best and most elegant coffee shops in the world. This is evidenced by the impeccable service, the ambience in perfect classical-modern style, the attention to detail and a clientele of refined taste. Located in the historic center of Milan, it represents a sophisticated "salon" where a visit becomes an indispensable pleasure. Already a meeting place, almost two centuries ago, of the patriots of the Five Days, today loved and appreciated by an international audience, it has exported its tradition to the world.

Via Montenapoleone, 8, Milan

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Taveggia — Precious woods and beautiful decorations, tea rooms, counter and display cases are the original ones from 1930, when Pasticceria Taveggia, open since 1909, moved from Porta Venezia to the heart of Milan. Its most famous guests include Carla Fracci, Renata Tebaldi and Wally Toscanini.

Via Visconti di Modrone Uberto, 2, Milan

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Savini — A temple of gastronomic hospitality in the Lombard capital, it is the city's "drawing room." With its famous dining rooms inside, it is still a must-visit post-Scala place. In 2008, the Savini was taken over by the Gatto family, which redesigned its spaces, creating the gourmet restaurant on the second floor, a café bistrot and patisserie on the gallery floor, and on the -1 floor the food boutique where there is a selection of more than five hundred niche products of Italian gastronomy strictly under the Savini brand.

Via Ugo Foscolo, 5, Milan

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Pumpkin in the Gallery — The Camparino is a meeting place full of charm, where there is an atmosphere that smacks of culture and history. Opened in 1867 at the same time as the Galleria, the venue is an important symbol for Milan. The inlaid counter by the cabinetmaker Eugenio Quarti, the wrought-iron chandeliers by Mazzucotelli, and the mosaics by Angelo D'Andrea make one rediscover in those cascades of flowers and multicolored birds all the flavor of an era that survives, for the love of those who over time have been able to preserve all the prestige and atmosphere of what has been the haunt of artists, painters, men of letters, politicians, and musicians.

Piazza Duomo, 21, Milan

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