Spontini

Spontini is Milan's most famous pizza by the slice, and the original shop on Via Gaspare Spontini, just off Corso Buenos Aires, has been in business since 1953. It began as a cooked-food shop and became known for one thing: pizza al trancio, a thick, soft slice cut from a large tray, with a crisp, slightly fried base, a layer of tomato and a very generous covering of mozzarella. The style is particular to Milan and quite different from the thin Neapolitan pizza found elsewhere in the city.

The menu is short. The classic margherita comes in a normal or a larger abbondante slice, and the Spontini 1953 version adds anchovies for those who like a salty edge. Other toppings include cooked ham with artichokes and raw ham with rocket, and there are vegan options with tomato, olives and semi-dried cherry tomatoes. A normal slice is substantial and enough for most people; the larger one is a serious meal. Weekday lunch deals combine a slice with a drink and a dessert.

Service is fast and informal. You order at the counter and eat standing or at simple tables, depending on the branch. Prices are low, which makes it popular with students, families and office workers as well as visitors. The original shop is busiest at lunchtime and in the early evening, but the queue moves quickly.

Spontini has expanded to many branches across Milan and beyond, but the original in the Buenos Aires district keeps a particular appeal for fans. It suits anyone wanting a quick, filling and inexpensive meal, especially families with children, who usually love the cheesy slices. The pizza is best eaten hot, so try to eat it straight away rather than carrying it far. Napkins are essential, as the mozzarella stretches with every bite.

The original shop is a short walk from the Lima stop on metro line M1, near the northern end of Corso Buenos Aires, one of the longest shopping streets in Europe. Combine a slice with a browse along the Corso, or with a visit to the Porta Venezia area, known for its Liberty-style buildings and its bars.