Trippa

Trippa is a small trattoria near Porta Romana that has become one of the hardest tables to book in Milan. Opened by chef Diego Rossi, it takes the format of a neighbourhood trattoria, with plain tables and friendly, informal service, and fills it with carefully sourced ingredients and confident cooking from across Italy. The menu changes every day, depending on what is available and in season.

As the name suggests, offal is part of the story. The fried tripe, crisp and seasoned, has become the restaurant's calling card, and other cuts that many restaurants ignore regularly appear alongside more familiar dishes. The vitello tonnato, veal with tuna sauce, is another favourite. Expect seasonal pasta, vegetable dishes and slow-cooked meats rather than elaborate presentation, and leave room for dessert. The wine list is concise and well chosen, with many bottles from small Italian producers.

Prices are moderate for the quality, which is part of the reason it is so popular. Tables are close together and the room can be lively and noisy, so it is better for a convivial dinner with friends than for a quiet conversation.

Booking is essential. Reservations open online through the website, and tables are often taken well in advance, so plan ahead and be flexible about times. Trippa serves dinner from Monday to Friday and lunch on Fridays only, and it is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, which catches out many weekend visitors. The kitchen closes earlier than the restaurant itself, so check the last order time when you book. You can also contact the restaurant by phone or WhatsApp.

The trattoria suits adventurous eaters and anyone interested in contemporary Italian cooking rooted in tradition. Vegetarians will usually find options, but the menu is meat-heavy, so check on the day. If you cannot get a table, put your name down for cancellations and try again closer to the date. Via Giorgio Vasari is a residential street in the Porta Romana area, south-east of the centre; the nearest metro stops are Porta Romana and Lodi TIBB on line M3. Fondazione Prada is about 20 minutes' walk to the south, making it easy to combine an afternoon of art with an early dinner.