Table Of Contents
- Osteria Brunello
- La Bettola di Piero
- Al Garghet
- Osteria Cornalia
- Antica Osteria Il Ronchettino
- Stoppani Consortium
- Trattoria La pesa since 1902
- La Villetta Restaurant
- Also
- Trattoria La Pobbia 1850
- Sincere Trattoria
- Trattoria del Nuovo Macello
- Osteria Conchetta
- Testina
- Trattoria Milanese – Since 1933
- Premiata Trattoria Arlati since 1936
- Da Martino
- Trattoria Bolognese da Mauro
- Trattoria All'Antica
- Macelleria Pellegrini
If there is an iconic dish that represents the Milanese culinary tradition, it is undoubtedly the cotoletta alla milanese.
However, two types that are often offered in restaurants should be distinguished: elephant’s ear and cotoletta alla milanese. For purists, the giant, boneless schnitzel (elephant ear) cannot be considered the true Milanese schnitzel. According to them, it tastes different and has nothing to do with the traditional dish.
When we talk about cotoletta alla milanese, therefore, we are referring to a very specific cut of meat that is made from veal loin and has the bone, fried in butter and breaded with stale but not old white bread crumbs.
We scoured the city to find the places where this delicacy reaches its peak. Whether you are looking for the classic, tall, buttery schnitzel or a crispy “elephant ear,” our guide will reveal where to eat the best schnitzel in Milan for an unforgettable experience.
Osteria Brunello
Very nice and elegant restaurant with tables both outside and inside. Osteria Brunello offers contemporary Italian cuisine, and its workhorse is the true Milanese schnitzel. Its schnitzel has also been awarded by Gambero Rosso. It costs 28 euros and is prepared with arugula mayonnaise, cherry tomatoes and oregano dressing. The veal chop with the handle is breaded with dried and grated pancarrè and cooked in clarified butter.
Where: Corso Garibaldi 117, Milan. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
La Bettola di Piero
A typical eatery that has been honored as one of the best in the city for carrying on the Milanese culinary tradition, La Bettola di Piero is all about discovery. Checkered tablecloths and homey atmosphere. Good, homemade dishes. Well worth a stop if you are looking for true Milanese cuisine. The Milanese rib-eye steak with baked potatoes costs 27 euros.
Where: Via Orti 17, Milan. Open lunch and dinner every day except Sunday.
Al Garghet
If you are looking for a nice place with a garden, Al Garghet is the place for you. The schnitzel here is delicious and they also offer the elephant ear version for 28 euros. The Milanese schnitzel with baked potatoes, on the other hand, must be reserved and costs 32 euros.
The location is very atmospheric, between fabric lampshades, fireplace and piano, it is a wonderful place. In any season it is a dream place. A little out of town but it is super recommended.
Where: Via Selvanesco 36, Milan. Open only for dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Sunday also for lunch. Closed Monday.
Osteria Cornalia
In the Gioia area, Osteria Cornalia is an elegant and well-kept establishment, ideal for those looking for the best schnitzel in Milan served with style. There are three variations on the menu: elephant ear pork schnitzel, veal schnitzel crispy outside and juicy inside, and the sumptuous bone-in rib. The breading is spectacular thanks to the panko, and the side of baked potatoes is dreamy. Excellent service and well-stocked cellar complete the experience. A must for anyone looking for Milanese schnitzel in Milan.
Where: Via Emilio Cornalia, 16, 20124 Milan. Closed Saturday lunchtime.
Antica Osteria Il Ronchettino
In an old farmhouse from the 1600s, among refined white furnishings and shabby chic furniture, you can try the tasty Cotoletta alla Milanese. Ideal for a lunch with family or friends. In summer you can also eat outside, thanks to the beautiful indoor garden. Here you can find the schnitzel elephant’s ear, cooked in clarified butter, for 38 euros.
Where: 9 Via Lelio Basso, Milan. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Stoppani Consortium
This restaurant’s schnitzel is well known in the city. The restaurant was founded with the idea of serving traditional and authentic country festival dishes. The main dish is Milanese schnitzel imbruttita with pork, which the Consorzio’s chef has interpreted by adding pistachios inside the breadcrumbs and orange zest.
Cost: 20 euros.
Where: 15 Via Antonio Stoppani, Milan. During the week open only for dinner, weekends also for lunch.
Trattoria La pesa since 1902
A cozy typical place that offers traditional dishes. In the summertime you can also eat out. Their Milanese veal cutlet (bone-in) is delicious, served with crispy baked potatoes. Varied and delicious menu. A perfect venue for any occasion!
Price schnitzel with baked potatoes: 23€.
Where: 26 Giovanni Fantoni Street, Milan. Open daily lunch and dinner.
La Villetta Restaurant
If you’re looking for a classic, crispy schnitzel in Milan with a nostalgic soul, La Villetta on Viale Zara is for you. This 1970s-decorated eatery serves a low Milanese schnitzel, served with lemon and a side of potatoes, just as it used to be. The price? Only 14 euros, among the most competitive in town. Perfect for an informal but authentic lunch, with excellent quality and flavors of yesteryear. A sincere place for those who love traditional schnitzel in Milan.
Where: V.le Zara, 87, 20159 Milan. Closed Mondays for dinner and Tuesdays all day.
Also
Here you can eat the fairest wrong cutlet in Milan, as they called it. Where is it located. From Anche in Isola. Born by mistake, the story is very funny and the schnitzel is good (if you love pork). The wrong schnitzel was born out of a desire to prove that a mistake can also be a success. Price: 23€.
We would like to point out that accompanying now are matchstick fries.
Where: Via Carmagnola 5, Milan. Open daily lunch and dinner.
Trattoria La Pobbia 1850
La Pobbia is a typical Milanese eatery where you can find not only the large, thin, bone-in schnitzel but a whole range of traditional Milanese dishes in a family-run, cozy and well-kept restaurant with an outdoor garden perfect for summer. Also recommended by the Michelin guide as a restaurant with excellent value for money. Costolett de vitèll a la milanesa cont i patati al forna costs €28.
Where: Via Gallarate 92, Milan. Open lunch and dinner daily. Closed Monday evening and Sunday (all day).
Sincere Trattoria
In the Lambrate area we find this Trattoria that prepares only and exclusively Lombard dishes. The place was opened at the end of April 2023, a sincere, true, homemade trattoria where you can enjoy only traditional food. The costoletta (the original) at 25€ and orecchia di elefante at 22€ are offered here.
Where: 154 Via Antonio Porpora, Milan. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays all day and Sundays for dinner.
Trattoria del Nuovo Macello
Nuovo Macello’s schnitzel is a quality product with a 40-day maturation. You can choose between bone-in and boneless (cost 33 and 31€). Also worth trying are the risotto and tiramisu. Ideal for a typical Milanese dinner. It is located in Calvairate (City Hall 4).
Where: Via Cesare Lombroso 20, Milan. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday only for dinner.
Osteria Conchetta
Tucked away just steps from the Naviglio Pavese canal, Osteria Conchetta welcomes you to an atmosphere that exudes Milanese authenticity. This simple yet refined establishment is a true temple of schnitzel. Their “Costoletta orecchia d’elefante” is a 500-gram masterpiece of pure pleasure, while “L’Antica di vitello” is a more delicate but equally delicious version. The intimate setting and friendly staff create the perfect setting to enjoy these traditional dishes, accompanied by an excellent selection of wines.
Price: Costoletta orecchia d’elefante 30€, L’Antica di vitello 35€.
Where: 8 Via Conchetta, Milan. They are open Tuesday through Friday for dinner and Saturday and Sunday during lunch and dinner hours.
Testina
This restaurant, with its warm and welcoming ambiance, offers two not-to-be-missed versions: “La Milano Ignorante,” a pork cutlet with flaky black salt, and “La Milano,” the classic veal chop. Both are expertly prepared and served with side dishes that enhance the flavor. The casual but curated atmosphere and witty staff make Testina the ideal place for an evening of taste and fun.
Price: La Milano Ignorante 21€, La Milano 28€.
Where: 19 Via Abbadesse, Milan. They are open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.
Trattoria Milanese – Since 1933
Trattoria Milanese is an institution that has been delighting the palates of Milanese and tourists alike with its authentic Lombard cuisine since 1933. Their Milanese schnitzel is legendary: crispy, flavorful and generously sized. The restaurant, passionately run by the same family for generations, offers a dining experience that transports you on a journey through Milan’s gastronomic history.
Price: Milanese cutlet 31€.
Where: 11 Via Santa Marta, Milan. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Premiata Trattoria Arlati since 1936
With a history rooted in 1936, this restaurant has seen generations of Milanese, artists and now managers and professors pass through. Their cotoletta alla milanese, served in a setting that oozes history, is a tribute to the city’s culinary tradition. The owner, Leopoldo, and his staff create a unique atmosphere, blending professionalism and family warmth.
Milanese cutlet: 22€.
Where: 47 Via Alberto Nota, Milan. They are open Monday sl Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday only for dinner.
Da Martino
Da Martino is a historic family-run trattoria, perfect for those looking for the real cotoletta alla milanese in Milan. Its “elephant ear” version is thin, crispy, very light and served dressed with cherry tomatoes and misticanza. It costs only 22 euros and is one of the best value for money in town. The menu revolves around slow food ingredients and typical Lombard dishes. Retro, cozy and genuine atmosphere: a true landmark for those who love Milanese schnitzel.
Where: Via Carlo Farini, 8, 20154 Milan. Closed Mondays.
Trattoria Bolognese da Mauro
Trattoria Bolognese offers one of the best interpretations of schnitzel in Milan. Their “Bolognese-style” version is a delicious variation that is well worth trying. The restaurant, with its rustic and familiar atmosphere, will make you feel at home. The affordable prices (cotoletta alla bolognese €14) and generous portions make this place perfect for a dinner with friends, immersed in the lively atmosphere of the Navigli.
Where: 14 Via Elia Lombardini, Milan. Open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner, Saturday and Sunday also for lunch.
Trattoria All’Antica
Among the best cutlets in Milan, the one at Trattoria All’Antica, in the Solari area, is tall, perfectly fried, crispy and incredibly digestible. Served with baked potatoes, this bone-in Milanese cutlet is a real treat. The elegant and cozy restaurant offers a menu that emphasizes seasonal ingredients and traditional Milanese dishes. Service is attentive and prices are in line with quality.
Where: Via Montevideo, 4, 20144 Milan. Closed Sundays.
Macelleria Pellegrini
Among the most surprising experiences to enjoy the best schnitzel in Milan, Macelleria Pellegrini in the Porta Venezia area offers a unique lunch. Here you eat standing, outdoors, but their giant schnitzel is worth every sacrifice: tall, juicy, well-fried, accompanied by excellent potatoes. The menu includes bread, side dish, wine and fruit for only 22 euros. Historic restaurant, specializing in quality meat, perfect for those looking for a true, flavorful experience. A must try at least once in a lifetime.
Where: Via Giovanni Pacini, 27, 20131 Milan and Via Lazzaro Spallanzani, 6, 20129 Milan. Closed Mondays and Sundays.