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Dear urban explorers, get ready for a trip to Milan’s most effervescent neighborhood! NoLo, the acronym that drives hipsters and trend-setters crazy, is ready to win you over with its unique charm. Forget the usual clichés about Milan: here, among colorful streets and avant-garde clubs, you will discover a city you never imagined.
What does NoLo mean in Milan?
NoLo is short for “North of Loreto,” a name that sounds like an invitation to urban adventure. The term “NoLo” was coined in 2013 in a bar in Brooklyn, New York, by three Milanese friends, Francesco Cavalli, Luisa Milani, and Walter Molteni, as they joked about the difficulty of defining their neighborhood North of Loreto.
Inspired by the cool names of SoHo and NoHo, they coined “NoLo” (North of Loreto) over coffee. Back in Milan, they began using it among friends. The name spread by word of mouth, without marketing strategies, capturing the essence of a changing area. NoLo thus became Milan’s first “branded neighborhood,” a symbol of urban rebirth and multiculturalism.
Today this neighborhood is much more than just a geographical area. It is a real state of mind, a melting pot of cultures, creativity and innovation that is redefining Milan’s identity.
What area is NoLo?
Located northeast of Milan, NoLo encompasses the area stretching from Piazzale Loreto to Via Padova. Once considered suburban, today this area is the beating heart of the coolest and most alternative Milan.
Going into detail, NoLo is seen as an evolving neighborhood that balances tradition and modernity, with a strong cultural identity and a vibrant community. It is known to be a hub for artists, musicians, and creatives of various kinds, in fact it hosts numerous cultural events, music festivals, art exhibitions, and street art initiatives, contributing to a vibrant and stimulating atmosphere.
It is considered a young neighborhood, and cultural diversity is one of its hallmarks, with a significant presence of international communities giving the neighborhood a cosmopolitan feel.
In recent years, NoLo has seen a process of gentrification, with the transformation of old buildings into modern living spaces, art galleries, creative studios, and design stores. This has led to a renewed interest in the neighborhood by both Milanese and tourists, partly due to the fact that it is well connected to the rest of Milan via the subway (M1 and M2 lines), which makes the area easily accessible.
The characteristics that make NoLo a unique neighborhood in Milan are two:
- A community known for being active and involved. There are numerous local initiatives, markets, neighborhood events, and a strong network of associations working to keep the neighborhood’s identity alive.
- Its sizzling food scene, with original restaurants, bars, and venues. There are restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, trendy cafes, craft breweries, and innovative cocktail bars, often with an alternative or vintage twist.
And it is from the latter point that we set out to discover Milan’s innovative NoLo district, immersing ourselves in its vibrant and diverse culinary scene.
The best restaurants in NoLo
Ghe Pensi Mi
If you love neighborhood life, you have to get to know Ghe Pensi Mi in Piazza Morbegno, the beating heart of NoLo. This place is always crowded with a variety of people, from young people to hippies, creating a unique community atmosphere. Perfect for relaxing after work until late at night, with beers at 2×1 on Tuesdays and quality cocktails. With a street ambiance, skateboards and fan stickers, it’s the place where everyone hangs out, like in a small town. Beautiful bar, craft beers, evening events such as stand-up comedy and live concerts.
Fair prices, a must for a Sunday night in NoLo.
Address: Piazza Morbegno, 2, 20125 Milan
Le Nove Scodelle
Recommended by the Michelin Guide as one of the best Chinese restaurants in Milan, Le Nove Scodelle is renowned for offering a menu that reflects the culinary tradition of Sichuan province, characterized by its intense, spicy and often spicy flavors. The restaurant offers a restricted menu, but each dish is carefully curated. The selection consists mainly of nine bowls (hence the restaurant’s name), each representing a typical Sichuan dish, such as kongbao chicken, diced Sichuan pepper rabbit, and homemade dumplings.
Authentic cuisine and definitely reasonable prices.
Address: Viale Monza, 4, 20127 Milan
Mezzé
Mezzé is the bistro that revolutionized the concept of portions in the heart of NoLo! Here, the philosophy is simple: taste more, eat with gusto. With their mezze portions, you can explore a diverse menu that ranges from traditional Apulian to contemporary dishes. From lasagna to repassed octopus, every bite is a culinary adventure. The casual ambiance and friendly service will make you feel at home with foodie friends.
Don’t miss the Apulian wines and the vegan and vegetarian options.
Address: Via Luigi Varanini, 9, 20127 Milan, Italy
Buco del Monello
Buco del Monello is the perfect den for your mischief in the heart of NoLo! This small Venetian bacaro will transport you to a corner of Laguna in Milan. Open from 6 p.m. to midnight (except Sundays and Mondays), it offers an authentic ciccheteria experience with a crazy twist. Enjoy delicious cicchetti such as baccalà mantecato on polenta or mazzancolle in saor, accompanied by a sparkling Spritz Select.
The intimate ambiance and affable staff will make you feel like mad hatters in this “one-of-a-kind place filled with wonders, mysteries and brats.”
Address: Via Pietro Crespi, 11-13, 20127 Milan, Italy
Silvano Wines and Foods Al Banco
In a former bakery converted into an osteria, Cesare Battisti and Vladimiro Poma have created a corner of 1970s Milan. Between vintage lamps and a 14-foot counter, you can enjoy “scarpetta” dishes and natural wines late into the night. Delicacies such as lasagna and parmigiana come out of the inherited oven, served on pottery reminiscent of grandma’s cooking. With affordable prices and a Jannaccian atmosphere, Silvano is the perfect place for a doc Milanese evening.
Book in advance, it’s always full!
Address: Piazza Morbegno, 2, 20125 Milan
The coolest bars in NoLo: where to drink and socialize
Salumeria del Design
“Bar progetteria,” by day it’s a creative workshop, by night, it turns into a vintage tavern where time stands still. Among 1970s lamps and colorful tin boxes, enjoy an aperitif with gourmet chopping boards or Apulian frisella. Don’t miss the totally original events: from cinema on wheels to food tours in the neighborhood. Plus vintage markets and lots of cultural projects.
Whether you’re in the mood for a little beer or feel like socializing and discovering new activities, the Salumeria will always welcome you with a smile and a surprise!
Address: Via Cecilio Stazio, 18, 20131 Milan
Hug Milan
In this former chocolate factory, Marta pampers you with dishes that smell like home and surprise like fireworks. From brunch to dinner, via aperitifs and afternoon tea, here you’ll find a menu that changes with the seasons. Try the rabbit or duck: both are mouthwatering! And while you’re enjoying craft beers or fine wines, you might come across a concert, stand-up comedy show or book presentation.
In fact, Hug is a multipurpose space that hosts classes, workshops, events and can be used for coworking.
Address: Via Giulio and Corrado Venini, 83, 20125 Milan, Italy
Nodo Bar
Nodo Bar is NoLo’s newest landmark (it opened in late November 2024!). This multifunctional space combines music, gastronomy and culture in a unique way. Here you can enjoy a creative cocktail while attending a live concert or participating in a cultural talk. The menu offers affordable traditional Italian dishes, from pan cunzato to polenta with lard. The tiered seating area is perfect for concerts, while Radio Raheem broadcasts the latest music trends.
Open from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., Nodo Bar promises unforgettable Milanese evenings with its combination of good food, innovative drinks, and exciting events!
Address: Via Marco Aurelio, 8, 20127 Milan, Italy
Events, festivals and cultural spaces in NoLo
NoLo is saturated with creative energy: in this Milan neighborhood, art, music and culture intertwine in a vibrant mix of events and festivals. Every venue becomes an art gallery, and every event is an opportunity to celebrate innovation and community. So let’s take a look at the events and activities worth making a trip to around here for.
SanNolo
A neighborhood festival, like Sanremo. This is how SanNolo – a song festival in Milan, an event created in NoLo to give voice to new talent – is described. After the success of the 2024 edition, which saw record attendance and artists such as Grace and SGA among the finalists, the festival returns March 20-22, 2025. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere at DISTRICT 272, SanNolo celebrates emerging music with heart, offering participants not just a stage, but a true artistic family where they can express themselves and grow.
Watch out because pre-sales to attend the event start Feb. 15!
Where: District 272 Club, Via Padova, 272, 20132 Milan
Festivalino – Independent Literature (LINO)
Festivalino – Independent Literature (LINO) is a small literary festival held annually in Milan’s NoLo district, involving bars, squares and bookstores. In the 2024 edition, the festival hosted prominent authors such as Marco Balzano, Ilaria Bernardini, and Donatella Di Pietrantonio, among others, promoting a vision of literature as a space for meeting and discussion. Among the most popular events were collective readings, informal meetings with authors, and sessions of “Aperiporno,” a queer cabaret that brought a note of originality and inclusiveness to the festival.
Although there are no confirmed details on the exact date of the 2025 edition, it is known that a new edition is planned, with the intention of continuing to grow and innovate the format.
NoLo Fringe Festival
NoLo Fringe Festival is the annual event known for bringing theater to unconventional spaces in the NoLo neighborhood of Milan. Following the success of 2024, with more than 200 companies involved, the festival continues to be a platform for artists of all nationalities, featuring both edited and unedited performances.
The 2025 edition, to be held from May 30 to June 8, will feature performances of various genres, promoting performance art and community spirit.
Tunnel Boulevard
Tunnel Boulevard is an urban regeneration project in Milan’s NoLo neighborhood that has transformed the railway tunnels on Via Pontano into vibrant spaces for cultural and sporting events. The initiative, born in 2019, has seen a strong resonance on social media, with shares of photos and videos of events, murals and sports activities, highlighting the urban transformation and social inclusiveness of the neighborhood.
For 2025, Tunnel Boulevard plans to expand its program with new cultural and sports events, promoting additional urban art interventions, workshops on sustainability, and sports activities such as parkour and freerunning. The goal is to make tunnels not just places of passage but spaces of life and expression for the community.
Cinema Beltrade
Known for its programming of art-house films, often in the original language, it is a haven for cinephiles and enthusiasts. The atmosphere is familiar, almost homey, with meetings with filmmakers and film marathons that create a special bond with the community. It is the place where the big screen meets human warmth, making each screening a moment of sharing and discovery.
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Address: Via Nino Oxilia, 10, 20127 Milan, Italy
Radio Nolo
Radio Nolo is the neighborhood community radio station that involves nolers (residents of NoLo) in the creation of content, stimulating constructive debate open to all. Born from the passion of neighbors, it offers a programming schedule that reflects the creative soul of the neighborhood. Between broadcasts telling local stories, live music and media education initiatives, Radio Nolo is a virtual and real meeting point. With events like “NoLo Social Night” and community involvement, this radio station is the beating heart of a neighborhood that thrives on culture and sharing.
Crespi Covered Market
The Covered Market on Via Crespi is the beating heart of NoLo, a place where the community meets and experiences moments of authentic aggregation. Not just a place to shop for groceries, but a center of culture and social life. With initiatives such as “OUT, the social courtyard,” the courtyard is transformed into a space for events, workshops and meetings, thanks to the collaboration with the Milan Polytechnic. Here, among fruit stands and artisans’ booths, exhibitions, concerts and aperitifs are organized, making the market a reference point for those seeking an authentic and warm experience in the neighborhood.
Address: Viale Monza, 54, 20127 Milan
NoLo is much more than a neighborhood: it is a community and creative experience, a journey through the future of Milan. Whether you are looking for authentic flavors, innovative cocktails or cultural stimulation, this area will surprise you with its infectious energy and cutting-edge spirit.
So what are you waiting for? Let yourself be won over by the unique charm of NoLo!