Although this establishment in the heart of Brera calls itself nothing more than a birreria con cucina (beer cellar with kitchen), locals come here for excellent evening meals in relaxed surroundings, and the traditional dishes vary with the season. A soft current of jazz and sylvan decor soothe the ripple of conversation. Plates could include involtini di spada gratinati (swordfish rolls with breadcrumb), zuppa di arselle e fregola (couscous soup with clams), and pizza selvatica con pesto e pinoli tosta (rustic pizza with pesto and roasted pine nuts).

Ristorante La Libera – This homestyle joint is one of our absolute favorites, not just in the neighborhood but in the whole city. Warm yellow-tinted walls adorned with old-school posters and owner Italo Manca, with his perfectly manicured baffo and colorful outfits (he’s a character!), set the tone for what we consider a good night. A great choice not only for the classics, but for the seafood dishes; with a top-tier fish market, Milan has some of the best seafood in Italy!

They can't all be unanimous—this tiramisu sparked a lively debate within our team. Half of us were head-over-heels for its rich, custardy texture, while the other half were decidedly not. This tiramisu provoked conversations about everyone's personal criteria for the perfect tiramisu; some preferred a lighter and airier texture, while some of us adored the more velvety density of this one.

Trattoria la Libera is on a quiet side street in central Alba not far from the main thoroughfare, Via Vittorio Emmanuele, which makes it an easy walk from almost anywhere in Alba. Everything on the menu, from the simple handmade tajarin to the enticing veal with caper sauce, is well prepared and excellent. Closed Sunday and Monday for lunch but open every day during the month of October.

Located in the heart of the Brera district in Via Palermo, La Libera has been serving authentic Milanese and Lombard cuisine for years. Here, you can taste Milanese authenticity in its well-known dishes, such as risotto al salto and (what else but) the pork cutlet in a warm and cozy environment. La Libera serves the classics and serves them right.

A historic restaurant in the heart of the Brera district, a welcoming and old-fashioned one, A Guarantee of Milan both to drink and to taste. Always a guarantee of quality and abundant food. Classic trattoria of the past, with prices of once (low).

Another traditional tavern in the midst of Brera that offers traditional Mediterranean specialties of meat, fish and vegetables prepared according to the old good taste. The ambiente is homely with its original counter and the wood panelled walls.

Typical Milano food, I bring all my guests here for real local food (higher end but worth the money) - Naomi Accardi