Food & Drink in Milano
A Famous Name for Panini
A great place for aperitivo or lunch
While much of Milanese cuisine is seafood and pasta, a more casual option is the panino, or sandwich. Most Americans refer to this classic meal in its plural form — panini. In any language, a Milano panino is delicious. One such shop serving some famous panini in Milano is De Santis. Located a short walk from the city center, on Corso Magenta, De Santis offers a cozy place to grab a tasty sandwich. For just a few euros, you can sample a menu which includes a range of ingredients — meats, cheeses, and vegetables — all curated together to create incredible flavor combinations.
In the later part of the evening, De Santis comes alive with people of all ages overflowing onto the street to get a late night meal. You may wait a bit longer to get a panino at that hour, but the atmosphere will more than make up for it. As with most aperitivo, there will be plenty of alcoholic options, especially the wine. Grab a drink and a sandwich to experience this classic Milano tradition on the weeknights. However, if you’re unable to make time for the traditional De Santis experience, make sure to at least stop by one of their several city locations and taste what just might be the best tasting panino in town.
Good to Know
- The original De Santis location is on Corso Magenta, but another location is inside the swanky La Riscente mall near the Galleria. We still recommend Corso Magenta for the ambiance.
- Though the panini may appear to be small, they are hearty and make for a very filling meal. It may still be hard not to be tempted to buy several.
- The menu is extensive, with literally hundreds of sandwich options. Long story short, don’t compromise on your desired ingredients — many of which are homemade or locally sourced.
