The best platters in Milan: ten places for aperitifs with cured meats, cheeses, and more

PORTA VENEZIA AND BLACK BANDS

Sunny Flavors

In this kingdom of cured meats, which now boasts three locations in Milan, you can find the finest and most unusual ingredients. You can choose à la carte or try one of the tastings offered: various selections of meat platters from various sources, from goose to pork, donkey, or even fish. Here you'll find products you'll rarely find elsewhere, like tuna mortadella or scallop lard. Enjoy them with a matching cocktail offered in the bistro. (Tastings starting at €21.)

Via Sofonisba Anguissola, 54, 20146 Milan – 02 3651 0020 and Via Antonio Stoppani, 11, 20129 Milan – 02 3651 3702. Website.

MOSCOW

Asvn – Association of Natural Cured Meats and Wines

Already one of our favorite wine bars with outdoor seating, the entrance reveals its other calling: the cured meats hanging to age in the corridor leading to the stunning internal courtyard can only bode well for a formidable platter. The freshly sliced ​​cured meats, as natural as the name suggests, without additives or preservatives, and the cheeses (from €9 to €24 per platter) can be paired with naturally leavened focaccias, perfect for sharing.

Corso Garibaldi, 41, 20121 Milan – 02 36521391. Instagram page.

VENICE DOOR

Champagne Socialist

Another member of the Botanical Club family, along with the Associazione Vini e Salumi Naturali, with which it shares the same informal and casual spirit, offering platters of cured meats and raw milk cheeses (from 16 euros) and special fish preserves from Galicia or Portugal: tuna belly, various pâtés, squid stuffed with octopus, mussels and other shellfish, always accompanied by naturally leavened bread (for 4-6 euros).

Via Lecco, 1, 20124 Milan – 02 2047295. Website.

MARTESANA AND SARPI

The Room Beer Shop

The fact that the owners of this pub, with its beautiful view of the Martesana canal, are from Piacenza is a sure sign when it comes to cured meats and cheeses. Here, the platters feature Piacenza DOP products (salami, coppa, and pancetta) and cheeses from the surrounding hills, accompanied by the ever-present giardiniera (from €9). If you prefer a more intimate setting, try their second location in Sarpi.

Via Paolo Sarpi, 64, 20154 Milan – 347 357 4882 and Via Melchiorre Gioia, 194, 20125 Milan – 351 841 4608. Website.

PORTA ROMANA AND PORTA VENEZIA

The Winemaker of Furio

This Tuscan-inspired restaurant has two locations in Milan. We can now sample their fabulous platters of Tuscan cured meats and cheeses at Porta Venezia and Porta Romana (starting at €9). A rustic wine bar, an informal spot where you can enjoy a good glass of cask wine starting at €3.50 and also stay for dinner if you'd like to add a few traditional Tuscan hot dishes.

Via Crema, 14, 20135 Milan – 02 87398199 and Via Carlo Pisacane, 55, 20129 Milan – 02 49429883. Website.

ROMAN GATE

Il Cavallante Wine Shop

A little gem nestled behind large windows on Vicolo Muratori. It's not exactly easy to find (there's no sign to draw your attention), but it's equally difficult not to return once you've discovered it: an intimate place where you can feel at home and spend a quiet evening, pairing the extensive wine list with excellent platters of cured meats, cheeses, and meat and fish tartare (refined and generous, starting at €12).

Via Lodovico Muratori, 3, 20135 Milan – 02 54107325. Facebook page.

MOSCOW AND NAVIGLI

The Prosciutteria

A famous Florentine brand that has expanded throughout Italy, opening two locations in Milan. The format may have become a bit commercial, but the Prosciutteria team has never compromised on offering Tuscan quality. The platters (€10 for an aperitif for two, €20 for dinner) are colorful and varied, always different. Featuring a variety of cured meats, cheeses, crostini, pâtés, pickled vegetables, and fresh fruit, they're a great alternative to a full dinner, in a welcoming and informal setting, without frills but guaranteed to satisfy.

Corso Garibaldi, 55, 20121 Milan – 02 8901 0390 and Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 53, 20143 Milan – 02 4978 4925. Website.