Seta at Mandarin Oriental

Seta is the fine-dining restaurant of the Mandarin Oriental Milan, set in the hotel's quiet quadrilateral of streets between Via Manzoni and Via Montenapoleone, and is widely regarded as one of the city's very best tables. Under chef Antonio Guida it has held two Michelin stars, a rare distinction in Milan, earned through contemporary Italian cooking that balances technical polish with genuine flavour. Guida's background spans some of Italy's most celebrated kitchens, and his menus move fluidly between his native south and the produce of the north, reflected in dishes such as scallops with white truffle and a silky asparagus risotto. The room opens onto an internal courtyard, light and contemporary in tone, with impeccable but unstuffy service; it manages to feel refined without the chill of more formal dining rooms. The wine cellar is exceptional, one of the deepest in the city, with knowledgeable sommeliers who relish matching the kitchen's range. Diners can choose between tasting menus and an à la carte selection, and the pastry work that closes a meal is a highlight in its own right. As a hotel restaurant of this calibre in the fashion district, Seta draws an international and well-heeled crowd, and smart dress is expected. The courtyard terrace is a particular draw in warmer months, offering a serene pocket of calm in the busy Quadrilatero della Moda. Tables are sought after: booking one to two weeks ahead is sensible for weekend dinner, while lunch is a slightly more attainable and gentler-priced way to experience the kitchen. For visitors seeking the apex of contemporary fine dining in Milan, in a setting that is luxurious yet relaxed, Seta is the benchmark address, combining a two-star kitchen with the polish of one of the city's finest hotels.