Uberta Zambeletti is a little bit of everything. She is a style icon, an entrepreneur, a buyer, a merchandiser, a style consultant, an entrepreneur as well as the founder of Wait and See. This multitalented individual is known for her love for the city of Milan. We noted down all her favourite spots in this Italian city.
A city of warmth and character; rich with fashion history and culture, she divulges her favourite cafes, bistros, museums, pastry shops, and experiences that make you see the warmth and charisma of Milan’s culture. Steep yourself in the city’s rich fashion history with Uberta Zambeletti’s recommendations.
La Specialità
When in Milano, nothing is more pressing than finding the quintessential eats. Locally made mozzarella with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. Pizza made from fresh dough, with locally made cheese and tomato sauce. A little chocolate mouse with balsamic reduction and pistachios never hurt anyone either, but La Specialità offers the classic Italian cuisine and wine made from deliciously sourced ingredients.
Fioraio Bianchi
Trattoria Milanese
Everyone needs to experience an Italian cappuccino, and the flavors of italian styled coffees with a delicately baked, buttery, flaky, croissant. Fioraio Bianchi offers you this important life experience.
Their cafe offers an exquisitely rustic, high-quality dining experience with every ingredient. Flowers are everywhere in the cafe, so the scents of flowers mingle with its incredible ambience.
Wondering how to tell if a restaurant is authentic Milanese cuisine, rather than a tourist trap? Well, apart from Uberta’s recommendations, here’s another clue: the Instagram for Trattoria Milanese has no social media manager, and features only pictures of the restaurant and one plentiful lunch. No frills. No games.
Their bio? Trattoria Milanese since 1933. At no. 11 of Via Santa Marta.
Traditional Milanese. Nothing more necessary. Authentic excellence guaranteed.
Bar Basso
Bike Ride
Bar Basso is a well-known bar in Milan, where Milan locals gather outside under the neon-red lights of the ‘Bar Basso’ words. The in 1972, a bartender made a mistake and accidentally created their world-famous cocktail, the Negroni Sbagliato. It is in-keeping with the northern Italian style, sparkling, sweetened red soda.
Most unforgettable moment of Milan? Uberta recommends to take a bike ride in La Martesana area, by the river. It wouldn’t be La Vita Bella, without the occasional frivolous bike ride; brisk spring air waking you up with flower bloom scents, to the backdrop of voices of Italian drawl conversing and heading about their days.
Pasticceria Cucchi
Pasticceria Cucchi, a pastry shop, has been a resident of Milan since 1936. It serves delicately created classic Italian pastries. Paulo Robaudi shares, “It is one of the remaining places in Milan, where my mother in the 40’s-50’s and my grandfather went to buy an aperitif and pasta.”
Pinacoteca di Brera
The Brera Gallery was officially established in 1809. Brera become the museum to host the most important works of art from all of the areas conquered by the French armies. Today it is, “A living museum in continuous progress,” says Fernanda Wittgens.
The Small Bistro
The Small Bistro is an art and lifestyle bistro. While you can dine on Argentine Black Angus Carpaccio with Venere rice, zucchini tartare and stracciatella, it is also an art installation and cultural gathering point. It was reported as not to be missed during Milan Fashion week.
Wait and See
Wait and See is an incredibly colourful assortment of art and designs. It was opened in 2010 by Uberta Zambeletti when she found a gap in the market between the high street and the recognised fashion brands. “We believe in colour, colour is joy, colour is celebration, colour is the key to Wait and See. We stimulate women of all types to dare to be whoever they want to be!” Zambeletti shares enthusiastically. Exuding Milanese passion she shares, “La Vita Bella! Enjoy life, be grateful,” and with extra gusto she shares, “Have FUN!”
L’Arabesque
L’Arabesque is a rich gem of the fashion capital Milan. It is a vintage store, design store, and library-cafe. At the cafe, you can search their periodicals of art and design. Research the collections of Thierry Mugler, Vivian Westwood, Monet, Wes Anderson, Klimt… wherever the mind may wonder in the history of art and design, while eating a berry pavlova, or another one of their exquisite dishes.
Davide Gatto
David Gatto is a traditional Milanese bag designer who was classically trained in the atelier of leather bags. Everything in his store is natural, made in Italy, and his signature designs are crafted by him. The designer also makes luggage, bespoke items and smaller bags like a leather basket-weave clutch made by artisans in the hills of Fiesole. His latest installation is adding crochet work to his bags.
4uattro
A clothing brand in Milan inspired by an elegant femininity with an everyday appeal. Unique and authentic, all their products are made in Italy.
Benheart
Benheart is a brand with a rebellious spirit! It takes high-quality leather and turns it into beautiful pieces with a brave and adventurous vibe.
A beautiful tour through the fashion capital Milan would not be complete without Uberta’s suggestions. Experience delicious, authentic Italian dishes, warmth, culture, art, fashion designers, cultural institutions, fashion history, and a lovely bike ride for ‘La Vita Bella’ in Milano.
Written by Phoebe Pierce
See more from Uberta Zambeletti and Wait and See.
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