Vinoir - Vini d'autore e cucina

Natural wines and interesting dishes on a quiet stretch of the NavigliGianluca Ladu was among the first to work with natural wine in Milan: he started out with a first, smaller version of Vinoir, on a quiet stretch of the Navigli, and over the years he expanded; he's changed a few chefs in the kitchen, but what hasn't changed is how well his very personal selection of wines pairs with the dishes. At Vinoir it's not about small plates of trite culinary cliches, it's real food, cooked well, closer to the offer you'd expect from a good bistro. They might not have the cool logo or the cool merch, but they know how to please customers with grown-up taste. If you sit outside at the right time of the day you may also catch the boats from the two rowing clubs of Milan as they zip by on the water. Now that's cool. (If you can't find a table at Vinoir and want to stay in the area, my next pick is Enoteca Naturale, which occupies a wing of Emergency's headquarters and part of its garden, in front of one of Milan's most beautiful churches, Sant'Eustorgio. Younger, hip vibe, if you like that kind of scene, with a knowledgeable staff that knows how to keep the party going).