Sarpi / Monumentale
When China went walkies
Overview
Cobblestone streets and sweet scents on the breeze.
Trattoria serving Italian lager with plates of jiaozi.
Italian vias filled with art from the Orient.
In Sarpi, you won’t know if you’re in Milan or China.
This region is one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in Italy.
But there’s no Chinese archway here - we’re still in Italy, after all.
What you will find are quaint and traditional streets, and a dinner choice of risotto or Peking duck.
Expect imports, food, design and fashion.
What can I do here?
Via Paolo Sarpi is the district’s main avenue. It’s a pedestrian-friendly cobbled street.
We think it’s the perfect shopping street. Clothes, jewellery, and leather items wait with low low low price tags.
If you like Asian cuisine, you’ll love it here. There are an endless number of options. From street food to fine dining, just spin in a circle and point. It’ll be good.
Try Tang Gourmet Dim Sum for some of the most authentic Chinese food in the city. The xiaolongbao are particularly recommended, and the menu changes regularly.
Psst... that means we recommend you go more than once.
If you want to stick to the Italian classics, you can’t go wrong with Ceresio 7. This upmarket rooftop joint is a hit for its high quality food, amazing views, and cocktails to die for. It even has a pool!
Or if you prefer home cooking, Kathay grocery store has a great choice of Eastern foods under one roof. Spice up your spice rack.
And outside of food and shopping?
You love art, and you’re also slightly morbid.
If that’s you, you could do worse than a visit to Cimitero Monumentale. This cemetery contains some impressive mausoleums, but the view is better from the outside.
Sarpi is also close to other charming areas. Nearby are Parco Sempione, Brera, and Porta Nuova. Once you’ve discovered all the charms of Sarpi, head across the border, and discover more of Milan’s best areas.
Laboratory fact
In the early 1900s, Sarpi was the favoured destination of many Chinese immigrants. Houses tended to have a “laboratory” (literally, a room for work), so the men and women had space to craft their leather goods. Red leather, yellow leather.
How affordable is this neighbourhood?
€€ (mid-range)
Any suggestions for our Sarpi-Chinatown neighbourhood information? Let us know.
