3 meals in Milan, Italy

Food writer Helena Lee picks three great eats in Milan:

Alla Cucina delle Langhe (Corso Como 6, 20154
Tel: +39 02 65 54 279)
This restaurant nestles between bars and fashion on the trendy Corso Como and is well known for regional Piemonte and Lombardia cuisine. After an aperitif of negroni sbagliato, in a neighbouring bar, head to Cucina delle Langhe for risotto with Barolo, the breaded veal cutlet (cotoletta alla Milanese), and traditional fare in this gorgeous trattoria. In the beginning of September, tartufo and mushrooms appear on the menu. A great restaurant to start a night out.

Trattoria Torre di Pisa (Via Fiori Chiari, 21/5 - 20121
Tel: +39 02 87 48 77 - 02 80 44 83 )
Another Trattoria but this time, Tuscan. This absolute gem of a restaurant can be found down a pedestrianised street and, though slightly worn, is very welcoming. Order balls of the freshest Buffalo Mozzarella which are out of this world and the unique but perfectly cooked carbonara.

Cracco (Via Victor Hugo 4, 20123 Tel: +39 02 87 67 74)
Carlo Cracco is Italy's answer to Heston Blumenthal. Passionate and contemporary in his cooking, his restaurant - Cracco is evidence of this, and has been rewarded with two Michelin stars. The decor may be a little staid - think dusty pink and starched white tablecloths - but the food, which is innovative Milanese, will delight and surprise. The pigs cheek (musetto) is a must-have, and the saffron risotto (risotto allo zafferano) with bone marrow, and breaded veal are stunning.

Helena has travelled widely both for business and pleasure, and now writes a food blog of her Culinary Tales. She has written for the Daily Express and South London magazine New London Review.