I’m not referring to the Renaissance here, I want to tell you about the department store in Milan. Department stores are not all that common in Italy. Italians seem to prefer to shop in stand alone stores. I hope it stays this way, I prefer it too. However Rinascente is an excellent place to shop in Milan, especially if you want to wander and browse on several floors full of wonderful things.
All the major brands are represented in clothing, shoes, accessories and homewares and the basement floor has a great selection in interesting gadgets – I can’t think of a better word. All sorts of quirky and unusual things can be found here for your home, and life in general. There is also a lovely cafe to stop for a coffee and a delicious snack. The colour theme when I was last there was purple and each table had the most beautiful purple orchid.
delicious strawberry tart at the basement cafe
the orchid is real
One of my favourite floors in the store is the top floor, which is devoted to food. There is a delectable food hall where you can buy exotic things to take home as well as several different places to eat, offering a great selection. Best of all, there is an outdoor cafe which overlooks the Duomo. You get a fabulous view of the roof of this amazing church. It is worth going up there for this alone, but the food is good too.
the view of the Duomo from one of the indoor restaurants
the view from the terrace restaurant
looking into the roof of the Duomo
the bread basket
delicious lunch
There is a smaller Rinascente in Florence which also has a little cafe on the top floor. The outdoor terrace offers a fantastic view of the magnificent Duomo, the rooftops of beautiful Florence and across to the Boboli gardens and beyond.
the cafe on top of Rinascente in Florence
not a bad view
The one in Rome has recently moved locations to make way for an enormous Zara shop. I haven’t been in yet, but I will check it out when I am next in Rome.
I love Rinascente! I can report back that I’ve just been in the new Zara shop where R used to be in Rome, & of course Zara is fabulous.
Rinascente in Rome is now in The Galleria in Piazza Colonna – just another block along on Via Del Corso.
By: mary D on August 9, 2011
at 8:35 am
I have seen the new store in Galleria, but I haven’t been in yet. The Zara shop is huge!!!
By: bagnidilucca on August 9, 2011
at 8:43 am
I love Rinascente too! My favourite lunch place is Obika, the mozzarella bar on the top floor!
By: Minna on August 9, 2011
at 8:45 am
I haven’t tried that one – next time.
By: bagnidilucca on August 9, 2011
at 9:32 am
And the lunch looks pretty yummy too 🙂 Thanks for stopping by my blog and taking the time to leave a comment – appreciated 🙂
By: 4otomo on August 9, 2011
at 9:57 am
Lunch was very good. You have a great blog.
By: bagnidilucca on August 9, 2011
at 11:49 am
I love La Rinascente in Florence. I always go there.
By: Mulino Dominillo on August 9, 2011
at 10:48 am
The store in Florence is very good. It is not too big, but has a good selection and the cafe is a lot of fun.
By: bagnidilucca on August 9, 2011
at 11:50 am
What beautiful views! And interesting that they don’t like shopping in department stores. I love boutique shopping too 🙂
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on August 9, 2011
at 11:11 am
Department stores have their place, and Rinascente does an excellent job.
By: bagnidilucca on August 9, 2011
at 11:51 am
my goodness everything about this post makes me feel jealous!!
http://www.sandbetweentoes.wordpress.com
By: laurahartson on August 9, 2011
at 11:15 am
I think you need to go to Italy soon.
By: bagnidilucca on August 9, 2011
at 11:51 am
Wow, Deb, the view from the roof is stunning. I also love that you focused on the food available above and below. You are a woman after my own heart, as I love, love, love to eat–much to the delight of my waistline!
Kathy
By: Kathryn McCullough on August 9, 2011
at 12:31 pm
You must eat! When it Italy it would be wrong not to enjoy the delights on offer.
By: bagnidilucca on August 9, 2011
at 7:12 pm
I went this year… i loved loved loved Florence. Your pics are great – alot of different angles I didn’t get to see the Duomo from =)
By: mschinhing on August 9, 2011
at 1:40 pm
You must go back! I ma yet to see Florence from the campanile of the Duomo – perhaps in October.
By: bagnidilucca on August 9, 2011
at 7:15 pm
i didnt even know that that this existed. this is why i love your site. thanks for that.
By: george miori on August 9, 2011
at 2:00 pm
A friend told me about the views from Rinascente – I thought I should share.
By: bagnidilucca on August 9, 2011
at 7:15 pm
Hmm, I saw Rinascente from the roof of the Duomo instead of vice-versa. 🙂
By: Julie on August 9, 2011
at 3:24 pm
I have been up into the roof of the Duomo too. It is amazing.
By: bagnidilucca on August 9, 2011
at 7:16 pm
Loved this post, and love how Italians live, still!
By: Dakota on August 9, 2011
at 4:52 pm
The food hall in Milan’s Rinascente is just wonderful.
By: bagnidilucca on August 9, 2011
at 7:18 pm
Great post! Love it. By the way, going up on the roof of the Duomo is sensational!
By: Moira Drexler on August 9, 2011
at 9:50 pm
Sorry I just realised you have mentioned this…..late and tired you know.
By: Moira Drexler on August 9, 2011
at 9:50 pm
One day, I will see this for myself. Italy is still a dream for me right now. 🙁
By: caffedolce on August 10, 2011
at 5:56 am
You will love Italy and you will get to practice your Italian.
By: bagnidilucca on August 10, 2011
at 6:09 am
Given the parlous state of Europe’s and Italy’s economy they clearly need a representative from Australia’s ‘robust economy’ to get stuck in there and eat and shop. I am willing to do this.
By: Jan on August 10, 2011
at 10:00 am
How marvellously altruistic you are Jan.
By: bagnidilucca on August 10, 2011
at 11:48 am
I can only say, amazing pictures, I loved Florence, want to go back.
By: Fragolina on August 22, 2011
at 10:23 am