Restaurant suggestions for Milan and Varenna

I was going to copy a post I made on a recent thread, but decided just to share the link. There are a number of Milan suggestions there, including mine, Bottega Ghiotta, Corso Sempione 5:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/milan-first-night-in-italy-memorable-restaurant-request

Jane! Thank you for linking that prior thread. I'd missed it and now I've bookmarked it!

And I'll add that I'd also bookmarked this thread about restaurants in Varenna. I have not been there yet so no personal comments and well, I'm vegan so you might not like my idea of good food, hahaha!!

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/varenna-restaurants-favorites-and-do-we-need-reservations

Pam, I think I told you we just loved Milan, and enjoyed the food there. Our only complaint was we couldn't ever find wine by the carafe or 1/2 liter, only by the glass or bottle.

At our first visit to the place I referenced upthread, I asked for a 1/2 liter, and when the server said glass or bottle, I ordered a glass each for me and Stan. The canny server said, "You know, if you're going to have more than one glass each, it's cheaper to buy a bottle." And so it was. And it was downright tasty, as well.

Hahaha...great story Jane! Well, since I'll be on my own, no way can I manage a bottle and get myself back to the hotel!

thanks for all the suggestions. Jane of Ohio, I will be very interested in hearing how the Hotel Gran Duca di York is as we will be staying there for 3 days in end October.
I have notated the restaurants that were suggested.
thanks again.
Keep on traveling--AND STAY HEALTHY!

Il Cavatappi in Varenna but you need reservations which they do by email. It’s very small and the food is excellent which means they’re booked way in advance.

We booked IL Caminetto in Varenna and Trattoria Milanese for our one dinner in Milan. We haven't been to either one, but researched only. Hope they're good!