La Balera dell'Ortica Milan
Have fun the Italian way
La Balera dell’Ortica is the perfect spot in Milan to celebrate your birthday while singing your night away to the best Italian and international songs from the past decades, the way your grandparents would have.
Ortica once was like a small village in the suburbs of Milan; nowadays it is a vibrant district that pays homage to the famous artists that lived or worked in the area through a few colourful graffiti around the area - among them the brilliant Milanese songwriter Enzo Jannacci or Nobel Prize for Literature Dario Fo.
La Balera is both a trattoria and a typical old-style dancing hall, that is a very down to earth get-together spot with long wooden tables, unassuming mise en place and a very traditional feeling. Everything about a night out at the Balera sounds very familiar to the Italian people indeed: the abundant traditional food, such as arrosticini and polpette, the small band that plays popular music and game of bocce too.
I would recommend to book way ahead of time and get ready to learn how to “far festa” the Italian way. In order to do that you will have to gather a few friends and expect to embarrass yourself on the stage for karaoke or dancing like a goofball at some point. Don't take yourself too seriously, wear something funny and get that vibe going: the most memorable nights are always the ones that start with a bunch of friends having a big laugh around a table!
About this spot
Find your way with 185 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Milan
Chinese Box
Prime people watching
"Chinese Box" is a great place in Milan for people watching and aperitivo. Spend a couple of hours with a drink in hand at the 'terrace' and you'll know...
by
Ivan
Kalinov
Bagni Misteriosi
A tip-top swim in the city
Milan's "Bagni Misteriosi" might seem like too fancy a swimming pool for you, but if you go and if you're like me, you'll want to go again & again...
by
Susanna
Baggio
BIVIO
Second-hand fashion heaven
"BIVIO" was the very first fashion resale shop to open in Milan. It's constantly evolving, and nowadays offers flash sales, DJ sets & happy hours.
by
Susanna
Baggio
Conca dell'Incoronata
Da Vinci's genius at work
"Conca dell'Incoronata" is an ancient water basin in Milan, one of its most unique corners. I always fantasize about what might have been here...
by
Susanna
Baggio
10 Corso Como
Art belongs to everyone here
"10 Corso Como" in Milan is an essential art space with an elegant garden cafe & a sophisticated concept store. It's why it's worth checking open gates!
by
Susanna
Baggio
Hangar Bicocca
A huge factory turned expo site
"Hangar Bicocca" in Milan is an exposition site in an a former industrial hangar. It's the perfect place to see the world from a different perspective...
by
Susanna
Baggio
NUN
Not the ordinary kebab place
"NUN" in Milan is the perfect street food deli to have a quick kebab. It has been serving gourmet wraps in a neat atmosphere since 2013!
by
Susanna
Baggio
Via Lincoln
Milan's Notting Hill, so to speak
"Via Lincoln" and the area around it is Milan's very own Notting Hill! Not only that -- there's a little bit of Venice and Liguria in this garden district.
by
Susanna
Baggio
La Gravina
Perfect pizza and Apulian treats
"La Gravina" is one of the best pizza restaurants in South Milan. It has Apulian spirit, the best panzerotti & pucce, and you have to try their specialty.
by
Susanna
Baggio
Heading to Milan?
185 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 185 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Milan
Our team loves Milan
Get to know our other Spotters from Milan
As featured on:
