Article written by contributor Giulia Minguzzi
Let’s be honest, everyone loves a good burger, and it never goes out of style. But in recent years, the humble burger has evolved. Once a symbol of fast food, it’s now the star of gourmet menus, with the focus shifting to quality ingredients, careful sourcing, and culinary experimentation. You’d be surprised how many top-notch burgers you can find in Milan’s Navigli district, an area known for its vibrant nightlife but certainly not lacking in quality dining spots.
In this article, I’m sharing my favourite burger joints around the Navigli, so next time you’re in the neighbourhood, you won’t leave disappointed.
© Serena Milici
Chunk Milano: Cocktails and American-Style Burgers
While Navigli is mostly famous for its aperitivo scene, there are places that serve seriously good meat. Overlooking the Naviglio Grande, Chunk Milano combines American BBQ techniques with expert mixology. The menu features US classics like juicy ribs, pulled pork, and slow-smoked brisket, as well as beef cuts served as tagliata, tartare, or in burger form. The meat comes from the renowned Masseroni butcher, guaranteeing top-tier quality.
Burgers are served with roast potatoes or fries (€15), and the ingredients stay true to American tradition: think bacon, coleslaw, BBQ sauce, cheddar and pickles. You can also try burgers made with low-and-slow cooked meats like pastrami or pulled pork. Personally, I loved the classic burger with onion jam, absolutely divine.
You can also enjoy a mini version of their burgers as part of a tasting aperitivo. The tapas-style menu features small plates with a global twist, like jamón serrano, tacos with Piedmontese fassona beef, or chorizo with saffron risotto.
Cocktail prices range from €8 (Spritz, Hugo) to €9 (Negroni, Americano, G&T, Mojito), while their signature creations are €11—on par with other cocktail bars in the area. Try the Truffle Shrek if you’re a truffle lover, or the Old Popcorn, which really tastes like popcorn!
Chunk Milano
Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 55 (M2 Porta Genova)
Lars Milano: A Spot for Any Occasion
In the San Cristoforo area, not far from the Darsena, you’ll find Lars, a charming little restaurant next to the iconic Gelateria della Musica on Via Pestalozzi. The menu is packed with creative, mostly Italian-style burgers (including vegan options), using top-quality local ingredients.
With a cosy, retro-inspired interior and a small outdoor seating area, Lars is ideal for anything from breakfast to dinner, or even just a study break. Their burgers come in beef, fish, or veggie versions, and include a side (fries, grilled veggies, roast potatoes or a mixed salad).
Each burger is named after a person. Don’t miss the Pina Burger (€16, beef with melted tomino cheese, black truffle shavings, lamb’s lettuce and mayo), the Diego (€16, beef with mushrooms, pecorino, pumpkin cream, rocket, and mayo) or the Paolo (€16, beef with gorgonzola, caramelised onions, rocket, Tabasco and mayo). If you’re extra hungry, there’s an XL version for €20.
Lars also offers efficient home delivery—you can order online or by phone, pay with card, cash or meal vouchers, and even schedule the delivery time. If you live or work nearby like I do, it might just become your go-to lunch spot.
Lars Milano
Via Pestalozzi, 4 (M2 Porta Genova, Bus 164)
Fat Sam at the Winery: Natural Wines and Fried Chicken
Fried chicken and oysters with a glass of natural wine? You read that right. On Corso San Gottardo near the Navigli, there’s a new wine bar with an American twist—Fat Sam at the Winery. This unique spot combines wine bar vibes with a fried chicken bun menu and a few delightful surprises.
The space is relaxed yet refined, with a menu of small plates perfect for aperitivo—except for the standout fried chicken bun, which is the star of the show. Starters include vegetable pickles (€6), tartare (€16), oysters (€4 each), baked camembert with onions (€14) and liver terrine (€18). But the main event is the bun: a soft, square, buttery roll filled with marinated, buttermilk-fried chicken. The result is a perfectly crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside bite that’s full of flavour. Three different versions are available, each with its own sauce and toppings.
Fries are also on the menu—including a version with parmesan and truffle (€8), which I personally love. Don’t miss their retro-style artisan ice cream served in vintage ‘60s champagne coupes—a fun and refreshing end to a fried feast.
FAT SAM at the Winery
Corso San Gottardo, 6 Milano (M2 Porta Genova; Tram 3)
Sweetburger: Square Smash Burgers With a Sweet Touch
Craving a burger while strolling along the Darsena? Please don’t give in to the temptation of McDonald’s. Just ten steps further, you’ll spot a brick-red storefront: Sweetburger. While technically a chain, Sweetburger supports local producers and uses high-quality ingredients—from the meat to the cheddar to the bread. It’s in a different league from most fast food joints.
Prices are slightly higher than your average fast food (menus with fries and a drink range from €13.90 to €16), but it’s worth every cent. The standout feature here is the square, slightly sweet brioche bun—soft, rich, and totally unique. The smash burgers are thick and juicy, not overly crispy like those at Meat Crew (which I covered previously).
The burger combos are simple but delicious. You can go for a regular or double patty, and the packaging is super convenient. Don’t skip the sweet American fries, which Sweetburger was among the first to offer in Milan. Top picks? The Original (double beef, double cheddar) and the Teriyaki Chicken (fried chicken, sesame cabbage, teriyaki sauce, spicy mayo and crunchy fries). And if you really want to indulge, try the mini doughnuts—a fairground-style guilty pleasure.
Sweetburger
Piazza 24 Maggio 1/8, Milano (M2 Porta Genova)
Hamerica’s: A Temple to All Things USA
Who hasn’t heard of Hamerica’s? This chain is well-known across Italy for its all-American menu—burgers, burritos, tacos, BBQ, sandwiches, and salads. Lately, they’ve even added rarer US specialities like Chicago-style pizza or lobster rolls, rotating seasonal items that cater to hardcore American food fans.
The burger section is the heart of the menu. The classic go-to is the 212 Burger (The One and Only!), while the specials change with the seasons. For summer, try something fresh like the Guac Burger (€16, with guacamole, yoghurt sauce, and plantain chips), or go full-on indulgent with the Double Cheese Onion BBQ (€15, featuring Gouda, caramelised onion, apple coleslaw, crispy onions and BBQ sauce).
Hamerica’s locations are stylish yet slightly country-chic, with that unmistakable American sense of “more is more”—especially when it comes to portions. Their desserts (around €6) are pure indulgence too: from authentic New York-style baked cheesecake to Florida’s iconic Key Lime Pie. Don’t miss the newest addition: a Peanut Butter Tiramisu, blending Italian and American traditions.
P.S. On your birthday, show your ID and they’ll gift you a 212 Burger!
Hamerica’s
Corso di Porta Ticinese, 6 (tram 3)
Doppio Malto: A Beer and Burger Haven
As a bonus, even though it’s a little outside the Navigli core, I have to mention Doppio Malto on Viale Liguria. Spacious both indoors and out, it’s great for birthday parties or casual gatherings. I’ve written about it before—this is my go-to comfort spot.
Besides brewing their own beer and offering excellent grilled meat, they serve a wide variety of burgers and pizzas. The meat is always perfectly cooked—still slightly pink inside for max juiciness. Most ingredients are Italian, highlighting local products. Don’t miss the Crudo & Stracciatella, ‘Nduja & Onion, or the Italian Pulled Pork.
Prices are very reasonable—below average for the area, actually. The classic burger is under €10 and includes fries, like all the others. With summer here, it’s the perfect time to enjoy their outdoor games: table football or giant chess!
Doppio Malto
Viale Liguria, 47 (M2 Romolo, Bus 90/91)
Milan’s Best Burgers in the Navigli: Quick Recap
Here’s a quick list you can screenshot for your next burger craving:
- Chunk Milano (Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 55)
- Lars (Via Pestalozzi, 4)
- Fat Sam at the Winery (Corso San Gottardo, 6)
- Sweetburger (Piazza 24 Maggio 1/8)
- Hamerica’s (Corso di Porta Ticinese, 6)
- Doppio Malto (Viale Liguria, 47)
Article written by contributor Giulia Minguzzi
Looking for more? Check out our guides for rooftops in Milan, and where to find cheap eats in Milan, brunch in Navigli.
