Dinner With Locals and Drinks by the Duomo: Matchday in Monza

Anyone with an interest in the Italian Grand Prix will know all about Monza but this small pocket of Lombardy, just north of Milan, has plenty to offer the calcio tourist.

Over the past few years AC Monza, the city’s football team, raced through the divisions under the ownership of the late Silvio Berlusconi before a three-year run in Serie A came to an end in 2025.

We discovered the joys of a day out at the U-Power Stadium as they pushed hard for a quick return to the big time.

Start the day at …Caffe Vergnano 1882

The chances are high that anyone visiting Monza will be based in Milan – it’s only 10 minutes on the train from Centrale and 16 minutes from Garibaldi to this smaller, quieter and greener city. Once there, get going at Caffe Vergano. You’ll find plenty of these on your travels and Monza’s sits on the cobbles of the narrow Via Napoleone, just off the main square. Grab a quick espresso to kick things off.

Explore… Monza Park

This huge green space is one of the largest enclosed parks in Europe and while the gardens and palace place it high on the list of Lombardy’s cultural attractions, people who live in Monza walk, run and cycle here all year round. It is also home to the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, the famous circuit which hosts the Italian Grand Prix. This will be the centre of the motorsport world in the first week of September.

Go and see… the Duomo di Monza

The Monza Cathedral is easily as impressive as some of those in bigger cities but without the crowds and the fuss. Tucked away in the city centre, it has a unique facade of black and white and a story stretching back more than 1400 years. It’s open every day except Monday, from 9am until 6pm, with an hour off between 1pm and 2pm. Tickets are €8 for adults and €5 for 7-16-year-olds.

Go for dinner at… Joe Scarpetta

This was a recommendation from the football club and it was a brilliant tip. It’s only a short walk from the city centre but somewhat off the beaten track and sits in the middle of a more residential area. Not many tourists head in this direction and it’s a big favourite among locals. The atmosphere is relaxed, the decor rustic and the staff friendly and helpful. The waiter suggested fresh tortelli stuffed with duck and onion genovese, served with Parmesan sauce. It was great advice. The linguine and the pork ribs were also particular highlights while the tiramisu provided the perfect finish. With wine, the bill for two came to just under €100. With it being close to the U-Power Stadium, players and staff from the club have been known to pop in.

Celebrate victory at… Saint

It’s a win-win if you head here whether for lunch, dinner, cocktails or a quick beer. We can vouch for the ‘informal, elegant and tasty experience’ promised on their website, and grabbing a table outside on the large terrace (with heaters) or inside by the window presents another look at that stunning cathedral. The location is perfect – Saint sits on the corner of the Piazza Duomo, facing those gothic walls, and is a popular spot, especially at weekends, when it is better to book.