Nina Yashar's Picks for Salone del Mobile

Nina Yashar has spent decades shaping Milan’s design scene, first through Nilufar, her collectible gallery in Quadrilatero d’Oro, then the Farini district’s Nilufar Depot, an industrial exhibition space inspired by the city’s Teatro alla Scala opera house. Ahead of Salone del Mobile, Milan’s Queen of Design reveals her favorite places.

Go-To Meal:

Trattoria Masuelli represents a very true idea of Milan, something deeply rooted that preserves tradition without ever feeling constructed. The cuisine is classic, comforting, and extremely precise. What makes Masuelli special is also a familiar, family-run atmosphere. You immediately feel the sense of continuity and care, not only in the food but in the way the whole place is lived in. The interiors have a quiet elegance, with Gio Ponti chandeliers and original 1920s chairs. There’s a mix of regulars, people from the design world, and those who really know the city. The energy is calm and intimate, very natural—the kind of place where you stay longer than planned.

Trattoria Masuelli; Umbria-Molise; Viale Umbria 80

Under-the-Radar Neighborhood:

I really love the Risorgimento district, where I live. It has a quiet, residential charm, but at the same time it’s full of small discoveries that make everyday life feel special. I like walking around without a plan and stopping at places like Terroir, a small gourmet shop, or Sissi, which has a beautiful café atmosphere and an incredible pastry selection. Mezè is another place I often go, especially for a lively Lebanese lunch with friends. It’s a part of Milan that feels very balanced to me, but still connected to the city’s creative energy.

Mezè, Via Pasquale Sottocorno 19
Terroir, Via Macedonio Melloni 33
Pasticceria Sissi, Piazza Risorgimento 6

Place You Find Inspiration:

I often look at Milanese modernist architecture, especially postwar architects like Gio Ponti and Franco Albini, whose buildings feel alive and part of everyday life. My favorite to walk by is Torre Velasca. Its bold form, careful proportions, and interplay with the city streets spark my creativity in ways most people overlook. I like to walk around it slowly, noticing the details that others might miss. It has directly influenced my work, like the vintage ceiling lamp by BBPR from 1956 in my collection, which captures that same blend of function and elegance.

Favorite Spot to Grab a Drink:

Sant Ambroeus. It’s a true Milanese institution, with a refined atmosphere right in the heart of the city. During Design Week, it becomes a lively meeting point, full of energy, and perfectly captures the city’s timeless style and sophistication.

Sant Ambroeus, Corso Giacomo Matteotti 7

Must-Visit During Salone:

I can’t not mention Nilufar! This year, we’ll present the Nilufar Grand Hotel at Nilufar Depot, an immersive exhibition exploring the world of hospitality through the lens of collectible design. At Nilufar in Quadrilatero d’Oro, the main exhibition is La Casa Magica, curated by Valentina Ciuffi with set design by Space Caviar, reflecting on home as a ritual space and a device for meaning and protection. Since Valentina and Joseph are also behind Alcova, I’m especially curious to see it this year as it returns to Milan at the Ospedale Militare di Baggio. It’s always playful, inventive, and inspirational.

Nilufar, Via della Spiga 32
Nilufar Depot, Viale Vincenzo Lancetti 34

Can’t-Miss Shop:

I love spending time at 10 Corso Como. It’s more than a store, it’s like a gallery where fashion and lifestyle intersect. I always take my time exploring, because every corner holds a surprise, and I keep coming back for its amazing mix of luxury and emerging designers. In Brera, Antonia  has a fresh selection of contemporary fashion. Mornings are the best time to visit, when it’s calm and you can really appreciate the unique pieces they carry. Both places have a strong curatorial eye and make shopping feel like a discovery.

10 Corso Como, Corso Como 10
Antonia, Via Sant’Andrea 10

What Still Surprises You About Milan?

How effortlessly it blends tradition and innovation. The city has an energy that constantly sparks creativity, from its historic architecture to the lively design and art scene. Everything feels within reach: galleries, studios, museums, and cultural events are all just a short walk or ride away. Even after all these years, people still underestimate Milan. It’s not just about fashion or business; it’s a city that understands how life, work, and culture can coexist seamlessly. While I enjoy visiting other cities, Milan remains irreplaceable for me. It’s where my work, friendships, and daily life naturally intersect, giving me both inspiration and a sense of belonging.