There are two Modus gastronomy shops in Milan, in Corso Italia and Via Pirelli. Modus Gastronomie brings the daily cuisine of Cilento to the city—the kind eaten in homes—prepared by the same producers who supply the Modus pizzerias. It is a place where Cilento is present in every dish, on every shelf, and in every conversation with the staff at the counter.
What is a Cilento gastronomy shop?
A Cilento gastronomy shop is a grocery store and gastronomy offering products and dishes from the culinary tradition of the Cilento region. Cilento is an area of southern Campania protected by a National Park: its cuisine is the Mediterranean Diet in the most literal sense, based on legumes, ancient grains, seasonal vegetables, oily fish, extra virgin olive oil, and small-batch dairy products.
A Cilento gastronomy shop in Milan is, therefore, a point of access to a food tradition that is normally found only in its territory of origin. Its value lies in the authenticity of its ingredients and its adherence to tradition: Cilento cuisine is simple and direct.
What makes Modus Cilento gastronomy different?
The main difference is the direct supply chain. Modus gastronomy shops receive products directly from the Cilento producers with whom Paolo De Simone has worked for thirty years: Madonna dell'Olivo for extra virgin olive oil, the Azienda Agricola Cammarano Lucia of Roccadaspide for flour, Terra Dura for pasta, Francescantonio Cavalieri for honey, and Michele Ferrante for Controne beans and cicci maritati.
The second difference is the daily kitchen: everything found at the Modus gastronomy counter was cooked that morning. It is fresh cuisine, with the constraint and merit that this entails (the menu changes every day based on availability and the season).
What is on the Modus gastronomy menu?
The menu at Modus gastronomy shops follows the seasons and the rhythms of the supply chain. Recurring offerings include:
Appetizers: Cilento cured meats (Gioi soppressata, capocollo), cheeses (caciocavallo podolico, cacioricotta), artisanal preserves and vegetables in oil, and bruschetta with ancient grain bread.
First courses: ancient grain pasta with traditional Cilento sauces (tomato, legumes, alla norma), Controne bean soups, and vegetable and grain minestrone.
Main courses: oily fish (anchovies, mackerel) and seasonal meats, prepared using traditional Cilento techniques.
Side dishes: grilled or pan-sautéed seasonal vegetables, grain salads, and legumes seasoned with extra virgin olive oil.
The menu changes from day to day and varies from location to location based on availability. To know what is available today at a specific location, the most direct way is to stop by the counter.
Which Cilento products can be found at Modus gastronomy shops?
Next to the gastronomy counter, Modus locations have a space dedicated to the sale of Cilento products selected by De Simone. You can find Cilento extra virgin olive oil, ancient grain pasta, artisanal preserves, legumes and grains, cured meats, cheeses, and Cilento honey.
At the gastronomy shop, you can taste before you buy and talk to those who know every product they sell. Soon, the same products will also be available at your home.
Where are the Modus gastronomy shops in Milan?
There are two Modus gastronomy shops, and soon there will be three:
Corso Italia 42: in the city center, near Piazza Missori (M3). Open Monday to Saturday from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM, closed on Sundays. Tel. +39 02 8286 0257. It is the most popular location for business lunches and coffee breaks.
Via G.B. Pirelli 35: in Porta Nuova, between Central Station and Gioia (M2). Open every day from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM, including Sundays. Tel. +39 02 8286 1526. Frequented primarily for lunch and gourmet shopping by those working in the area.
Via Colonnetta 5: the new gastronomy shop will open in November 2026.
Is it suitable for a business lunch?
Yes. Modus gastronomy shops are one of the best options for a business lunch in Milan: the menu is balanced and Mediterranean (no post-lunch lethargy), the service is fast (you choose at the counter), and the quality of the ingredients is incomparably higher than the average lunch spot in the city. It is a real meal, cooked that morning, to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace even within a 30 to 45-minute break.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Modus gastronomy shops have seating?
Yes, Modus gastronomy shops offer seating for dining on-site. The number of seats varies from location to location. Takeaway is also available.
Are the Modus gastronomy shops open for dinner?
The gastronomy shops close at 8:00 PM and cover breakfast, lunch, aperitivo, and takeaway. Corso Italia is open Monday to Saturday, while Via Pirelli is open every day, including Sundays. For dinner, there are the Modus pizzerias in Via Maffei and Corso Magenta.
Can I buy bread at Modus gastronomy shops?
Yes. Modus gastronomy shops sell bread made with ancient Cilento grain flours and house-made sourdough, baked fresh every morning.
How do the Modus gastronomy shops in Milan differ?
The shops offer the same base menu, but the kitchen staff at each location may propose their own daily variations. The quality of the ingredients is identical in all locations.
