Born in Tehran, Nina Yashar moved to Milan as a child, in 1963, when her father, a successful dealer in antique carpets and rare Asian textiles, brought his family and his craft to Italy. In 1979, at just 22, Yashar set out on her own, opening Nilufar, a gallery on the ritzy Via Bigli, where she began showcasing the most avant-garde pieces from her father’s collection. A few years later, she bought a series of Scandinavian rugs on a trip to Stockholm. Soon after, she began dealing vintage furniture, too.
Yashar quickly became a fixture in Milan’s fashion and design scene, forming close friendships with figures like Miuccia Prada. By 2015, she was working with contemporary designers such as Martino Gamper and Bethan Laura Wood and had opened Nilufar Depot, a sprawling warehouse in the northern part of the city.
This month, Yashar is unveiling two new shows: a 10th-anniversary exhibition at the Depot and a retrospective on the architect George Nakashima in Milan’s city center, paired with new work by Maximilian Marchesani, Andrea Mancuso, and Etienne Marc.
Here, the gallerist shares her favorite shops, restaurants, and museums in her hometown.
HORTO
Refined and unique, Horto masterfully combines seasonal and local ingredients. Its spectacular rooftop sets its view on top of Milan’s famous Duomo, making it an ideal place for a special dinner. (hortorestaurant.com)
Marchesi 1824
A true institution in Milan’s gastronomic scene, Marchesi is one of the best pastry shops in the city. Its exceptional quality and atmosphere embody the rich tradition of Milanese delicacies and culture. (marchesi1824.com)
Terroir milano
Terroir Milano is a gourmet grocery shop in my neighborhood, near the Dateo railway station. It offers a curated selection of organic foods, exceptional chocolates, and natural wines. (terroirmilano.it)
Trattoria Masuelli San Marco
Run by the Masuelli family for three generations, this restaurant is a symbol of Italian history and culinary tradition. Decorated with chandeliers by Gio Ponti and original 1920s chairs, the interiors reflect the elegance of a grand trattoria. (masuellitrattoria.com)
Osservatorio Fondazione Prada
The Osservatorio Fondazione Prada, with its selection of avant-garde exhibitions and stunning views of the city, deeply inspires my artistic sensibilities. Together with the Fondazione Prada, these spaces enrich Milan’s creative scene and are must-visits for art lovers. (fondazioneprada.org)
Triennale di Milano
The Triennale di Milano also deserves a spot on this list. Its collection beautifully bridges past and future, tracing the evolution of design while championing modern creations. (triennale.org)
Antonia
This boutique’s interior is spectacular. I love the way they mix high fashion and emerging niche brands. (antonia.it)
Reading Room
Perfect for research, the Reading Room bookshop offers a curated selection of international magazines and independent publications. Its quiet, inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect place for browsing and reading. (readingroom.it)