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Best Coffee Shops In Milan
Here's a guide about where to get the best coffee experience in Milan.
Published March 18, 2022
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Joachim Estal
Coffee experts@The Coffee Lab
Since the 19th century, coffeehouses in Milan have already been serving espresso. And as time goes by, newer and more innovative concoctions make their way into Italian cafes’ menus. If you’re looking for the best place to try what were talking about, we’ve made a list of great coffee shops you definitely don’t want to miss.
Pasticceria Marchesi
This beautiful Milanese cafe is one of the most famous in the city and it’s been around since 1824. This was previously a family-run business but in 2014, it was bought by the Prada Group wherein it added two more stores. This place in not only known for their coffee but most especially for their sugar-coated almonds, cremini, chocolates, and pastries. The branch at Via Monte Napoleone 9 is probably the best among the three–velvet cushioned seats, pistachio green walls, and a totally cozy ambiance for people who like to unwind while drinking their cup of coffee.
Camparino in Galleria
Inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II arcade, a modern artsy cafe is serving drinks for famous composers and musicians such as Arturo Toscanini and Giuseppe Verdi. It opens at 8AM daily and for breakfast, they offer delicious coffee and pastries. They also serve lunches and aperitivo or pre-meal drinks. Sitting at their bar area, you will surely appreciate a picturesque mosaic wall by Angelo d’Andrea. If you’re more into experiencing a more natural view of the greenery or the stars, they also have outside seating for you!
Pavé Milano
Comfortable ambiance, vintage furniture, friendly service, great coffee–they have it all here at Pavé Milano. Ordering a flat white is easier to do at this coffeehouse as compared to other places. Moreover, their delectable food options from fresh fruit tarts, croissants, and cream rolls are enough reason for their customers to keep coming back.
Pasticceria Cucchi
Seeing the cafe’s retro signage as you walk on the busy streets of Corso Genova will surely lure you to enter its doors. This historic coffee shop has been serving coffee since 1936. The place is like a scene from a vintage movie. We’re talking about waiters in waistcoats and little dogs occupying outside tables. Plus, you’ll see beautifully made bread and pastries like cakes and panettones. It all seems like a flashback to what Milan looks like back in the 1930’s.
Gogol and Company
A combination of a cafe, bookshop, and an exhibition space–Gogol and Company is the go-to place if you’re into literature, art, and books. Huge leather armchairs are waiting for you. The place is filled with shelves complete with book titles written by infamous authors. Not only that, they also have this great selection of different bagels and tea flavors. And during the summer, you’ll be impressed with little jazz concerts and mesmerized with their organic wine tastings. Yes, all these activities are happening in one cafe!
Bar Luce
If you’re familiar with Wes Anderson movies, you’d notice that his visuals are usually very eccentric and whimsical–nostalgic sets, symmetrical architecture, bright colors. Would you believe it if we told you that a coffeehouse in Milan was designed by the famous filmmaker himself? Bar Luce is inspired by the 50’s and 60’s. Here you’ll find pastel-colored furniture, patterned wallpaper, and terrazzo flooring. A perfect place for talking or reading or sipping a cup of your perfectly brewed coffee. And on top of that, there’s even a Steve Zizzou pinball machine standing on the corner of the store.
Upcycle Bike Cafe
The Upcycle Bike Cafe is deemed as the first bike bistro in Italy–and is usually very busy during cycling tours or sports events. The interiors are simplistic with its long wooden tables and leather seats. Aside from drip coffee, they also offer delicious lunch items such as peppered mackerel, smoked herring smørrbrød, and vegan balls on the menu. And since it’s a so-called bike cafe, you would see a usually crowded bike rack almost everyday.
Torrefazione Coraaçao do Brasil
This small cafe and roastery is located in the middle of Chinatown. Its first opening was in the 1960’s and today, the store is run by two brothers who will enthusiastically share anything about coffee. Different coffee machines are lined up on the bar counters. The smell of freshly roasted coffee beans linger around the room. Aside from brewed coffee, the cafe also offers premium wholebean items which are extremely popular in Milanese households.
10 Corso Como Cafe
This coffeehouse is situated inside the verdant courtyard of a shopping center. Hand-painted round tables and pots of plants and trees make this a beautiful setting for relaxation. They also offer great coffee and delicious food items like sandwiches and pastries. Finally, the place is really aesthetic and Instagram-worthy so don’t forget to take a snap if ever you get a chance to visit!
Final Thoughts
We’ve given you a list of choices to serve as your guide if ever you’re in Milan and decided to take your quick caffeine fix. And as you will see above, just like any city in the world, Milan is filled with coffeehouses you might want to try. After all, Italy is the place where espresso was first discovered.
About the author
Joachim Estal
8-year barista for a world-class coffee chain from the Philippines. Passionate writer and coffee champion. "Coffee has always been one of my biggest love interests in life. And I am here to share it with all of you through this platform."
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