12 Best Cafes in Milan
Milan is often seen as Italy’s avant-garde, international city that fosters fresh ideas and creativity. Before exploring the best cafes in Milan, it’s important to note: coffee is sacred here, with specific rituals surrounding it—cappuccino is reserved for mornings, and ordering a latte will likely get you a glass of milk.
Italians hold traditions close, with mornings bustling as people rush in and out, savoring their espresso, or ‘caffè’, alongside freshly baked goods and pastries. However, there are also those who take their time, relishing a frothy cappuccino while enjoying a buttery cornetto.
Over the past few years, Milan has embraced the rise of specialty coffee bars, indicating a shift towards an elevated coffee experience in aesthetically pleasing environments. From traditional to innovative, here are twelve of the best cafes in Milan for 2024.
What Coffee is Milan Famous For?
While many argue that Naples is Italy’s coffee capital, Milan is known for its innovation. Milanese entrepreneur Luigi Bezzera developed the modern espresso machine that’s now used worldwide. Espresso remains a favorite among Italians, but there is a growing interest in specialty coffee and its diverse flavors, especially among younger generations.
Marchesi 1824
Item to order: Torta Aurora
Pasticceria Marchesi 1824 is famous for its stunning cake displays, especially during the Christmas season when its intricate panettone appears. Originating as a small pastry shop in an 18th-century palazzo, it evolved into a spot for coffee and aperitifs. Today, it boasts three locations, each renovated to maintain historical charm with elements like coffered ceilings and antique mirrors. Pair your espresso with the delightful Torta Aurora topped with whipped cream.
Address: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
Pavé
Item to order: Kuign-Amann
Founded by schoolmates in 2012, Pavé has become a beacon of contemporary cafe culture in Porta Venezia. The aroma of warm pastries fills the air, drawing you in to try their flaky croissants, warm cinnamon rolls, or the crunchy Kuign-Amann with a perfect espresso or cold brew.
Address: Via Felice Casati, 27, 20124 Milano MI, Italy
Pan
Item to order: Kare Pan
Chef Yoji Tokuhyoshi opened Pan to fulfill the bakery’s needs for his restaurant. The interiors echo Japanese influences, and the menu offers cloud-like shokupan, sweet Anpan, and the must-try Kare Pan, all complemented by matcha-inspired desserts.
Address: Via Leopoldo Cicognara, 19, 20129 Milano MI, Italy
Pasticceria Sissi
Item to order: Croissant filled with crema pasticcera
A true neighborhood cafe, Pasticceria Sissi exudes charm and tradition. Known for its warm atmosphere, patrons enjoy their espresso while indulging in soft brioche-type cornetto filled with either chocolate cream or Italian pastry cream.
Address: P.za Risorgimento, 6, 20129 Milano MI, Italy
June Collectives
Item to order: Coffee and cardamom cake
Located a short ride from the city center, June Collectives features Nordic-inspired design and a menu brimming with homemade delights like pancakes with cardamom glaze and seasonal cakes. Their coffee options, including filtered coffee and matcha latte, make this place a must-visit.
Address: Via Varesina, 162, 20156 Milano MI, Italy
Gelsomina
Item to order: Maritozzo
Gelsomina offers a chic environment with a display of beautiful pastries. Pastry chef Paola Bertolli crafts stunning seasonal treats like the signature maritozzo, presented elegantly amidst inviting decor.
Address: Via Carlo Tenca, 5, 20124 Milano MI, Italy
Orsonero
Item to order: Pour-over coffee
Orsonero, known for being one of the first specialty coffee shops in the city, offers a cool and casual space to enjoy single-origin coffee and a small selection of pastries. A focus on quality remains a priority here.
Address: Via Giuseppe Broggi, 15, 20129 Milano MI, Italy
Gattullo
Item to order: Maritozzo filled with cream, whipped cream and wild strawberries
With over fifty years in operation, Gattullo is famed for its mignon pastries and cozy atmosphere. Enjoy a pastry with your coffee in true Milanese style, or stop by for afternoon tea.
Address: Piazzale di Porta Lodovica, 2, 20136 Milano MI, Italy
Sant Ambroeus
Item to order: Principessa Cake
Caffè Sant Ambroeus has remained a staple in Milan for over eighty years, boasting elegant decor and a delectable selection of pastries, including the celebrated Principessa Cake.
Address: Corso Giacomo Matteotti, 7, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Loste Cafe
Item to order: Danish (changes seasonally)
At Loste Cafe, enjoy a variety of seasonal baked goods and excellent coffee, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors alike.
Address: Via Francesco Guicciardini, 3, 20129 Milano MI, Italy; Via Varesina, 204, 20156 Milano MI, Italy
Bar Luce
Item to order: Ape Maia sandwich with Parma ham, melted brie
Designed by Wes Anderson, Bar Luce features a retro aesthetic and a delightful menu that includes traditional Milanese cafe offerings amid vintage decor.
Address: L.go Isarco, 2, 20139 Milano MI, Italy
Cafezal
Item to order: Pastel de Nata
Founded by Carlos Bitencourt, Cafezal brings the third-wave coffee movement to Milan with a selection of globally sourced brews and freshly baked pastries, creating a unique coffee experience in every cup.
Address: Via Solferino, 27, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Fioraio Bianchi
Item to order: Cannelés
This Parisian-inspired cafe in the Brera district offers a cozy retreat with beautiful floral decor and a tempting array of pastries on display, perfect for an afternoon coffee catch-up.
Address: Via Montebello, 7, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
