As an Italian-American who has spent over 30 years visiting Milan and Lago Maggiore, my anticipation for each visit to Italy begins with the promise of indulging in the perfect cappuccino and brioche. My parents and grandparents are from Milan, and I myself visit the city at least once a year. I consider it almost my second home. Milan isn't just a destination; it's a sanctuary of espresso-scented alleys and charming piazzas, each café steeped in its own blend of aesthetics, history, and the heavenly allure of a finely crafted cappuccino and freshly baked brioche. Join me on a curated exploration, my personal locals list, of the finest cafes in Milan, each selected with intention.
From centuries-old establishments exuding timeless elegance to modern-day coffee havens with contemporary flair, discover what makes each café a cherished gem in Milan's rich tapestry.
Want a deep-dive?
If you want to deep-dive into the evolution of our coffee culture, from the Belle Époque legends to the newer fashion-house cafes like Prada's Marchesi, you can actually book a guided tour of Milan's historical coffee bars. It’s a great way to hear the stories behind the marble counters while someone else handles the ordering (and the navigation).
Here, I offer my honest review. When it comes to ratings, you’ll see I don’t give 9 or 10s away very easily. Rest assured, when I bestow a perfect 10, it’s truly worth its weight. If you have a cherished favorite, make your case in the comments at the end of this post, perhaps I’ll add it to my list of cafes to try out next time. So, grab a seat at the table of Milanese coffee culture, as we embark on a journey through the best cafes in Milan, where aesthetics, history, and the promise of an exquisite cappuccino and brioche await.
A Quick Note Before We Sip
Look, narrowing this list down to just 6 spots was physically painful. Milan is a beast of a city, and while these six are the headliners, I’ve got about 58 other caffeine shrines and pastry paradises that I frequent when I’m off the clock. If you want the full, unfiltered access pass, I’m talking over 200+ locations including the 58 cafes and artisan pastry shops I’ve vetted over the last 30 years, you can unlock my private Milan Google Map here. It’s the closest thing to having me in your pocket telling you exactly where to go (and where to skip) based on where you're standing right now.
For a quick recap, see my TikTok:
@svadore ☕ 6 must-visit cafés in Milano, Italy (rated by a local) 🇮🇹 From iconic pasticcerias to hidden gems with a brioche worth the flight—these are some of iconic spots in Milan for the perfect cappuccino, fresh pastry, or a moment that feels beautifully Milanese. 💻 Full guide on the website—link in bio. 🎯 Save for your Milan trip! #hiddengemsmilan #milancoffeeguide #eatlikealocal #italytraveltips
♬ original sound - Sveva Marcangeli
Quick Navigation: Best Cafes in Milan
1. Pasticceria Sissi
Zone: Risorgimento
Location: Piazza Risorgimento, 6, 20129 Milano MI, Italy
Hours: 6:30AM – 8PM
Why Go Here: The famous brioches filled on the spot and the Caffè Senegalese
Discover the charm of Pasticceria Sissi, a renowned pastry shop in Milan's Zona Tricolore. Some Milanese people deem it the best brioche in all of Milan...With this big statement in mind, I decided to investigate personally whether Pasticceria Sissi is worthy of this hefty title as one of the best cafes in Milan.
Founded in 1990 by Sissi and her husband Zig, this cozy spot is famous for its freshly made brioche and unique Caffè Senegalese. Step inside to a bustling atmosphere with vintage décor, and indulge in their signature brioche filled on the spot with your choice of chocolate or cream. Pair it with a delightful cappuccino or freshly squeezed juice. Don't miss the chance to try the innovative Caffè Senegalese, a blend of espresso and chocolate ice cream in summer or hot chocolate in winter. While weekends can be crowded, a weekday visit promises a more relaxed experience. Overall, Pasticceria Sissi offers a unique taste of Milan's pastry scene, earning it an 8/10 rating in my locals book for its delectable treats and vibrant ambiance. I'm sure it would've ranked higher had I gone on a weekday...I'll have to go back!
Read my full review of Pasticceria Sissi here >>
2. Pasticceria Cucchi
Zone: Ticinese
Location: Corso Genova, 1, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
Hours: 7:30AM – 9:30PM
Why Go Here: The famous Panettone served year round
Pasticceria Cucchi has been a beloved Milanese institution since 1936. Known for its elegant atmosphere, with glass chandeliers, marble floors, and exquisite pastry displays, it has long been a gathering spot for locals and artists alike. The café’s famous Milanese Panettone, a delicacy rooted in centuries-old tradition, is a highlight—especially during the holiday season when production peaks. However, while the Panettone lived up to its reputation, my recent visit left me slightly underwhelmed by their brioche, which lacked the freshness I had anticipated. Despite this, Pasticceria Cucchi remains a charming destination for those seeking to indulge in Milan’s culinary heritage, whether for an aperitivo, a slice of Panettone, or an afternoon tea in a setting steeped in history. Rating: 7/10.
Do you know about the "Sitting Tax"?
This applies all over Italy: Anytime you take a seat, even if it’s just for an espresso or gelato, you will be charge a coperto, or cover or table service charge, of about 1-2 euros per person. You can’t avoid it for dinner, but you can for something as simple as a coffee or a panino. Just eat it standing at the bar or at a table like a true Italian.
3. Pasticceria Marchesi
Zone: Magenta
Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
Hours: Tue - Sat: 7:30AM – 8PM, Sun 8:30AM - 1PM
Why Go Here: The famous Panettone served year round
Located in a 1700s building that survived WWII bombings and on the corner of a street with ancient Roman relics, Pasticceria Marchesi has managed to maintain it's 1800s charm. Something that is hard to still find in Milan. Since it's opening in 1824, the Marchesi family have made Pasticceria Marchesi a must-visit destination due to their high quality products and more importantly...artisanal made—you guessed it—Panettone. It is their most sold product. It is offered it all year round in different flavors and variations based on the season.
The Svadore Secret: How I Actually Get There
You know all those people on social who claim they traveled in business class or economy for free? This is the "cheat code." I use it to find those hidden Business Class seats for 65k points (instead of $8K). Whether I’m flying Sibby to Milan or heading somewhere new with Patrick, I use Seats.aero.
Note: I only share the tools I actually use
Their other go to is the Torta Aurora, a classic sponge cake whose recipe remains a secret till this day. Pasticceria Marchesi has a database of over 900 antique recipes. They're constantly resurfacing them with a new twist, but still sticking to their origins. It's fame as one of the best cafes in Milan attracted the eye of Prada, who purchased an 80% stake in the company so they could export the trademark outside Milan and beyond the Porta Magenta location to areas like Via Monte Napoleone, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, London and Asia. Luckily, the pastry shop is still managed by the Marches family, which is why the quality hasn't degraded. Rating: 9/10.
Don’t Get Stuck in a Tourist Trap
While Marchesi is iconic, you're likely going to find yourself in parts of Milan where the "famous" spots are scarce, but the hunger is real. Don't just settle for the first bar you see (trust me, bad coffee exists even in Italy). I’ve pinned 58 verified cafes and pastry shops, plus 150+ other restaurants and shops, on my curated Milan Google Map. It’s basically my lifetime of research plotted out so you never have to eat a sad, dry brioche again.
4. Giacomo Caffè
Zone: Duomo
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 12, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Hours: Thu - Sun, 8AM – 7:30PM, Monday closed, Tue - Wed 9AM - 10:30PM
Why Go Here: Hideaway from the bustle of the Centro Storico and Duomo
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the super touristy and busy Duomo area, than this literary caffè is for you. The vibe is retro, with 1900s décor. Opened in 2010, Giacomo Caffè is a true extension of the landmark and highly visited attraction Palazzo Reale next door. However, it is often overlooked by tourists because it does such a good job at being tucked away. Stepping inside feels like you are walking into a Viennese coffee shop with Italian flair. While the ambiance is anything but lovely, I give Giacomo caffè a 7/10 rating on the cappuccino. and brioche scale.
5. Caffè Napoli
Zone: All over Milan
Why Go Here: Specialty coffees and espressos
One of my mother and I’s go-to bars in Milano is Caffè Napoli. It’s a coffee chain you’ll find throughout the city. It’s like the Starbucks of Milan, but better. I like to either order a cappuccino or espresso schiumato (with a thin layer of foamed milk) and a brioche. But of course, Caffè Napoli has more than just regular coffee. They offer Caffè Speciale, or coffee specials, on a rotating basis that would blow your mind. Think coffee with cannolis one time, hazelnut the next, Tiramisu the week after, followed by pistachio, nutella...just let your mind dream and they have it. Being one of my go-to's time and time again, Caffè Napoli gets a generous 9/10 rating. It one of my most reliable best cafes in Milan.
Breakfasts in Italy at a "Bar"
In Italy, breakfast is typically a small pastry and coffee, unlike the hearty American breakfast. The term “bar” in Italy refers to a coffee bar, lunch bar, aperitivo bar, and cocktail bar, not just a place for alcohol. That's why many times for breakfast, you will here people say they're heading to "il bar."
6. Biancolatte
Zone: Porta Nuova
Location: V. Filippo Turati, 30, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Hours: Mon - Fri 7:30AM - 11PM; Sat - Sun 8:30AM - 11PM
Why Go Here: Undoubtedly one of the best breakfasts in Milan
If you’re wondering where to eat the best breakfast in Milan, look no further than the highly sought after café Biancolatte — “White Milk.” The breakfast here is out of this world and you’ll often find a 20-minute cue to get in. Their most sought after breakfast food? The breakfast of champions which includes homemade bread, butter and homemade jam, accompanied by yogurt with mixed fruit, and coffee. If you’re looking for the typical grab-and-go Italian breakfast, grab a cappuccino or espresso alongside one of their many croissants (that’s my go-to). I have never seen a selection this vast of croissants in my life: honey, cream, blueberry, mixed berry, whole grain, nutella, strawberry, hazelnut, lemon – the list goes on! Biancolatte does not disappoint when it comes to fresh breakfasts, which is why I bestow it a generous 9/10 rating.
Be careful ordering a "latte"...
If you ask for a latte, you will be given milk, the right word for what you're looking to order is a caffè latte. Ice coffee isn’t a thing in Italy, ask for a caffè shakerato, which is the closest thing to it.
