Ciao tutti! I am an Italian-American who has spent over 30 years visiting and living in Milan and Italy. 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. One of my favorite things to do when in Milan is explore some of the most historic, most famous, and most delicious cafés and pastry shops in the city from Pasticceria Sissi to Biancolatte. This is my personal review of the historic pasticceria, or pastry shop, 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 around since 1936 under the original name of Cafè Chantant or Concerto. It was a hotspot among locals due to it's high quality pastries, live music, and excellent service. When the entire place was destroyed during WWII, it was immediately rebuilt in a more elegant fashion while retaining it's original history. When I say elegant I mean - elegant. Think glass chandeliers, high tea in the afternoons, beautiful marble floors, and glass display cases showcasing the finest and most tantalizing pastries. The attention to detail is there from the moment you walk in. Literally. Just look at the door handle with an illustration in the shape of the Duomo.
Many artists and designers have frequented Pasticceria Cucchi. Until 2023, it was managed by the third generation of the Cucchi family until it was sold to the Monti family. It's importance in Milan has won it designations such as "Historic Locale of Italy" in 2002, "Historic Activity of Lombardy" in 2013 and "Historic Store of Milan" in 2015.
While we were in Milan during Carnevale, we couldn't not have a slice of the famous Pasticceria Cucchi panettone for breakfast alongside a cappuccino. Pasticceria Cucchi is famously known for their classic Milanese Panettone. For those who don't know what Panettone is, it is the ultimate Christmas dessert from Milan and the northern regions of Italy. In the middle ages, it was a bread that was made to be better than everyday bread to celebrate Christmas Eve and other religious occassions. It is a soft, delicate cake filled with dried candied fruit and raisins. There are many regulations around what constitutes a Panettone and how it can be made in Italy. Only a true pastry chef has the experience to make one. While there are variations of the Panettone based on the region — Piemonte has almonds and Liguria's has height — Milan's has high-quality vanilla, plump raisins, and candied citrus fruits.
The Panettone at Pasticceria Cucchi is always made on site and in a small facility nearby. It's so popular, that during the holidays they produce about 4,000 - 5,000 kilos (8,818 lbs - 11,023 lbs) of Panettone monthly! If you plan on ordering one during this time of year...better place an order by October. Outside of Christmas season, that number comes down to 80 kilos a month (176 lbs). Even with the high demand, they still stick to the original recipe and traditions. Let the yeast rest for days, using the right quality ingredients, and preserving this craft that's been around since the 1400s.
Of course, they also had their more in season Carnevale pastries like tortelli plain or stuffed with apple, cream, pine nuts or raisins, fried or baked chiacchiere, and the German krapfen. The window display is always a show, almost like the Macy's Christmas window displays. The display case changes based on the season with whatever event is happening.
Overall, I would rate my experience at Pasticceria Cucchi a 7/10. The ambiance was lovely and the cappuccino was quite good. The panettone was good, but I wouldn't say it was the best I've ever had. That title still belongs to Da Vittorio in Milano. The reason I would rate it a 7 is because while their Panettone was good, their brioche I found to be a bit stale. Both in the literal and figurative sense. Now - I should preface that we stopped by for breakfast at 11AM, so it could very well be they had been sitting out for over 5 hours. But even so, I expected a bit more from the brioche. Either way, if it's an aperitivo, a panettone, or high tea time in a lovely ambiance that you're looking to enjoy, then I would recommend Pasticceria Cucchi.
>> Next: Where to Eat the Best Breakfast in Milan: Biancolatte
