Milan is often seen as Italy’s avant-garde, international city that encourages new and fresh ideas to enter the scene. Before we unveil the best cafés in Milan, there is a small prelude to mention: coffee is considered sacred and has certain rules: cappuccino is only for the mornings, and if you order a latte, just know you will be served a glass of milk.
It’s hard for Italians to stray from tradition; in fact, mornings consist of a rush of people walking in and out having knocked back their espresso – referred to as ‘caffè’ – at the balcony, which usually presents itself with an insatiable display of freshly baked goods, tramezzini and mignon pastries. But then you have the other kind, those taking their time to savour a frothy cappuccino (you can tell it’s good when you can eat the foam with a spoon) dunking in a buttery cornetto.
Marchesi 1824
However, over the last few years Milan has also seen a rise in specialty coffee bars, could it be the taste-makers seeking to elevate the coffee experience in a well-designed environment? From tradition to innovation, we have narrowed down twelve of the best cafes in Milan for 2024.
What coffee is Milan famous for?
Although many (mostly Neapolitans) argue that Naples is the coffee capital of Italy, Milan steals the scene with regard to innovation. It was, after all, Milanese entrepreneur Luigi Bezzera who developed the modern espresso machine as we know it today. Espresso, in fact, still remains the most desired by Italians; however, with speciality coffee on the scene, there’s an ongoing exploration of new and diverse flavours – especially among youngsters.
Marchesi 1824
Marchesi 1824
Item to order: Torta Aurora
Pasticceria Marchesi 1824 is renowned for its awe-inspiring cake displays in the shop window; even more so during the Christmas period when the notorious panettone Marchesi, intricately decorated by hand, pops up in a dream-like setting. It is one of the most historic cafes in the city, born as a little pastry shop in an 18th-century palazzo on Via Santa Maria alla Porta. Following its success, it became a place to savour coffee and aperitifs with a selection of sweet and savoury delights. Today, Marchesi 1824 counts three Milanese locations which, following the acquisition by Prada Group in 2014, were all carefully renovated whilst still preserving their historical charm. Elements such as the sumptuous coffered ceilings, antique mirrors and art deco style lamps make the perfect backdrop for your caffè, served with a little lid to ensure it won’t get cold and a plate of buttery biscuits. Our favourite pairing? The spongy bourbon vanilla-flavoured Torta Aurora with soft, whipped cream.
Address: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
Website: pasticceriamarchesi.com
