Fun and entertainment Lombardy

Opened in 1936, Sant'Ambroeus quickly established itself as one of Milan's most chic and refined patisseries. Although named after Ambrogio, the famous Milanese bishop and patron saint of the city, its tarts and mignardises are often inspired by French recipes. However, it's a great place for breakfast, with its cornetti and irresistible panettone, served with whipped cream. For lunch or dinner, the elegant wood-panelled dining room is illuminated by imposing Murano glass floor lamps.

Kitchen is much more than a kitchen utensils shop, it is a real store where you can find the most whimsical instruments for the most curious recipes, from sushi to cheese fondue. But above all it is a fantastic workshop where risotto, fish and chocolate desserts will have no more secrets for you. The cooking classes change according to the season, from Thai cuisine to fish menus, biscuits, creams and velveties, etc. Another way to approach the Italian and Milanese cultural heritage!

American bar, famous for its barmen in really very «American» hand. Very good cocktails and tex-mex kitchen. Brunch with scrambled and pancake eggs Sunday. We're thinking of Chicago!

This wine bar, which has been open since 1930, has acquired all its letters of nobility through the use (or rather "by the glass") of prosecco, sangiovese, vermentino, barolo and amarone among the 500 labels and 200 liqueurs and brandies. In the past wine was poured directly from the barrels to the glasses; today the shop has been modernized, but the bon vivant spirit remains the same. Small tables and stools serve as armrests for tastings. The aperitif is always accompanied by cheese boards and cold meats.

The Art Nouveau arabesque setting recalls the past of this historic caffetteria . Opposite the university, many illustrious professors and students have passed through here for a coffee or hot chocolate, to enjoy a mignardise or to taste Pavia's divinely-named specialty, the Torta Paradiso (Paradise Cake), very tender and covered in powdered sugar. To these good habits, which have not changed, we now add the possibility of lunching on site, with a choice of hot dishes and good salads.

Where one of the theatres of the Piccolo Teatro is located, here is a very beautiful place, perfect at any time of the day. A courtyard of a 15th century palace shelters under its arcades with bay windows a counter and small tables, an ideal setting for a lunch (traditional Italian cuisine, with salads, ham and cheese toast and ham and mozzarella plates), a cappuccino or an aperitif ( happy hour buffet at 14 €). Pleasant Sunday brunch. Just next door there is the Abook bookshop specialising in books about the theatre

A must before, after or during an evening at the opera: the café-restaurant of Milan's top chef, Gualtiero Marchesi, maintains the gilt and red velvet style in its decor. Those who don't mind spending a little more will try the restaurant and its gold-leaf risotto, while others will go more modestly to the bar for a flute of prosecco and exquisite appetizers. And don't forget: during every intermission of La Scala shows, Marchesino offers bowls of Milanese-style risotto to munch on the go, but always with elegance.

As the name suggests, welcome to the orange world of the famous Aperol Spritz! The brand for this famous cocktail, which has conquered the world, has just set up shop on the second floor of a building between Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and Piazza del Duomo. Enjoy a drink and a bite to eat in the shadow of the cathedral. But be warned: you're paying for the view... For some, it's a bit of a tourist trap where you can feel pressured to eat or leave. It's up to you, but the view of the Duomo is definitely a plus!

The ideal place for breakfast or a coffee break, between Repubblica and Porta Venezia. In the morning, to accompany your cappuccino, you'll find a wide selection of cornetti, the croissants the Milanese call brioches, and pains au chocolat that have crossed the Alps. You can even go for a Roman maritozzo , a brioche filled with whipped cream! The vintage decor makes the place particularly welcoming, and the service is friendly. Another address in Milan: via Galvano Fiamma, 2.

Atmosphere guaranteed in this downtown wine bar with a design flair (note the wine-bottle counter). Whether you're looking for anaperitivo, a tasting dinner or an evening drink, the pleasant setting promises a good time. A wide selection of Italian and foreign labels, to accompany plates of cold meats, cheese, crostoni (large slices of bread) and a number of dishes (lasagne, parmigiana, beef tartar, hummus, chocolate cake...). Young clientele.

In the heart of the lively district of Tortona and Savona streets, a drink at Morna's is a bit like travelling back in time and finding yourself in the bistros of post-war Milan. A beautiful dark wooden counter, shelves covered with whisky bottles and vintage coffee tables make up the décor. You can eat and drink there very well (perfect beers and cocktails), but the real magic takes place in the back room, where a vast petanque court creates a surreal atmosphere! The regulars meet there especially on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The temple of jazz in Milan, twin to the namesake establishment in New York. The line-up features major international stars, and be warned: tickets are going fast! Among its merits, the establishment has brought artists such as McCoy Tyner and Joe Lovano to town. The venue is vast, with over 300 seats on two levels, a (decent) restaurant and a cocktail bar. A reference in town for fans of the genre. Tickets for concerts can be booked online or by phone, but cost €30-40.

Welcome to the world's smallest bar! Four stools, not one more, and a long list of superb whiskies and cocktails served by a masked bartender. An Eyes Wide Shut atmosphere in this unique address along the Navigli. After making an essential reservation, customers will have the 4^m2 of space, filled with esoteric objects and collectible bottles, all to themselves for up to two hours. For those who wish, a drink can be taken away and sipped on the sidewalk, by placing an order through the small trapdoor cut into the door. What a mystery!

The success of a shop that has been open since 1936 has never waned. Renovation work has restored the shine to the beautiful old woodwork and sparkling crystal floor lamps. The pretty veranda also allows you to enjoy drinks and pastries with a view. Right from breakfast, the cart of sweet brioches and puff pastries promises moments of pure indulgence. At lunchtime, paninis, salads and a number of cold plates are served, all using top-quality ingredients. A sure bet for snacks and aperitifs too.

In the Piazza della Repubblica, here's a romantic place to enjoy a drink surrounded by greenery. It all began with a simple plant and flower store; then Renato and Lucia added a no-frills but bucolic and picturesque bistro. Now a "café-florist", the address offers something for every moment of the day. Enjoy a sandwich, a smoothie or a pastry. But we're in Milan, so it's ataperitivo time that the establishment fills up!

Opened in Genoa a few decades ago, this renowned pastry shop quickly won over the most gourmet among the Milanese. And for good reason, its cannoncini (long cabbage rolls filled with custard) are swallowed like rolls. Try one of them with your espresso at the counter! Also exquisite are other pastries such as the famous crostata (shortbread tart with jam), the very soft almond-based Panarello torta, and the famous kranz, of Nordic inspiration and covered with candied fruit.

In the courtyard of the Villa Reale, the palace that houses the GAM (modern art gallery), there is an elegant winter garden whose greenhouse contains wrought iron tables set amidst an abundance of green plants. The Sicilian-inspired cuisine is expressed in all its freshness in light portions of mini-pasta, avocado pancakes, eggplant croquettes, fried rice and stuffed olives, served as an aperitif or as a main course. To drink, fresh cocktails and a selection of excellent Sicilian wines. Wonderful terrace.

In a quiet, charming side street off Corso di Porta Romana, this picturesque café exudes a French flair. In the mornings, there are warm croissants to be filled with jam or spread, while at lunchtime the slate displays new dishes every day: tartars, burgers, salads or the much-requested focaccia with runny cheese are menu staples. In the evening, the terrace fills up and the café transforms into a wine bar, where you can sip a glass of wine with a selection of cold meats and cheeses.

On the beach in front of the lake, a few kilometres from the centre of Desenzano, Coco Beach is another unmissable event for night owls in the Lake Garda region. The club even has a restaurant and bar, but the regulars mainly go there to dance the night away. The fact that it is outdoors in the summer is particularly appreciated: people have a drink on the beach, standing and dancing or sitting at one of the many tables. The cocktails are excellent, the music sets the mood... It's a very good evening.

As its name suggests, within the Old England Pub, you are transported to a real English pub in the heart of Cernobbio - ideally located - just a few steps from the Villa d'Este. Dozens of labels of beers, cognacs, whiskies... and good music, it's the winning combo for a good evening with friends in a warm atmosphere. A few burger style dishes for the little ones, really delicious. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. Ideal for evenings, or afternoons when the weather is not good.

Not to be missed, Harry's Bar is the Café de Flore of Lake Como. In the heart of Cernobbio, located in a delightful little square, this café has seen a parade of intellectuals, stars and businessmen of all nationalities. Ideal for an aperitif to see and be seen, and why not for dinner, although, taking advantage of its reputation, the establishment is inflating its prices. The ravioli are delicious for example! Early in the morning, you drink your coffee on the terrace, taking your time and enjoying the atmosphere of the place, the lake and Cernobbio.

Like any self-respecting Italian city, Monza has its historic pastry-café, a monument to gourmet delights for decades, a haunt of grandmothers in furs at teatime and young working people at aperitif time. In the shadow of the Arengario, you can enjoy delicious pastries (try the dry cakes, baci di dama and others), cocktails, sandwiches and coffees at any time of day. A place to stop for a well-deserved break! During the summer months, concerts are held in the square.

This auditorium is a real architectural feat. Located in the same building as the Violin Museum, it can accommodate 464 spectators. Its ellipsoidal shape is surprising at first glance. The central stage is 14 m high and is separated from the ceiling by a distance of 14 metres. To guarantee exceptional acoustics, the floor has been hollowed out at the bottom, it is in fact 3.50 m deeper than the floor of the rest of the building. The ensemble, shaped by rounded and convex lines, makes for optimal sound diffusion.

Exceptional setting for this wine library inaugurated in 1973. In fact, if from the outside the spaces may appear cramped, you have to go down into the basement to access the vast hall of the former refectory of the Augustinian friars in the nearby parish of San Marco. By reservation, you can dine by candlelight in a very 17th century atmosphere. Very wide choice of labels, tasting courses. One will simply regret the - sometimes - a little excessive prices of the drinks: between 10 and 15 € the glass of wine, you pay the address .

Murano glass floor lamps, black marble, neon signs and Martini cocktails... Dolce & Gabbana's trendy bar is the perfect place for a meal (restaurant featuring Italian specialties or pizzeria) or a drink. Refined and spectacular, the venue is divided between restaurant and veranda, in the courtyard of a palazzo in the Fashion Quadrilateral on chic Corso Venezia. You can choose your cocktail from a vast repertoire of drinks, with martinis taking pride of place.

Set in a former popular home, the Morgan's continues to seduce a young and trendy clientele among the locals and students at nearby Cattolica University. It has to be recognized that his vintage and his explosive cocktail, the Rocket, are rather glamorous. 

Surrounded by a splendid park, in the heart of Milan, the hotel of the famous Italian jeweller, who did not miss the opportunity to prove his know-how also in the hotel business, houses a glamorous lounge-bar, it goes without saying. To have an aperitif here is to step into the shoes of a jet-setter for a few moments. Settled in vast sofas, you can enjoy this unique green corner while sipping a disconcerting cocktail accompanied by finger food. A unique setting that is also sought after in the morning for breakfast served from 7:30 am.

Spanish atmosphere for this cosy bar in the Ticinese district. Exposed beams and some wooden tables placed under Iberian jamons hanging from the ceiling and facing a counter filled with good bottles. On Saturday evenings, the bar is so full that we stay standing, a glass in hand, some very Spanish tapas to nibble (octopus salad, cod carpaccio, vegetable couscous, avocado shrimp, chickpea cream and others) and especially in good company. A fine selection of Iberian wines and a must-have sangria.

Founded in 1947, the "Piccolo" quickly established itself on the international scene as an ambassador of Italian theatrical culture through the quality of its shows, but above all through its ambitious programme. Today it continues to conquer an ever-growing audience. In its three halls - the headquarters in Via Rovello, the Teatro Studio and the larger Teatro Strehler - it stages a varied repertoire, marked by a severe but poetic aestheticism, very attached to its Italian roots, but also open to international productions.

Opened in 2002, the Billy Club is considered one of Italy's best gay night clubs. The original dance-floor style has been equipped with an excellent sound system, perfect for hosting internationally renowned Djs. 

A breath of fresh air in this trendy bar surrounded by greenery, in the center of Parco Sempione. The ideal place to have a drink as an aperitif or after dinner while listening to good music, during the hot summer evenings. Excellent mojito!

Opened in 1961, this is one of the most popular pastry shops in Milan. The counter, the 1970's wooden shelves and the elegant Murano glass lamps have been welcoming regular customers for 40 years, at any time of the day. Its production of all kinds of pastries has become legendary with its delicate mignardises, its famous mimosa cake (sponge cake with custard and wild berries) and its butter panettone. Excellent brioches for breakfast, and very well mixed cocktails for the aperitif.

A rather trendy nightclub, just in the shade of the Torre Branca, imagined and wanted by the stylist Roberto Cavalli, implanted in a green space, part of the Parco Sempione. The evening starts with theaperitivo at 7pm with its large happy hour buffet, to continue with some restaurant tables and the dance floor, in summer directly in the open air in the garden, in winter under a well heated tent. Attended by a heterogeneous public (often students, sometimes top models), the atmosphere comes alive on the notes of the hits of the moment.

Anteo Palazzo del Cinema offers a fine line-up of films, from the latest blockbuster to the hottest auteur, in a pleasant setting not far from Garibaldi station. We also mention this cinema for its large selection of films in their original version, which is very useful for non-Italian speakers. The cinema also offers interesting formulas in its Sala Nobel, where you can have breakfast, lunch, an aperitif or dinner while watching the latest film! Ideal for an original evening out.

Cycling enthusiasts will love this bar dedicated to two-wheelers! In fact, it's one of Milan's favorite meeting places for cyclists. Located not far from Porta Venezia, it's the perfect place to stop for a snack, aperitif or lunch. On the menu: lasagne, tuna tartare, mixed salads, panegacci (sandwiches filled with mortadella, vegetables or mozzarella) and the inevitable tiramisù. In short, a place to come and recharge your batteries between two visits, whether by bike or on foot!

In the district of Porta Nuova, Bicerin Milano is perhaps our favourite wine bar in the city. We settle in and trust the team to discover real Italian wine nuggets. To be patient, we nibble some truffle popcorn before ordering a plate to share with the different wines. You can easily be convinced by the Italian cheese platter, for example, which goes wonderfully with the wines. The place is quiet, cosy, ideal for a drink with friends or lovers. Reservation recommended.

At the crossroads between Corso Garibaldi and Corso Como, this always crowded café keeps its doors open from breakfast to the last drink of the evening. It is both old-fashioned and trendy with its comfortable benches and low tables overlooking the car-free Corso. We regret a little the cold reception of the team and yet the atmosphere is nice at the time of the aperitivo between 18:30 and 21:30. A buffet is set up with mini-pizzas, toasts, olives and focaccia. Restaurant service and brunch on Sundays.