The best bars and cafés Lombardy

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.