The best bars and cafés Milan

A disco bar frequented by a very connected audience. From 19 h, hot drink based on lap-dance. The evening continues with performances of striptease. The atmosphere is hot!

Attendance years 1970 for this classic bistro, with something Parisian. Cocktails, toast and quiches will be served on small white marble tables with a good choice of wine. For a relaxing evening, but good atmosphere.

A few steps from Scala, the Verdi caffé is a meeting place for musicians and artists from the famous opera. The owners have turned it into coffee-bookstall, where the old books and the posters are there to be consulted and be sold, while the mezzanine will welcome you to eat delicious oak or drink a little glass.

A tiny coffee with some very well-treated tables. Many couples and an excellent atmosphere away from the happy Milanese hours. From Thursday to Saturday, contemporary literature meets in this café, which welcomes poets and writers of all nationalities. Jazz music.

One of Milan's most chic and exclusive cafés, opened in 1817. A favorite meeting place for the Milanese and Italian intelligentsia of the Risorgimento (Mazzini and Garibaldi were among its famous customers), it was here in 1848 that Milan's bourgeois revolutionaries organized the "Five Days of Milan" revolts against the Austrians, a participation rewarded in 1868 when coins were minted at its sign. Destroyed during the Second World War, Cova was rebuilt in 1950 and moved to via Montenapoleone.

A really nice bistro on the via Torino and a mandatory stage between two shops, for breakfast, for coffee in the day or for eating delicious delicious salads, pasta dishes or any type of panini. Nidou and André, the irresistible francophones who manage this coffee, will share the news of the week and the good pipes. Dining room on the floor.

A new address opened in December 2007. The Botega is the kingdom of chocolate, more specifically cocoa from Brazil, the only one that has its entrance here. Chef Girlardo Simone will prepare his specialty, the pulentino, a crunchy flux cream and Giaduia cream (chocolate). Other surprises might tempt you like the strawberry latte. More traditional drinks and pastries remain on the map.

Opened in 1933, this bar has always been a favorite of artists and designers, who love its famous cocktails, some of which are pieces of history, such as the Mangia e bevi (eat and drink, made with ice, fruit and liqueur) and the Negroni sbagliato (fake Negroni). This iconic Milan cocktail was born in this bar in 1972, when the bartender mistakenly poured spumante (sparkling wine) instead of gin into what was supposed to be a classic Negroni. Today, the Bar Basso menu features over 500 cocktails.

Very elegant ladies and gentlemen come here to dance, but also to get to know each other. Great dance trail, orchestra, varied music for all tastes and cocktails very, very expensive!

A dancing attended by a sometimes eccentric audience. Dance competitions guinguette style.

Two floors decorated in a simple but enriched way by exhibitions of young artists. A restaurant, a gallery, a jazz club… and so on. The location adapts to the trends of the moment and seasons. The idea is to offer the public the widest possible choice with, of course, the risk of turning into a supermarket of evenings. Attended by yuppies and some designers. To report, the evenings on Wednesday with jazz jazz concerts.

A place decorated in a very eccentric way. From time to time, with international music stars, this bar, illuminated by an original combination of candles and kitsch lamps, offers a happy hour at the anniversary evening. From 22 pm, take the place and try to dance!

A small, well-managed space with a dark ambience and a minimal décor. German electronic music (concerts) and videos projected on all free corners. To meet interesting people.

A very British pub-pub where you can devote yourself to reading the books of the Manche. It regularly organizes book presentations.

It is the ideal place for nature lovers: a bar-restaurant-pizzeria drowned in the green. You can even buy plants.

A very popular meeting point for aperitifs on the Navigli, especially by a clientele of young and trendy artists and young fashion and design professionals. The basic, but not unpleasant decoration is reminiscent of an American bar, complete with a large counter and a few tables. In the summer, a pleasant terrace is laid out on the pavement. Its strong point? The cocktails (especially the mojito), because it must be admitted, the happy hour buffet takes a back seat and is limited to the classic pizzette and focaccia and a few cold cuts.

The guests of this bar prefer to stay out of the way. It's because more than abundant breakfast buffet is well known in the city. Beautiful view of the Parco Sempione.

Another large refurbished hangar. Drink very fashion and disco bar from 23 h with a lot of electronic music. Exhibitions and various events in the program.

In this oenothèque-bistro we breathe an informal and elegant atmosphere typical Milanese. With a relaxing music, you can enjoy traditional or more refined Italian cuisine, accompanied by a fine wine from the cellar with over 300 different wines.

The very exotic atmosphere, largely green (everything is green, in a kind of hymn to nature), the wild jungle atmosphere, the colourful lighting ensure the success of the Yguana. For a Milanese aperitivo in a young and lively atmosphere, especially at the weekend. The main attraction is the well-stocked happy hour buffet with hot and cold dishes(pizzette, lasagne, salads). Not bad the cocktails to share, served in huge pints and to be drunk in groups with the help of long multicoloured straws ...

Since the 1960 s, the success of this Irish pub has failed. A forced passage of students loving beer and fine conversations and old Milan residents, it offers a wide choice of beers and excellent panini. The staff were friendly and helpful. At noon, homemade kitchen with a lot of grilled meat.

Very colourful and fresh bar. Its pergola, which overlooks Naviglio della Martesana, becomes a calm and pleasant terrace. Located near Isola's district, this bar is far from the usual circuits of the Milan-famous London night owls. Every evening, a DJ mixing good music trends. On Saturday and Sunday, the generous happy hour is eagerly awaited by the regulars.

In summer, in its beautiful interior garden, a very varied buffet is served. Many French people from Milan know this place and appreciate the atmosphere.

Set up in a former bicycle spare parts shop, this very design bar is a reference for those looking for a neat and relaxing place that's fun and trendy at the same time. In fact, this address has held its own since 1998. Contemporary works of art surround you in the dining room, and a bicycle hangs over your head as you sip a cocktail accompanied by tempting appetizers such as fish croquettes, vegetable crisps and chickpea hummus. The burgers are remarkable. Sunday brunch.

A refined cocktail bar on the second floor of the Replay boutique, overlooking Piazza Gae Aulenti. From its curious porthole windows you can see the most futuristic square in Milan, with its fountain and skyscraper perimeter. Its décor is reminiscent of a 20th century transatlantic crossing: shiny wooden walls, copper and subdued lighting. To be discovered, as well as its cocktails, where the art of mixology is at its peak. They are served with elegant appetizers from the kitchen of the neighbouring gastronomic restaurant The Stage.

In the shade of La Scala, a modern bistro with a hanging garden that covers a design canopy with a waterfall effect on the tables below. The French botanist Patrick Blanc is the author of this fashion ensemble, a branch of the neighbouring shop. On the menu: dishes that appeal to fans of Italian cuisine, such as Piedmont beef tartar or bucatini cacio e pepe (large hollow spaghetti with a cheese and pepper sauce) are not bad at all. Enjoyable tiramisu. Upstairs, gastronomic restaurant of the same name.

An oasis of peace in the centre of Milan. Far from the chaos of the street, a succession of four small cloisters invites you to relax. Ancient dependencies of Santa Maria della Pace Renaissance convent, take a drink here is something divine. 

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!