Fun and entertainment Italie - Alpes italiennes et Dolomites

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.

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!

A wonderful café to visit at any time of day, and one that takes part in two must-try activities typical of Turin. Firstly, the Merenda Reale®, the royal Turin snack in an ^18th-century version with hot chocolate or in a ^19th-century version with bicerin and all the sweets that go with it, in the afternoon every weekend, bookable in advance. And then the Extra Vermouth™ ataperitivo with three glasses of vermouth in different flavors and small savory dishes to accompany the tasting.

A place with character, steeped in tradition, just the way you like it, to spend a lovely evening with friends. This friendly birrificio (beer factory), housed in an old disused factory dating from the 1900s, retains all its character and produces its own craft beers. The beers here are "alive", fresh and fragrant, with a dozen or so available in white, blonde, red or brown. They can be enjoyed on their own or accompanied by grilled meats and burgers, indoors in a typical setting or on the porch in fine weather.

Bonus: one of the cheapest aperitivi, or rather apericene, in Turin. Between 6 and 10 p.m., you'll be served glasses of wine (over a hundred labels), pints (twelve types of beer) and cocktails (over a hundred to choose from) for €10, followed by a complimentary buffet and a plate of hot gnocchi automatically brought to you. Minus: the crowds are sometimes a little too oppressive, and the quality of the buffet isn't always top-notch. But at this price, you can't be too demanding...

Nestled in one of the Quadrilatero Romano's picturesque alleyways, Le Bicyclette will console those nostalgic for France. Here, you can breathe in the air of a bistro and enjoy sweet and savoury crêpes accompanied by a bowl of cider. But the Turinese appreciate above all its cocktails based on pastis and crème de cassis, as well as the more traditional mojito, daiquiri and bloody mary, to be sipped late into the night while contemplating the amusing décor of old bicycles suspended in the air. And the prices are really quite low...

The place to start the evening in Turin, FreeVolo attracts passers-by with its fine French cuisine. It's the perfect place to enjoy a real beef entrecôte or a succulent Tarte Tatin... The place even celebrates Beaujolais Nouveau! Popular with Turin's directors and actors, you're likely to bump into a few of them on the terrace at aperitif time or for an evening cocktail. The atmosphere is young and pleasant, and gets livelier as night falls...

There's an air of countryside about the Valentino park, with its feet in the river. Once a place for stowing away boats, today it's an informal place to drink a beer at any hour, stretch out on the hammocks and make new acquaintances. Students go there to work, thanks to the wifi, nibbling a croque-monsieur or its Mediterranean counterpart with fried zucchinis and smoked scarmoza. Order at the bar, sit back and enjoy! The wide opening hours are really appreciated.

In the heart of Bardonecchia's sports district, at the foot of the slopes, Harald's is a popular bar-restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast in the early morning, a quick lunch at midday, a comforting "après-ski", a warm aperitif with friends, or a traditional alpine dish or pizza for dinner. A great atmosphere guaranteed at any time of day, on the terrace or indoors!

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.

In the heart of the city, this wine bar, also called La Mandorla, is exceptional for its atmosphere, which recalls that of the 1950s and 1960s, with its black and white photos on the walls. Ideal to drink something at the end of the day in a vintage atmosphere. The choice of craft beers is vast, as well as regional wines and cocktails; a little originality, the traditional Spritz is served here in jam jars! As a side dish, meat or rice croquettes, focaccia and mini-pizzas.

This is the bar that launched San Salvario, a few years ago, as one of Turin's liveliest districts. Could it be for its selection of over 270 rum labels? Indeed, its name, far from evoking the world of childhood, is an acronym of bibere, Latin for "to drink", and the Spanish word ron, "rum". Somewhere between ethnic and vintage, the setting is ideal for a good glass of rum or a cocktail, before or after dinner, often to the sound of jazz. What's more, the staff are extremely friendly!

A historic address in Biella, established since 1846; generations have passed through here, sipping a blonde Menabrea and eating a bite to eat in the red brick vaulted rooms. The varied menu includes burgers and beer dishes. Good atmosphere in this slightly outdated decor. The museum, the Casa Menabrea, allows visitors to learn about the history and production of this famous Biella beer, thanks to the ancient utensils on display. It is the oldest beer factory still in operation in Italy.

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.

Housed in the former Fiorio tannery, it's "the place to be" for lovers of traditional beers. An essential part of the "Piazza dei Mestieri" project, Birrificio La Piazza is the heir to the former birrifici torinesi Bosio & Caratsch (the first Italian birrificio ) and Metzger. On the terrace, musical entertainment, cabarets and shows are regularly programmed. The interior hides a well-kept secret: the laboratory where the beer is made. Guided tours available. In addition to craft beers, simple but well-crafted cuisine.

This is the best place in Turin's historic center to nibble on Spanish tapas and enjoy a glass of wine or beer as an aperitif. Run by a team of Spaniards who have imported their culture to the heart of Piedmont's capital, you'll be served Iberian charcuterie, cheeses and original assortments: it's typically Spanish, in short the perfect place for a late afternoon that goes on and on... Paella by reservation only.

Located next to the reservoirs where Sorlamà di Vaie beer is produced, the Val di Susa craft beer is the star of the show! All varieties are available, both bottled and draught. You can accompany your beer tasting with quality regional specialties such as an assortment of hams and cheeses, hamburgers, gofri valsusini... Not forgetting salads, sandwiches and potatoes cooked in a variety of ways... Beautiful outdoor terrace.

A pleasant little family-run tavern in the heart of the town, known as "Da Franco" (Franco's), which serves a wide range of lunch dishes, including a pork sandwich to take away. But it's at aperitif time that people flock here for their bruschette, pints of beer and vino della casa. The small adjoining grocery offers a fine selection of cheeses (try the morlacco or the bastardo del Grappa, extremely tasty) and a wide range of regional cured meats.

In the very south of Verona, here is the most popular nightclub in the city with a musical program that does not stand out in the world of the genre. Friday and Saturday evenings are the hottest; in two communicating rooms, they vibrate to the rhythm of the most commercial hits, but also to the sounds of songs from the 1990s or 1980s. A few djs sometimes launch themselves into the most diverse experiments. For those who have had enough of operatic arias, the club also offers food and drink on site

Under the arcades in the center of town, an "old-fashioned" café-pâtisserie with a long tradition of regular customers. The store has been at this address since 1948, but the company is almost a hundred years old, having existed since 1922. Is it the good panettone that attracts gourmets, or the brioches and petits fours? Certainly the panettone, as it's the star of the show and the first to make its mark outside Milan. From the outset, it has always been made with the same quest for excellence.

It is the café-restaurant of the Hotel Astor, enjoying one of the most beautiful terraces in the city with its magnificent view of the Piave Valley. The setting is chic, with birch trunk columns serving as decorative fences. The plate, distinguished as quality cuisine by the experts of the Michelin Guide, is rather chic and sophisticated, and quite expensive. If your means are limited, you can always come and drink a good cocktail in front of the sunset in a relaxing designer place, always with this incredible view.

This is THE bar not to be missed when you finish your day of skiing or hiking in the summer! The place is small but warm and Monika cooks every day excellent and beautiful cakes to be tasted (as much with the eyes as with the taste buds) to recharge the batteries! It's also a very good restaurant - if not the best in the village - which might well make you stay for dinner. It's also a meeting place for the locals and the atmosphere is good. You will stay well for a small homemade grappa as a digestive!

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.

A cosy place where Varallo's youth likes to meet for aperitifs. The decor of stone and wood, bordering on design, sets the tone. As for cocktails, they're not bad at all for a mountain bar, and are served with superb boards of cold meats, cheeses, homemade chips and mini-burgers... But you can also opt for a beer or, of course, a glass of wine. Service times can be a little long, but we're well rewarded by what arrives on our table...

Four Turinese opened this wine bar in 2014. It's a really friendly, unpretentious place, frequented by both Vanchiglia students and teachers. You can taste all sorts of wines, including natural ones, a nice touch if you're allergic to sulfites, for example. You can accompany your glass with charcuterie and cheese, in an informal atmosphere typical of this cultural district. Bottles are also available to take away, and the choice of Piedmontese wines is considerable.

The lighter attached to the front door and left at the disposal of customers, the buffet offered in exchange for a simple tip and the comings and goings of artists and young people give us a good idea of the atmosphere at Funkiglia, certainly the funkiest place in the Vanchiglia district, which is nonetheless overflowing with them. In this little café with its red walls and musical instruments hanging everywhere, quality concerts are held on a regular basis. Finally, the Funkiglia team will be happy to advise you on Piedmont wines...

The ultra-modern little house in the center of Piazzale Valdo Fusi is home to a veritable craft beer paradise for enthusiasts of this beverage. Blonde, amber, pale ale, IPA... At Baladin, you'll be spoilt for choice with dozens of beers from all over Italy (and beyond), including a dozen on draught. They also prepare tasty burgers and other brasserie dishes, in a warm atmosphere with friendly staff. An Italian-style pub!

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!

This historic patisserie, founded in 1866 probably just to sell bread, is now more popular for its aperitivo than for its cakes. It has to be said that it's very attractive! Every day, customers who choose the aperitivo formula can enjoy a plethora of varied and tasty tartines and tapas for a modest sum, with their glass of wine or cocktail. The atmosphere is friendly, with students arriving in the late afternoon. A great place for a break!

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.

A neighborhood bar ideal for a morning coffee with a sweet treat, an afternoon drink or homemade ice cream, or an aperitivo at the end of the day. Prices are very reasonable and the atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming. You might want to avoid going at lunchtime, as it's very crowded: the local workers come here to get their sandwiches, and we can understand their enthusiasm, as everything here is very good, both sweet and savoury. Nice choice of cookies. Please note: the place is closed on Saturdays and Sundays!

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.