The best bars and cafés Grands lacs italiens

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!

This café-restaurant is located near the pier of the boats that leave for the Borromean Islands. It is therefore perfectly located to wait patiently for your turn if there are many people who want to embark or just to take a break. Its terrace of about fifty seats overlooks the lake, the view is breathtaking. We would not necessarily choose this address for a bite to eat, but for a drink or an aperitivo, the atmosphere is authentic and the service quite relaxed. In the evening, you can listen to live music.

A surprising place, on the ^7th and top floor of the 4-star La Palma hotel, a famous lakeside palace. Breathtaking views from the terrace, where bar chairs and sofas give the place a lounge feel. At aperitif time, ambient music sets the scene for a dreamy drink. Enjoy the sunset with a cocktail. The pool and view are truly superb, making this an undeniable luxury to indulge in!

With live music in the evening and come out in front of the hotel to recover.

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.

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.

The Balzer, opened in 1850, is one of the best historical coffee bars in Italy. It has the charm of the square, the arcades for shelter, the elegant classic interior, the tradition and quality of the handcrafted products. Early in the morning, you can have breakfast here and then the place comes alive with espresso at the counter. From 11:00 to 12:30 and in the evening, it's time for an aperitivo. You can eat here. In the afternoon, the place becomes perfect for an ice cream, a pastry or a sweet. Good cocktails are also available, with or without alcohol.

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.

For lovers of the little black Italian boy, this café is a real paradise. It is probably here that you will taste the best coffee in Verona in a very small room with enough space for a few tables, the counter and an impressive collection of teapots (120 varieties of tea for tea lovers). Let yourself be tempted by the various gourmet coffees and chocolates, or by a marocchino (small coffee served on a creamy chocolate base), either black or white. Among the accompaniments: fresh cream, chocolate chips or caramel syrup... To discover!

Perched on the hillside of Castel San Pietro, this restaurant has a beautiful terrace set in a large garden, overlooking the Teatro Romano and the rooftops of Verona. The view dominates the whole city, offering sublime sunsets. After climbing the long staircase leading up to the castle, it is the perfect stop for a spritz or a well-mixed cocktail. As an accompaniment, crunchy little pizzas covered with tomato, string cheese and cold cuts. Among the dishes, burgers and pasta remain the best choices.

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.