Worth A Shot: The Best Coffee Shops In Milan

Although Italy is not the birthplace of coffee, it definitely is its spiritual home. The very first espresso machine came out of Italy in the 1800s, and Italians have held a proud coffee culture ever since. So when you’re out and about in Milan (or any other city in Italy, for that matter), do as the Italians do and get your caffeine fix. Escape the hustle and bustle of Milan city life and make a getaway to one of the best coffee shops Milan has to offer and you’ll be revved up to take on the city once more. But first, coffee.

The most common site you’ll come across at coffee shops around Milan is the locals standing at the bar enjoying a quick shot of espresso with a glass of water on the side. Traditionalists will have it no other way. Of course, the international trends of specialty coffees have made their way into the brewing in Milan’s coffee scene, and who better to perfect the taste than the coffee-loving Italians. Order your favorite cuppa and rest assured that Milan’s coffee culture will deliver everything your coffee dreams are made of—An instagrammable setting, decadent bites, and the best coffee to boot.  

The 17 best coffee shops in Milan

1. Pasticceria Marchesi
2. Emporio Armani Caffè
3. Pasticceria Cucchi
4. Camparino Bar in Galleria
5. Gogol and Company
6. Orsonero
7. Princi
8. Pavé Milano
9. Bar Luce 
10. Caffe Napoli
11. Loste Caffe
12. Cafezal
13. Onest
14. Botega Caffe Cacao
15. Pasticceria Cova
16. Milano Roastery, Starbucks Reserve
17. Lavazza

Pasticceria Marchesi

Pasticceria Marchesi is spread out across three stores throughout Milan. It’s hard to pick our favorite, each one has the signature pistachio green walls and contemporary decor that give you the perfect Instagram moment. The original store still stands in the same elegant building since 1824. Pasticceria Marchesi serves up a traditional Milanese panettone and the torta aurora which has become the shop’s iconic cake. Take away their famous sugar-coated almonds for a decadent spoil at home.

Best for: Satisfying your sweet tooth.

Emporio Armani Caffè

The sophistication and simplicity synonymous with the Emporio Armani brand can now be experienced in its food and drinks. The Caffe serve up Mediterranean and Italian cuisine in a dining space conceived by Giorgio Armani himself. A visit to the  Emporio Armani Caffè is an affair to be savored in true Italian style. Enjoy a traditional espresso or specialty coffee with delicacies to tempt your tastebuds and check off your list of the best things to do when in Milan.

Best for: An elegant espresso in an elegant setting.

Pasticceria Cucchi

Take a step back into time at this historic café that has been serving up coffee in true Milan tradition since 1936. Indulge in a perfectly brewed cappuccino and delicately baked brioche to start your morning off right. Many locals frequent the Pasticceria Cucchi café as an ode to their parents and grandparents who visited the shop since its inception. Enjoy the best of Milanese patisserie made with love and care over the decades.

Best for: Living la dolce vita one cup at a time.

Camparino Bar in Galleria

This small bar located directly across the Piazza Duomo is famous for its Campari and soda. It also serves coffee all day and makes a mean caffè macchiato. The Camparino bar in Galleria was the meeting point of intellectuals, politicians, and celebrities since the early 1900s. Today, the bar is just as trendy and popular as it was all those years back. So go be part of the legend that is sure to continue over decades to come.

Best for: A visit to a true Milanese institution.

Gogol and Company

Immerse yourself in a good book and great coffee at this cozy spot. It’s a three-in-one offering focusing on books, coffee, and exhibitions. They promote literature and creative works from local authors and artists. So grab a bite to eat, and sip on your caffè while escaping with your pick from their wide selection of books. Gogol and Company is the best place in Milan to take a break away from the hectic city life.

Best for: Strong coffee and a long book.

Orsonero

Specialty coffee at its best. The brainchild of husband and wife team, Orsonero was brought to life by Vancouver native Brent Jopson and his Milan-born wife Giulia Gasperini. Orso Nero translates to black bear in English and forms part of the logo for the coffee shop. The place itself is small yet cool and has a nice vibe which is why it’s so popular with the locals. Visit Orsonero when you’re in the Citta Studi area and in need of a coffee fix.

Best for: A coffee connoisseur’s delight.

Princi

The dream turned reality of baker Rocco Princi this bakery and coffee shop started out in Milan and has spread to locations around the world. Princi is a place to eat, drink, and live Italian. Rocco made the place famous for its artisanal bread and pastries which work wonderfully with any of the classic coffee drinks on the menu. Prendiamo un caffè…and live your best life, the Milanese way. 

Best for: The spirit of Milan captured perfectly.

Pavé Milano

Treat yourself to a gourmet breakfast or lunch at Pavé Milano where you’re encouraged to linger a while longer. Unlike most coffee bars in Milan where the coffee is had either to go or standing at the counter, Pavé is quite the opposite. Founded by three friends in 2012, the Pavé Milano shop is a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy its beautiful selection of fruit tarts, brioche rolls, and croissants.

Best for: Savoring the moment.

Bar Luce 

This bar was designed by American film director Wes Anderson and is based on typical Milanese cafes of the 50s and 60s. Go there for your most Instagramable pic and you’re sure to stay for the excellent menu and good vibes. Bar Luce is based at the art and culture complex at Fondazione Prada. It has several spots for eating, drinking, talking, and reading. The whimsical wallpaper and color block table and chairs add a charming appeal.

Best for: Sipping and selfies.

Caffe Napoli

The coffee scene in Milan is as vibrant as its people. Caffe Napoli has not just one but fourteen coffee houses situated around the city. Visit the Pola store if you’re in Milan’s Isola district for the creative atmosphere. The original Caffè Napoli in Largo La Foppa was fashioned around traditional Neopolitan homes and the design has carried through to the newer shops. Enjoy the hand-roasted fresh coffee with an authentic Italian flavor.

Best for: A truly Neopolitan espresso.

Loste Cafe

Loste cafe prides itself on service with a smile and the finest ingredients to serve up delicious coffee and pastries. For an excellent variety of coffee, wine, and pastries Loste Cafe promises to deliver well-sourced contemporary products while keeping tradition at the forefront. A hidden gem amongst the Milanese coffee shops, definitely not to be missed when in the Francesco Guicciardini area.

Best for: Warm coffee and an even warmer atmosphere.

Cafezal

Cafezal is the Portuguese word for coffee plantation. They collaborate with farmers across the world to get the best crop from their coffee plantations. This is then brought to the Cafezal flagship store in Milan so that you can experience the best caffé latte possible. The beans are roasted on-site to produce some seriously special coffee beverages. The store itself is fashionably designed by local designers in a simple yet chic pink and deep blue color palette. 

Best for: Authentic roasted blends to coffee all day.

Onest

We love the philosophy of Onest, serving specialty coffee, wine, and food but never at the expense of the environment and the future of our planet. They’re passionate about the work of small farmers and producers which shows in their products. Complete with a cozy garden and patio Onest coffee shop is the perfect spot to unwind when the city buzz of Milan gets to be too much. 

Best for: A cozy cup of coffee and a breath of fresh air.

Botega Caffe Cacao

You’ll find Botega Caffe Cacao next to Teatro Fossati and steps away from Piazza Pontida. The shop has a funky design with counters that look like machinery from the fifties. Apart from the ideal selfie moment, you can spoil yourself with something sweet to go with your favorite cup of bitter. Tarts, brioche, cakes, and fruit salads are all on the menu at Botega Caffe Cacao and pair well with any of their unique coffee beverages.

Best for: A sweet treat in a dynamic environment.

Pasticceria Cova

Another oldie in the Milan pasticceria scene is Cova. Founded in 1817 by soldier Antonio Cova and frequented by the likes of Ernest Hemingway in the 1900s. The store is now located in 25 destinations worldwide yet continues to keep its rich heritage intact. Pasticceria Cova serves up a special coffee blend which they air roast by hand. The timeless atmosphere at the Montenapoleone store attracts guests from far and wide.

Best for: A taste of old-age sheer opulence.

Milano Roastery, Starbucks Reserve

Considered by many to be one of the best coffee shops in Europe, the Milan Starbucks Reserve Roastery was the third of its kind. There are now six roasteries worldwide and a great way to get to know the inner workings behind every cup of coffee. Coffee aficionados can watch every step of the process from bean to cup. Take home a bag of your favorite freshly roasted beans and savor the strong aromas from home.

Best for: Every coffee lover’s wonderland.

Lavazza

The Lavazza franchise was born in Italy and its flagship store stands in Milan. The store design is modern and edgy, incorporating an over-the-top chandelier in the center of the shop representing luminous coffee beans. Here you can explore the many ways to drink coffee…as a cold brew, pour-over, or mocha. There are many unique coffee-based food dishes on the menu for you to sample. Visit Lavazza Milan for their innovative presentation of the classic espresso.

Best for: A multi-sensory journey into coffee.

Frequently asked questions about the best coffee shops in Milan