If you’re looking for the best coffee in Milan, here are five local favourites we truly love.
In our family we are very, very serious about our morning cappuccino and brioche.
Our discussions can become quite passionate and I cannot guarantee that these recommendations are neutral, objective, unbiased…
Alvin’s – A Morning Ritual for Locals
Simone unapologetically always goes to Alvin’s on Via Melchiorre Gioia, 141. Don’t miss the breakfast pastries and brioches — made the slow way, with lievito madre. And the cappuccino? Simone swears it is the best he’s ever had.The locals go here every morning almost like a sacred morning ritual, many of the regulars stopping by on their morning walk with their dogs before going to work.
Pavè – Worth the Wait
Our son Andreas, when in Milan, takes his friends to Pavè on Via Felice Casati 27, even though this café has become too popular and it is not easy to get a table… but if you are patient or if you avoid the morning rush you will get one of the best brioche all’italiana and the coffee is great!
Gelsomina – Sara’s Favourite Spot
Our daughter (and our social media manager: townhomesmilano), Sara’s favourite café is Gelsomina in Via Carlo Tenca 5. She usually orders a “Maritozzo con panna montata e crema al pistacchio” and an espresso and couldn’t be happier! Download her free guide: How to drink coffee like an Italian – an all-in-one ristretto guide, when signing up for our newsletter you can immediately download it here.
A True Neighbourhood Coffee Experience
As I ( Nina ) do not eat gluten I am only interested in a quality cappuccino and a nice chat, so I go straight out of our “portone” from our cosy Town Homes Milano apartments ( in Via Ponte Seveso 43) where I, like many Italians, take my coffee standing at the counter. I find this the BEST cappuccino in town also maybe because of the neighbourly chat with the two sisters running the bar. They’re originally from China, and now they are our street’s reference points for an interesting chat and great coffee. This is very much a neighbourhood bar, not a destination. But for those of us who live here, it’s everything.
If you’re planning to explore beyond Milan, you can also check out some easy day trips from Milano Centrale by train for a different experience.
Coffee at Home – An Italian Tradition
Rossana, our beloved cohost, loves to have her breakfast at home with her family, drinking a boiling hot “caffelatte” espresso made with her vintage moka coffee pot and hot milk. Her favorite breakfast is freshly made focaccia, (which is originally from Liguria, where she lived as a child) and Ligurian people dip it in their caffelatte before eating it. Delicious for some, scandalous for people who are not from there.
On the lookout for a place to stay in Milan? We have beautifully designed apartments near Milano Centrale — short term stays (1–30 days) and mid-term living (1–18 months). We look forward to welcoming you!”
How to Make Italian Coffee at Home
And last but not least — here is how you can brew your own espresso at home with a moka pot. And if you want a real caffelatte, the traditional Italian way: one part espresso to three or four parts hot milk. Enjoy!
