Giacomo Caffè

Milan is the Italian capital of fashion and there’s no doubt about it. But sometimes we mistakenly believe that shopping is the only thing to do in Milan, forgetting the city’s immense cultural offer. And in Milan’s cultural sphere one can find the perfect mix between art and cuisine. I’m talking about Giacomo Caffè, the perfect literary meeting point that finds its space within Palazzo Reale, the exhibition focal point in the heart of Milan.

Literally a stone’s throw from Duomo, during a cultural or shopping break, make your way to Palazzo Reale and treat yourself to a visit at Giacomo Caffè. Entering will be like a blast from the past, a place characterised by a French flavour, a little bistro a little café. Take a seat at one of the tables on the ground floor or, if you wish to be even more surrounded by art, in one of the lovely chairs upstairs, where you will be surrounded by Palazzo Reale’s exhibition catalogues of the past 25 years.

Whether you come here for the morning breakfast, or during your lunch break, you will not be disappointed and you will see first-hand the quality that distinguishes Giacomo Caffè. An institution in Milan, which with this literary café allows all lovers of culture to finally have a high quality place to meet in. And after a first visit, a first stop, don’t deny yourself with the chance to return, maybe on a late afternoon, after visiting one of the exhibitions in Palazzo Reale… do not run straight home and extend the pleasure of being in contact with art: stop by again, for a drink, to be able to exchange your opinions in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. A literary café like this one is definitely the perfect place to have discussions on the art works that you have admired a little earlier.

Whatever reason will take you to Giacomo Caffè, even just to read in tranquillity while sipping a valuable Mariage Frères tea, you will find yourself in a location that will give you a feeling of peace. And then, in case you want to feel like Hemingway when he attended La Closerie des Lilas, bring a notebook and a pen for this is the perfect place to be inspired, and who knows, you might have the same successful career…

Photo credit: Hugh Findletar