The best aperitivo spots along the Navigli in Milan
The ritual of aperitivo in one of the city's highest concentrations of great cocktail bars
Aperitivo in Milan is far more than a simple moment of relaxation: it is a social ritual, a chance to catch up with friends, meet new people and leave the working day behind. That ritual feels even more special along the Navigli, one of the city’s most charming neighbourhoods, famous for historic canals shaped in part by Leonardo da Vinci. Every evening the waterside transforms into a lively stage of light, sound and flavour, home to some of the finest cocktail temples in Milan. We have selected our favourite spots for an aperitivo along the Navigli that truly delivers.
Iter
Via Mario Fusetti, 1
Tucked away in a quiet side street just steps from the canal and the evening bustle, Iter has an informal terrace, colourful tables and chairs, exposed brick and original cementine tiles. It is ideal for a relaxed aperitivo along the Navigli focused on quality drinks. The bistrot menu takes you travelling without leaving Milan, blending five Italian regions with five countries across the globe, featuring dishes like Croque Monsieur, Okonomiyaki, Cacio e Pepe or Sarde a Beccafico, paired with creative cocktails or natural wines. An easy-going vibe and excellent ingredients round off the experience.
Circolo Canottieri Milano
Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 160
On the Naviglio Grande, at Circolo Canottieri Milano, set inside a sports club with over a century of history, you can enjoy an aperitivo on the terrace surrounded by greenery overlooking the pool, inside the British-style clubhouse with canoes hung from the ceiling and vintage sports photos, or in the romantic winter garden. It is an ideal spot to sip an iced soft drink, a refreshing aperitivo or an excellent cocktail, and if you get hungry, dine under the foliage with a Neapolitan pizza. Run by Officina Milano, the venue is naturally open to non-members as well.
MAG Navigli
Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 43
Mag Navigli is one of Milan’s cocktail temples, set right on the Naviglio Grande with an inviting outdoor terrace. Few venues can match its comfort, intimate atmosphere and knack for mixing striking cocktails that please both palate and eye. Its cocktail list, constantly updated and creatively reimagined, is best enjoyed settled into one of its armchairs, surrounded by vintage objects and furnishings that seem casual but have been chosen with meticulous care.
I Mirador
Via Privata Fratelli Angelo e Mario Bettinelli, 3
The view from the double rooftop at hotel 21 House of Stories, on the Naviglio Pavese, is genuinely breathtaking. Looking out across a 360-degree panorama of Milan that sweeps from the Darsena to San Siro, the Castello Sforzesco, the Duomo and the distant mountains, you can sip drinks created by well-known mixologist Franco Ponti. The cocktails are colourful, creative and tiki-inspired, with boxes of sweet or savoury snacks available if you fancy a bite. Booking is essential.
Tripstillery Navigli
Via Ascanio Sforza, 9
On the Naviglio Pavese, aperitivo takes on a new dimension at Tripstillery Navigli: a venue where a striking copper still on display pairs with inventive drinks and the lively rhythm of the urban terrace. Here, craft mixology takes centre stage, with drinks made using spirits distilled under the Tripstillery label, often crafted with botanicals grown on their Lake Iseo estate. Alongside the drinks come cured meats, cheeses and natural wines chosen to complement every sip. Standouts on the cocktail list include reinterpreted classics and bold creations like the Oleato, blending olives, olive oil and olive leaves: a toast to Milan’s most creative contemporary side.
Montalcino Cafè
Via San Cristoforo, 3
In a picturesque corner of the Naviglio Grande, on the charming square opposite the church of San Cristoforo sul Naviglio, light years from crowded buffet bars, Montalcino Cafè is ideal for a relaxed, authentic aperitivo. Inside, the atmosphere has a subtle French touch with bottle-green walls, wood panelling, velvet banquettes, designer touches and vintage mirrors, while the outdoor tables in the square channel old Milan vibes. After sunset (and after work), classic cocktails can be paired with sharing platters and Tuscan crostini.
GinO12
Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 12
The terrace at GinO12 is ideal for an aperitivo right at the heart of the Naviglio Grande night scene. Inside, exposed brick, fairy lights and a warm, inviting atmosphere make it equally appealing, as does the lovely internal courtyard garden. The bar is best known for its vast gin selection: over 100 bottles, including several Italian labels. What better way to start an evening and work up an appetite than a properly made gin and tonic?
Ugo
Via Corsico, 12
On Via Corsico, just off the canal front, Ugo is an essential stop for anyone seeking the best aperitivo along the Navigli. An atmospheric terrace and cosy interior blending Parisian bistrot style with vintage home charm, dominated by a tall wooden backbar, set the stage for creative, beautifully presented cocktails, skilfully mixed with premium spirits. There is also a small kitchen turning out tasty, well-crafted snacks and dishes.
Rita & Cocktails
Via Angelo Fumagalli, 1
For over 20 years a city institution, tucked just off the canal, the award-winning Rita was among the first in Milan to move away from buffet food, focusing instead on great drinks. Over the years it has updated its decor while staying true to its witty, self-assured identity. Around the large wooden counter, a few tables and a pleasant terrace, the team serves creative cocktails mixed with fresh, natural produce and premium ingredients. If you feel peckish, you can order burgers, toasted sandwiches and seasonal specials, prepared fresh in the kitchen.
Rita’s Tiki Room
Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 69
Rita’s Tiki Room, as the name suggests, brings a slice of Tiki culture to the Naviglio Grande. The canal waters might not be Hawaiian, but this spot from the Rita team remains a celebration of carefree fun, enveloped in a colourful setting of floral prints, tropical plants, jute lampshades and wide windows. For cocktail aficionados, the star behind the bar is undoubtedly rum, the quintessential spirit of Tiki culture. Take a seat in one of the woven chairs and enjoy your vibrant drink, perhaps accompanied by Asian-inspired bar bites.
