The best cocktail bars in and around 5 Giornate in Milan
Our pick of the best spots for an aperitivo or late-night drinks in and around Piazza Cinque Giornate.
Ready to explore the best of Milan’s cocktail scene? In and around the area of Cinque Giornate, Milan effortlessly blends tradition with innovation. Charming streets and stylish bars set the stage for an evening out. In this lively quarter of the city, there is something to suit every taste. Whether you live locally or are just passing through, whether you are a cocktail connoisseur or simply looking for a special place to spend an evening, our edit has you covered. Expect captivating spaces, intriguing atmospheres and inventive cocktails. An extraordinary drinking experience awaits.
In this round-up, every venue brings its own distinctive story, craft and flavour, along with the promise of a memorable evening. Raise your glasses: here is where to drink around Cinque Giornate.
Nottingham Forest
Viale Piave, 1
Led by master mixologist Dario Comini, Nottingham Forest is an eclectic sanctuary of flavour and invention. This legendary bar stands out for its fusion of global cultures, captured in an interior inspired by Indiana Jones and filled with tribal masks, stone Buddhas and Tiki carvings. Behind a counter imported directly from New York, Comini’s creative brilliance comes alive with spectacular, theatrical presentations that captivate both the eye and the palate. Defying traditional mixology, the bar houses over 2,000 bottles of spirits and serves boundary-pushing drinks like ‘The Revenant’ (oak ultrasound extractions in vodka), ‘Filtro d’amore’ served in an African buffalo horn, or ‘l’igiene orale’ dispensed from a soap dispenser. Nottingham Forest remains the ultimate benchmark for discerning drinkers in Milan, where every sip takes you far beyond the ordinary.
Scott Bar
Viale Bianca Maria, 4
Scott Bar is a standout cocktail address in Milan. Set inside Bianca Maria Palace, aperitivo here is elevated every Thursday by live jazz performances from students of the Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi. Amid neon art installations and deep peacock-blue armchairs, skilled bartenders serve immaculate classic cocktails alongside refined bespoke creations made specially for Scott Bar. Given the setting, you can also linger for dinner at Bianca Maria Restaurant, where Chef Lorenzetti, trained alongside Italian culinary greats, delivers dishes that blend tradition with contemporary flair. With its unmistakable metropolitan charm, Scott Bar easily ranks among the top spots in the Cinque Giornate district.
Lab
Viale Premuda, 7
Lab is a one-of-a-kind venue in Milan’s underground cocktail scene. Here, a commitment to sustainability and creativity is reflected in a space thoughtfully crafted from recycled materials, shaping both the design and the drinks. The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, with owner Matteo Mancuso greeting guests like old friends and guiding them through the creative cocktail list. Behind the bar, skilled mixologists pour passion into every drink, complemented by bar bites, wine, beer, fresh fruit, premium spirits and crystal-clear Hoshizaki ice. Backed by an easy-going soundtrack, an evening at Lab is a genuine discovery well worth seeking out.
Prog
Via Andrea Maffei, 12
Strategically located halfway between Porta Romana and Piazza Cinque Giornate, Prog is a standout destination for cocktail lovers. Step through the doors and you enter a whimsical space where evocative flavours and enchanting ambiance come together. Welcoming you at the bar is a majestic tree adorned with soft lighting, creating a surreal setting for a drink. The cocktail list is full of surprises: whether you prefer sweet, sour or spicy profiles, you are sure to find the right drink for you. A true highlight for anyone looking for something out of the ordinary in Milan, Prog easily earns its spot among the finest cocktail bars in the neighbourhood.
