Bars and restaurants with outdoor terraces on the Navigli in Milan
With their timeless charm, the Navigli offer the ideal setting for an aperitivo or dinner outdoors
The Navigli are without doubt one of the city’s most charming neighbourhoods, with an endless choice of spots for a drink, a meal, an aperitivo or an after-dinner cocktail. In the warmer months, the real treat is sitting outdoors along these historic canals in the evening breeze, watching the water catch the lights, perhaps with live music in the background. If you are looking for bars and restaurants with outdoor terraces on the Navigli, and want to avoid tourist traps among the crowd of options, here is our guide.
MAG Navigli
Porta di Ripa Ticinese, 43
In the warm season, the charm of Mag Navigli spills out onto its terrace overlooking the canal. Few venues offer such a balance of comfort, atmosphere, know-how and quality as Mag, which is ever-changing yet always true to itself, making it all the more special. Its cocktail list, constantly updated and inventively reimagined, features masterfully crafted classics alongside inventive twists made with unusual ingredients, top-tier spirits, premium botanicals and a dash of eccentricity.
Circolo Canottieri Milano
Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 160
This is a genuine find: lunch, drinks or dinner on a leafy terrace by a swimming pool inside one of Milan’s most exclusive sports clubs. You can do just that at Circolo Canottieri Milano, on the Naviglio Grande, set inside a sports centre with over a century of history, where rowing sits alongside swimming, water polo, diving, basketball and tennis. The clubhouse, now run by Officina Milano, is also open to non-members, offering a restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, a romantic winter garden and a generous outdoor space where you can unwind among the greenery with a cold drink, an aperitivo or an expert cocktail. The menu also features Neapolitan pizza and, on Sundays, brunch.
Iter
Via Mario Fusetti, 1
Iter is a fusion cocktail bar with a nomadic spirit, and a natural fit for our selection of outdoor spots on the Navigli. Tucked away on a quiet side street just moments from the nightlife, its informal terrace with colourful tables and chairs is ideal for a relaxed lunch, an aperitivo or after-dinner drinks. Every six months, the team leaves Milan for a different country to explore local flavours and traditions, translating them into bespoke recipes back home. Drop by to discover their latest destination, reflected in new cocktails and dishes designed to transport you elsewhere.
L’Osteria del Binari
Via Tortona, 1
It is not strictly on the Naviglio, but only the railway tracks that give it its name separate it from the canals, so it certainly counts. We could hardly leave out Osteria del Binari, with its old-Milan garden sheltered by a pergola, where al fresco dining on summer evenings is an absolute delight. Since 1972, it has steadfastly served classic Milanese dishes such as Mondeghili (here made with savoy cabbage), saffron risotto and Cotoletta alla milanese, alongside regional excursions including Florentine steak, fish carpaccio, Iberian suckling pig and bunet.
Tripstillery Navigli
Via Ascanio Sforza, 9
On the Naviglio Pavese, Tripstillery Navigli is a cocktail bar with an on-site urban distillery and a lively terrace set to the rhythm of the canal. Amid copper stills, city lights and street-style energy, guests can enjoy craft drinks made with botanicals often sourced from the Farmily estate on Lake Iseo. The dynamic cocktail list reinterprets the classics with flair — from the bold Oleato to distinctive twists on the Manhattan and Tommy’s Margarita. It is a spot where mixology, craft and urban conviviality come together in an authentic, ever-evolving setting.
GinO12
Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 12
The terrace at GinO12 is another ideal spot for an aperitivo right on the banks of the Naviglio. But the interior, with exposed brickwork, fairy lights and a warm, welcoming feel, along with the charming internal courtyard, is just as worthy of a visit. The venue is especially renowned for its vast gin selection: over 100 labels, including several Italian bottles. And on a warm summer evening, what could be better than a well-made gin and tonic outdoors?
Posto di conversazione
Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 6
This historic restaurant, with its terrace overlooking the Naviglio Grande, is ideal for an atmospheric evening rounded off, as the name suggests, by good conversation. The menu offers creative cooking rooted in Lombard tradition, led by Mondeghili, Risotto alla milanese and Ossobuco, while also exploring other Italian regions with dishes such as Lasagne al ragout and Baccalà mantecato, changing regularly to ensure seasonal freshness. It is all backed by a thoughtful wine cellar, focused primarily on Italian labels.
Il Montalcino
Via Valenza, 17
Restaurant Il Montalcino sits at the far end of the pedestrianised stretch of the Naviglio Grande. Its terrace, framed by greenery and illuminated by fairy lights, is genuinely charming, as is the interior with its warm, rustic feel accented by modern touches. The menu relies on fresh, high-quality ingredients, many sourced directly from the Tuscan countryside: standouts include pici with wild boar ragù, ribollita and bistecca alla fiorentina. The wine list is equally worth exploring, offering an excellent selection of Tuscan wines designed to pair seamlessly with the dishes.
