The best brunch spots in and around Navigli
The best addresses across Navigli, Corso Genova and Tortona for long breakfasts, savoury dishes and unhurried weekends
Between Navigli, Darsena and Tortona, brunch takes many forms: tables overlooking the canals, hidden courtyards, contemporary bakeries, casual bistros and spots made for stretching breakfast into lunchtime. From pancakes to healthy bowls, savoury dishes to Italian-style formulas, we have rounded up the best brunch spots in and around Navigli for anyone looking for a comfortable, welcoming place on a Sunday, ideally without endless queues or unnecessary rushes. Milan is stressful enough during the week: on weekends, it is far better to sit back, order something delicious and take things easy.
Officina Milano
Via Giovenale, 7
Just off Naviglio Pavese, OFFICINA MILANO remains a reliable fixture for lovers of vintage settings, well-crafted cocktails and unhurried Sundays. Served from 12pm to 4pm, brunch is designed for taking your time and combines made-to-order dishes with a generous, convivial buffet. The spread runs from scrambled eggs, omelettes, sweet and savoury crêpes, meat and fish tartare to baked pasta, chicken curry, meatballs in tomato sauce, cured meats, cheeses, hummus, vegetables and savoury tarts, alongside a dessert selection featuring pancakes, tiramisù, Sachertorte and fruit tarts. It is one of the most bountiful options for brunch in and around Navigli, ideal for anyone after a casual atmosphere, background music and laid-back vibes.
21 House of Stories
Via Ascanio Sforza, 7
With a name like Domenica, it already gets a head start: the ground-floor restaurant at the hotel 21 House of Stories Navigli, on Naviglio Pavese, feels tailor-made for a leisurely brunch without rigid timetables and with tables laden with treats. Held every Sunday with a DJ set, the formula centres on an Italian-style brunch with an unlimited sweet and savoury buffet plus a dish of your choice from the kitchen. Offerings range from finger food, cured meats, eggs, cheeses and vegetables to cornetti, biscuits and homemade cakes, along with classics like the lasagna of the day, paccheri cacio e pepe, cheeseburgers or roast beef with rocket.
Combo
Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 83
Set in a traditional railing house overlooking greenery, Combo Milano is a contemporary hostel with a bar, restaurant and inner courtyard, designed as a meeting place and transit hub for locals as well. The location on Ripa di Porta Ticinese makes it a great choice for brunch in Navigli away from the thick of the nightlife. The kitchen blends Mediterranean flavours, Asian influences, street food and vegetarian options, while the weekend brunch revolves around a sweet and savoury sharing platter of pancakes, cinnamon rolls, focaccia, yogurt and seeded bread, plus a choice of hot dish, from egg-based plates and tacos to a vegan bowl or bacon cheeseburger.
Hygge
Via Giuseppe Sapeto, 3
Tucked down a side street off Corso Genova, HYGGE is a Danish-inspired coffee shop with a kitchen, communal tables, wood accents, warm lighting and an unpretentious atmosphere that invites you to linger. In Nordic culture, the name evokes a feeling of comfort and everyday wellbeing, and the brunch follows suit: hearty yet carefully curated dishes, including vegan options, poached or scrambled eggs, seasonal sides, homemade cakes and specialty coffee. An intimate, distinctive spot, ideal for drawing out your weekend morning between a slow breakfast and a relaxed lunch.
Sisu
Via Gaudenzio Ferrari, 1
On Via Gaudenzio Ferrari, just moments from the Darsena, Sisu is a contemporary bakery opened in 2024, offering sweet and savoury pastries, specialty coffee and cooking that blends travel memories, traditions and slow mornings. Brunch here begins with tempting staples: cinnamon rolls, laminated brioche loaves, yogurt with granola, sweet and savoury pancakes, alongside scrambled eggs, poached egg in a puff-pastry nest, club sandwiches, vegan crostoni, quiches and toast. The atmosphere is bright, Nordic and relaxed, designed for lingering over pastries, good coffee and savoury dishes.
Una Cosa | Ofelé
Via Scaldasole, 7
Just a short walk from Porta Ticinese, UNA COSA was born as a spin-off of Ofelé, bringing to Via Scaldasole the same focus on quality ingredients, straightforward recipes and comforting weekend dishes. The space is more intimate and contemporary, with a hidden garden that makes it a great choice for brunch in Navigli away from the waterfront. The menu balances sweet and savoury, featuring bagels, avocado toast, hummus, baba ganoush and comforting plates like nonna’s meatballs. It is ideal if you want to stay central yet tucked away on a quiet lane, in a calm and relaxing setting.
Bluesquare
Via Tortona, 33
On Via Tortona, BLUESQUARE is one of the area’s newest and most versatile venues, designed to transition through the day from a coffee spot to late-night drinks with cocktails and live music. On Sundays, however, the pace slows with brunch served until mid-afternoon and a fusion-inspired menu: Korean-style eggs, Japanese-Mediterranean shakshuka, buckwheat noodles, burgers, smoked salmon with yuzu kosho and homemade desserts, from the Japanese French Toast with miso-vanilla mascarpone cream to vegan brownies. The large central counter, the live music stage and the spacious terrace round off the relaxed yet polished setting.
God Save the Food
Via Tortona, 34
Open on Via Tortona since 2011, GOD SAVE THE FOOD is one of the neighbourhood’s longest-standing spots for a healthy, casual and consistently busy brunch, especially on weekends amidst exhibitions, events and strolls towards Mudec. Set in a former workshop, the venue is bright and spacious, with minimalist decor, communal tables and outdoor seating that makes it pleasant on milder days. Brunch, served on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm, reflects the venue’s healthy, international ethos: pancakes, eggs, club sandwiches, woks, fresh fruit and vegetable juices, and dishes tailored for those wanting to keep things light without compromising on flavour.
