Where to drink the best coffee in Milan
Historic roasteries, fine blends and specialty coffee for an authentic Milanese coffee break
‘Life is a beautiful and endless journey in search of the perfect cup of coffee’, Barbara A. Daniels once said. Sipping a coffee is one of those daily rituals we cherish repeating. The coffee break punctuates our days, and having a coffee can mean many things: at worst, knocking back a quick shot of pure caffeine; at best, a delightful discovery that turns into an aromatic journey to distant lands, where skilled producers work tirelessly to cultivate and harvest the finest beans nature can offer.
To mark International Coffee Day, celebrated every year on 1 October as established by the International Coffee Organization, here is a Milanese guide to taste: the best coffee in the city across a curated selection of essential stops.
Torrefazione Caffè Ernani
Corso Buenos Aires, 20
It was in Milan at the start of the 1900s (the ‘900) that, amid revolutions and major industrial and economic progress, Torrefazione Ernani opened its doors on Corso Buenos Aires, specifically in 1909. It was during this very period, thanks in part to the refinement of the espresso machine, that a genuine coffee culture began to spread. At Ernani, you can still experience that same rich coffee aroma and the same passion for exceptional quality. Alongside timeless coffees such as Blue Diamond, which helped shape the history of this venue, Torrefazione Ernani offers distinctive, ever-changing blends and single origins to discover. The coffee is also freshly ground to order for each customer, just as it was in old Milanese workshops. The name of this historic spot is deeply evocative: Ernani is the title of a famous opera composed by Giuseppe Verdi, one of the figures most loved by the Milanese.
Marchesi 1824
Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a
The story of Pasticceria Marchesi weaves tradition and creativity. Picture an elegant 18th-century building in the heart of the city, at Via Santa Maria alla Porta 11/a. Here, in 1824, the Marchesi family opened a pastry shop that quickly earned a reputation for its handmade delicacies. By the early 1900s, owner Angelo Marchesi began serving coffee, drinks and aperitivo cocktails alongside freshly baked cakes, biscuits and confectionery. Today, under the guidance of Angelo Marchesi’s grandson and his family, the pasticceria remains a favourite among an elegant, cosmopolitan crowd. It is the perfect spot to enjoy an espresso, pick out a special cake or treat someone to a fine selection of chocolates.
Caffè Napoli
Largo La Foppa, 1
Enjoying a ‘tazzulella ‘e cafè’ just like in a Neapolitan home: this is the genuine ambition of Caffè Napoli. The majolica tiles, sea blue hues and bar counter echo the warmth of a Neapolitan sitting room, where coffee is a cherished ritual. The house blend, Cremoso, combines 80% Arabica with 20% Robusta beans. Arabica beans grown mainly in Brazil, Central America and Africa give Cremoso a sweet flavour and an intense, alluring fragrance. Robusta beans from Africa and Asia contribute deep colour and a rich crema. Careful selection and roasting result in a round, smooth and lingering taste. Cremoso honours Neapolitan tradition with passion and time-honoured technique. At Caffè Napoli, coffee is an art, served with consistent warmth and expertise.
Starbucks
Via Francesco Restelli, 5
Starbucks Italia has opened a new outpost for dedicated coffee lovers in the Isola district. The space on Via Restelli keeps the familiar atmosphere of the brand’s other stores, offering a welcoming, contemporary setting. Guests drop in alone or with friends, for work or leisure thanks to free Wi-Fi, and above all to explore the broad range of sustainably sourced coffee drinks paired with food for any time of day. The interior draws inspiration from Italian craftsmanship and design, with thoughtful touches designed to encourage coffee discovery and community. Warm colour palettes and lush greenery evoke the landscapes where coffee is grown, making it a peaceful retreat from busy Milanese days.
Cafezal Specialty Coffee
Via Solferino, 27
In Portuguese, cafezal means ‘coffee plantation’. The founder and owner of this specialty micro-roastery and flagship store is Carlos Bitencourt, who holds an industrial engineering degree from Brazil and deep coffee expertise. People visit for 100% Specialty Coffees: single-origin coffees from green beans sourced from prime terroirs worldwide (Brazil, Africa and Central America) using sustainable methods, then hand-roasted on site. Alongside coffee brewed in every style imaginable, the menu features artisanal pastries from Italy, Brazil and Portugal, as well as lunch options. Coffee is also sold online via their website. A major accolade came last November when, at the European Coffee Symposium, Cafezal took second place among ‘Best independent coffee shop’ contenders, just behind Berlin’s The Barn.
Orsonero Coffee
Via Giuseppe Broggi, 15
A benchmark in Milan for anyone looking for specialty coffee. Orsonero’s stripped-back room spans just 20 square metres and is long and narrow: along one side runs a pale wood counter fitted with a La Marzocco Strada espresso machine, a Victoria Arduino Mythos grinder and display cases filled with artisanal pastries selected by expert Giulia Gasperini, while opposite lies the seating space. The Cignobianco blend by Gardelli Specialty Coffees is the house coffee: built on natural Brazilian beans, it stays close to Italian tastes while gently expanding them, winning over loyal regulars. When you order a single espresso, they pull a double shot using 17-18 g of ground coffee in the basket rather than the standard 14 g found in typical bars. An explosion of aroma in a single cup.
