Where to drink specialty coffee in Milan
Espresso, flat white and filter coffee: Milan’s specialty scene marks International Coffee Day with quality and craft
Today is International Coffee Day! There is no better moment to talk about specialty coffee: a distinct world of quality and passion shaped by carefully chosen beans, traceability, precise roasting and extraction methods guided by skilled baristas. In Milan, specialty coffee culture is booming: from micro-roasteries to inventive coffee shops, every cup delivers aroma, flavour and craftsmanship. Here is our selection of addresses where your coffee break turns into a proper ritual.
A quick caveat first: you will not find every coffee shop in town here (unless you fancy reading an encyclopaedia), nor is this a definitive ranking of the ‘best of all time’. These are simply the places we believe are well worth a visit. After all, when it comes to national staples like coffee, pizza or gelato, everyone has their own firm favourites. De gustibus, in short…
Orsonero Caffè
Via Giuseppe Broggi, 15
When talking about specialty coffee in Milan, Orsonero is among the first names that come to mind. For almost 10 years, visionary Canadian Brent Jopson has run this small, Nordic-style spot a short walk from Porta Venezia. They do not cut corners here: AeroPress, cold brew, filter and beans selected from top international roasters. Minimalist, intimate, with an almost zen calm and the customary La Marzocco machine, it is the ideal spot for anyone after a coffee with real character and identity in every cup.
Cafezal
Via Solferino, 27
The name means ‘plantation’ in Portuguese, which says it all. Cafezal is an urban micro-roastery with several branches across the city, roasting beans in-house without middlemen, with an ethical, sustainable ethos. Here you do more than just drink coffee: you discover how specialty coffee is made, watch the roasting process and appreciate the nuances between single origins. You can also buy coffee to take home in bags or pods, along with dedicated brewing kit. To accompany your pause, there are artisanal pastries with vegan and savoury options.
Loste Café
Via Francesco Guicciardini, 3
A contemporary bakery and research-led coffee bar, Loste Café is the brainchild of Lorenzo Cioli and Stefano Ferraro: both have Michelin-starred backgrounds and set out to spoil Milan with specialty coffees from cult roasters, such as April Coffee, paired with spectacular laminated pastries and bakes. A relaxed atmosphere, outstanding cinnamon rolls and cardamom buns, and expertly prepared coffee make this the perfect place for a northern European-style breakfast that raises the bar.
Nowhere
Via Vetere, 14
The name sounds philosophical, but the place is wonderfully down-to-earth: uncompromising, in-house roasted single-origin specialty coffees. There are no blends here: only selected arabica from Ethiopia, Brazil, Colombia and beyond. Each season brings new arrivals, always with an eye on sustainability. A welcoming venue with an international feel, it is a great spot to pause for breakfast, not least because the food menu, both sweet and savoury, easily matches the standard of the coffee!
Onest
Via Gerolamo Turroni, 2
Onest is a venue bringing together quality coffee, kitchen cooking and good company. Specialty coffees are served across various brewing methods: espresso, flat white, cold brew, filter coffee of the day and pour over, all made with single origins selected from quality-led roasters. The atmosphere is calm and intimate: peacock-blue walls, a lovely hidden courtyard and thoughtful details invite you to linger over an unhurried breakfast. The morning ritual comes alive with cinnamon buns, bread and jam, or savoury options. Everything centres on seasonality and sustainability, turning every break into a simple, mindful pause.
Eris
Via Eustachi, 8
Design, specialty brews and artisan pastries: Eris is an unexpected café that opened only a few months ago. Born from a partnership between creatives and roasters, it serves espresso, pour over and batch brew, alongside matcha and chai lattes. The counter carries you from breakfast to aperitivo, featuring pastries by Pan. With its contemporary feel, bold design and versatile setup, whether you want a quick espresso or prefer to spend a relaxed afternoon cradling a hot mug, you are in the right place.
The Coffee
Viale Piave, 20
Founded in Brazil and expanded worldwide, The Coffee chose Milan for its Italian debut. The space is minimalist with a touch of Japanese elegance, ordering is fully digital, and the cups feature top-tier single origins extracted with pinpoint precision. The white La Marzocco machine takes centre stage, while pastries by Kintal add an indulgent note. International specialty coffee, pared-back design and meticulous attention to detail: the ideal place for anyone who values simplicity without compromising on quality.
Ditta Artigianale
Corso Magenta, 31
From Florence to Milan in style. Ditta Artigianale, founded by Francesco Sanapo – an award-winning barista and world-renowned roaster – and Patrick Hoffer, opened in Milan as its first venue outside Tuscany. Around 200 sq m blending Art Nouveau with urban chic, an imposing counter, a cocktail corner and international breakfasts. Specialty coffee takes centre stage, alongside everything from pancakes and pulled pork to matcha lattes and granola. It is a genuine piece of coffee culture arriving in the city, ready to become a benchmark for anyone who expects the best in their cup.
