Montalcino Caffè

Set in one of the most authentic corners of Naviglio Grande, in the picturesque little square overlooked by the church of San Cristoforo sul Naviglio, Montalcino Caffè is a recent opening bringing together design and atmosphere. It tips its hat to Parisian bistros while embracing contemporary Milanese design, with dark green walls, wood panelling, petrol-blue velvet banquettes, vintage mirrors and materials like brass, rosewood, linen and stoneware.

There is also an intimate private room featuring a large bottle display and a communal table echoing the curves of the striking rounded counter at the entrance, which showcases baked goods and pastries alongside savoury bites. You can linger here all day, from breakfast and lunch through to aperitivo, which can easily turn into an informal light dinner (closing at 10pm).

Given that the team behind Montalcino Caffè also runs the historic ristorante Il Montalcino, just a few hundred metres away along Naviglio Grande, the menu naturally draws on Tuscan cooking, laced with a few French touches and served in a swift, straightforward style suited to an all-day hangout. Throughout the day, parents with pushchairs, cyclists, students, office workers on lunch break and locals unwinding after work mingle here.

Breakfast ranges from budino di riso, croissants and fruit tartelettes to macarons, biscuits, maritozzi and irresistible individual pastries. At lunchtime, the menu focuses on gourmet salads like the fresh Nizzarda, savoury croissants, tartare di chianina (served traditionally with a raw egg yolk) and Croque Madame, alongside pasta dishes such as gnocchi with pecorino and truffle, risottos and regional treats like puntarelle with burrata. Come aperitivo, the real draw is the generous salumi boards and Tuscan crostini.