Celeste al Mercato

One colour, more than any other, suggests stillness, openness and endless possibilities. It is sky blue, the clear sky. In this very spirit comes Celeste al Mercato, a wine bar set in the bustling heart of the renovated Mercato Comunale di Isola in Milan. Calling it just a place to drink wine would be an understatement: it is a meeting spot where simplicity meets authenticity.

Behind the project are six founding partners: Alessandro Perricone – a sommelier with experience across Europe’s top restaurants – alongside Federico Perricone, Pietro Resta, Matteo Da Re, Marco Ciceri, Daniele De Sario and Mickey Moruzzo. A group of friends with diverse backgrounds, from design to communications, who brought a shared vision to life: doing something simple, but doing it well. Mind you, simplicity here does not mean superficiality. It means care, consistency and pared-back beauty: knowing exactly what you want to offer and executing it with impeccable taste.

As the founders put it: ‘We walked into Mercato Isola and felt a good vibe. We saw an opportunity to do something simple. But simple does not mean boring. It means solid. Simple things always fall into place.’

And that is precisely how Celeste feels: a solid concept woven seamlessly into Milan’s urban fabric and community, a place you happily return to because it feels both homely and lively. Then there are the events, wine tastings and collaborations with chefs and industry friends.

No bookings. No formalities. Celeste is inclusive by nature: young professionals, wine lovers, couples, friends, and even people stopping by to work on a laptop with a glass beside them. Above all, it welcomes those doing their market shopping who decide to brighten their day with a glass.

Celeste does not need a huge space to make an impression. Its 27 square metres are a blend of vision and warmth: a U-shaped counter that invites conversation, shelves lined with meticulously curated bottles and an atmosphere that seems to say: ‘Here you can pause and catch your breath’.

Yet Celeste is also part of something larger. It fits into the new face of Mercato Isola, which is enjoying a revival after years of quiet decline. In this setting, Celeste becomes more than just a bar: a symbol of urban renewal, celebrating quality and conviviality.

The wine list – around 65 craft labels, poured by the glass or as intriguing full bottles – is complemented by beers and cocktails mixed with equal care. As for food? Celeste recently introduced breakfast, serving a neat selection of toast and pastries, perfect for starting the day.

The main food offering is intentionally left to the neighbouring market stalls. Synergy takes pride of place over competition: you pick whatever you fancy while strolling among the stalls, then head back to Celeste to pair it with the perfect pour.