“No man is an island”, but Isola is an excellent place for a drink: framed by skyscrapers, hidden courtyards and lively streets, there is never a shortage of social spots. The neighbourhood’s cocktail bars offer polished counters, buzzing terraces and drinks lists ranging from timeless classics to creative serves, making them ideal for after-work drinks, an evening with friends or an unhurried night out. Here are the best cocktail bars in Isola, from established favourites to exciting newcomers to keep on your radar.
Frida is one of the most recognisable spots in Isola, set inside a former industrial building transformed into a hybrid space with a bar, bistro, boutique and inner courtyard. Its charm comes from a free-spirited, relaxed atmosphere deeply rooted in the neighbourhood, making it an easy choice for an unpretentious aperitivo or late-night drink. With great drinks, outdoor tables and an eclectic crowd, it remains one of the area’s best-loved venues.
Dexter is an intimate, stylish listening bar in Isola, offering international dining and a strong focus on music. Born from the vision of Italian-British chef Giovanni De Nardi, the menu draws inspiration from Peru, Mexico, Japan and Spain, reimagined using Italian ingredients with an eye on sustainability. The room centres around an open vinyl shelving unit and DJ console, creating a warm, sociable vibe perfect for drinks, a casual dinner or a cosmopolitan night out.
Solchi is a cocktail bar in Isola launched in 2023, with an easy-going vibe deeply connected to the neighbourhood, vinyl records and community. Drop by for an aperitivo, an after-dinner drink or an evening soundtracked by vinyl-only DJ sets and local gatherings. On select nights, the decks are open to anyone eager to spin tunes, while record fairs, art exhibitions and pop-up events unfold in a warm, welcoming setting.
Tusa Isola is a vibrant newcomer for a quality cocktail in Isola, featuring modern lounge interiors and colourful mixology tailored for aperitivo and after-dark drinks. The cocktail list rotates every six months, pairing signatures with three off-menu creations and a guest spirit, such as ‘Com’è bello far l’amore’, dedicated to Raffaella Carrà. If you prefer wine, there is a good selection of reds and whites by the glass in a bar that captures the lively spirit of the neighbourhood.
Bob, one of the cornerstones among Isola’s cocktail bars, is a sleek venue with an international feel, designed for those seeking precisely crafted food and drinks. The ambience balances design accents, Asian influences and transatlantic touches, while technique, research and flavour shape the cocktail list, conceived as an ever-evolving creative lab. With expert mixology, exotic bites and attentive service, aperitivo and late-night drinks take on a refined, distinctive edge.
Bar Bah is one of those spots where aperitivo has the relaxed pace of a living room, set among vintage leather sofas, colourful tables, photos on the walls and retro details. The frescoed ceiling, featuring cherubs and doves salvaged from a New York speakeasy, adds a theatrical note without taking away from the easy-going atmosphere. Between drinks, good conversation and a warm, lived-in aesthetic, it remains an easy choice for great drinks in Isola, all about good vibes.
Lù-po Milan is an Isola cocktail bar and bistro with a vintage aesthetic inspired by the world of motorcycles and a relaxed approach to hospitality, designed for aperitivo and after-dinner drinks. The name pays homage to the wolf, the emblem of El Solitario, a Spanish custom-motorcycle brand close to the bar’s partners. Amid sofas, vintage arcade games, chess tables and polished wooden drawers, the setting nods to the past with character while keeping the neighbourhood’s informal feel, serving classic cocktails, signatures and a wide selection of gins.
Another staple of the neighbourhood, Deus Café brings the world of the Australian motorcycle, cycling and surf brand to Isola, channeling it into a venue with a bold, unmistakable identity. The space evokes a creative workshop, blending craftsmanship, thoughtful details and a passion for unique pieces, while the menu features wine, cocktails, drinks and contemporary food, often enjoyed in the leafy courtyard. A reliable favourite, popular with locals and visitors heading to Isola for aperitivo or an informal night out.
