The Accessible Side of Fine Dining: 5 Restaurants in Milan to Discover at Lunch 
Weekend in Lido di Jesolo: The Ultimate Guide for an Unforgettable Stay 
Milan is the city of hectic paces and last-minute commitments, of leisurely breakfasts or a quick espresso, of dinners with friends, family, and sweethearts, in a blend of scents, colours, and flavours. A city in perpetual motion, from the first light of dawn until nightfall: and it is precisely when sunset makes its way through the city streets, reflecting off the buildings and façades of the Milanese districts, that the quintessential ritual of the Milanese capital – the much-loved aperitivo – takes centre stage, setting the scene for the best toasts among friends and timeless chats. Milan is the aperitivo and the aperitivo is Milan.
Whether you’re in the shadow of the Madonnina (the statue atop the Duomo), immersed in the frenzy of the eclectic setting of Porta Venezia or Porta Romana, among the romantic little streets of the bohemian Brera district and the trendy signs of Moscova, overlooking the quiet waters of the Navigli (canals) or among the futuristic buildings connecting the quintessential Milanese biker district of Isola to the Stazione Centrale (Central Station) area, nothing is left to chance. Iconic addresses for signature mixology, glamorous atmospheres, chameleon-like locations and a balanced play of flavours and heady aromatic notes will conquer palates and pupils, as you discover the best aperitivos in Milan, district by district.
CENTRO STORICO (HISTORICAL CENTRE)
CAMPARINO IN GALLERIA
Piazza Duomo, 21
Camparino in Galleria is the quintessential glamorous and sophisticated Milanese destination, reflecting the timeless elegance of a city that loves centuries-old tradition on the one hand, but craves innovation on the other. When the sun begins to set, reflecting off the city’s rooftops, let yourself be guided by the charm of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and step into this historic location, perfect for an aperitivo the Milanese tradition dictates, amid secular architecture and design elements. You’ll relive the splendour and events of the iconic “Milano da bere” (Drinking Milan) era, with a sip of Campari-Seltz or Negroni in the shadow of the Madonnina.
MANDARIN GARDEN
Via Andegari, 9
The beating heart of the elegant hotel of the same name, the Mandarin Garden is the perfect location for an exclusive aperitivo at sunset. A sophisticated interplay of black and white marble, design furnishings, a large central counter and a view of the marvellous inner courtyard nestled between the buildings of the historical centre will make your experience unique with expertly crafted mixology, enriched by a refined Oriental twist of spicy notes and excellent alcoholic bases. Lounge music and a cosmopolitan atmosphere for a toast in timeless Milanese style.
TERRAZZA 12
Via Durini, 28
Inspired by the vibrant New York vibes, Terrazza 12 is nestled on the top floor of the Brian&Barry Building and boasts an unparalleled view of the historical centre. A venue where Mixology Art is expressed through an excellent selection, featuring Signature cocktails and international blends to be sipped alongside tasty savoury bites. A panoramic aperitivo, featuring international atmospheres and expertly crafted mixology.
COLIBRÌ
Via Laghetto, 9/11
A literary café that transforms into a meeting place for chats and drinks. This is Colibrì, a delightful spot just steps away from the Statale University that, stemming from a love for literature and sharing happy moments with company, has created a multifaceted space where you can browse books, meet friends, and enjoy an aperitivo surrounded by the intoxicating scent of printed paper. Have you already chosen your favourite title, or rather, cocktail?
VINO VINO
Piazza Sant’Alessandro, 3
Overlooking one of Milan’s most beautiful and romantic squares, in the heart of the historical centre, the Vino Vino wine bar has been a city landmark since 1967, thanks to a varied selection of around 500 labels, including quality Italian and international options. A place for meeting and tasting, Vino Vino welcomes its guests at aperitivo time with a rich selection of reds, whites, and sparkling wines, accompanied by tempting regional cured meats and cheese platters and delicious kitchen offerings.
PORTA VENEZIA
1930 SPEAKEASY
Secret Address
A secret location, shrouded in mystery and a timeless atmosphere: 1930 was born during the American Prohibition era, or so this retro-style cocktail bar from the large Mag Navigli family seems to suggest. An excellent Milanese speakeasy, here at sunset you can delight in the Signature cocktails by Flavio Angiolillo & Co. in a whirlwind of alcoholic blends and intoxicating olfactory notes, accompanied by a pleasant musical backdrop from bygone eras. A spacetime escape for a perfect toast in the cradle of the city’s “good drinking”.
EPPOL
Via Marcello Malpighi, 7
Nestled in the beating heart of Porta Venezia’s nightlife, Eppol represents the perfect blend of grunge and retro style. A kaleidoscopic all day (& night) long establishment that also showcases itself as an excellent cocktail bar, thanks to a rich selection of cocktails with international notes, featuring homemade crushed ingredients and seasonal elements, accompanied by tempting bites. Let yourself be won over by a timeless atmosphere, featuring vintage-style lampshades, antique wood, and a large green-friendly wall, characterised by climbing green plants among the iconic exposed bricks of this decidedly unconventional venue.
EPPOL PIE
Via Lecco, 4
A meeting place where excellent mixology meets cooking made with love, with a special mention for the desserts. Eppol Pie is an establishment with a convivial atmosphere and refined aesthetic, a location that echoes the charm of a contemporary Parisian bistro where you can be won over by Signature Cocktails perfect for a toast with company, from the orange glow of sunset until nightfall.
EPPOLINO
Via Melzo, 28
Eppolino is your place to be in Porta Venezia, a corner of tropical Cancún translated into the vibrancy of a venue on Via Melzo. The Cocktail bar is part of the Eppol family, which also includes the nearby Eppol Pie and its Porta Romana cousin, Dhole. Inside, the frenzy of the most colourful country in Central America is felt and seen everywhere, from the floral and vegetal decorations cascading from the ceiling, to the drinks list discovered by reading original tarot cards, and the fusion dishes offered from aperitivo time onwards. Chupacabra, Alebrije, and Chamàn are just a few of the names of the venue’s signature cocktails, blends based on Tequila and Mezcal (and other Mexican spirits) expertly crafted to transport the customer directly to the colourful streets of Mexico City.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Viale Piave, 1
Repeatedly included in the list of the 50 best bars in the world, this is a mixology mecca, a true experimental laboratory. Dario Comini’s unpredictable genius is evident in all his creations, which constantly surprise: cocktails will be served to you in a trainers/sneaker, a small bathtub, or perhaps a skull. Of course, the great classics are available, but our advice is to let yourself be amazed by the staff’s incredible creations. Ideal for an unconventional aperitivo.
LÙBAR
Via Palestro, 16
Where the carriages of Villa Reale once stood, today a bistro inspired by the most authentic Sicily extends into the internal courtyard of the GAM (Gallery of Modern Art), with a marvellous winter garden that opens out into a charming, tranquil dehors during the warmer months. LùBar tells the story of the Trinacria tradition with a genuine and carefully curated offering that features a refreshing selection of cocktails for aperitivo, from international blends to reinterpretations with Mediterranean scents, wines, and sparkling wines, accompanied by delightful miniature arancini (rice balls) and savoury bites.
TERRAZZA PALESTRO
Via Palestro, 2
Terrazza Palestro is where anyone would love to sit for a peaceful aperitivo with a view of the splendid Indro Montanelli Gardens. The venue, with its classic and elegant look, has an enchanting terrace that blends seamlessly with the park thanks to the decorative vegetation, a green asset that makes it an unforgettable destination for food & drink addicts. From 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, the staff at Terrazza Palestro will spoil you with their offering of delicious aperitivo snacks and signature cocktails, prepared by expert bartenders to meet, with a touch of style, the fantasies of those looking for a fresh and original blend.
PORTA ROMANA
DHOLE MILANO
Via Gerolamo Tiraboschi, 2
An unprecedented tour of Asia on the trail of the dhole, a reddish-furred animal that, starting from the remote lands of India, reaches China and the Philippines. A “tour around the glass”, to be discovered in this refined Porta Romana venue that will lead you to explore, or rather taste, the flavours and scents of distant countries and cultures, thanks to a unique cocktail list where spicy notes and alcoholic bases intertwine, tantalising your taste buds, accompanied by delicious bites with a strictly international theme.
LACERBA – QUISIBEVE
Via Orti, 4
For a guaranteed successful aperitivo, let yourself be won over by Lacerba’s amazing blends, a space dedicated to Milanese good drinking, alongside the eponymous restaurant. A name inspired by the famous literary magazine Lacerba, founded during the Futurist movement by the flair and ingenuity of the thinkers of the time. An eclectic venue with vintage charm, characterised by an unpredictable cocktail list, with constantly evolving fruity and spicy combinations, sparkling wines, glasses of wine, and platters with home-made snacks, also in a vegan version.
LES ROUGES
Via Gerolamo Tiraboschi, 15
From the heart of Liguria to Milanese soil, here is an address bearing the signature of three red-haired (and red-bearded) brothers, with a Genoese heart and a Milanese soul. After the success received in Liguria, Benny, Jonatan, and Yoel return to the city where they grew up with an eclectic food and wine project, with a young and vibrant mood. An LED sign, minimalist design, and a constant succession of wine bottles: this is the setting for an aperitivo with the scents of the Riviera, featuring a glass of fresh Vermentino, a breaded anchovy, and an inevitable tray of freshly baked focaccia.
IL CAVALLANTE
Via Lodovico Muratori, 3
Il Cavallante is an unmissable gem for wine lovers, whether you are experienced oenophiles or beginner drinkers. The warm and welcoming atmosphere hosts an excellent and varied selection of labels, to be enjoyed alongside unforgettable platters of fragrant cured meats. Here you can drink at the bar, in the old style, or seated around the wine bar’s tables, and if indecision makes your choice difficult, let the host advise you: they will certainly know how to find what’s right for you and your aperitivo.
BRERA/MOSCOVA
N’OMBRA DE VIN
Via San Marco, 2
Let yourself be transported by the charm of a venue with a story to tell: N’Ombra de Vin. A wine bar with pouring service, established in the place of the old 16th-century refectory of the Augustinian Friars next to the Basilica of San Marco, featuring a vaulted ceiling, stone flooring and walls, and columns. Here large tables host glasses of wine from an exceptional offer of labels, from small and large producers. Don’t miss the intoxicating atmosphere and the culinary proposals to accompany your aperitivo at N’Ombra, breathing in the Milan of the past that still has much to reveal.
CINC
Via Marco Formentini, 5
Overlooking one of Brera’s most romantic little squares where time seems to have stood still, Cinc is a meeting place and a hub of excellent Mixology Art, where you can gather at sunset to sip an expertly prepared drink or a glass of wine. Signature cocktails and international blends alternate with delicate non-alcoholic options, paired with savoury bites, including cured meats and cheeses of excellent quality. A venue “with a view” of the most magical Milan, for an unforgettable toast.
CASA IBERICA
Via Mercato, 3
Casa Iberica will welcome you at aperitivo time, making you forget for a few hours that you are in Milan, on a journey into the most authentic flavours of Spain: from strong fruity sangria carafes to fragrant platters with regional products, pan y tomate terrines, and fish, meat, and vegetable tapas. Let yourself be won over by the local cellar with Spanish labels and international options to be sipped by the glass, and venture to the counter, where a friendly Spanish accent will provide the backdrop to your evening.
LA TARTINA
Via San Carpoforo, 4
For a delicious aperitivo, take a stroll through the quiet streets of Brera where La Tartina will welcome you, an establishment specialising in the preparation of tasty amuse-bouche. A base of strictly fresh bread, wholemeal or white, combined with cured meats, vegetables, sauces, cheeses, and fish, echoing Venetian recipes, studied seasonally to follow the rhythms of the region and irresistibly tantalise your palate. Colourful and assorted trays, real artist’s palettes to be savoured with all the senses, are served here with crisps and olives, accompanied by glasses of fragrant wine and international-flavoured cocktails.
FIORAIO BIANCHI CAFFÈ
Via Montebello, 7
Opened about forty years ago by Raimondo Bianchi, the historical owner, Fioraio Bianchi maintains the delicate, French atmosphere imprinted by its founder. It has the charm of unexpected places: a bistro and a flower shop, this Parisian corner holds a world of a thousand scents and flavours. A green living room where the aperitivo becomes a special moment: the lights dim and mixology reigns supreme, for a timeless toast with unchanging taste and elegance!
NAVIGLI
OFFICINA MILANO
Via Giovenale, 7
Just steps away from the waters of the Navigli and Porta Ticinese, you’ll find a fascinating New York-style loft boasting a vintage, artistic, and industrial chic style where drinks are prepared thanks to expertly crafted signature mixology—its name is Officina Milano. Included among the World’s 50 Best Bars, this venue reveals a majestic backlit counter and a rich bottle collection where spirits and quality labels take centre stage beneath a vintage-style mirror and a poetic phrase that sparks curiosity and imagination. If the counter accompanies you into the world of drinks, it is the drinks themselves that truly allow you to experience it: between signature cocktails, international blends, and daring combinations, let yourself be swept away by the art of Officina Milano’s expert barmen, for an aperitivo that is finally out of the ordinary.
ITER
Via Mario Fusetti, 1
Aperitivo with a one-way ticket. At number 1 Via Mario Fusetti, in fact, the Navigli are just the starting point for the countless journeys around the world that the Iter team recounts through its innovative drink lists—and menus—to discover flavours, scents, and colours. From the Netherlands to Panama, from France to Estonia, ‘Iter Airlines doesn’t seem to want to stop… who knows what the next destination will be. Meanwhile, let yourself be inspired by the sophisticated selection of Best Of cocktails and kitchen bites, while waiting for a new boarding pass with a surprise destination.
MAG NAVIGLI
Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 43
A haven for signature mixology overlooking the Milanese canals, born from the family of Flavio Angiolillo & Co., unmistakably marked by excellent Mixology Art. Mag Navigli is a place for meeting, chatting, and relaxing, where you can be won over by a surprising drink list, in the spirit of the most authentic “Drinking Milan”. A constantly evolving selection of cocktails – in addition to the timeless Best Of – that tells the extravagant soul of an eclectic location, a little lounge where you can find that much-desired “at-home atmosphere”, between a drink and a delicious bite.
BACKDOOR 43
Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 43
Known as the smallest bar in the world, Backdoor43 has revolutionised the most classic concept of “going out for a drink”, transforming the Naviglio Grande into a true open-air cocktail bar. The ace up the sleeve of this pocket-sized mixology oasis – from the Mag Navigli family – is the “drink away” formula: from Friday to Sunday – from 7:30 PM to 3:00 AM – you can order your cocktail from a small wooden door at number 43 Ripa di Porta Ticinese, and then stroll with your drink in a personalised Backdoor paper cup. Aperitivo with a sunset view, in a takeaway format.
PINCH
Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 63
Pinch – Spirits & Kitchen is an iconic venue on the Naviglio Grande, with an atmosphere inspired by the 1930s and 40s. The vintage design, featuring period-style lounges, antique mirrors, and chandelier lamps, invites a relaxing evening and excellent drinks. Specialising in mixology, Pinch offers a wide selection of creative and tailor-made cocktails, with ingredients like vermouth, Italian bitters, and spices. The welcoming atmosphere and the kitchen, available until late, make this place ideal for aperitivo, both for drinking and for enjoying dishes like burgers, tartare, and homemade desserts.
RITA & COCKTAILS
Via Angelo Fumagalli, 1
An authentic institution of Milanese good drinking that has been rooted in the frantic Navigli district since 2002. A reference point for contemporary mixology featuring experimental techniques and unique pairings, this popular and refined spot wins over customers with its simplicity, the high quality of its cocktails, and an eclectic gastronomic offering. Rita’s symbol is the GinZen, a fresh and spicy drink based on crushed ginger, lime, and gin that you absolutely must try at least once!
RITA’S TIKI ROOM
Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 69
From the waters of the Navigli to the Polynesian ocean: here we are at Rita’s Tiki Room, a venue that consecrates the Tiki philosophy, an ode to lightheartedness in a Milanese corner with Hawaiian atmospheres. Colourful palettes, floral patterns, and a varied cocktail list inspired by the original recipes of Don The Beachcomber, creator of exotic blends, here re-elaborated with excellent raw materials and quality alcoholic bases, including the venue’s flagship, Rum, the spirit par excellence of Tiki culture. Close your eyes and you might just hear the rustling of the waves for a moment: all that’s left is to accompany your pastel-hued drink with tasty kitchen bites.
ISOLA/CENTRALE
MOEBIUS
Via Alfredo Cappellini, 25
A compulsory stop for those who truly want to drink well in a cosmopolitan location with urban-chic charm. Moebius has several souls: cocktail bar, tapas bistro, starred restaurant, and vinyl shop. Souls that live in harmony, making this venue a unique address where you can sip expertly crafted drinks and taste the delicious gourmet tapas conceived by chef Enrico Croati, surrounded by a captivating atmosphere that is very difficult to find elsewhere and, above all… to forget. To truly realise the fascination exerted by Moebius, there’s only one thing left to do: try it right away and return as soon as possible.
TRIPSTILLERY
Piazza Alvar Aalto
Cafeteria, cocktail bar, and artisanal micro-distillery: three ways to say Tripstillery, a Porta Nuova venue by Flavio Angiolillo & Co. Definitely a unicum in the panorama of Drinking Milan, it surprises with an industrial, modern yet welcoming atmosphere. The food menu, from which you can order some snacks to accompany the delicious cocktails made in Tripstillery, is designed for sharing aperitivo time with friends and offers variety according to the season. We really enjoyed the baby squid with tuna, the anchovies, the taralli (ring-shaped crackers) with olives, and the tuna belly. Our advice is to order a drink, enjoy the evening warmed by the excellent blends prepared by the venue’s bartenders, and if you feel like it, indulge in creating your signature spirit.
FRIDA
Via Antonio Pollaiuolo, 3
Frida is a well-known name, nestled among the streets of the bustling Isola district. A cocktail bar, meeting point, and hipster refreshment spot, Frida is the perfect informal location for an aperitivo with company, sipping an artisanal beer, a glass of wine, a refreshing cocktail, and nibbling on something to eat. All while chatting with your old friends, in a young and lively atmosphere, immersed in the verdant and decidedly Instagrammable inner courtyard, dotted with climbing plants and murals.
DEUS CAFÈ
Via Thaon di Revel, 3
In the bustling heart of the city’s biker district, one of the favourite spots for adrenaline lovers, born from the famous Australian brand Deus Ex Machina, could not be missing. You enter Deus Cafè through a small entrance hall that leads to a truly evocative courtyard, studded with pergolas with climbing plants, comfortable sofas, and string lights. A true temple for seekers of good drinking and an unmissable stop for fans of aperitivos in fascinating locations, featuring hipster atmospheres and details with a pronounced biker taste. And those who wish to satisfy more than just a small appetite can stay for dinner because Deus is also a restaurant with a contemporary/international menu.
SEMPIONE
SALMON GURU
Via Ezio Biondi, 4
Salmon Guru, a cocktail bar founded by the celebrated Argentinian bartender Diego Cabrera, has opened its doors in Milan, bringing with it the vibrant energy that made it famous in Madrid and Dubai. Located in the Sempione area, it stands out for its bold and pop design, expressed in 4 distinct environments. The drink list offers both signature cocktails and blends created especially for Milan, such as the “Spaghetti Incident”, based on vodka, sherry, celery cordial, and burrata and tomato foam. The gastronomic offering that accompanies the cocktails is designed for sharing, with a mix of fusion and international flavours, perfect for the aperitivo, but also if you decide to continue the evening here. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, with good music and a varied clientele, consisting of artists, musicians, and well-known figures from the entertainment world off duty.
PIOLA/CITTA’ STUDI
BAOBAR
Via Bartolomeo Eustachi, 24
Baobar, not far from Città Studi, is a cocktail bar with contemporary cuisine. The offering ranges from classic and signature cocktails like the Meeting or the Negroni Zen, to a seasonal drink list with bold and surprising proposals. The aperitivo is a central moment, with a sharing concept perfect for accompanying refined drinks, but it can easily evolve into a casual dinner, thanks to a varied and sustainable menu, featuring ethnic dishes like the much-loved revisited pad thai but also classics like a burger or pork chop. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, with good music and a varied clientele, consisting of artists, musicians, and well-known faces from the entertainment world off duty.
MILORD
Piazza Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Christian Lodi welcomes you to his lounge, perfectly shaped to meet the needs of the refined Milanese nightlife. The 400m² cocktail bar is divided into two levels: on the upper floor, a pleasant environment with English green walls and vintage-style furnishings; on the lower floor, a space where privacy is ensured for private events, relaxing on retro sofas, or playing a game of billiards. In combination with its incredibly fresh signature drink list, Milord offers delicious platters of cured meats and cheeses, olives, and toasted bread slices to share with friends while enjoying the golden hours of sunset in a venue with inimitable style.
BAR BASSO
Via Plinio, 39
… and for an authentic aperitivo as Milanese tradition dictates, a must-visit is the iconic landmark of good city living, the Bar Basso, a venue that, as legend has it, gave birth to the famous Negroni Sbagliato cocktail. Whether you prefer the tables on the dehors or the interiors in the most traditional 80s style, all that’s left is to order your orange-hued drink, accompanied by the essential bowls of crisps, olives, and savoury snacks. Cheers!
