5 Best Coffee Shops in Milan for Coffee and Pastries

5 Best Coffee Shops in Milan for Italian Coffee and Pastries

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   Marchesi 1824

   Founded in 1824, Marchesi 1824 is one of Milan's oldest pastry shops and an important part of the city's traditional café culture. The historic branch on Via Santa Maria alla Porta is particularly worth visiting for its elegant interiors, featuring coffered ceilings, antique mirrors, and beautifully arranged pastry displays. The brand has been part of the Prada Group since 2014. The menu brings together Italian coffee classics and an extensive selection of handmade sweets. Order an espresso alongside a freshly baked croissant, a praline, or one of its signature pastries. Marchesi is also known for its panettone, a traditional Milanese sweet bread usually associated with Christmas but available throughout the year.

   For a more affordable experience, order at the counter rather than taking a table. An espresso costs approximately €1.80 at the bar, while pastries start at around €3. Its historic setting and traditional menu make Marchesi a worthwhile stop for visitors who want to experience Milan's pastry heritage in one place.

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   ~€1.80 espresso at bar; pastries from ~€3View on mapVisit Marchesi 1824
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   Pavé

   Pavé on Via Felice Casati is a modern favourite for Milan’s pastry and coffee scene. Opened in 2012 by three friends, it has built a reputation for freshly baked viennoiserie, seasonal brioches, tarts and focaccia. The two display cases showcase both sweet and savoury options, making it a good stop for breakfast or a light lunch. A cappuccino and plain brioche cost around €4.20 at the counter, before any extras.

   Best for: Travellers staying near Porta Venezia who want quality pastries and coffee in a relaxed, informal setting.

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   ~€5–6 at counter; pastries from €2View on mapVisit Pavé Milano
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   Pasticceria Cucchi

   Opened in 1936 on Corso Genova, Pasticceria Cucchi is a historic Milanese café that has preserved the traditions of Italian pastry-making for generations. This family-run spot is known for its elegant interiors, vintage atmosphere and display counters filled with classic Italian sweets. Its selection includes freshly baked brioches, cakes, tarts and seasonal pastries, with panettone available year-round. The café is also a good place to try traditional Milanese specialities alongside an espresso or cappuccino. Order a brioche and a macchiato at the counter, then take a short walk towards the Navigli canal district to explore its waterside streets and cafés.

   Best for: Budget-conscious travellers and anyone looking to experience traditional Milanese café culture in a historic, neighbourhood setting.

   ~€1.20 espresso; pastries from ~€2View on map
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   Orsonero Coffee

   Orsonero near Porta Venezia is one of Milan’s early specialty coffee pioneers, offering a different take on the city’s traditional espresso culture. Alongside classic espresso, you’ll find rotating single-origin beans, AeroPress and pour-over brews that highlight different flavour profiles. It’s a great stop for travellers who want to experience Milan beyond its historic espresso bars and standing-at-the-counter coffee ritual.

   Travel tip: Order a traditional espresso first, then try a filter coffee to compare Italy’s classic coffee culture with Milan’s modern specialty scene. Prices vary by drink and brewing method.

   ~€1.50 espresso; pour-over ~€4View on map
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   Cafezal Specialty Coffee

   Cafezal Specialty Coffee is another strong option for visitors interested in Milan's growing specialty coffee scene. Founded in 2017 by Italian-Brazilian coffee professional Carlos Bitencourt, the business focuses on roasting its own beans and introducing customers to different coffee origins and flavour profiles. Its menu includes traditional espresso alongside filter coffee and other specialty preparations. The café also serves pastries and bagels, making it a practical stop if you want something to eat alongside your coffee. One of its distinguishing features is its roasting approach. Rather than relying only on familiar Italian espresso blends, Cafezal offers coffees with different origins and characteristics, giving visitors an opportunity to explore how roasting and brewing affect the final cup. The Brera branch at Via Solferino 27 is particularly convenient if you are exploring one of Milan's most central neighbourhoods. With several locations across the city, it is also worth checking which branch is closest to your itinerary.

   Best for: coffee-first travellers who want to try beans roasted in Milan itself.

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   ~€2–5 specialty drinksView on map