In this article, we will introduce 10 recommended aperitivo places in Milan for each scene!
Speaking of happy hour, Italy has a unique style, and it’s very famous! It’s called “Aperitivo,” and it’s a moment for a drink at the bar before dinner. The characteristic of aperitivo is that when you order a drink, you can have a buffet! I used to go to Aperitivo for dinner.
The time of aperitivo here in Italy is a little late, starting around 18:00 or 19:00. And the buffet is lined up until about 22:00. Although the food will run out after 22:00, the bar is basically open. So, you can enjoy drinks late at night.
On Fridays and Saturdays, bars are full of people. So, it is recommended to make a reservation or to go early at around 19:00!
If you want an aperitivo with a good atmosphere…
1. Fonderie Milanesi
Fonderie Milanesi is a hidden gem located about a 10-minute walk from the Navigli Canal. There is a cute garden, so if the weather is nice, this outside seat is recommended. Their original cocktails and variety of food are amazing, too.
Fonderie Milanesi
Via Giovenale, 7, 20136 Milano MI, Italia
https://www.facebook.com/fonderiemilanesi/
Around 10 euro with buffet
2. The Spirit
Close to Porta Romana train station, The Spirit is renowned for its high-quality cocktails. The food that comes with the drink is also of high quality, such as small sushi and bruschetta. The food isn’t buffet style, but The Spirit is the perfect place for those who are quality conscious. The interior is also fashionable, so check it out.
The Spirit
Via Piacenza, 15, 20135 Milano MI, Italia
Around 15 to 20 euro, no buffet
3. Deus Cafe
Deus Cafe is a cafe and bar run by an Australian brand, Deus ex Machina. Located in the Isola area, where there are many fashionable bars. The large open space outside is always crowded with people, especially on Friday nights.
Deus Cafe
Via Thaon Di Revel 3, 20159 Milano, Italy
http://deuscustoms.com/cafes/milan/
Around 10 euro with buffet
If you want to eat a lot at a low price in Milan
4. Madeira
With a wide variety of their buffet, Madeira is one of the aperitivo bars where I often visited. There are several types of pasta, salads, cheese, prosciutto, edamame, fried, fruits, etc. Anyway, there are many types of food. Also, several kinds of cakes are lined up on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Of course, you can eat as much as you like, so you can refill as much as you like!
Madeira
Viale Monte Nero, 3, 20135 Milano MI, Italia
https://www.facebook.com/CafeMadeiraMilano/
8 euro on the weekdays, 11 euro on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays including buffet
5. La Hora Feliz
About 10 minutes walk from Missori station, La Horra Feliz may be the best aperitivo place for food! Their pasta is often fresh out of the kitchen, and they serve it at your table! Of course, the price is around 10 € (the price varies depending on the type of drink), and it’s a great deal as it comes with a drink and a buffet.
La Hora Feliz
Via S. Vito, 5, 20123 Milano MI, Italia
https://m.facebook.com/lahorafelizmilano/?locale2=it_IT
Around 10 euro, including buffet
6. Mom Cafe
Mom Cafe is where you can have a drink at the lowest price in this area! You can enjoy beer and wine for about 5 to 6 €, buffet included! It’s the cheapest place I’ve been to for aperitivo. Mum Cafe, loved by the locals, is a lively spot where lots of people gather every day!
Mom Cafe
Viale Monte Nero, 51, 20135 Milano MI, Italia
https://www.facebook.com/MOM-Caf%C3%A8-40690217701
Drinks from 5 euro, including buffet
If you want to go to a popular place among Milanese
7. Chinese Box
Chinese Box is one of the popular spots for Milanese, whose owner is Chinese. They serve some Chinese finger food like spring rolls, and their cocktails are stunning. It’s always crowded with people, and it’s a perfect place to have fun with your friends!
Chinese Box
Corso Garibaldi, 104, 20121 Milano MI, Italia
Around 10 euro with buffet
8. Le Biciclette
Le Biciclette is my Italian teacher’s favorite place, and she recommended it. There is plenty of sofas, so it’s perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy Aperitivo.
Le Biciclette
Via Giovanni Battista Torti, 2, 20123 Milano MI, Italia
http://lebiciclette.com/?useLng=en
Around 10 euro including buffet
9. Eppol
Located in the Porta Venezia area where you can find cool bars, Eppol is a popular spot for fashionable Milanese.
Eppol
Via Marcello Malpighi, 7, 20129 Milano MI, Italia
Drinks such as wine and beer are from 6 euro, no buffet
10. Drogherie Milanesi
Drogerie Milanese is recommended for those who want to try traditional aperitivo. Originally, Aperitivo comes with a drink and nuts and tarallini (like a small donut-shaped cracker). Here, you can enjoy traditional Aperitivo. I haven’t tried yet, but it’s one of the places my Italian teacher always recommended.
Drogherie Milanesi
Via S. Marco, 29, 20121 Milano MI, Italia
https://www.drogheriemilanesi.it/
no buffet