Marchesi 1824, Santa Maria Alla Porta, monte napoleone, galleria vittorio emanuele

Built inside the walls of an 18th century historical palazzo, Marchesi has been a landmark of the city of Milan since 1824 and, today, it still echoes those times when Milan was a classy ‘salotto’. Marchesi means daily fresh patisserie and during Christmas times, the best delicate and exquisite Milanese panettone. We recommend enjoying a full tour of the area next to Via Santa Maria alla Porta or Monte Napoleone district in the early morning, and then stopping at Marchesi for a sweet cappuccino with a just freshly baked brioche that will instantly melt in your mouth. We suggest to avoid Saturday mornings, because you will be standing outside, staring at the brightly-coloured shop windows with shimmering eyes, surrounded by the scent of sugar as clients leave the closing door behind their back, with a glorious smile on their face that undeniably implies that they are ready to start their day after their sweet stop. When you enter Marchesi, you will be quickly woken up by the smell of the fresh espresso and you will be amazed by the classy and unique furnishings dating back to the 20th century, while biting one of their delicious fresh fruit pastry tartlets. You should not leave the café, without having tried the “Torta Paradiso” also known as: “Paradise Cake”, an unmistakably soft vanilla cake that will take you straight to heaven in just one bite.

Caffè Fernanda, Pinacoteca di Brera

You will never bump into Caffè Fernanda, but you will easily find it inside the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of the most impressive ancient and modern art galleries that Milan offers: its café and bistrot surely could not be inspired by someone unworthy of its name. We are talking about a woman that can be considered the forerunner of heroic undertakings and socio-political emancipation: Fernanda Wittgens, the first woman in Italy to direct a public museum. After the death of her mentor Ettore Modigliani, Fernanda worked hard to provide the reconstruction of the Pinacoteca di Brera after the devastating bombings in August 1943. In 1950 the “Grande Brera” was inaugurated. Today, Angela Adamo (head chef) continues to honour the tradition of women-led institutions by managing one of the classiest cafés in Milan. All products are genuine, exquisitely Italian and carefully selected from local suppliers that support social initiatives - in line with the educational purpose that a museum should always entail. The café is characterised by blue, pink and mustard colours and offers 32 seats indoor and another 40 outdoors, facing the breath-taking view of the Pinacoteca. Enjoy your breakfast, order a cannolo- traditional Sicilian tube-shaped shell of pastry dough, filled with sweet ricotta cheese and do not forget to visit the fascinating gallery!

Sant'Ambroeus, Corso Matteotti

Inspired by the Patron of the city that hosts it, Sant'Ambroeus is another long-standing institution in Milan. Founded in 1936 by Teresa Cattaneo, this pastry shop later became a cultural spot where the Italian aristocracy and bourgeoisie gladly spent their time, indulging in all sorts of patisserie delicacies whilst enjoying endless conversations. The furnishings still reveal the sumptuousness of such era through elegant Murano chandeliers. Another speciality in Sant'Ambroeus is chocolate, a product that requires impeccable treating and fine skills: Maitre chocolatiers prepare chocolate briquette in all forms and shapes, amongst which you cannot miss the typical Ambrogiotto, filled with zabaione cream. Sant'Ambroeus creativity never ceases to amaze its sophisticated clientele by installing praline and sugar decorations in ultra-decorated panettoni, that resemble Santa Claus or folkloristic characters. Top-level artisanal expertise and traditional first-class pastry offers, is what makes Sant'Ambroeus a unique place for all Milanese. 

Bastianello, via borgogna

When strolling around the centre of Milan you surely cannot skip this café, as it stands at the very heart of San Babila, in Via Borgogna. Once you step in, you will be immediately captured by the Christmas spirit, as the glittering products lighten up the scene just like an enchanted fairytale. Multiple waiters behind the counter rapidly make thousands of espressos to a fast-changing clientele that rushes to the Quadrilatero della Moda for festive or everyday shopping activities. If you are not in a rush, we highly suggest to take some time to sit down and enjoy the detailed indoor décors while sipping a hot chocolate or coffee paired with a brioche alla crema. The pastries are all exceptional and the croissant selection has satisfied guests from all over the world. If you want to be in the epicentre of the most vibrant intersection of Milan, Bastianello is the perfect place to be to start your day gloriosuly.

Gattullo, PIAZZALE PORTA LUDOVICA

Last but not least, Gattullo has been mastering perfection since 1961, belonging to the list of the “Locale Storici” (historical places) in Italy. The owners originally came from Puglia, (Southern Italy) from where they have imported their unique artisanal style and impeccable hospitality skills that highly distinguishes them. This family-run pastry shop has accomplished numerous rewards throughout the years, ranging from the “Panettone tipico della tradizione artigiana milanese” (Traditional Artisanal Milanese Panettone) to the “Diploma con Medaglia d’Oro 1988” (1988 Golden Medal Diploma), assigned by the Chamber of Commerce of Milan. Gattullo is the place where “sweet tooth” kind of people will not resist trying all sorts of sweet products. Absolute musts are their classic cakes: Primavera, Carlina and Fabiola, but we also recommend surprising your loved ones with a special Gattullo box made of hazelnut or pistachios Cremini and Gianduiotti to enrich and bring their sweet Italian experience to another level. And as the weather gets better around Spring, enjoy your breakfast in the lovely “Gattullo Garden”.

BY THE ITALIAN CAPSULE (ITALIAN LIFESTYLE AND TRAVEL AGENCY)