Good Bars and Cafes in Downtown (Milan)

Cantine della Vetra

This place is neither just a restaurant nor a specialist wine shop - it is both - and that is what makes it unusual. They serve quality wines here, as well as good food, not just the usual dishes, but first courses and mains that one would not normally eat. Their stated aim is to spread knowledge of all kinds of traditional Italian food. It's popular with the locals. The ambience is pleasant, although not unique.

Gradisca

The speciality here is the Piadina Romagnola, a type of focaccia bread, which is made in the restaurant itself according to a traditional recipe. It is served with various meats for two people. Otherwise you might eat it ready stuffed. The prices are affordable, and the owners are kind. There are also Tigelle and Cassoni. As the name suggests the place is well and pleasantly run, and it cannot fail to bring back memories of the world of Fellini.

Ronchi 78

This is one of those places you are happy to go to when you are in need of a bit of peace and quiet, probably because it is reminiscent of inns from the past. Every evening there is live music to listen to as you sip the Italian wines.

Camparino Bar Zucca

This is one of the places which made Milan famous as a city for drinking. Campari - a well-known drink used for cocktails or drunk on its own - was invented here in 1867. The splendid Galleria is opposite the Duomo, and the raised panoramic hall is decorated in period style. Zucca In Galleria is a fantastic place that illustrates culture and history. It claims to be an institution, and not a cafe. Whatever you ask for will be given to you, whether you are a VIP, a tourist or a local.

Gelateria Arcade

This elegant and formal gelateria is one of the most refined in Milan. Bang in the centre, it is ideal for aperitifs, chatting, or for a quiet after-dinner drink. Artists, models and businessmen can often be found there, as well as anyone who likes good ice cream. As one would expect in a place like this, there is quiet background music. During the winter they serve hot chocolate and all kinds of tea.

Charleston

A Famous restaurant in the city center, Charleston is popular for its fresh buffalo milk mozzarella pizzas. Customers are served delicious and authentic Tuscan fare with its heap of fish and varieties of meat dishes. You can opt to sit at the outdoor terrace and enjoy you view as you savor the mouthwatering pastas, or cutlets with fries. The enoteca has some fine wines that will go well with your flavorful meals.

In Piazzetta

In Piazetta is located in Piazza Santa Maria del Suffragio near to the church. It is in the centre on Via XX San Marco which takes you from Linate to the Madonnina. It is a romantic venue, with an intimate, relaxed atmosphere, ideal for a romantic encounter. A good glass of wine as an aperitif, an antipasto and a good national or more exotic dish. Inside in winter and in the garden in summer, there is accompanying soul, acid jazz or 60s, 70s, and 80s music. Luncheon vouchers also accepted.

Cafè Tabac La Loggia

On Via Larga from the pavement you will see an old tobacco bar, its colours faded with time. But we can imagine it at night time in the basement, when it livens up becoming a world of cocktails, music and colours. There is live acid jazz, funk or rap on Saturdays with red carpet and old style frescoes - just the ingredients necessary for a special evening. Not far from the cathedral in the heart of Milan, but almost hidden from the world by this tobacco bar, you'll feel like a real clandestine!

The Old Fox Pub

At the Old Fox Pub you can drink beer, have lunch or dinner, every day except Sunday. If you haven't got anything on next Tuesday we recommend you get down there - you won't be disappointed. Get up at 9, get on the tube, get off at Sant'Agostino and go to the Viale Papinaiano market. This is one of Milan's most famous markets, for special events and good quality products at low prices. You can do your shopping and then lunch at the Old Fox In winter you will find dishes from all over Lombardy such as smoked meats and Milanese cutlets. In summer there are cold dishes and salads. The atmosphere is typically English, with beer on tap from England, Ireland and Scotland.

Antica Gelateria del Corso

Add this as a stop on any itinerary that brings you to the Galleria del Corso. The historical building, filled with elegant furnishings, is spread over three floors to hold the large number of people who come here everyday to try one of its delicious specialities, or for a cup of coffee. The Nescafé machine is a real novelty and can serve six different types of coffee. The weekend brunch from noon-4p on Saturdays and Sundays includes American-style buffet foods, sliced meats, salads, cakes and ice creams.

Boccondivino

The Boccondivino a wine bar has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and can only seat about forty people. It is the ideal place to spend a quiet evening with a good glass of wine in your hand. Its clientele is mainly made up of professionals who for business dinners prefer something more unusual like the Boccodivino to a typical restaurant. You can come here for an aperitif, to have one for the road, or for dinner. The menu is mainly based on cold meats and cheeses.

La Creperie per Fame o per Passione

La Creperie per Fame o per Passione is a very small pancake café with a capacity to accommodate a very few visitors. It is essentially a take-away, although there is usually a crowd of people gathered on the pavement outside. It is best to stay nearby in case you decide you want another one. All the pancakes are exquisite, and the specialities also include Cream and Fresh Fruit, Walnuts Waffles with White Chocolate.