Good Bars and Cafes in Navigli-Porta Ticinese (Milan)

Joe Pena's

If you like Latin American food in an authentic setting, dress up for dinner here and don't think about the cost. The décor is all South American in style, with warm colors, green leaves and wooden tables. Popular with the fashionable, but not so young crowd who enjoy the loud music and tequila cocktails. Guacamole, enchiladas, chicken and beef fajitas, hamburgers and other Mexican specialties are all made with good quality meat. You might want to taste the deliciously rich chocolate desserts served here, it will keep you coming back for more! You can also avail of their catering services during important business or private events. Check website for more details.

Caffé Viarenna

This is famous for its early morning croissants, ideal after a night out in the local bars around the canal. But it is also famous for the abundance of tasty snacks served as an aperitif. There is something here for everyone, from vegetables in 'pinzimonio' to cold pasta, jacket potatoes, canapes and plenty of other novelties. Caffe Viarenna is near to the park eith the two Basilicas in front and is an old entrance point to the city. Almost overlooking the canal. The shop window overlooking the Corso di Porta Ticinese is an invitation that is difficult to refuse. All types of desserts are elegantly laid out on different trays. How can you not come in and have a nice Capuccino, Tea or Hot Chocolate. Happy hour from 6p-9p and take away service. Luncheon vouchers accepted.

Al panino '900

The Panino 900 is near Milan's vity centre and makes for a great place to have a beer or two, the pastel coloured pub, in vague art nouveau style with its mirrors, glass tables and velours sofas offers a great satmopshere. There is a wide selection of rolls including some specialitites such as Arabic bread, piadine and hot pop corn. Beers include Kapuziner, McEwan's Lager, John Martin and Behamish Stout. The bar is closed on Sundays. 

Officina 12

This is a newly opened restaurant which has already gained popularity among the young Milanese. The internal garden under the shade of an umbrella, with its white directors' chairs is really noteworthy. This is a very large restaurant like many old style pizzerias on the canals but is very pretty. Well looked after, elegant and sophisticated in its simplicity: antique pieces, paneling, wooden tables and beams. There are excellent pizzas cooked in the wood stove as well as traditional dishes with starters, main courses etc. Good selection of drinks to accompany the food or as aperitifs.

Marilyn Café

From the charm of Milan's canals to a totally different kind of eternal charm; the fascination of Marilyn in all poses is reflected in the many images of her which are arranged in this place. It is a bar that serves hot and cold food, and is warm and welcoming with background music and a large tv screen that shows the Sunday football match. It offers over 60 kinds of beer as well as sandwiches, toasts, crepes, foccaccia and desserts.

Pro e Contro

Ripa di Porta Ticinese is one of the most beautiful streets in Milan, near the Navigli, the park of Due Basiliche and the San Lorenzo Columns. In summer, it is better to park away from this area and walk. This bar is divided into two rooms, the first of which has a wooden balcony and few tables, and the second which has a small stage for live music shows. The speciality of the place is its fresh fruit cocktails including the delicious 'Gaugin'.

Tango

This place is on the street that links Porta Genova with the Alzaia Naviglio Grande. Walking along this street, you are catapulted into another dimension, away from the city and it feels as if you are in ancient Milan or a country village. There are many bars here, in the heart of Milan's drinking area.

Cadillac Café

This bar is in the perfect style of a 50's American Bar. The music also comes from this same period but there's something for everyone. Depending on the night, there is Blues, Rock, Funky, Rap, Hip Hop, Commercial and Latin American. Themed evenings and special events are organised are all waiting plenty to discover. Ideal for making new friends, having a beer with friends or sipping cocktails in a really transgressive atmosphere. As well as the snacks for aperitifs, and rolls, you can also have dinner here. Happy hours lasts from noon-midnight.

Le Due Facce

Via Binda is an extension of Via Pestalozzi, leaving from the canal and running parallel to the dock on Via Malaga. It is right in the middle of the canal area, but in one of the less busy parts, keeping an atmosphere like that seen on old sepia postcards. Le due Facce has a very refined air, with appetising food and well made cocktails. Tuesdays are traditionally live music evenings. As well as the café and cocktail bar, this venue is also a restaurant, even open at lunchtime.

Bar Metals

Bar Metals, inside Trattoria Toscana, is one of the best places in Milan to enjoy a nice aperitif with snacks. Its hot Mini Pizzas, Meat Loaves, Bruschetta, Anchovies, and Salmon Toasts were famous throughout Milan. It was said that in Trattoria Toscano an aperitif was like having a meal as they were of the same price! Today there are few places in Milan that do not offer aperitifs with snacks but Bar Metals remains special due to its beautiful garden and large apple tree under which you can enjoy a long drink, beer or cocktail in the summer months.

Bambù Hall

This pub has the good fortune of being located in the up and coming area of Via Savona, Via Voghera and Via Tortona. It has only recently opened and is still pretty much undiscovered. Some times it is frequented by male and female models between photo shoots. It is the type of American bar with a long, curved bar with tables and stools in the middle of the first room and well equipped tables in the second room. By the entrance there is a large window which has an aquarium all along it with plenty of coloured fish. Bamboo canes are everywhere. Reasonable prices and pleasant background music.

Maharajà

Drinking in Milan has moved eastwards. And on the canal, one of old Milan's more traditional areas, venues are flourishing that have very little in common with our city. Such as this large restaurant full of statues, tropical plants, iron objects, handmade tiles, steps and elephants with embellished foreheads. The decor and sofas bring to mind the English colony of India, and even the food has an oriental flavour, with tandoori chicken and Indian style fish. Among the cocktails are Mia Tai, Mojito, Colonial Singapore and Cosmo Black Rum.