Italy’s fashion capital is also known for an exciting coffee scene, fusing traditional with new. Brush up on the coffee hot spots now before your trip with our experts guide: 24 hours in Milan, with La Cimbali.

Interview with Alessio Pezzoni, Branch Manager, Gruppo Cimbali

In recent years (thanks to tourism) Milan has seen a boom of specialty coffee shops and pastry shops opening across the city.

Every Saturday I visit Rinaldini Pastry located just a stone’s throw from Piazza della Scala and the Duomo. I order the cappuccino (which is perfection!) accompanied by a cupcake or a “gnambelline”,  a doughnuts covered with chocolate ganache.

For a specialty coffee after lunch, I always stop at Bar Nicol (pictured above) where Luca the owner makes us feel very at home. Every detail of the café is well thought out; from the 70’s interior and the antique market furniture, to the selection of specialty coffees all chosen with extreme care. My last order was a Chemex made with Gesha Gallardo from Panama, roasted by HMC. Floral and fruity.

I often work late in the city centre, which is great for an after-work aperitif with colleagues or friends.

My favourite spot is Camparino in Galleria, in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. With its 103 years of history, the American Bar counter and the magnificent Art Nouveau decorations of the 1920s, Camparino is one of those places that remains in your heart. Obviously, we order the classics: Campari or Negroni.

For a good Moscow Mule, you must travel to the Navigli area to newly opened Belè; a restaurant and cocktail bar run by a very creative young chef and Sergio Sbizzera a bartender known throughout the Milanese scene. The selection of specially designed cocktails never disappoints, and sit beautifully alongside the minimal, chic, welcoming and modern ambience.

For more in this series visit The Milan Coffee Festival journal. 

(Interview originally in Italian.)