Head out for an Apertivo-Milan style in the early evening at one of these best 13 bars and see how the Milanese relax and have fun. The aperitivo hour is for the Milanese a meeting point where they can tell each other about the day’s events and where they can have a chat in good company, sipping a cocktail or a glass of wine.
According to Conde Nast Traveler, Aperitivi are
“a type of bittersweet, herbal liqueurs [that] have existed for hundreds of years”
(T. Zielinski, Conde Nast Traveler, May 25, 2021).
But there is no doubt that the King of these herbal liqueurs is Aperol, Italy’s favorite aperitivo.
But in Milan, other liquers and types of Aperitivo are fashionable and the Milanese prefer historic venues and, most of all, rooftop bars. Here are the best to try in central Milan.
Aperitivo hour has taken over Italy, fitting naturally into the rhythm of the Italian day, after the working day ends and before the serious business of dinner needs to be considered.
Of all the places in Italy where you can drink an aperitivo, there’s no other city where there is so much interest, chat, and keeping up with the best places to meet friends for an aperitivo.
1. Terrazza Martini
Always the symbol of Milanese happy hour, Terrazza Martini is an institution in the city.
Located on the 16th floor of a skyscraper in Piazza Diaz, it is the ideal place to indulge in an evening of after-work drinks with a view over the whole city.
It is one of the most famous rooftop terraces in Italy and attracts a young, sexy crowd.
2. Camparino
Camparino in the Galleria is considered one of the best places for aperitivo in the world. It used to be a speakeasy. Here the signature cocktail is the “bitter,” drunk since its opening in 1867.
The Art Nouveau furnishings also make it one of the best bars for stylish architecture and atmosphere.
Tip: The Camparino bar boasts the collaboration of a star chef in its restaurant, Davide Oldani, for the preparation of excellent dishes for lunch or after cocktail hour.
3. Radio Rooftop Milan
One of the trendiest clubs on the Milano scene!
Radio Rooftop is on the tenth floor of the Hotel Me Milan Il Duca and offers guests a well-stocked cocktail list as well as unparalleled views of the city.
Cocktails during aperitivo hour are accompanied by finger food and appetizers such as olives and cold cuts.
The highlight is the rich Sunday breakfast- brunch with appetizers buffet and delicious cocktails.
4. Bar Basso
A historic Milanese eatery on Via Plinio is known for being the place of invention of the Negroni Sbagliato.
Opened in 1933, it was formerly an osteria. Over the years it has become one of the best aperitivo spots in town.
Bar Basso still offers a buffet that is served at your table, combining happy hour with live music.
5. Ceresio7
A place with two swimming pools where you can extend aperitif hours until dinner!
Ceresio7 has won over the city’s young people because of its central location in the Enel Building near Corso Garibaldi and its modern style.
You’ll find one of the best Aperitivo in Milan served at their American Bar which specializes in ‘old school’ cocktails.
6. Il Bar – Bulgari Hotel
Sophie Agata Ambroise’s interior architecture and design make this an elegant and special venue. The Bar is an assortment of private spaces.
Cocktail and beer-based aperitifs alternate with the traditional English afternoon tea in unique settings surrounded by greenery.
At Il Bar you must try the Martini drink and the wide selection of Gin, in my opinion, the best choice for an aperitivo in Milan.
7. Terrazza12
A restaurant bar on the Milanese rooftops (the 9th and 10th floor of the Brian & Barry Building, Piazza San Babila). Eating with such a view makes for a unique experience.
Plus, their Mediterranean dinner menu is a delight and best savored in the company of good wine.
A’Riccione Terrazza12 is a cocktail bar where you can try whatever trending drink the bartender suggests for an aperitivo accompanied by delicious food.
A true example of mixology with 12 brand new signature drinks that can also accompany the courses served in the restaurant.
8. Frida Bar
Frida’s cocktail bar is an interesting combination of art, music, and quality drinks.
It all makes for a unique environment where the posters and photos hanging on the walls make it more like an art exhibition than a place to have an aperitif.
The aperitif hours are accompanied by a rich buffet of food including salads, pasta, bread, and focaccia. Pride of place is the absinthe-based drink, a favorite among locals.
9. Mag Café
Mag Café is a short walk from the Navigli district and reflects the district’s bohemian style.
Open from breakfast until late at night, this small bar is the go-to spot for locals. Here you can blindly rely on the hands of the bartenders, experts in mixology who whip up unique and incredible drinks.
I loved hanging out in the ‘Speakeasy 1930’ corner where you can find lists of special cocktails and wine hidden among the pages of the books on display in the venue.
For this and other reasons, it is considered among the best aperitivo bars in Milan.
10. Cantine Isola
A historic wine shop in the heart of Milan – Cantine Isola is an ideal wine restaurant for wine lovers.
The special feature of this venue is the Tuesday evening poetry reading, an event that attracts many lovers of literature and great wine.
Each glass is accompanied by tapas and is one of the most popular central bars for post-work drinks.
11. Lambrate Brewery (Birrificio Lambrate)
Lambrate Brewery is the story of old schoolmates who decided to start a brewery in the heart of the city. Today it’s a well-known place to eat and have a sip of beer in the company.
Here you can try their self-produced beers as well as dishes based on their beers, such as the famous “birramisu.”
The room is a space decorated in English style with wooden elements alternating with more modern and contemporary ones.
12. Un Posto a Milano
Recommended by the Michelin guide, this courtyard is a true corner of nature in the midst of city chaos.
It is located in the natural oasis of Cascina Cuccagna and where there is a guesthouse, restaurant, vegetable garden, and flower shop.
Everything is produced onsite and so it has come to be considered to be the beating green heart of the Porta Romana neighborhood.
It is also a farmers’ market where you can buy products grown and processed here.
Even the aperitifs are organic and it is possible to taste artisanal spirits – I think these things together make it one of the best aperitivo bars in Milan.
13. Rotonda Della Besana
Finally, the Rotonda della Besana is a late Baroque complex in the Porta Romana area – a courtyard surrounded by arches where drinks such as the classic Milanese Aperol Spritz.
Many events are held at Rotonda Bistrò here such as music-themed nights and art exhibitions. (Somewhat strangely, it is also the home to a Children’s Museum).
Keep Planning Your Trip to Northern Italy
🧳Ultimate Guide to Italy’s Lake Como Beaches
🧳Top 10 reasons why Lake Como winter holidays are magical
🧳10 Best Dolomites Lakes for every kind of vacation + where to stay
🧳Is there an airport in Lake Garda? 8 nearest airports to Italy’s Lake Garda
🧳Most Beautiful Castle on Lake Garda? Here’s the best 13 to choose from
🧳The 17 best beaches Lake Garda has to offer
🧳The New Tuscany? Oltrepo Pavese Travel + Wine Guide
🧳Italy or Greece? A love letter to both and an honest appraisal
