Things to do in Milan: Top 10 best aperitivo spots for this Summer
Milan Design Agenda has an exclusive list of 10 best aperitivo spots for this Summer! How this sound to you? The finest and chicest Milan rooftops, lounge music, friends hangout…a ridiculous theme to complete your “Things to do in Milan”, at the same time you improve your Milan City Guide!
Milan’s balmy nights and long-shadowed sunsets were made for aperitivo time. No one does dinner here any more. Why would you when for the price of a spritz you can sample-size some the best Italian dishes and relax in the late-evening sunshine for hours on end? Restaurants serve up sumptuous Italian cuisine with an urban flair to be sampled alongside excellent hand-made cocktails.
Camparini bar
Opened by Gaspare Camapri in 1867, the Camparini in Galleria was once frequented by Verdi, Tosacanni, Dudovich and Carrà. The Negroni is (of course) where it all began but a Both Zucca and Campari have bid for ownership of the bar over the last 150 years, so until 2012 Zucca had held the crown for 16 years. Italians: The maybe fickle with their names but the aperitivo here remains consistently good.
Fonderie Milanesi
Now when it comes to Milan, most good things are hidden, but none more so than here. Tucked away behind gates alongside the tram depot, this restored 19th century farmhouse offers a rustic yet delicious aperitivo using fresh local ingredients. Order the Barolo and fill your plate.
Located in the historic quarter of Brera Design District, N’ombre de Vin has occupied the old refectory of the Augustan friars of Milan. Specialising in Italian wines of rare value, as well as old favourites and specialities, this is the place to join the locals on a Friday night. Throughout the year the bar organises wine and food tasting evenings. For an extra special evening book ahead for a private tasting by candlelight in the cellar to try special pairings of food and wine as well as the more prestigious labels. Aperitivo features excellent cold cuts, cheeses, salads and pastas, as well as a full dinner menu.
Bar Basso
The original aperitivo: The drinks are why come, expertly mixed, especially in during the design and fashion weeks, when it’s great for a celeb sighting. In the heat of summer, the locals spill out onto the pavement and the atmosphere is laid back and old fashioned.
Bulgari Hotel
In 2014, Il Restaurant at the Bulgari Hotel introduced a new Neapolitan Chef. Roberto Di Pinto’s concept is Italian food with a twist, and this attention is also given to the now-famous aperitivo served between 6.30-9pm. His family recipes for pasta, salads and fresh vegetables are extraordinary and all artfully arranged in one of the most beautiful spreads in Milan. Bulgari Hotel Milan Bar….besides being one of the exquisite and best bars in Milan!
Styled like a French Bistro, Cinc specialises in Martini cocktails and finger food. Bruschetta, seasonal vegetables and antipasti all served with glorious attention to detail add to the superior atmosphere set by the lovely square the restaurant is in.
H club Diane at Sheraton Diana Majestic
The central Art Deco hotel is must-visit in Milan, but even better is its garden and aperitivo. Take a seat at the pool-side and watch Milan’s glamourous locals come to enjoy the late evening sunshine and delicious light buffet. Make sure to check their programme for when world-famous DJs come to play at the weekends.
Ceresio 7
No true Milanese would leave this gem of a location off the list: A restaurant, cocktail bar, two rooftop pools, all on top of the house of Dsquared2. The designers’ influence hasn’t been overlooked from any element. The food, the sunset, the drinks, everything is wonderfully aesthetic and wonderfully Milan. One of the best bars in Milan!
Il Foyer at Fours Seasons Hotel
The aperitivo scene at the Four Seasons Hotel Milano’s Il Foyer bar radiates relaxed elegance. Trendy fashion industry types, business executives and stylish people about town catch-up and debate the news of the week while sipping Il Foyer’s legendary and creative cocktails.
Bar Martini
The result of a collaboration between Martini® and Dolce & Gabbana, this restaurant and bistrot in Montenapoleone has an beautiful terrace, exquisitive (of course) decoration and a Sicilian themed menu and aperitivo. Unlike other ‘brand’ bars and restuarants, Bar Martini has a surprisingly friendly and relaxed atmosphere, just make sure to book a table in advance.