BROKE IN MILAN, BUT MAKE IT CHIC Café’s

The Café’s In Milan - And Where To Find Them:

I’ve been sipping my way through some seriously cute cafés in Milan- in which I have to share. From cozy corners to killer coffee and croissants, here are a few of my fave spots, to good prices as well. Easy to say, though, when coffee in Milan is half the price of what I’d pay in Copenhagen, so let’s dive in!

From Atelier Prado

ESTBAR: Just steps from Porta Genova Station, Estbar is a laid-back, chill environment café/bar with scandi-inspired interior while giving it an edgy look with artsy gadgets, clothes and posters they also sell. Expect quality coffee, natural wines + funky matcha’s. They are also hosting many events in the evening like dj-sets, Mario-car wednesdays and post new podcast-episode’s every week. Go in morning for a work-session with a funky fruit matcha, and come back later with your friends for a spritz to a dj-set. 

Flora et Labora: Along the naviglio pavese you will find this gem. A peaceful plant-filled café that combines a florist shop with a vegan bistro ideal for a work/study session in a green and nurturing environment. In the weekend they are open longer where you can enjoy an aperitivo in the evening or wait for sunday noon to do some people-watching observing folks shopping along Mercado dell’antiquariato in the sun. Read also my post about markets in Milan here: https://www.luvatsecondsight.com/post/broke-in-milan-but-make-it-chic-markets.

From Flora et Labora

Combo: Also located in the Navigli district, combo is more than a café- it is also a hostel, cultural hub with a radio station. The thing I like the most about combo is the aesthetic garden, where you see many students sun-bathing while doing group-projects. Expect also light aesthetic study rooms with big space to the ceiling, perfect for a deep concentration work/study grind. I recommend getting a marocchino and banana bread - my go-to! 

Signor Lievito: Has a minimalist, nordic-inspired interior- serving all kind of delicious carbs, but I recommend getting their speciality: cinnamon buns, cardamom buns and the latvian bulka. Perfect place for breakfast or a little pastry treat throughout the day.

From Signor Lievito

SISU: Is a light café with a warm atmosphere located few steps from Darsena - SISU is also a must-visit for a cozy study session or lovely brunch with your friends. They have unique pastries, a nice brunch menu and homely interior. 

Colibrì: A charming, bohemian café-bookshop, known for its artsy crowd and quiet ambiance with a southern twist. It’s perfect for sipping a cappuccino with a novel or catching a small acoustic gig. 

Hygge: Danish-inspired, cozy and warm which the word “hygge” is an epitome of. Hygge sits in a little corner on the end of Corso Genova. It’s all soft lighting, homey decor and soul-warming food (traditional danish brunch, lunch and pastries, so reminds me of home). Ideal for a rainy afternoon to get fully into the spirit of danish hygge. 

From ESTBAR

Pan: Is sleek, offering delicious unique pastries and matcha’s with mango, strawberry and other fruits. One of Milan’s favorites, a popular place, so expect amazing food and drinks but long que’s also! 

Losté café: Located in the creative lombrate district, Losté is all about simplicity and elegance. Housemade pastries, a refined coffee selection and a lovely staff - make it a quiet standout. 

Le polveri: This micro-bakery near bocconi university has a cult following for its natural, slow-fermented bread and flaky crossaint, with an organic small grocery selection. A tiny place but full of soul- beloved by locals. 

From Combo

NOWHERE: Hidden in Porta Venezia area, NOWHERE is edgy and urban with industrial interior and a strong third-wave coffee game. Great for remote work or a lowkey hangout with friends. 

Atelier Prado: Newly opened café in the Brera district, with amazing brunch and interior as well. This café has also combined a florist shop with a chic café. The first picture from this blog-post is from Atelier Prado- delicious.

That’s it for this week! Stay broke, stay thriving, and stay out of trouble-

Best, Karo<3