Milan, city of fashion and design, is also the home of the aperitivo, a social ritual that has spread throughout Italy and beyond. The tradition of the Milanese aperitivo was born in the 1980s, when the Lombard metropolis was the beating heart of Italy’s economy and nightlife.
Today, we at Meeters, thanks to the many aperitivos and events organized during our activities, will guide you along the Navigli in search of the perfect spot for this or that aperitivo, whether outdoors or indoors. Making new friends by joining an aperitivo is particularly easy and stimulating, which is why we just have to dive right in.
What Is an Aperitivo?
The term aperitivo refers to a convivial moment that usually precedes the evening meal; during these occasions, alcoholic drinks are consumed accompanied by snacks and small food tastings.
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At the heart of the aperitivo is a clear idea: to stimulate the appetite and create a relaxed atmosphere; through this, socializing with others—whether colleagues, friends, or acquaintances—is made easier.
What Does “Milano da Bere” Mean?
In the 1980s, Milan was in the spotlight for its lively cultural scene and glamorous lifestyle. The city’s nightclubs and bars were frequented by personalities from fashion, entertainment, and art, and the aperitivo soon became a fixed appointment for Milanese people.
It was precisely during that period that the expression “Milano da bere” was born, used to describe the sparkling and cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city.
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Aperitivo in Milan?
Milan offers a wide choice of venues and neighborhoods to enjoy an aperitivo with company. The trendiest neighborhoods for aperitivo are Brera, Navigli, Moscova, Isola, and Porta Venezia.
Each of these neighborhoods has its own identity and peculiarities, but all offer a wide selection of venues and different atmospheres to immerse yourself in the tradition of Milanese aperitivo.
Brera
Brera is one of Milan’s most charming and historic neighborhoods, characterized by narrow cobbled streets, art shops, and antique stores. Here you can find some of the city’s most famous historic venues, such as Bar Basso, famous for inventing the Negroni Sbagliato cocktail, and Jamaica, a meeting point for artists and intellectuals since the 1960s.
Navigli
The Navigli are the heart of Milan’s nightlife and represent the ideal place for an aperitivo by the water. Along the canal banks, you’ll find numerous bars and venues offering aperitivos with views of the water, perfect for enjoying a sunset with company.
Moscova
Moscova is one of Milan’s trendiest areas and offers a wide choice of fashionable venues, from the most traditional to the most innovative. Among the most renowned spots is Caffè della Moscova, known for its prosecco-based aperitivos and refined snacks.
Isola
The Isola neighborhood is one of Milan’s most fashionable areas, thanks to its bohemian atmosphere and the presence of numerous bars, restaurants, and design shops. Here you can enjoy an aperitivo in one of the many bars surrounding the neighborhood square, such as Isola della Birra, famous for its wide selection of craft beers.
Porta Venezia
Porta Venezia is a multicultural and lively neighborhood, where historic venues mix with new openings. Among the most famous spots for aperitivo is Old Fashion, an icon of Milanese nightlife located inside Parco Sempione. nightlife Milanese located within Parco Sempione.
Guide to the Trendiest Spots for Aperitivo in Milan
Here is our quick guide to the places to go for aperitivo in Milan.
Traditional Places for Aperitivo in Milan
- Bar Basso: This historic venue in Brera is famous for being the first to introduce the concept of aperitivo in Milan, as well as for inventing the Negroni Sbagliato. Bar Basso offers a refined atmosphere and a wide selection of cocktails and snacks.
- Jamaica: Located in the heart of Brera, Jamaica is a historic venue that has hosted artists, intellectuals, and celebrities. The environment features a retro atmosphere and vintage decor, ideal for a Milanese-style aperitivo.
- Caffè della Moscova: This elegant venue in Moscova offers a wide selection of prosecco-based aperitivos and refined snacks, along with a selection of quality cocktails and wines.
Modern Places for Aperitivo in Milan
- Terrazza Aperol: Located in Piazza Duomo, Terrazza Aperol offers breathtaking views of the cathedral and a modern, sophisticated atmosphere. The venue is famous for its Aperol Spritz-based aperitivos and themed events.
- Dry Milano: This cocktail bar and pizzeria in the Moscova area is known for its trendy atmosphere and aperitivos featuring innovative cocktails and gourmet snacks.
- Radio Rooftop Bar: Located on the top floor of a design hotel, Radio Rooftop Bar offers stunning city views and a chic, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Here you can enjoy high-quality cocktails and refined snacks, accompanied by lounge music and DJ sets.
Most Expensive Aperitivos in Milan: Where to Go
- Just Cavalli: This exclusive venue at the foot of Torre Branca is the favorite hangout of celebrities and fashion personalities. The atmosphere is sophisticated and glamorous, with aperitivos based on champagne and luxury finger food.
- Armani/Bamboo Bar: Located inside the Armani Hotel, Bamboo Bar offers an elegant and refined atmosphere, ideal for a classy aperitivo. Cocktails are meticulously crafted and accompanied by gourmet snacks.
- Ceresio 7: This rooftop bar with a pool offers panoramic city views and an exclusive, relaxed atmosphere. Aperitivos feature high-quality cocktails and refined snacks, with prices matching the luxurious setting.
Where to Find the Most Affordable Aperitivos in Milan
- Bar Magenta: This historic venue in the Cadorna area offers affordable aperitivos and an authentic, informal atmosphere. The aperitivo formula includes a drink and access to a rich buffet of snacks and cold dishes.
- Ostello Bello: Located just steps from the Duomo, Ostello Bello offers a young, international atmosphere and aperitivos based on beer and buffet at very convenient prices.
- Spritz Navigli: This venue along the Navigli is famous for its spritz-based aperitivos and fixed-price buffet, ideal for an affordable yet tasty aperitivo by the water.
Quirky Aperitivos: Where to Go in Milan
- Nottingham Forest: Located in the Porta Venezia area, this venue is known for its experimental cocktails and intimate, evocative atmosphere. The aperitivo offers the chance to taste original and unusual cocktails, accompanied by exotic snacks.
- Elita Bar: Located in the Navigli area, this venue is famous for its eclectic atmosphere and themed aperitivos, ranging from sushi to Latin aperitivos.
- La Grande Mela: Located in the Isola area, this venue with kitsch and colorful decor offers aperitivos based on creative cocktails and colorful snacks, ideal for those who love originality and irony.
What Are the Most Popular Drinks in Milan?
According to informal surveys, in Milan the most popular aperitivo cocktails include Negroni, Negroni Sbagliato, Aperol Spritz, Campari Soda, and Americano.
All these classic drinks are accompanied by a myriad of other venues offering a wider selection of beverages and wines to satisfy customers’ tastes and needs.
Other timeless classics include Moscow Mule, Mojito, Gin and Tonic, and Margarita, along with dozens of other drinks that have local variations depending on customer preferences.
Conclusions
Milan is, par excellence, the city of the aperitivo, where it is most regarded as a common ritual and where this practice intertwines with local history, fashion, and the creativity that has always characterized the city’s streets. city.
Thanks to the wide choice of venues and neighborhoods, every evening can become a unique and unforgettable experience, discovering new flavors, meeting new people, and immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for a historic venue or an innovative cocktail, an affordable aperitivo or a luxury experience, Milan offers everything needed to satisfy every desire and need. Take the opportunity to discover the city’s most beautiful and evocative places and savor the aperitivo as a true art. Cheers!
