Best Bakeries in Milan, Italy – Top 5 Pasticcerias You Absolutely Need to Try in 2024
Last updated on March 2nd, 2024 at 06:13 pm
Out of the world’s four famous fashion capitals, one is Milan. Milan is considered one of the global hubs of design which is what makes it a key tourist attraction in the world. In addition to being the fashion capital of the world, Milan has an abundance of restaurants, shops, bakeries, and pasticceria’s (the Italian word for a pastry shop).
This travel guide is for you if you are visiting Milan soon (or even if you already live in Milan) and are looking for a place to get high-quality baked goods, pastries, desserts, and cakes. Keep reading to learn more about where to find the most delicious cakes and desserts in all of Milan, Italy.
Keep in mind that this site contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact my honest reviews and comparisons. I only make recommendations based on personal experience(s), in order to help you make the best decisions while traveling!
1. Marchesi 1824
Without a doubt, Marchesi 1824 is Milan’s most elegant and historic café. They have a few locations across the city, but I suggest visiting the one in the Galleria for a fantastic experience. It’s also perfectly situated above Prada, kitty cornered from the Gucci and Louis Vuitton making it the perfect place to recharge after a long day of retail therapy! I also think the Galleria location has the best prices.
I highly recommend ordering a cappuccino and a mix of the breakfast biscuits and small pastries. I also loved these little chocolate dessert bites – each bite was so flavorful and light, they literally melted in my mouth and weren’t overwhelmingly sweet. I’ve visited Milan over a dozen times now (I’m fortunate that I have close family here) and Marchesi 1824 is always my first stop in the city.
Pro Tip: Due to its upstairs location, Marchesi 1824’s entrance might be challenging to spot. The door is marked Fondazione Prada Osservatorio, and you have to take the stairs up to the second floor to get into the store. I would also recommend going as soon as they open, as the line can get long later in the day.
2. Pasticceria Cova
It’s impossible to have a list of the best bakeries in Milan without including Pasticceria Cova which is located on the infamous Via Monte Napoleone – a well-known street in Milan known for high end shopping and luxury brands.
Pasticceria Cova serves some of the finest pastries, cakes, and panettone (Italian sweetbread and fruitcake, typically served around Christmas) which is why I’ve listed it as one of the best bakeries in Milan.
As mentioned earlier, I regularly visit family in Milan, usually around the holidays and we always stop at Pasticceria Cova to pick up their Panettone. I’ve only eaten inside once and the ambiance was great – super lively with excellent service. No matter when you visit, you’re bound to find a bustling atmosphere with men and women enjoying an afternoon espresso while nibbling on Pasticcini cookies and Montebianco pastries.
Pro Tip: In addition to breakfast and pastries, Pasticceria Cova is also open all day for food. The menu features appetizers, classic Milanese cuisine, and Mediterranean specials from the chef. The ability to order any food at any time of day is what makes Cova unique.
3. Gelsomina Milan
Gelsomina Milan is another bakery in Milan that I love mostly due to their wide selection of chocolate-y dessert bites and retro logo design.
There’s a few locations across the city but I personally like the one located near Porta Venezia. Pavé, another delicious bakery with brioche that’s to die for – is also located one block away. I also love the interior of Gelsomina – it’s nothing crazy (like Marchesi 1824) but is rather simple, cozy, and filled with plants and bright light.
Pro Tip: At the counter, you’ll find that Gelsomina has a wonderful selection of sfogliatelle, cannoli, cassatine, brioches in a variety of flavors (highly recommend the pistachio), maritozzi, and so much more! Make sure to take your time taking in all the options before ordering. Otherwise you’ll end up regretting your purchases because you made your decision too quickly! (But that’s okay – there’s no shame in going back for seconds or in my case, thirds).
4. Pasticceria Cioccolateria di Fabrizio Galla- Milano
Fabrizio Galla is a well-known Italian pastry chef who recently launched his second pastry store in Milan, inside Eataly Milan Smeraldo. Fabrizio is originally from the Turin region, which is where his original and flagship store is. If unfamiliar with Fabrizio Galla, he is one of the few Italian pastry chefs to be part of Relais Dessert, an internationally renowned association of the 100 best pastry chefs in the world. If you are looking for a combination of perfection and quality in your desert, then this is the place to visit.
Unlike the other bakeries on this list, Fabrizio has a completely different style of creating. Instead of the typical baked brioches and croissants, Fabrizio specializes in a classic Piemontese mignon pastry which are akin to mini cream puffs, slightly bigger than a hazelnut. As you can see, everything is bite sized and perfectly symmetrical. (My OCD dreams come true).
Pro Tip: There is a smaller Fabrizio Galla store near San Babila station for those that don’t have a chance to make it to Porta Garibaldi. Despite the slightly limited selection, there’s enough variety to truly appreciate Fabrizio’s craft and expertise level. The intimate size of the shop also allows you to fully experience the essence of each dessert.
5. Panetteria Amordi
Located ~20min east of Duomo, Panetteria Amordi is an absolute hidden gem that locals flock to daily for authentic Italian goodness. My family has been in Milan for a few generations and this is their everyday go-to for lunch. This is also easily the most affordable bakery on this list!
It’s not your typical pasticceria filled with just pastries (though they definitely have those too!) Think of it as a one-stop shop for all Italian delights:
- Fresh-baked bread every day – crusty baguettes, fluffy focaccia, and more!
- Hot, ready-to-eat meals – perfect for a quick lunch or a lazy dinner
- Pizzas that sing – thin crust, fresh toppings, and that irresistible wood-fired flavor
- Sweet treats to tantalize your taste buds – flaky croissants, hazelnut cakes, and classic Italian pastries
Pro Tip: Lunchtime gets crazy with locals order meals to-go. I recommend going in the late morning or early afternoon to avoid waiting in line and to ensure your favorites don’t run out!
Did you get a chance to visit any of these places? Let me know in the comments below.
Visiting other parts of Europe?
Check out my other travel guides on Europe here.
Looking for travel inspiration to somewhere else?
Last updated on March 2nd, 2024 at 06:13 pm
Out of the world’s four famous fashion capitals, one is Milan. Milan is considered one of the global hubs of design which is what makes it a key tourist attraction in the world. In addition to being the fashion capital of the world, Milan has an abundance of restaurants, shops, bakeries, and pasticceria’s (the Italian word for a pastry shop).
This travel guide is for you if you are visiting Milan soon (or even if you already live in Milan) and are looking for a place to get high-quality baked goods, pastries, desserts, and cakes. Keep reading to learn more about where to find the most delicious cakes and desserts in all of Milan, Italy.
Keep in mind that this site contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact my honest reviews and comparisons. I only make recommendations based on personal experience(s), in order to help you make the best decisions while traveling!
1. Marchesi 1824
Without a doubt, Marchesi 1824 is Milan’s most elegant and historic café. They have a few locations across the city, but I suggest visiting the one in the Galleria for a fantastic experience. It’s also perfectly situated above Prada, kitty cornered from the Gucci and Louis Vuitton making it the perfect place to recharge after a long day of retail therapy! I also think the Galleria location has the best prices.
I highly recommend ordering a cappuccino and a mix of the breakfast biscuits and small pastries. I also loved these little chocolate dessert bites – each bite was so flavorful and light, they literally melted in my mouth and weren’t overwhelmingly sweet. I’ve visited Milan over a dozen times now (I’m fortunate that I have close family here) and Marchesi 1824 is always my first stop in the city.
Pro Tip: Due to its upstairs location, Marchesi 1824’s entrance might be challenging to spot. The door is marked Fondazione Prada Osservatorio, and you have to take the stairs up to the second floor to get into the store. I would also recommend going as soon as they open, as the line can get long later in the day.
2. Pasticceria Cova
It’s impossible to have a list of the best bakeries in Milan without including Pasticceria Cova which is located on the infamous Via Monte Napoleone – a well-known street in Milan known for high end shopping and luxury brands.
Pasticceria Cova serves some of the finest pastries, cakes, and panettone (Italian sweetbread and fruitcake, typically served around Christmas) which is why I’ve listed it as one of the best bakeries in Milan.
As mentioned earlier, I regularly visit family in Milan, usually around the holidays and we always stop at Pasticceria Cova to pick up their Panettone. I’ve only eaten inside once and the ambiance was great – super lively with excellent service. No matter when you visit, you’re bound to find a bustling atmosphere with men and women enjoying an afternoon espresso while nibbling on Pasticcini cookies and Montebianco pastries.
Pro Tip: In addition to breakfast and pastries, Pasticceria Cova is also open all day for food. The menu features appetizers, classic Milanese cuisine, and Mediterranean specials from the chef. The ability to order any food at any time of day is what makes Cova unique.
3. Gelsomina Milan
Gelsomina Milan is another bakery in Milan that I love mostly due to their wide selection of chocolate-y dessert bites and retro logo design.
There’s a few locations across the city but I personally like the one located near Porta Venezia. Pavé, another delicious bakery with brioche that’s to die for – is also located one block away. I also love the interior of Gelsomina – it’s nothing crazy (like Marchesi 1824) but is rather simple, cozy, and filled with plants and bright light.
Pro Tip: At the counter, you’ll find that Gelsomina has a wonderful selection of sfogliatelle, cannoli, cassatine, brioches in a variety of flavors (highly recommend the pistachio), maritozzi, and so much more! Make sure to take your time taking in all the options before ordering. Otherwise you’ll end up regretting your purchases because you made your decision too quickly! (But that’s okay – there’s no shame in going back for seconds or in my case, thirds).
4. Pasticceria Cioccolateria di Fabrizio Galla- Milano
Fabrizio Galla is a well-known Italian pastry chef who recently launched his second pastry store in Milan, inside Eataly Milan Smeraldo. Fabrizio is originally from the Turin region, which is where his original and flagship store is. If unfamiliar with Fabrizio Galla, he is one of the few Italian pastry chefs to be part of Relais Dessert, an internationally renowned association of the 100 best pastry chefs in the world. If you are looking for a combination of perfection and quality in your desert, then this is the place to visit.
Unlike the other bakeries on this list, Fabrizio has a completely different style of creating. Instead of the typical baked brioches and croissants, Fabrizio specializes in a classic Piemontese mignon pastry which are akin to mini cream puffs, slightly bigger than a hazelnut. As you can see, everything is bite sized and perfectly symmetrical. (My OCD dreams come true).
Pro Tip: There is a smaller Fabrizio Galla store near San Babila station for those that don’t have a chance to make it to Porta Garibaldi. Despite the slightly limited selection, there’s enough variety to truly appreciate Fabrizio’s craft and expertise level. The intimate size of the shop also allows you to fully experience the essence of each dessert.
5. Panetteria Amordi
Located ~20min east of Duomo, Panetteria Amordi is an absolute hidden gem that locals flock to daily for authentic Italian goodness. My family has been in Milan for a few generations and this is their everyday go-to for lunch. This is also easily the most affordable bakery on this list!
It’s not your typical pasticceria filled with just pastries (though they definitely have those too!) Think of it as a one-stop shop for all Italian delights:
- Fresh-baked bread every day – crusty baguettes, fluffy focaccia, and more!
- Hot, ready-to-eat meals – perfect for a quick lunch or a lazy dinner
- Pizzas that sing – thin crust, fresh toppings, and that irresistible wood-fired flavor
- Sweet treats to tantalize your taste buds – flaky croissants, hazelnut cakes, and classic Italian pastries
Pro Tip: Lunchtime gets crazy with locals order meals to-go. I recommend going in the late morning or early afternoon to avoid waiting in line and to ensure your favorites don’t run out!
Did you get a chance to visit any of these places? Let me know in the comments below.
Visiting other parts of Europe?
Check out my other travel guides on Europe here.
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