A guide to the long-standing cafes, delis, and eateries that define the traditional spirit of Milan.
Key facts
- •Cova was acquired by the LVMH group in 2013.
- •Marchesi 1824 was acquired by Prada in 2014, leading to global expansion.
- •Luini’s panzerotti recipe originated from the founder's grandfather in Puglia.
- •Giovanni Galli became an official supplier to the House of Savoy in 1942.
- •Peck moved to its current location at Via Spadari 9 in 1912.
Milan is home to numerous historic establishments that have maintained their traditional charm and culinary rituals for decades or even centuries. These venues, ranging from pastry shops to rotisseries, offer visitors a glimpse into the city's authentic culture beyond its modern tourist sites.
Historic Cafes and Pastry Shops
Cova, founded in 1817 by Antonio Cova, remains an elegant institution near Teatro alla Scala, known for its pastries and long history as a gathering spot for artists and writers. Similarly, Marchesi 1824, established by Angelo Marchesi, preserves its early 20th-century interiors and is celebrated for its traditional breakfast rituals. In the Brera neighborhood, Bar Jamaica has served as a meeting place for intellectuals and artists since 1911, while Camparino in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, opened in 1915, remains a center for the city's aperitif culture.
Traditional Eateries and Delis
De Santis, founded in 1964, pioneered the concept of artfully prepared panini in Milan and continues to serve sandwiches made with its own bread recipe. For those seeking Apulian specialties, Luini has been a staple since 1949, famous for its panzerotti. Other notable institutions include Giovanni Galli, which has produced handmade chocolates and marrons glacé since 1911, and Giannasi, a kiosk on Piazza Bruno Buozzi known for its rotisserie chicken since 1967. Peck, founded in 1883, stands as a prestigious delicatessen that once served as an official supplier to the House of Savoy.
Timeline
- 1817Antonio Cova opens his pastry shop next to Teatro alla Scala.
- 1824Angelo Marchesi opens his pastry shop on Via Santa Maria alla Porta.
- 1883Francesco Peck opens his deli specializing in cured and smoked meats.
- 1911Giovanni Galli opens; Bar Jamaica also opens in the Brera neighborhood.
- 1915Davide Campari opens Camparino in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
- 1949Giuseppina Luini takes the helm at a bakery at Via Santa Radegonda 16.
- 1964Renzo and Dina De Santis begin creating artfully prepared panini.
- 1967The Giannasi kiosk opens at its current location on Piazza Bruno Buozzi.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Vogue.
