17 April 2026
Milan once again revolves around Milan Design Week this month: the annual highlight for designers and architects. The program keeps expanding every year, and every brand puts on something special, from The Audo opening a Grand Café to Muller Van Severen presenting their photogenic Silhouettes exhibition (pictured) alongside a book store by Apartamento. Over the past year, a lot of new spots have also popped up that are absolutely worth your time. So here’s a top 10 of MDW-adjacent hotspots that are just as inspiring – from the latest ones to places that have been there for a few years already.
Members can find all these places, and more, in a dedicated map on the Milan page. Easily to download on your phone so you can find everything in the city.
Pan is a bakery, café, and wine bar run by Japanese owners serving some of the best milk bread, yuzu, and matcha croissants in town. At Piccolo Pan, you can grab a quick matcha or coffee to go. Pan is located in Porta Venezia, Piccolo Pan in San Vittore.
La Bruma Bakery is a neighborhood bakery doing exactly what it should: baking excellent bread. They also serve coffee and pastries. The interior combines wood, stainless steel, and concrete—a nice contrast with the view of the San Lorenzo basilica. Just on the edge of the city center.
Expect a line outside Orsonero, a narrow coffee bar, where they work with some of Europe’s best roasteries. You can also grab a bite or enjoy your coffee in the sun on their terrace. Located just north of Porta Venezia.
Vegetarian restaurant Altatto has moved from the far north of the city to the far south. Not a place you’ll stumble upon by accident, but one where you can enjoy a seasonal menu featuring vegetables from their own garden. Located in Barona.
Signor Lievito, the city’s best Nordic bakery is hosting a so-called Wild Brunch during Salone del Mobile. Together with Quac Zelata, a biodynamic farm from the city, they’re putting together a beautiful brunch. April 24, from 11:00 to 15:00. Porta Romana.
Among all the restaurants and cafés, a good store shouldn’t be missed. Milan is the birthplace of the concept store with 10 Corso Como, but Chapters recently opened its doors. Think of it more as an editorial platform where collections (fashion, beauty, and lifestyle) are presented as ‘chapters’. Located in the center.
Vasiliki Kantina is a small Greek restaurant with just a handful of tables and a clear love for Greek cuisine – and the wines that come with it. Take your time to admire the illustrations on the ceiling. Located in Porta Romana.
During MDW, the popular wood-and-steel bar Balay transforms into Monocle Café x ForA, a takeover by designer Tino Seubert. Normally only open in the evenings as a wine bar, but now you can stop by all day. Just around the corner from Sandi, in Porta Venezia.
Sandi focuses on seriously good lunch, inspired by French cuisine. The chef spent years working at Septime in Paris – reason enough to go. The interior by Parasite 2.0 seals the deal. Located in Porta Venezia.
Rito opened its doors in March and is all about specialty coffee and all-day brunch. It’s located near Balay and Sandi, so if you’re into café and restaurant hopping, this is your area.
The design team behind Fiorin Fiorella is the same as Sandi, and you’ll notice it immediately—heavy curtains, red lighting, and stainless steel chairs. The bar opens from 18:00 and is located in Dateo.
Looking for more inspiration? Head to Convey (pictured) to discover a new generation of exciting designers (and has a rooftop with a view of the Velasca Tower). Valerie Objects is going underground with an exhibition in metro station Stazione Rovereto. Marimekko is opening aperitivo bar Osteria Fiori. Skoda is creating an immersive installation together with Ulises Studio. Magazine store Reading Room pops up with the Design Kiosk. Sara Ricciardi explores the chemistry of happiness at Pinateca di Brera. And coffee bar Eris is getting a new interior by Naessi Studio.
Check out more addresses in Milan and the Milan Map on the dedicated Milan page
(Credits: all pictures by Petite Passport, except Muller Van Severen courtesy by Tim Van Laere Gallery Antwerp – Rome, La Bruma Bakery by Anelle Taulé, Rito provided by Rito and Convey by Convey)
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