Italy is a country with a long tradition, especially when it comes to the consumption and preparation of coffee, but the country's coffee industry is still growing. Milan, like many other cities in Italy, is also caught up in the "third wave of coffee," meaning people are interested in the origins of coffee and the artisanal methods of production. To meet this demand, shops in Milan now serve specialty coffees made from the highest quality beans, carefully roasted to maintain the delicious flavor.
When coffee first appeared in Venice in the late 16th century, it was considered too expensive for the upper class. This changed when coffee shops (bottega del caffé) began to develop in the 1700s, where philosophers and scholars met and discussed their revolutionary ideas.
A coffee shop in Italy in the 1700s
Italy cemented its place in coffee history in the late 1900s with the invention of espresso. The espresso machine was invented in Turin by Angelo Moriondo, and later refined and marketed by two Milanese manufacturers, Luigi Bezzera and Desiderio Pavoni. It was the norm for Italians to stand at the bar and drink their espresso with a glass of water, and it became the norm. Generations of Italians have been so proud of their coffee culture that they have been indifferent to innovation, but even the most deeply rooted are not immune to change.
Those who had previously left the country in search of better job opportunities returned, bringing with them the advanced coffee-making techniques they had learned abroad, so in addition to the famous espresso, you can now sip the highest quality specialty coffees in some of Milan’s world-class cafes.
Espresso coffee originated in Italy.
1. Orsonero
Considered the first specialty coffee shop in Milan, Orsonero opened in 2016 under the management of Canadian couple Brent Jopson and Milanese Giulia Gasperini. The shop has a cozy space with a modern and sophisticated interior design, similar to cafes in London or New York. The menu is rich and constantly changing with many types of quality roasted coffee, you can try filter coffee or cappuccino. This is the choice of many tourists who want to enjoy coffee in Milan, and is also a gathering place for local customers.
Orsonero Restaurant at Via Giuseppe Broggi, Milan
2. Moleskine Café
Located in the heart of the Brera neighborhood, which is also home to many artists, Moleskine is a combination of specialty coffee and printed materials. It is run by the same Moleskine brand that produces notebooks and other work materials favored by artists, writers, and designers. Here, you can enjoy a cup of coffee blended from the finest beans sourced from Rwanda, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala while browsing Moleskine’s famous stationery collection.
You can order filter coffee or Americano when you come to Moleskine.
3. Out of the Box
At first glance, Out of the Box may not seem like your typical coffee shop, because as its name suggests, it is refreshing and unique. Not only does it serve great coffee, but Out of the Box also has a wide variety of ice creams that will make your mouth water. The idea of creating the perfect combination of ice cream and coffee came from entrepreneur Flavio Sears, who has decades of experience in the food and beverage marketing industry.
Come to Out of the Box, order filter coffee and don't miss the ice cream here.
4. Cofficin Ticinese 58
Cofficina Ticinese 58 only opened in August 2017, but has quickly become a favorite coffee shop in Ticinese. It is a place where English-speaking expats, tourists, and knowledgeable locals come together to share their love and knowledge of specialty coffee. The small cafe is always packed, with those who are quick to get in the cozy, comfortable seats, while others sit at the narrower bar and watch the baristas work their magic. Espresso, drip coffee, and cappuccino are the most popular drinks at Cofficina Ticinese 58.
Cofficina Ticinese 58 is located on Corso di Porta Ticinese, Milan
