The intoxicating taste of Milan coffee.

Italy has a long tradition, especially when it comes to the use and processing of coffee, yet its coffee industry continues to thrive. Milan, like many other Italian cities, is also caught up in the "third wave of coffee," meaning people are increasingly interested in the origin of the coffee and traditional production methods. To meet this demand, shops in Milan now serve specialty coffees made from the highest quality beans, carefully roasted and ground to maintain their exquisite flavor.

When coffee first appeared in Venice in the late 16th century, it was only for the upper class because it was so expensive. This changed when coffee houses (bottega del caffé) began to flourish in the 1700s and became meeting places and forums for discussing revolutionary ideas among philosophers and scholars.

Italians solidified their position in coffee history in the late 1900s with the invention of the espresso. The espresso machine was invented in Turin by Angelo Moriondo, then improved and marketed by two Milanese manufacturers, Luigi Bezzera and Desiderio Pavoni. At that time, Italians typically stood by the bar to drink their espresso with a glass of water, and this became the norm. Generations of Italians were so proud of their coffee culture that they didn't care about new things, but even the deepest roots are susceptible to change.

Those who previously left the country in search of better job opportunities have returned, bringing with them advanced coffee brewing techniques they learned abroad. Therefore, in addition to the renowned espresso, you can now enjoy some of the highest quality specialty coffees at some of Milan's world-class cafes.

1. Orsonero

Considered the first specialty café in Milan, Orsonero opened in 2016 and is run by Canadian couple Brent Jopson and Milanese Giulia Gasperini. The café boasts a cozy atmosphere with a modern and sophisticated interior design, reminiscent of cafés in London or New York. The menu is extensive and constantly changing, offering a variety of high-quality roasted coffees, including Vietnamese filter coffee or cappuccino. It's a popular choice for tourists wanting to enjoy coffee in Milan, and a favorite spot for locals.

2. Moleskine Café

Located in the heart of Brera, a neighborhood known for its artists, Moleskine Cafe is a blend of specialty coffee and printed materials. It's run by the same Moleskine brand that produces notebooks and other stationery favored by artists, writers, and designers. Here, you can enjoy a cup of coffee made from the finest beans harvested from Rwanda, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala while admiring Moleskine's renowned collection of stationery.

3. Out of the Box

At first glance, Out of the Box doesn't look like a typical coffee shop, as its name suggests, it's distinctly innovative and unique. Not only does it sell delicious coffee, but Out of the Box also offers a wide variety of mouthwatering ice cream. The idea for this perfect combination of ice cream and coffee originated from entrepreneur Flavio Sears, who has decades of experience in the food and beverage marketing industry.

4. Cofficina Ticinese 58

Cofficina Ticinese 58, which only opened in August 2017, has quickly become a favorite café in Ticinese. It's a place frequented by English-speaking expats, tourists, and discerning locals alike, who come to share their love and knowledge of specialty coffee. This small café is always packed; those who arrive first get a cozy, comfortable spot, while others sit by the narrower bar and watch the baristas showcase their skills. Espresso, Vietnamese filter coffee, and cappuccino are the most popular choices at Cofficina Ticinese 58.

Hai Anh