Italians aren’t considered the biggest of breakfast fans; preferring a shot of espresso and a pastry to a full English or a big bowl of porridge. While many see breakfast as a source of energy to start the day, Italians think it makes you drowsy. In more recent years, though, international influences have encouraged cafes in more cosmopolitan cities like Milan to start serving a greater range of continental and American-style breakfast options. Today, there is no shortage of wonderful breakfast spots in Milan for locals and visitors alike to choose from.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour through the very best breakfasts in Milan, from elegant patisseries and cosy coffee shops to health-conscious cafes. For more inspiration for your trip to Milan, be sure to check out our guide to the best restaurants in Milan near the Duomo.
9 Best Milan Breakfast Spots 2024
Pavé
If you like to start your day with something sweet, Pavé is undoubtedly one of the best places for breakfast in Milan. Serving up a selection of humongous, freshly-baked butter-, jam-, and cream-filled pastries, this Milan breakfast spot is sure to satisfy your sweet-tooth cravings before a long day of sightseeing. From almond frangipane and raspberry croissants to raisin and cinnamon swirls, Pavé has a pastry to suit every preference. And, not only is the food utterly delightful, the space itself is welcoming and homey, with velvet sofas, solid wooden tables, and mismatched cushions, all set against a background of rockabilly music.
Pasticceria Cucchi
Set in a quiet square in the heart of the old part of the city, Pasticceria Cucchi is something of a local institution, first opening its doors in 1936 (when it was called Caffè Concerto). This Milan breakfast spot and pastry shop is renowned by locals and visitors alike for its sweet and savoury pastries and lively aperitivo hour. Find classic pastry options like flaky croissants and cinnamon swirls besides contemporary flavour combos like the candied cedar and orange peel Cecca. So if you’re looking to combine the sweet taste of authentic Italian pastries with Milanese history, Pasticceria Cucchi is undoubtedly serves one of the best breakfasts in Milan.
oTTo
Located in the heart of Milan’s Chinatown (Via Paulo Sarpi), pay a visit to this breakfast place in Milan for the self-proclaimed “most instagrammable brunch in the city”. Housed within a bright, airy, and spacious co-working space that boasts minimalist northern European-style decor, plenty of hanging plants, and designer chairs and tables. This super trendy hipster paradise of a Milan breakfast spot doesn’t just look the part, though; the food here is also to die for. On the menu, you’ll find a selection of fresh, natural and vibrant options like Greek yoghurt with honey and walnuts, and pancakes with a variety of scrumptious toppings.
Ofelé
Perfect for a coffee on-the-go or a sit-down brunch, Ofelé is a bakery/bistro in the heart of Milan. Housed within a cosy, intimate space, with four coffee tables, a small kitchen, and a counter showcasing the mouthwateringly good cakes and pastries of the day. Guests aren’t just limited to what’s on display, though; the menu at this breakfast place in Milan is extensive, featuring everything from pancakes and waffles to bagels and toasties. Pair your food of choice with a mixed fruit juice, tea, or coffee.
Biancolatte
Another one for the sweet-toothed, Biancolatte is a delightful blend of traditional French bistro and American diner, serving up homey dishes of brioche, pastries, pancakes, and waffles. If you’re visiting this Milan breakfast spot for the first time, we’d recommend trying the breakfast ‘of samples’, which features warm homemade bread, butter, and artisanal marmalade. If you fancy something sweet, choose from the likes of pistachio croissants, French toast with maple syrup and berries, stuffed milk loaf, and nutella bagels. Prefer something savoury to start your day? There are plenty of savoury options to choose from too; think classic pancakes with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and pesto, English muffins with bacon and eggs, and avocado on toast.
Upcycle
Dedicated to all things cycling and sustainability, Upcycle is a vibrant place to have breakfast in Milan. The space itself was once an abandoned garage set in an inner courtyard. Today, though, it has been transformed into an ultra-modern urban bike cafe with a northern European spin, with most of the decor made out of recycled materials. As for the food, guests can choose from the likes of Smørrebrød with pastrami and caramelised onions, vegetable and cheese flan, or salted waffle with smoked salmon. Pair your choice with a freshly blended juice or carrots ginger, apples and oranges.
California Bakery
Situated in one of Milan’s many courtyards, Piazza Sant’Eustogio, California Bakery is a hidden gem when it comes to the best breakfast in Milan. Serving up superbly decadent pastries and America-style food using the highest quality Italian products, the menu at this Milan breakfast spot is extensive, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Choose from pancakes with banana and chocolate, French toast with powdered sugar, Italian-style bagels, and omelettes stuffed with sweet or savoury fillings. Take a seat at one of the outside tables overlooking the courtyard, or choose a spot by the window inside, perfect for people watching while you eat.
God Save the Food
God Save the Food, or GSTF for short, has four locations within the centre of the city, but the best known and most popular is the one in Via Tortona, Milan’s creative hub. Housed in a former workshop, this breakfast spot in Milan fresh food in a laid-back setting. Think variations of avocado toast, eggs Benedict, croque madame, pancakes, and sandwiches. Our favourite was the GSTF club sandwich, stuffed with roast turkey, boiled egg, bacon, tomato, and lettuce, with a side of baked potatoes and pink sauce. If you’re looking for a hearty meal to start your day, God Save the Food is certainly one of the best places for breakfast in Milan.
Fuorimano
Set in a spacious loft in the Bicocca area of Northern Milan, Fuorimano is a trendy cafe and co-working space away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Choose to sit outside on the sunny terrace or inside amongst the vintage furniture, wooden tables, plants and books. On the menu, you can expect to find fresh, traditionally continental breakfast options, as well as American-style favourites. We’d recommend trying the American – a dish consisting of double smoked Italian bacon and beans, toast with avocado and cherry tomatoes, homemade chocolate muffin, berry an banana-topped pancakes, and hash browns with scrambled eggs and chives.
Now you’ve discovered the best breakfast in Milan, be sure to check out our guide to the best Milan city centre hotels to find out where to stay.
Techno-Mads 
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