Welcome to Milan! Now, where should we grab an aperitivo? If you are in Milan even for just one day, you can’t miss the aperitivo experience.
Of course, the tradition thrives throughout Italy. However, something about Milan’s aperitivo truly stands out. Maybe it’s the relaxation after a busy working day. Or maybe it’s the fact that Milan’s bars always try to out-do one another. They look for ways to be more creative and offer more at this Italian “happy hour”—known locally as an apericena when the buffet is so big it can double as dinner. If you’re new to the city, you might wonder about the meaning of aperitivo: it’s a cherished moment to connect with friends, enjoy snacks, and sip on classic Milan spritz cocktails like Aperol or Campari Spritz. Whatever the reason, Milan is the city for aperitivo.
The Aperol Spritz is a classic aperitivo drink in Milan. You can also opt for a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic beverage.
What is aperitivo?
If you haven’t yet experienced this bite of Italian culture, get ready to fall in love. Aperitivo is an Italian tradition of drinks, snacks, and friends. It is a moment of the day, between about 5 PM and 8 PM, when amici gather together, wind down, and share laughs over a drink and a bite to eat.
The word “aperitivo” comes from the verb “to open.” Traditionally, it serves as a moment to open your appetite before dinner. Many European cultures have similar customs:
- The French enjoy a little aperitif and hors d’oeuvres
- The Spanish love their tapas before dinner
- The Portuguese gather for petiscos
- Italians, of course, have aperitivo
Aperitivo now comes in all shapes and sizes. It might be just a few snacks served with a beer. On the other hand, you might find a buffet apericena served with a classic spritz. However it is served, locals and visitors alike join in this timeless tradition. Whether you want just a drink or a full aperitivo buffet, Milan delivers for everyone.
Milan aperitivo: Not all the same!
While we often say Milan is famous for its aperitivo, we might better say it is famous for its apericena.
Fancy a light bite with a drink? Aperitivo—or apericena—is for you!
What’s the difference? Apericena is a more fulfilling aperitivo. Usually, it offers a full buffet of snacks, so guests can enjoy a meal with their drink. Instead, traditional aperitivo could be just a few bar snacks, like chips and olives, or a set plate of local bites, like a tagliere or charcuterie board.
Milan offers it all. You can find what you crave on every corner. Just because one bar offers more food doesn’t mean it is better or worse. It all depends on the atmosphere you want. Whether you crave a classic Milan spritz with a simple snack, or a full-on happy hour Milan with an abundant buffet, the city will satisfy you.
We’ve narrowed down our favorite spots in Milan for an aperitivo. We based our list on food and drink offerings as well as the vibe. Keep reading to explore our favorite Milan aperitivos!
Traveler’s tip: Typically, the Milan aperitivo starts in the late afternoon. Work up an appetite beforehand with a walking tour of the city. Sign up for our Best of Milan Day Tour, which features skip-the-line tickets to the Last Supper, Duomo, and various city landmarks. Once you’re done, that Aperol Spritz will taste amazing!
Our favorite spots in Milan for aperitivo
You will find hundreds of bars in Milan, each with its own personality. Narrowing down a list of our absolute favorites was no easy task. However, if you only have a short trip to Milan, these are the spots for an authentic Milan aperitivo you should definitely try!
Un Posto A Milano
Un Posto a Milano brings some countryside charm to the urban center. It is a transformed old cascina—a farmhouse. Now it hosts events, a restaurant, a bar, and even a hostel. While the spot itself deserves a look, we also love their philosophy. They focus on organic and local ingredients, and offer a selection of natural wines.
Every day, they present a selection of aperitivo snacks, made with seasonal and local ingredients. You can choose from sweet and savory bites and pair them with a fresh juice, cocktail, wine, or beer.
Here you will pay a bit extra for your aperitivo, rather than have it included in the price. However, their food is well worth the extra cost, and the full experience of a kilometer 0 aperitivo is truly unique.
Un Posto a Milano’s sprawling interior marries rustic with modern. Photo Credit: Un Posto a Milano
Fonderie Milanese
When you need more of an apericena to satisfy your appetite, head to Fonderie Milanese. This former foundry has become a trendy bar with exposed wooden beams and rough brick walls. You can sit inside for a moody feel or head to the back for fresh air in their open garden.
Fonderie serves up a buffet apericena and is one of the most popular aperitivos in Milan with locals. Local students from nearby Bocconi University especially love it. Therefore, you might want to arrive early or book a spot. We promise it will be worth it!
While you are there, order one of their funky cocktails. They even offer two mocktails if you prefer to skip alcohol.
Fonderie Milanese sports one of the best outside dining areas in Milan. Photo Credit: Fonderie Milanese
ASVN – Associazione Salumi e Vini Naturali
We love a classic tagliere, the Italian charcuterie board. No place serves one better than the Associazione Salumi e Vini Naturali (Natural Salumi and Wine Association).
Located in the courtyard garden of Corso Garibaldi 41, this place sits just around the corner from Parco Sempione. It’s a great summer spot. However, they do have some indoor seating for colder months.
They offer an extensive list of natural wines from all over Italy. Prices by the glass depend on the wine. The tagliere comes separately from your drink and in small or large formats. With that, you can make your aperitivo just the right size for your hunger.
- Enjoy your aperitivo in a sunny courtyard garden or cozy up indoors during winter
- Choose from a wide selection of natural wines from across Italy
- Order a small or large tagliere to perfectly match your appetite
In addition to an extensive wine collection, ASVN offers tailored sizes of charcuterie boards to enjoy alongside drinking. Photo Credit: Associazione Salumi e Vini Naturali
La Hora Feliz
Experience the true spirit of Milan’s Apericena at La Hora Feliz. This spot does not focus on trendy settings or craft cocktails. Instead, La Hora Feliz is all about the experience.
For under €20, you can get a massive spritz and access to an all-you-can-eat apericena buffet. The setting is simple, but we love meeting big groups of friends here. The space is large and the buffet even suits vegetarians.
Expect a younger crowd here, and weekends can get chaotic. Yet, that is part of the fun! If you are new to Milan, you can meet new friends here.
- Affordable prices for students and travelers
- All-you-can-eat buffet with vegetarian options
- Lively and social atmosphere, perfect for making friends
La Hora Feliz can fill up, even later at night. Photo credit: La Hora Feliz
Traveler’s tip: Once you’ve worked up an appetite after aperitivo, look for a real meal. Milan’s cuisine is rich and varied. You might want to keep socializing with small plates, or check out our Guide to Milanese Food for something more substantial.
MAG Cafe
MAG is a true symbol of the Navigli neighborhood. This hip café and bar is a must in Milan. Their ever-changing cocktail menu always entertains your palate. Not only will the drinks keep you interested, but the food is also excellent. Every season, MAG chooses a new theme and redesigns the menu. In the past, it has been a metro map or a storybook with famous fairy tales.
This is a cozy bar, better for more intimate aperitivo plans—perhaps with a new date or your best friend. Every cocktail comes with a few light snacks. If you’re hungrier, you can order more small plates. However, that might be your cue to head over to one of the Navigli restaurants for some of the best food in Milan.
MAG Cafe sports an impressive Amaro collection to bolster your small bites. Photo Credit: MAG Cafe
LACERBA
You will find Lacerba in the Guastalla part of the city. This spot hits all the marks for a great aperitivo: good drinks, good food, good service, and a cozy vibe. They also offer a decent selection of vegetarian options during aperitivo hour.
Aperol or Campari: drinks you’ll find at any ora dell’aperitivo.
FAQ: Milan Aperitivo
What does aperitivo mean?
Aperitivo, from the Italian word meaning “to open,” refers to an early evening tradition. Friends gather over drinks and snacks to open their appetite before dinner. It’s a social ritual deeply embedded in Italian culture, especially in Milan.
What is the difference between aperitivo and apericena?
Aperitivo is usually a pre-dinner drink with light snacks—think olives, chips, or a small charcuterie plate. Apericena, however, is a heartier affair. Bars offer a full aperitivo buffet where you can often enjoy enough food for dinner. Milan is particularly famous for its generous apericena spreads.
What is the most popular drink for aperitivo in Milan?
The classic Milan spritz—especially Aperol Spritz or Campari Spritz—is the most iconic drink during aperitivo hour in Milan. However, you’ll also find a wide range of cocktails, wines, and non-alcoholic options.
When does happy hour (aperitivo) start in Milan?
Happy hour Milan-style usually kicks off around 5 PM and lasts until 8 PM. This is the perfect window to experience local life, whether you want a quick drink or a full-on apericena.
Can I find vegetarian options at Milan aperitivo buffets?
Absolutely! Many bars, especially those with an aperitivo buffet, offer plenty of vegetarian dishes. Spots like Lacerba and La Hora Feliz are known for their good vegetarian selections.
Milan is a wonderful city, filled with unique and beautiful landmarks. To make sure you don’t miss all there is to see and do, sign up for our Best of Milan Day Tour, which features skip-the-line tickets to the Last Supper, Duomo, and various city landmarks. Then, when evening falls, rest your weary legs at one of the city’s top aperitivo spots!
