Did you know that Milan is home to more Leonardo da Vinci artwork than anywhere else in the world? How about the surprising fact that the city was founded in 600 BC or that it is the second biggest city in Italy according to population? Were you aware that Milan Cathedral took over 500 years to build? Perhaps you knew all that, but did you know that Milan is one of the best places in the world for breakfast? In many countries around the world, breakfast is the most rushed meal of the day.

It usually involves running out of the front door with a piece of toast in one hand and a work bag in the other. But that is definitely not a way to start your day in Milan. Breakfast, they say, is the most important meal of the day, so it is always best practice to do it right. And where better in Italy, the home of world-famous food. While lunch and dinner might promise cheesy pizza, pesto pasta, and mouthwatering charcuterie boards, breakfast here involves sweet treats and short coffees. 

In this article, we will introduce you to our favorite breakfast spots in Milan. Each promises to start your day in the best possible way, with tasty food and great coffee. The key is to enjoy Italy’s slow pace of life and take your time with this important moment of the day. Here are 5 places where you can try the best breakfast in Milan:

(This article contains 5 breakfast spots in Milan, which are best in our subjective opinion. The order of the spots is not related to the quality they offer. Every place has its pros and cons, so choose the one based on your personal preferences.)

Orsonero Coffee

Strolling along Via Giuseppe Broggi, you will spot the iconic silver-striped cover of Orsonero Coffee, one of Milan’s best breakfast hangouts. This upmarket coffee shop prides itself on producing great coffee that is enjoyable at any time of day, but especially when you need a burst of energy early in the morning. Artisanal beans are used in all the coffees here, and you can tell from the great taste and beautiful aroma. Expect to find cappuccinos, Americanos, lattes, mochas, and flat whites alongside Italy’s favorite coffee, the espresso.

There is also tea for those who do not prefer coffee. Coffee prices at Orsonero Coffee start at just 2 euros, plus there is great news for plant-based customers. Oat milk is available for just 50 cents extra, turning your flat white into a planet-saving delicious treat. Fancy a pastry, too? You are in luck because coffee isn’t all they sell at Orsonero Coffee. They also serve delicious sweet treats, including brioches and croissants. Our favorite is the sweet pistachio croissant, which expertly uses the nutty Italian staple in a flakey pastry to create a perfect breakfast you will want to savor time and time again.

Vegetarian options are available here, too, which taste just as good. If you need help finding a dairy-free treat, just ask your server. They will be happy to help. Orsonero Coffee is an LGBTQ+-friendly establishment that also allows dogs. There is indoor and outdoor seating, as well as the option to take away. This quaint and minimalist breakfast eatery is open Tuesday to Friday from 8:00 AM (8:00 hours) and on weekends from 9:00 AM (9:00 hours).

Debbie’s

Debbie’s on Corso Garibaldi is perfect for those visiting the San Marco or Castello districts of Milan. Positioned halfway between Castello Sforzesco (an impressive Medieval-Renaissance fortress) and Pinacoteca di Brera (a must-see art gallery), this quaint and loveable café is guaranteed to serve you a breakfast to remember.

This family-friendly café is as cozy as it is casual, offering a fantastic relaxation venue for short or long periods. There is free Wi-Fi here, making it one of the best breakfast establishments in Milan for freelancers and remote workers. It is pleasant to spend a whole day here sipping smoothies, eating pastries, and being motivated by high-quality coffee. At Debbie’s café, you will find moreish brioches in a range of flavors, fruit cups, and croissants in styles including ricotta.

Plus, there is coffee and lemonade or Aperol Spritz for those having a late breakfast. The service here is excellent, with friendly staff always providing service with a smile. The servers have great knowledge about their products, so you will be able to ask about dietary requirements. This is great news for vegans, vegetarians, and those who are gluten-free.

Debbie’s is wheelchair-accessible throughout the user experience, with accessible entrances, seating, and toilet facilities. In fact, the toilet facilities are gender-neutral, meaning that this fantastic eatery is inclusive and deserving of our support. The doors open seven days a week at 6:00 AM (6:00 hours), ready to welcome both locals and tourists.

ICON Café Milano

ICON Café Milano is a casual eatery and coffee bar on the edge of Milan’s center. It is known for its friendly service from passionate staff who love creating memories through delicious breakfasts. This fabulous eatery of croissants and coffee is clean and cozy. Indoor and outdoor seating makes ICON Café Milano the perfect coffee spot regardless of the weather.

For those rare days of Italian rain, you will enjoy the warm embrace of comfortable indoor seating. During periods of sunshine, the outdoor spaces are great. A refreshing drink can accompany delicious food at ICON Café Milano. Whether you choose a quintessential Italian espresso, a can of Lemon Soda, or a bottle of water is up to you.

The menu of coffee options at this cafe includes caffé latte, Americano, and macchiato. Plus, decaf is available for those who prefer to avoid caffeine. Furthermore, it is so popular with locals that some visit every morning for a pastry and coffee, and we are confident you will love being a part of the authentic Italian vibe here, too. Dogs are welcome, meaning that there is no need for your four-legged friend to miss out on all the fun.

If you are in a rush to visit the nearby ADI Design Museum or Cimitero Monumentale, you will be pleased to learn you can take your cake and coffee to go. Open early every day (even from 5:00 AM at Saturday), except Sunday when it is closed, ICON Café Milano is always worth visiting for a brilliant breakfast that is reliably satisfying every time.

G.B. Bar

G.B. Bar on Via Ulrico Hopeli is one of our favorite breakfast spots in all of Milan. Stationed under a classic portico and serving a fantastic array of breakfast food and drinks, it is no wonder that local Italians visit it so often. There are few other eateries as welcoming as this one. With the option to take away or eat in, this food outlet can easily fit into your existing plans.

If you have got a museum to visit or a friend to meet, you can take advantage of their speedy service and enjoy their delicious food and coffee on the go. Or, if you have enough time, why not opt to relax and unwind in their stylish indoor seating area? Breakfast foods here include croissants and sandwiches (paninis). There are a few different kinds of sandwiches that cost 6 euros each. This is definitely the food item we would recommend if you are visiting for a late breakfast or early lunch.

It is great value for money, and each bite is a burst of delicious flavors. There are veggie options here, too. Just ask your server for advice on which products are meat-free. Coffees at G.B. Bar include cappuccinos and macchiatos. There is also free Wi-Fi for those who need to work or even just those who want to send pictures to friends and family back home. This fantastic breakfast hangout is open weekdays and Saturdays from 7:00 AM (7:00 hours). There is no need to reserve a table. You can just turn up and find a spot.

GluFree Bakery

The most stylish breakfast spot on Via Curtatone is named GluFree Bakery, and it is definitely a spot you should not miss. As the name suggests, it specializes in delicious gluten-free food that is suitable for everyone, whether you are gluten-intolerant or not. Believe us, gluten-free food has never tasted this good before.

This much-loved eatery is near hotels, shops, bars, and historically significant locations in Milan but is worth visiting even if you need to travel to it. You won’t be disappointed, and there is plenty to see on the way. Breakfast items at GluFree Bakery include muffins, brioches and tarts. Our favorite muffin from their wide selection is the chocolate and pear, which cleverly combines two complementary flavors, while their best brioche is the apricot jam variant.

From the tarts menu, we think you will love the pistachio or white chocolate. There are over a dozen different coffee variations at GluFree Bakery, including latte bianco, marocchino, coffee with cream, and decaffeinated alternatives. The vibe at this edgy breakfast hangout is extremely chilled, making it a place you won’t want to leave in a hurry. The staff here are always friendly, tables are always clean, and service is always fast. This lovely bakery is open all week except Sundays from 9:00 AM (9:00 hours) and serves breakfast items all morning.

Where to eat the best breakfast in Milan?

Milan is full of small cafeterias, bakeries, and sandwich shops where you can experience a true Italian morning. The best thing about the whole of Italy, not only Milan, is that there is no bad coffee out there. Wherever you go, you will find amazing coffee full of tastes which will be worth every euro. Therefore, coffee lovers don’t have to search a lot, because every place will have an excellent coffee.

If you are more into croissants, orange juices, or sandwiches, you will find the best choice near the main attractions in Milan. However, the closer you are to the attractions, the more you will pay for your breakfast. Therefore, look around for unpopular streets and cafes to save a bit.

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