A complete guide to Milano style coffee | Milanese coffee culture and choosing coffee beans
An often-sweeter blend than Southern Italian coffee, Milano style coffee offers a distinctly Northern Italian take on coffee. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Milano style coffee, from its history and traditions to how it compares to other regional coffees.
We’ll also help you choose the best Milano coffee beans and explore the benefits of Carluccios’ Milano Blend.
Read how Milano coffee is defined.
Find out more about Milan’s rich coffee culture.
Read how Milanese coffee compares to other regional variants.
Read about the notable coffee shops and cafes in Milan.
Find out more about choosing the best Milano style coffee beans.
Read the benefits of choosing Carluccios.
We answer your common queries on Milano style coffee.
What is Milano style coffee?
Unlike the robust, dark-roasted coffees of Southern Italy, Milanese coffee is known for its lightness and balance, appealing to those who appreciate a sweeter, more aromatic cup of coffee. Milano coffee often offers a more nuanced beverage with subtle floral or fruity notes when compared to Southern Italian coffee.
Milanese coffee is less about boldness and more about refinement. The espresso is smooth, aromatic, and typically served without sugar, allowing the natural sweetness to shine through. Milanese coffee culture is closely tied to the city’s chic cafés and stylish bars, where enjoying a coffee is as much about the ambiance as it is about the drink.
Carluccio’s Milano Blend perfectly captures these qualities, offering a smooth, aromatic experience that reflects the heart of Milan.
Read our complete guide to Milanese coffee culture.
Exploring the history of coffee in Milan
Coffee first arrived in Italy in the 16th century, but it wasn’t until the 18th and 19th centuries that Milan emerged as a key player in shaping Italy’s café culture. Italians often drink espresso in local bars, reflecting a continued preference for social drinking settings (source). Milan is home to some of the oldest and most iconic coffee houses, which became gathering spots for intellectuals, artists, and politicians. Cafés like Caffè Cova, established in 1817, have long been associated with refinement and creativity.
The birth of espresso machines
Milan played a significant role in the evolution of modern coffee culture. The city’s industrial innovation contributed to the development of the espresso machine, revolutionising how coffee was prepared and enjoyed. Read our guide to how Italian espresso is defined here.
How does Milanese coffee compare to other regional coffees?
Italian coffee varies significantly by region, reflecting differences in climate, taste, and traditions.
Milan vs Naples (Napoli)
- Roasting style: Naples is known for dark, intense roasts, while Milan favours lighter roasts with a delicate flavour.
- Bean composition: Milanese coffee primarily uses Arabica beans, while Neapolitan blends often feature robusta for a stronger punch.
- Serving style: Neapolitans typically add sugar to their coffee, while Milanese coffees are often enjoyed plain.
Milan vs Rome (Roma)
- Flavour profile: Milanese coffee is lighter and sweeter, while Roman coffee offers a balanced medium roast with nutty and chocolatey undertones. To experience these regional differences, try Carluccio’s Napoli Blend for bold intensity or the Roma Blend for a well-rounded, classic espresso.
- Coffee culture: Milan’s coffee culture is refined and elegant, whereas Roman cafés are often more bustling and traditional.
Carluccio’s espresso di Milano
Enjoy Milanese style ground coffee from pure Arabica beans. We use 100% Arabica beans from Central and South America, Africa and Indonesia.
Our Milano espresso blend provides chocolatey, caramel and hazelnut flavours. To grind your own beans finely for use in an espresso machine, you can shop our Milano coffee beans here. You can also grind our Milano coffee beans coarse for use in a cafetiere, providing honey, toffee and nutty flavours.
Popular coffee shops and cafes in Milan
Milan’s café scene is a reflection of its elegance and cultural heritage. Here are a few must-visit spots:
1. Caffè Cova
Founded in 1817, this historic café near the Duomo is synonymous with Milanese sophistication. It’s the perfect spot for a creamy espresso paired with a delicate pastry.
Renowned for its beautifully designed interiors, this café offers an unparalleled coffee experience alongside exquisite Milanese desserts.
Designed by filmmaker Wes Anderson, this retro-inspired café combines cinematic charm with an exceptional coffee menu.
These iconic venues showcase the refined yet welcoming spirit of Milanese coffee culture.
Choosing Milano coffee beans
When selecting coffee beans for an authentic Milano style brew, consider these key factors:
1. Choose an authentic Italian brand
Look for beans roasted in Italy, as authentic Italian roasting techniques are key to achieving the true flavour profile of Milano coffee.
2. Choose blends containing Arabica beans
Opt for high-quality Arabica beans, which are central to Milanese coffee’s aromatic character.
3. Freshness matters
Ensure the beans are freshly roasted. The packaging will often state when the beans were roasted. Fresher beans produce a more vibrant and flavourful cup.
4. Ensure proper packaging
High-quality packaging helps preserve the beans’ freshness and aroma. Look for vacuum-sealed or nitrogen-flushed bags.
Read our full guide to choose Milano style coffee.
Why choose Carluccio’s?
Our espresso coffee range has been specially blended and roasted for us in Italy, and we believe it captures the aroma and flavour of this unique coffee drinking experience. The roasters of Carluccio’s blends roast each type of bean separately in the traditional “drum” roasters, which spin the beans constantly while surrounding them with hot air. A longer roasting time at lower temperatures avoids any burnt taste and recreates the results of the constant, careful stirring given to the pan roasted coffee beans.
Carluccio’s commitment to authenticity and quality ensures that each cup of coffee offers a genuine taste of Italy. Carluccio's cafes stand as modern ambassadors of Italian espresso, offering blends that are deeply rooted in regional traditions while embracing the nuances of contemporary tastes. Each blend, from the bold Napoli to the sweet Milano, tells a story of its origin.
Shop our full coffees and hot drinks range to find out more about what we offer. For the perfect pairing with your coffee – explore our authentic Italian cakes and biscuits.
Frequently asked questions
What is Milano style coffee?
Milano coffee is a lighter, Arabica-based coffee known for its sweet and aromatic flavour.
How does Milano coffee differ from Napoli coffee?
Milanese coffee is lighter and sweeter, while Neapolitan coffee is darker, stronger, and often more bitter.
What are the best coffee shops in Milan?
Historic venues like Caffè Cova and Pasticceria Marchesi are renowned for their exceptional coffee and refined atmospheres.
How do I choose the best Milano coffee beans?
Look for authentic Italian brands, Arabica beans, and freshly roasted options with quality packaging.
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