What is Milano style coffee?
Milan is renowned for its distinctive coffee culture. Upon entering Milan, you can expect to find authentic coffee shops and bars, breathtaking architecture and elegant shopping streets.
If you are planning a trip to Milan or simply want to find out more about Milan’s coffee scene, our guide will take you through Milanese coffee traditions and history.
Find out what to expect from coffee in Milan.
Find out more about the history and traditions of Milanese coffee.
Read how Milano style coffee compares to other traditional Italian options.
Read the benefits of Milano coffee from Carluccio’s.
We answer common queries on Carluccio’s Milano coffee.
What is Milano style coffee?
Milano style coffee is known for its balanced, medium roast profile. The coffee beans used in Milanese coffee tend to be less bitter than those used in southern Italy, such as Naples, which favours darker roasts. The result is a smoother, less intense flavour that still offers depth and complexity. If you are trying your first Milano style coffee, you can expect to enjoy rich, nutty undertones, often with hints of chocolate or toasted bread, which makes for an indulgent yet approachable cup of coffee.
When you choose an authentic Italian coffee brand, you will enjoy high-quality Milano style coffee that has been roasted in Italy. At Carluccio’s, 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.
What is the best espresso bar in Milan?
While there are countless great options, Bar Luce, designed by filmmaker Wes Anderson, is often recommended for its retro charm and excellent espresso. The arched ceiling and the patterned decoration for the top half of the bar’s walls, recreate a ‘miniature’ version of the vaulted glass roof and the decorations of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, one of Milan’s symbolic buildings.
The history of coffee in Milan
The first coffeehouses in Milan were inspired by the Ottoman Empire’s coffee culture. These establishments became places for intellectuals, artists, and politicians to gather and discuss ideas over cups of the exotic new drink. As the popularity of coffee spread across Europe, Milan became a hub for coffee innovation and consumption.
After World War II, coffee consumption in Milan surged, coinciding with the rise of Italy’s espresso culture. During this time, the iconic “espresso bar” emerged, and coffee became a quick, affordable luxury that anyone could enjoy. Milanese coffee culture also began to adopt a more modern, fast-paced approach, which reflected the city’s reputation as a centre of business and commerce.
Today, tourists flock to the city to enjoy the decorative, authentic espresso bars and coffee shops to enjoy a true Milanese coffee experience.
Read about the tradition of the Italian coffee bars here.
How does Milano style coffee compare to coffee in other regions?
Here’s how coffee in Northern Italy compares to other regions:
Campania
In the South, coffee is a more intense experience. In Naples, Neapolitan coffee tends to use darker roasts, producing a bold, almost smoky flavour with higher bitterness. The espresso in Naples is usually stronger and a darker roast then in Milan, often served with a glass of water on the side to cleanse the palate.
Tuscany
Florentine coffee culture is more relaxed compared to Milan’s more hurried approach. While espresso is still the mainstay, you’ll find that locals in Florence take more time to savour their coffee, often sitting at tables and socialising. The flavours of the coffee tend to be smoother and less acidic than those in the South but with a more relaxed pace in how it’s consumed.
Lazio
Central Italy favours a stronger, more robust espresso than the North, but it is often slightly less intense than Southern Italian coffee. You can expect to find a roast that is slightly darker than in Milan, with less intensity than coffee in Naples.
If you're looking for an authentic taste of Milanese coffee at home, Carluccio’s Milano Espresso Ground Coffee offers a high-quality option. Roasted in Italy, this blend captures the essence of Milano style coffee, featuring a balanced medium roast that reflects the typical flavours of the region. Expect notes of chocolate and a nutty sweetness, with a smooth, rich finish.
Frequently asked questions
What coffee is Milan famous for?
Milan is most famous for sweeter, less intense espresso in comparison to Southern Italy.
What is the best coffee drink in Italy?
The best coffee drink in Italy largely depends on personal preference, but Italian espresso is undoubtedly the most iconic, known for its rich flavours and velvety crema.
What historic coffee shops should you visit when in Milan?
Milan is home to several historic cafés, such as Caffè Cova, founded in 1817, and Pasticceria Marchesi, which has been serving coffee since 1824. These cafés offer a taste of Milanese history along with excellent coffee.
Where can I buy premium Milanese coffee beans for home brewing?
You can purchase premium Milanese coffee beans from local coffee shops in Milan or online from authentic Italian coffee brands such as Carluccio’s. At Carluccio’s, we offer an authentic Milano Espresso blend, and all our coffee beans are roasted in Italy.
