The simple word “coffee”, though similarly pronounced in many languages, does not evoke the same concept, as any culture has a different meaning for coffee break. As for people coming from anglo-saxon and other countries a coffee break is an ongoing moment in which you can slowly sip a boiling-hot almost half-a-liter drink, while working on your laptop, reading a novel or relaxing without people bothering for the time you spend at the bar. Each country has its own coffee culture! While coming to Italy, foreigners may be surprised to discover there are fewer coffee shops than how they expect allowing people to work in as if they were in a “second office”. Coffee in Italy is part of the national culture, but it’s more about a quick sip of a short hot drink made of a blend of the best varieties of grains that “recharge your batteries” and power energy for all day long. This moment may also be followed by chats with the surrounding people or by a quick look at the daily newspaper. Take away coffee is generally less widespread than in other countries as Italians enjoy to take their break at a bar or at home and just very few times on the go. Though it is quite uncommon to find the typical large-size american coffee, Milanese are becoming increasingly more open-minded on this matter, featuring some international-style cozy cafeterias with air-conditioning where customers from all over the world may also find american coffee served in almost half-a-liter paper containers, various salty and sweet delicacies, as well as free wi-fi spots to study or comfortably work with a laptop.
Here’s a list of some of the most renowed coffee shops in Milan combining large-size coffees and Wi-Fi spots:
1. California Bakery
This is a typical American-style cafeteria featuring seven spots in the city, close to the most relevant locations. Here customers can enjoy a wide range of choices, from espresso to drip American coffee to drink on the spot or to take away, as well as traditional cakes based on international recipes and cooked only with organic ingredients. From the very morning till the end of the day, its guests can enjoy a cozy atmosphere with free wi-fi connection suitable for working, chatting or enjoying a tasteful lunch, or also have a picnic on the public grass – if they pick up the one set in Piazza Sant’Eustorgio (photo).
Open Mon-Fri 8am-12 Midnight; Sat-Sun 9am-12 Midnight
– Via Larga, 19. M1 (red line)-M3 (yellow line) Duomo
– Corso Como, 5. M2 (green line) Porta Garibaldi FS
– Corso Garibaldi, 89. M2 (green line) Moscova
– Piazza San Simpliciano, 7. M2 (green line) Lanza
– Via San Vittore, 2. M2 (green line) Sant’ Ambrogio
– Viale Premuda, 44. M1 (red line) Palestro
– Piazza Sant’Eustorgio, 4. M2 (green line) Porta Genova FS
T: +39 0239811750
www.californiabakery.it
2. Arnold Coffee
Do you need to take a pause from your tour throughout the city? This Italian coffee shop with a truly international spirit is set in three locations in Milan and is a perfect venue for those who aim to experience different hot and cold beverages. Both espresso and filtered American coffees are made of peerless blends that will make each sip a unique experience; Arnold Coffee also offers a varied range of handmade cakes, pastries and sandwiches at any hour of the day. Here customers can have the use of free wi-fi spot and plugs to recharge the computer while working or studying in a refreshed environment.
– Via Orefici, 26. M1 (red line) Cordusio. Open daily 8am-8pm.
– Via Festa del Perdono, 1. M3 (yellow line) Missori. Open Mon-Fri 7.45am-7pm; Sat-Sun 11am-7pm.
– Via Nirone, 19. M2 (green line) Sant’Ambrogio-M1 (red line) Cadorna FN. Open Mon-Fri 8am-7.30pm. Closed until 25 August.
www.arnoldcoffee.it
3. McCafé by McDonald’s
Forget about the idea of McDonald’s you have in mind; McCafes in Italy are a successful blend of relaxing atmosphere and quality coffee. This venue is a good deal for those looking for a tasty break and a good value, able to satisfy even those with food allergies. Each hot beverage can be chosen in small-size or large-size version and can be prepared with traditional cow’s or with soy milk, to allow everyone to enjoy a perfect Italian cappuccino. What’s more, at McCafé you really feel at home as it features air-conditioning, wi-fi and comfortable armchairs to relax or hover with your laptop, to work or maybe to choose your next venue of visit.
Check the official website to find the nearest McCafé and its opening hours
