For those with a sweet tooth Milan is a real temple of taste. Whether you’re looking to purchase, taste or give as a gift, gourmands in search of culinary variety will be spoilt for choice!

In via Montenapoleone Pasticceria Cova is one of those places whose appellation ‘historic venue’ is fully justified. A cult destination for gourmands since 1817, it has had the singular honour of being mentioned by name and, what’s more, several times, in the works of Ernest Hemingway, who loved its atmosphere and delicacies. www.pasticceriacova.com

Pasticceria Marchesi in via Santa Maria alla Porta 11/a still retains its original early nineteenth century atmosphere and has a counter at which you can drink a cup of coffee accompanied by tiny, mouth watering treats. www.pasticceriamarchesi.it (Pasticceria Marchesi features also two new boutiques, one located in Via Montenapoleone, 9 and in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II).

Since 1911, pastry shop and chocolatier Giovanni Galli has specialized in the artisanal production and sale of marron glacés, Boeri chocolate covered cherries, pralines and almond paste. www.giovannigalli.com

Zàini, the historic Milanese chocolate factory, is a timeless location near Corso Como decked out with period furniture and a counter at which customers can savour authentic cakes, hot chocolate laced with violet flowers or rose buds, sweet treats and bread and chocolate. www.zainimilano.com

Located in Milan’s via Mecenate, Vergani is the first shop where not only can you purchase but, above all, taste Panettone, the sweet symbol of Milanese tradition. A gourmand boutique stocking Vergani’s authentic fresh panettone(plus special versions) year-round. www.vergani.it

The famous school of the Belgian chocolatier boasts one of its most illustrious brands, i.e. Neuhaus Maître Chocolatier, in Milan (via San Vittore). A true paradise for lovers of exquisite chocolate, interpreted here in all of its most sought-after forms, from more than 100 varieties of pralines to mouthwatering bars with dried fruit, right up to its more unusual letters or gift cards. www.neuhaus-cioccolato.it