The Best Spots for Aperitivo in Milan in 2019

Owned by fashion brand Dsquared2, this locale is one of the places to be on Milan’s nightlife scene. The venue is a hotspot for the city’s beau monde who flock here to enjoy a glamorous aperitivo on the rooftop of an old 1930s industrial building. In addition to two panoramic swimming pools, the venue boasts an unparalleled view over Porta Nuova and its skyscrapers. Ceresio 7’s Happy Hour includes a series of signature cocktails accompanied by classic finger food. It’s ultra-popular so don’t even think of going there without booking!

At this charming retro, Parisian-style bistrot, located in the equally picturesque Brera district, you can enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine, surrounded by myriad varieties of plants and flowers (on sale), artfully stripped walls and exposed brickwork ceilings. At the aperitivo hour, you can order a cocktail or a glass of wine from the venue’s rich menu, accompanied by a buffet of vegetables, meatballs and other tasty nibbles.

This historic Milanese wine bar, located in a picturesque corner of Milan, next to the Basilica of San Marco, in a one-time 16th-century refectory, is packed with customers from aperitivo hour till late at night. A wine bar, bistro and gastro bar rolled into one, it offers a list of prestigious wines with a focus on French labels. In summer, the pavement behind the locale teems with a relaxed crowd of punters.

The signature dish at this light-filled, highly instagrammable space, is its ‘quadrotto’, square-shaped slice of bread topped with fresh ingredients. Otto is located in the heart of Chinatown, amidst plants and second-hand pieces of furniture. The venue’s aperitivo menu includes a selection of unique, spicy cocktails flavoured with ginger, matcha or lemongrass, as well as the classics, plus a selection of wines and craft beers. At Happy Hour (no buffet included), customers can accompany their drinks with an assortment of platters or dishes all prepared on the same day with high-quality ingredients.

Listed among Italy’s Top 10 cocktail bars, Rita & Cocktails is a great classic on the Milanese cocktail scene. Located on the Naviglio Grande, in a corner that is delightfully detached from the frenzy of the ‘movida’, this locale is a hot favourite with customers from the aperitivo hour until late at night. Behind the counter, longtime owner Edoardo Nono and his partners serve evocatively named cocktails, inspired by their travels around the world. The cocktails, made using only the freshest, prime-quality ingredients, are accompanied by crudité, canapés and small tasting dishes prepared on-site by the locale’s chef. If you prefer to down a beer and gorge yourself on buffet food, we suggest you head elsewhere.