Italy is experiencing a cultural coffee revolution and Milan, which has always been the most innovative Italian city and open to new challenges par excellence, immediately felt the change.
These brand new coffee spots focus on high quality, specifically on specialty coffee, focussing on international styles or mixing tradition and novelty. It is not just about style, but also about an awareness that aims at a fundamental aspect of humanity: social and environmental sustainability in the coffee supply chain.
Here are five new openings in the Milanese landscape worth exploring:
1. Cafè 124
In the Piazza Cinque Giornate area, Cafè 124 has combined specialty coffee with evening wine tasting of a certain level. The bartenders Daniele and Valeria work hard to pass on the culture of high-quality coffee and the various methods of extraction. The selection of coffees is always different: from the most popular and iconic internationals to the delicious Italian roasting.
Mario, the owner, focuses heavily on hospitality, and coffee lovers consider this place as one of the warmest. To bring the consumer closer to coffee, they have created a fixed appointment with cupping (sensory tasting) every Saturday morning, and if you pop in you'll also discover why it's called Cafè 124!
2. Bar Affori
In the northern area of Milan two brothers, Salvatore and Alessandro, have transformed the bar owned by their parents into their own management. Unlike the other cafes, here you can see the mix of style between tradition and innovation very well. There is a wide choice of coffee, single origin and blends, of various roasting intensities, precisely because they point to a gradual change. The bar has been frequented by regular customers for years but the goal is also to get into the desires of younger coffee lovers and lovers of Third Wave. In fact, alongside the two Dalla Corte espresso machines, there are many varying extraction methods.
3. Rationale
Located in one of the most enchanting areas of Milan, near the Navigli, Rationale (formerly Cofficina) has recently opened its doors to all coffee lovers.
Completely different from what it was before, it has revolutionized both style and equipment: the pour-over Modbar system and La Marzocco KB90 allow optimal management of the flow of people, who are immersed in a minimal environment of black and white. The search for the new and the unpublished are strongly desired by Lorenzo Sordini, established barista and retail manager, and by the whole team. In addition, their coffee is chosen and roasted entirely by themselves. If you come and visit, they will be happy to tell you the anecdote behind the name.
4. Miccone
Near an important university area of Milan stands Miccone. But what is the "miccone"? It is a typical bread of Pavia, perfect to be stuffed with the typical produce of Oltrepò Pavese. Giuseppe, the owner, has decided to expand his boundaries with a proposal of high quality coffee.
The style reflects in part the well-furnished decor of London cafés.
Giulio, his brother and manager of the restaurant, is very keen on hospitality and welcomes every one of his clients in a persuasive and warm way, whilst prepare cappuccinos at the same time with impeccable milk art, reminiscent of his London training.
5. L'americano che amava le brioche
In the Isola area of Milan there is a place that opened last February, "The American that loves the Brioche", which immediately set out to make good quality coffee!
The brunches are lovely in this place, with a pleasing mix of internationality. Mattia, head barista, is always looking for the perfect extraction and from him you can taste one of the best Cascara drinks. They are very committed to promoting the coffee culture through workshops and in collaboration with bloggers and roasters.
The Milan Coffee Festival will showcase the best specialty coffee from Italy and beyond. Tickets are completely free, but in limited supply. Sign up to our Coffee Club now to avoid dissapointment.