Milan is one of those cities that doesn’t instantly reveal its treasures to visitors. Many of its attractions are hidden away and the same goes for the outdoor dining in Milan. Not to worry though as we have you covered, with a selection of the best rooftop bars and al fresco Milan restaurants.
Outdoor Dining in Milan
If you’re planning a trip to Milan, Italy and want to truly immerse yourself in the culture, then enjoying some of the city’s delicious outdoor dining experiences is essential. With its diverse culinary scene influenced by rustic Italian roots as well as modern global cuisine, cooked up only by the most passionate chefs in Italy – there is no doubt that eating outdoors in Milan will be an adventure like never before!
From picturesque sidewalk cafés tucked away down ancient cobbled lanes to vibrant al fresco terraces set along famous fashion avenues – you are sure to discover some incredible places to enjoy your meals while taking in the sights, smells and sounds of this magnificent destination.
Milan is a relatively compact capital city so you can walk to most of these restaurants from the centre of town.
1. Al Fresco Milan
Our adventures start at the appropriately named Al Fresco Milan on Via Savona. This former warehouse in the Tortona district has been beautifully restored and is now one of the top Milan restaurants.
There are regular art exhibitions and a tasty Mediterranean menu. When we visited, the food was pretty good however the service was clinical though efficient. They’ve made some staff changes recently so hopefully the service will warm up a bit.
2. Ceresio 7 Milan
Talk about a hidden gem! This place looks like an innocuous office block from the outside but head up to the rooftop of Ceresio 7 and you enter a magical space. With 2 pools and a stylish restaurant and bar, it’s one of our favourite places to visit in Milan.
This Milanese hotspot is the brainchild of Dean and Dan Caten, the creative directors of DSquared2, who also have their business headquarters in the building, as well as an exclusive member’s gym and spa.
If it’s particularly busy you may be asked to share a table so remember to book in advance. We certainly enjoyed chatting to the group of Italian friends on ours.
3. 10 Corso Como
Established on the Milan style scene since 1990, 10 Corso Como has since opened branches in Beijing, Shanghai and Seoul. The New York concept store is opening soon, in the historic Seaport District.
As for the Milan address, it’s a unique blend of bookstore, art gallery, fashion boutique and restaurant. The charming garden cafe and restaurant is a great place to enjoy healthy dishes such as yellowfin tuna tartare and freshly squeezed juices.
4. Bar Martini by Dolce and Gabbana
Tucked away inside a courtyard on Corso Venezia, you’ll find Dolce&Gabbana Bar Martini. The dynamic fashion duo have teamed up with Martini to create a light and airy eatery with a relaxed vibe, next to the Dolce&Gabbana Man boutique. It’s a great spot to savour an aperitivo while people watching.
5. Eataly Milan Smeraldo
If you’re looking for a light lunch or snack, then Eataly on Piazza Venticinque Aprile is a good pit stop. Since opening their first market store in Turin in 2007, they have expanded across Italy and to the United States, Asia and the Middle East.
There’s a pleasant terrace outside and an impressive selection of eateries inside this former theatre, as well as a huge range of deli items to take away.
6. Il Bar – Rinascente Milano
Milan’s upmarket department store is worth a visit for the fashion and household goods alone but on the top floor of Rinascente Milano on Via Santa Radegonda there’s the lovely Il rooftop bar with a fantastic view of the Duomo. Popular with locals and visitors alike, you’ll need to arrive early to bag a seat!
7. Porta Nuova Milan
Milan’s business district, near to Garibaldi train station, is popular with locals and has many casual eateries dotted around its circular main square. Piazza Gae Aulenti is raised six meters above street level and linked to Corso Como by an elevated walkway.
Take a peek from here at the striking new buildings springing up, including Vertical Wood, awarded most innovative high-rise in the world. One of our favourite places with outdoor seating here is RED la Fetrinelli – aka Read Eat Dream.
It’s a cool bookstore cafe that does a great value weekend brunch. If you fancy a gelato, head to Grom, also on Piazza Gae Aulenti.
8. Terrazza 12 at Brian & Barry
Another place that is frequented mostly by locals is Terrazza 12 at Brian & Barry on Via Durini. The reason is no doubt due to it being tucked away at the top of this uber cool department store. With a decor inspired by the 1950s, it’s a great place to sample one of their signature cocktails whilst admiring the panoramic views over Milan.
9. Un Posto a Milano
Finally, we couldn’t leave without a mention of our favourite outdoor dining in Milan experience… Un Posto a Milano is a renovated 17th century farmhouse in the heart of the city.
This kitchen, bar and guest house is run by a group of Milanese associations and hosts a regular program of cultural events as well as a farmer’s market each Tuesday. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Milan for al fresco dining!
If you’re lucky, you might get a seat in the greenhouse as we did. The dessert sharing platter is not to be missed but all the food, with its emphasis on local produce and traceability, is equally impressive…
Other Al Fresco Milan Hotspots
- Erba Brusca for vegetarian food in the Navigli area
- Bacaro Montenapoleone, in a quiet courtyard off Via Monte Napoleone
- Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone on Via Santo Spirito
- La Terrazza di Via Palestro within the Swiss Centre building
- Terrazza Triennale within the Design Museum on Viale Alemagna
Final Thoughts on Outdoor Dining in Milan
In conclusion, Milan’s outdoor dining offers something for everyone. From delicious Italian and international dishes to renowned wines and beers, there’s a cafe or restaurant for every taste. Whether you have one day in Milan or longer, make sure to try the local food.
Enjoy the acclaimed cuisine of Central Italy in one of the many great restaurants around the city and be sure to take in the natural beauty that surrounds you too. Whether you’re coming to Milan for business or pleasure, a few meals outdoors is a must-do activity.
For more fun things to do in Italy, here are some other suggestions of free things to do in Milan. Check out our articles on hidden gems in Rome and Venice and our weekend guides to Florence and Verona as well as our Amalfi Coast towns guide for more Italian inspiration.
Which of our al fresco Milan restaurants would you like to visit? Do you have any other restaurants that you would recommend to visitors looking for outdoor dining in Milan?
You might also enjoy:
- Best Hidden Gems in Rome
- Venice Off the Beaten Path
- Best Amalfi Coast Towns
- Best Lake Como Towns
- Famous Italian Design Classics
- 48 Hours in Verona
- Romeo and Juliet in Verona
- The Best Coffee Shops in the World
- The Perfect Lake Como Itinerary
- The Best Restaurants in Naples, Florida
- The Best Restaurants in Sarasota, Florida
- The Most Expensive Buildings in the World
- The Most Luxurious Restaurants in the World
Like these Milan al fresco dining options? Pin for later or share with friends.
Looking for more travel hacks and tips? From hidden gems to unique experiences, we’ve got you covered.
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.
Oooh you fit in so many places!! We loved Ceresio 7 and the D & G bar. I love the look of 10 Corso Como!
I know, we certainly crammed in a lot! 10 Corso Como is very chic and great for design inspo
I’ll have to keep all of these rooftops in mind if I ever make it to Milan! My dad’s been to the city a few times for work and he absolutely adores Milan!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
I can see why your Dad likes it, would be interesting to know his fave haunts!
What a great list! I love outdoor dining in the summer, there’s no better way to enjoy the meal. I’ve been to Eataly in NYC, I wonder how this one compares.
I loved Un Posto a Milano too! There’s something to be said for the Aperol Bar – you cant beat the view, the aperitivo is delicious and you can’t beat the original spritz!
I’m such an aperol fan, it goes down all too easily!
I was surprised how many outdoor places there are there!
La Rinascente is great if you can arrive early enough to nab a seat . They don’t even mention on their website that there’s an outdoor terrace as it’s already so popular 😉
You’ll have a fantastic time if you do go and make sure to walk on the Duomo roof!
Wow, there are so many options here in Milan, a foodie heaven. As a first time visitor I would have to visit La Rinascente, the view of Duomo looks incredible.
It could well be the best rooftop bar view in the city, so you won’t be disappointed if you go
I love the Eataly in New York City! These are some great suggestions for Milan! I’ve always wanted to go.
Yes I’m a fan of the Flatiron branch too, and this one is just as cool!
This is indeed a comprehensive rooftop food guide to Milan! 🙂 🙂 . I liked Ceresio , the roof top with two pools. I have been to Italy but never to Milan. I guess this should at the reasons for visiting Milan.
I think you’d be pleasantly surprised by Milan, it’s got a lot more to it than meets the eye initially
Hope you get the opportunity, Valerie
I need to make a trip to Milan just for these rooftops!! So many cool spots xx
Hi Suze,
Dining al fresco is a great way to usher in summer! Each one is a must-try, no doubt. How’s the food by the way? Is there something you’d recommend to try out first? And are there as many tourists or did they seem more local?
Thank you for finding these hidden gems!
-Edward
When Jasiminne and I went to Milan on our girls trip we absolutely loved the D&G bar, and Obica on the top of the department store next to the Duomo was also great – fab mozarella and pizzas!
C x
Summers are best enjoyed on rooftop terraces 🙂 Lovely selection of bars & restaurants in Milan ♡
Miriam xx
Ok well, whilst designer label clothes and shoes may not be my cuppa, clearly designer label cafes are because the D&G bar looks like such a lush place to enjoy a coffee or aperitif in the sunshine!