aperitivo Archive

Globe

Globe

It is always a quest in Milan to find the best aperitivo bar in terms of good food vs good atmosphere. You can add Globe now to your list. Listed in many sites as the biggest aperitivo spread in Milan- this is not apparently true, but it does have a diverse of good quality food which you certainly dont find everywhere.

The space is expansive- its on the top floor of COIN department store, you you can imagine. But it is modern and packed. They save half the space or more for people dining at the restaurant, so either book a table, go early, or grab a drink and book a table for dinner. They have views over the city that is nice as it begins to be summer in Milan.

Try it out, because in terms of aperitivos, the do a good job.

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Yguana

Yguana

As the weather starts to get warm and it is more pleasant to sit outdoors, spending aperitivo outside becomes a must do. Some places become more popular than others and Yguana by Porta Ticinese is one of those places. With a gigantic aperitivo, the food selection is endless, and trying to find a seat or table is a challenge.

The drinks people order are large and fruity (but of course you can get anything), the clientele are mostly young and in their twenties, the music is loud and the atmosphere is lively. Although there is a  large spread, the quality of food is not the highest, but not bad.

So if you are looking for a lively scene around 7pm, Yguana is the place.

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Frida Cafe

In the heart of the Isola district, Frida is an open space that is half art gallery, half bar, filled with an eclectic crowd. Perhaps not as cools since it has become a trendy spot in Milan, but it is as artsy a place as you will get in Milan. The mismatched sofas, original photography hung on the wall, jazz music playing and local artists hanging out make up this bar.

Frequented by everyone from the MTV crowd to artists and musicians themselves. It is large and has a nice outdoor patio- which is actually more enjoyable than the inside space. It is always packed, especially on the weekends, so perhaps stop by on a monday or tuesday when the beer is cheaper and the crowd is a little thinner.

Address: Via Antonio Pollaiuolo, 3Tel: 02 68 02 60
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Wasabi Japanese Ristorante

If you are looking for a place that serves Sushi Aperitivo, this is it. It is a typical restaurant, small in size and simplistic in decor but it fills with people during aperitivo time and you definitely get more than what you pay for. At only 10-12 euro you have access to not a large selection of food, but all the basics: Edamame and fresh sushi rolls- made from the sushi chef in the corner- a salad dish, a fried dish and a few other things like rice.

The rolls vary and although the selection is limited, the dishes are constantly replenished and fresh. You can also order from the menu of course. But in a city of expensive sushi restaurants, if you want to enjoy it in an inexpensive way, head to wasabi for aperitivo time.

Address: Via Solferino, 27
Tel: 02 36527340

Frank Ristorante e aperitivo

Frank up by Porta Venezia is unique in that they serve a tapas style aperitivo. Popular, especially on thursday nights, this restaurant is filled with young people, but they have heat lamps outside for days like now which expands the small place.

Frank is small, but the atmosphere is cool. Blacks leather couches, red chairs and clear metallic tables fill the space. But the large mirrors and photographs on the walls give some sort of art feel.

The aperitivo is not large, small plates, but all very good. It is definitely a popular place and one you should try out one of these days. But if you are not into aperitivos, go during lunch. It’s more relaxed, you can easily get a table and sample some of their good food!

Viale Vittorio Veneto 8

Van Gogh Cafe

This cafe is popular in the summer as it has a large open patio out in the front, but the inside is so nice, its also very pleasant in the winter. Go for an aperitivo as they have a huge spread filled with all the Italian basics- proscuitto, cheeses, pastas, rice…

Besides aperitivo, it is also a great place to have a relaxing lunch and if you are heading to the park make this an afternoon destination.

Address: Via Agostino Bertani, 2

Tel: 02 34633724

Bhangrabar Milan

The beginning of Corso Sempione is lined with aperitivos. From Deseo to Living, to Jazz Cafe, the buffets are large, the music is loud and the bars are always busy with people on the weekend.

Another great stop on the line of choices is Bhangrabar. Different for the rest in that it has an Indian inspired theme- warm lighting, cozy banquets, pillows and the like. The aperitivo is rich with food, nothing Indian inspired which is odd, but they have everything from paella to pasta and you will certainly not leave hungry.

In addition, the brunch is one of the best along that street.

Address: Corso Sempione, 1
Tel: 02 34934469

El brelin

El Brelin is a well known restaurant in Milan as it is always on the list of places to go for a true Milanese meal. This is true – they serve typical milanese dishes such as osso bucco and risotto, and the staff is as friendly as can be. The menu changes often which speaks for the freshness and the dedication the owners have for serving authentic meals. They are not huge portions but inventive and rich.

The restaurant is beautiful. Large and expansive, but intimate when you are seated. And the outside garden, grotto type terrace is an awesome place to sit during a nice night.

They also have aperitivo which is a best bet. You can enjoy the beautiful dining room and sample the food without paying an arm and a leg- and then its up to you to return for dinner.

Vc. Lavandai (Alzaia Naviglio Grande)
02 89402700

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Ypsilon cafe restaurant

This restaurant is steps from Porta Genova but you would never know when you are inside. Floor to ceilings windows make this restaurant really beautiful. But the colors and ambiance make it a place you can sit for hours.

The thing about Ypsilon is that is has prices of a cafe, but top notch quality. The have deals for all hours of the day. From breakfast, to their lunch and dinner specials, you will wonder how you got such good food at such a cheap price.

Head there for aperitivo time and they will serve you a 6 euro glass of wine (3.50 during the day) accompanied by a large plate of food (type depends on what they decide to cook up that day). In addition, you can choose from more food at their buffet. Basically, a lot of food accompanied by great wine!

Address via valenza 5

Tel 02 45 54 50 04

i Mas!

Head down to the Navigli one of these nights, because the canal is all lit up with lights and it is festive and beautiful. For a relaxed spanish bar/restaurant, head to i mas! at the beginning of the street close to viale gorizia. You walk into i mas, and you are transformed into this cosy spanish place where you know the food will be as good as the atmosphere.

They have a rich buffet during aperitivo time with everything from paella and pastas to potatoes and foccacia. If you can get a seat on the couches in the front then you can people watch and really relax with a drink from their expansive menu of concoctions.

The aperitivo ends promptly at 9pm however, to make sure the dinner scene is not outdone. They serve a selection of tapas, all very inexpensive and the menu has a wide variety of choices. It iss a mix of spanish tapas and traditional food, and it’s a wonderful little place. Recommended for an easy night out.

Address: Ripa di Porta Ticinese 11