The 5 best specialty coffees in Milan More than just classic Italian coffee

Since Valentina Palange published her new book, "Coffee in Italy Sucks," reactions on social media have been nothing short of explosive. Rather than attacking the coffee culture in the Bel Paese, the author wanted to highlight how Italian bean roasting tends to be (too) burnt, thus canceling out all those flavor nuances that make coffee a complex tasting experience. Hence, the invitation to explore a type of coffee shop already widespread abroad but still struggling to take root in Italy: specialty coffee. But what exactly does it mean? Specialty coffee refers to coffee of the highest quality, traceable throughout the supply chain—from the plantation to the cup. It is made from selected beans, grown in micro-lots at high altitudes, hand-picked, and processed using methods designed to preserve their organoleptic characteristics. In the cup, this results in a rich and varied aromatic profile, which can range from fruity and floral notes to hints of chocolate, honey, or spices, offering a tasting experience light-years away from the burnt bitterness of traditional espresso. Among the "aesthetic" new cafés popping up in Milan like mushrooms, many emphasize their expertise in specialty coffee, but a few stand out for their quality and the breadth of their menu.

For the curious, here is nss’s list of the 5 best specialty coffee shops in Milan.

The Coffee

Located in the heart of Porta Venezia, the first Italian outpost of The Coffee opened just a few months ago. Born in Brazil in 2018 from the Frentonani brothers, the concept merges Japanese aesthetics with a passion for quality coffee. The atmosphere is minimalist and refined, with interiors of light wood and stone inspired by Japanese design and the principle of «omotenashi», the art of Japanese hospitality. The menu features specialty coffees from Brazil, Peru, and Rwanda, roasted in-house to enhance their organoleptic qualities. The must-drinks, however, are often hidden in the seasonal offerings, which focus not only on ingredients but also on the flavor palettes of the current months.

Viale Piave, 20

Torrefazione Cafezal Milano

Among the pioneers of specialty coffee in Milan is Torrefazione Cafezal Milano, founded in 2017 by Italo-Brazilian Carlos Bitencourt. The name, which in Portuguese means “coffee plantation,” reflects the brand’s commitment to overseeing the entire supply chain: from bean selection in South American plantations to artisanal roasting in its own Milan locations. The venue on Viale Premuda, in particular, has over time become a coffee hub, now hosting the Milano Coffee Academy, where courses for enthusiasts and professionals are held, as well as a coworking space. Over time, the small neighborhood bar expanded across Milan, from Corso Magenta to Bicocca. For the summer season, they also offer their in-house produced cold brew in cans, perfect for the heat of the coming months.

Via Solferino, 27 / Viale Premuda, 14 / Corso Magenta 96 / Milano Bicocca / Via San Gregorio, 29

Ditta Artigianale 

After winning over Florence, in January Ditta Artigianale brought its contemporary coffee approach to Milan. The Corso Magenta 31 location is more than just a coffee shop—it's a bright, thoughtfully designed space where coffee culture, design, and hospitality coexist. Founded in 2013 by Francesco Sanapo, an award-winning barista and reference figure in the Italian specialty coffee scene, Ditta Artigianale offers a selection of in-house roasted single origins, extracted using various techniques to enhance every aromatic nuance. Beyond coffee, the menu includes international breakfasts, artisanal desserts, and light meals. In the evening, the café transforms into a gin bar, making it one of the city’s most versatile venues.

Corso Magenta, 31

June collective

Different from the rest, June collective is not just a café, but a full-fledged dining hub in the heart of the Certosa District. In the kitchen, the fine dining experience of Indian chef Mythila Shilke translates into seasonal dishes with international flair, but it’s the specialty coffee selection that earns the bistrot a special place in Milan’s culinary scene. Beans are sourced from independent Nordic roasters (such as Koppi or La Cabra), chosen for their balance of acidity, sweetness, and aromatic complexity. Manual brews and dairy alternatives are key parts of the experience, designed for a curious, mindful, and informed audience. More than a café, it's a natural extension of a kitchen built on quality, research, and authenticity.

Via Varesina, 162

Orsonero

Although it first opened back in 2016, Orsonero never goes out of style. Founded by Canadian Brent Jopson and his partner Giulia Gasperini, the café introduced a new way of experiencing coffee in a city where espresso at the counter is tradition. Despite its small size, Orsonero has built a loyal following thanks to the quality of its offerings. The menu is minimal but refined, using blends from renowned roasters like Gardelli Specialty Coffees. Beyond the quality of the coffee, Orsonero has become a social media phenomenon. With over 20,000 followers on Instagram, the café is frequently featured in posts and reels celebrating its aesthetic and welcoming atmosphere. Its online popularity has helped spread the specialty coffee culture to a broader audience, attracting both enthusiasts and the simply curious.

Via Broggi, 15