The best cocktail bars in Milan from little-known neighbourhood spots to the chicest watering holes

One common misconception about cocktail bars in Milan is that the city’s drinking culture begins and ends with the aperitivo. Yes, the pre-dinner ritual still defines much of the city’s social culture, but the bar scene in Milan has evolved significantly over the past few years, thanks to a brigade of hospitality-minded, boundary-pushing talent.

While the Spritz and the Negroni Sbagliato aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, a new wave of mixologists has elaborated on the customary red-orange palette, pouring an array of jewel-toned beverages layered with technique, seasonality and innovation. Some of these cocktail bars in Milan are part of larger operations with restaurants, others distinguish themselves independently. From the classic to the new, here are 18 of the best cocktail bars in Milan where even tee-totalers will drink exceptionally well. Reservations are recommended whenever possible.

Lubna

Like its equally multi-faceted sibling Moebius (named after the French cartoonist), Lubna claims a namesake: a radical Italian comic book heroine of the 1970s. It arrived on the scene in December 2024 inside a former tram depot in the district dubbed SouPra (“South of Prada” – the Foundation, that is). The vast, faintly industrial open warehouse incorporates concrete and wood surfaces, and glass walls frame views of the al fresco crowd in the courtyard. The layout splits between a restaurant and a cocktail bar, with a listening lounge tucked into the back corner, whose walls come alive with flickering anime cartoons. The cocktails echo executive chef Enrico Croatti’s flame-driven cooking, incorporating ingredients grilled or charred over open fire. The Strawberry and Roasted Capsicum is a smoky riff on a Negroni, built from mezcal and diluted juice from a roasted pepper, while a spin on the tequila-based Toreador adds yoghurt and house-made “black oil” infused with fiery charcoal ember.

Address: Via Vezza d’Oglio, 14, 20139
Website: lubnamilano.com

Rita’sGaia Menchicchi

Rita

Rita, Edoardo Nono and Chiara Buzzi’s modern classic opened in 2002 along the Naviglio Grande – well before the banks of the canal-crossed district evolved into the bar-loaded hotbed it is today. Nono and his team pioneered practices now considered commonplace, such as house-made infusions and juices and buffet-free quality aperitivo eats served at the table. Sit at the U-shaped Larchwood bar backed by a bottle rack displaying over 500 premium labels that stretch to the ceiling, or plop yourself on one of the red banquettes edging the walls. Among the ever-changing, inventive cocktails is one retro throwback: the Gin Zen, a 90s-style hodgepodge of crushed ice, gin, muddled fresh ginger, lime, and soda that Nono’s been mixing since day one. Just across the street is Rita’s Tiki Room, which opened in 2019.

Address: Via Angelo Fumagalli, 1, 20143 Milano MI
Website: ritacocktails.com

Bar Basso

This epic institution evokes the charm of a bygone era while still setting the benchmark for cool. Avail yourself of a Negroni Sbagliato, or the “Mistaken Negroni” swapping prosecco for gin, created in 1972 by late owner Mirko Stocchetto. Better yet, ask for “uno Sbagliato grande” which swims among clinking ice cubes in a glass goblet bigger than your head. If you’re not in the mood for bitter, Bar Basso’s plentiful cocktail list runs 500 long and counting. The clientele represents all walks of life: young and old, regulars and newbies, locals and travellers. Stocchetto’s son Maurizio, the current owner, marked the 50th anniversary with a light refurbishment but one that kept the vintage backbone intact, from the brocades and mirrors to the marble floor and dark wood panels. The crowds can spill onto the sidewalk any given evening (especially during Design Week), so make sure to book in advance for prime-time imbibing.