Where to eat

Aperitivo in Milan: how it works, what to order and where to go

Name: Mercadante Suite Milan
Price range: €€

Aperitivo is a Milanese ritual: the times, the cocktails born in the city, the difference between aperitivo and apericena, and the best areas, including some just steps from the suite.

When: roughly 6 pm to 9 pm
Near the suite: Porta Venezia, NoLo and the bar where the Negroni sbagliato was born, in the Città Studi area
What to order: Negroni sbagliato, Americano, Campari spritz

How it works

From 6 pm onwards you order a drink and get snacks included in the price: crisps and olives in simpler bars, small hot dishes and sharing boards in more upmarket places. Apericena is a more generous buffet version that can replace dinner.

Cocktails born in Milan

Negroni sbagliato: Campari, red vermouth and sparkling wine instead of gin. It was invented at Bar Basso, on Via Plinio, not far from the suite.
Americano: Campari, vermouth and soda, the aperitivo classic.
Campari: the quintessential Milanese bitter, also worth trying at Camparino in the Galleria.

The best areas

Navigli and Darsena: aperitivo by the water, crowded at weekends.
Brera: outdoor tables along cobbled streets.
Isola and Garibaldi: cocktail bars and venues with views of the skyscrapers.
Porta Venezia and NoLo: near the suite, relaxed and lively.

Tips

Drink prices vary a lot: they’re higher in the centre and in places with a buffet. If you’re after a quiet aperitivo, avoid 7–8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays in the most famous areas. For an aperitivo right on your doorstep, see the aperitivo section of our guide on where to eat.

Stay just steps away

Mercadante Suite: two suites at Via Saverio Mercadante 10, 10 minutes from Milano Centrale station. Book on our website and pay 20% less.

Aperitivo in Milan: how it works, what to order and where to go

How it works

Cocktails born in Milan

The best areas

Tips

More guides

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