The 6 Best Breakfast Options In Milan

Anyone who comes to Milan will surely have a few breakfast places on their itinerary to indulge in a typical Italian-infused morning feed. You can get it all, from light croissant and cappuccino combos to plates filled with hearty salami, eggs, and bread.

Milanese breakfasts are usually smaller than I’d find in my home country of America, but I’m used to them by now, having been to a multitude of breakfast restaurants in Milan. If you’re one for bigger portions, don’t worry; there are plenty of places where you can still get them.

Anyone who wants to try some fresh cornetto or a yummy panino, you’re in the right place, as I’ve compiled a list of the best breakfast options in Milan. Let’s begin!

Ofelé. Caffè & Coccole.

In Milan’s Via Savona 2, you’ll find Ofelé, a quaint Italian breakfast and brunch spot that breathes pure homey vibes with its warm interiors, cozy seating area, and ultra-friendly staff who greet every customer with a smile.

The first time I ended up here, I came for the sizable menu; there was such a nice mix of options, including stacks of pancakes, delicious tropical fruits, and pastries straight from the oven.

I’m not too fond of salads in general, but the fresh fruit salad I had the last time at Ofelé was phenomenal. The earthy leafy greens mixed with the natural sugars from fruits like strawberries gave me a nutritious boost for the day ahead.

A plate full of color is always a satisfying start to the day, and the medley of brightly colored fruits tasted every bit as good as they looked.

Before I left, I ordered a pistachio-filled croissant to-go from the glass shelf. Gently bronzed, flaky, and packed with salty and buttery pistachio paste, what I thought would be a snack for later quickly became my dessert as it simply looked too good to resist.

Ofelé. Caffè & Coccole. (€€) – Via Savona, 2, 20144 Milano MI, Italy – Monday, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Cocotte

Within close proximity of one of Milano’s busiest shopping streets, Corso XXII Marzo is an adorable little cafe with a peaceful ambiance. Cute yet rustic, Cocotte always feels like a little hideaway.

I’d passed this spot a handful of times during previous visits to Milan, so I made it my business to check it out whenever I was in town next. As soon as I stepped inside and laid eyes on the gorgeous line-up of sweet treats on display, I was sold.

As tempting as they were, I felt I should at least tuck into something substantial before going straight for the sweet stuff. After studying the menu for quite some time, I eventually settled on savory pancakes, which came with salmon, poached eggs, and asparagus.

The pancakes weren’t thick American style, nor were they akin to crepes; they were somewhere in between. A slight sweetness from the asparagus infused beautifully with the smoky flavors of the salmon and the gooey egg added the perfect richness to the dish.

Much like Ofelé, what was intended to be a quick breakfast soon turned into a two-course meal, as I knew I had to sample a pain au chocolat for myself. Just as I’d hoped, it was light yet fulfilling, with just the right ratio of milk chocolate to buttery pastry.

Cocotte (€€) – Via Benvenuto Cellini, 1, 20129 Milano MI, Italy – Tuesday to Saturday, 7:30 am to 9:00 pm, Sunday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm

Debbie’s

Located just a stone’s throw from spots like Sforzesco Castle and Pinacoteca di Brera is Debbie’s, a personal favorite of mine when I’m looking for high-quality grab-and-go bites.

I usually grab sandwiches or pastries to go from this stylish little spot. Still, I had a little more time on my hands on my most recent visit, so I decided to take advantage of the Italian sunshine and perched myself at one of the outdoor seating tables.

The selection of goods here is ever-changing, and on this occasion, I fancied something light for breakfast, so I opted for the cream-filled brioche. Despite my numerous visits here, I’d never branched out and sampled anything beyond my tried and tested go-tos.

That was quite the mistake on my part, as the brioche was splendid. Super soft with a light sweetness, the bread was indulgent without feeling too heavy. This definitely worked out in my favor, as the cream was quite luscious, and neither component overpowered the other.

Not only were the flavors right on point, but the deep golden color of the brioche and the buttery smell added so much to this delectable baked delight.

Debbie’s (€€) – Corso Garibaldi, 22, 20121 Milano MI, Italy – Sunday to Thursday, 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday, 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday, 6:00 am to 11:00 pm

Hygge

Hygge is one of those restaurants for breakfast that just gets it right every time. Situated on the western edge of Milan’s Zone 1, Hygge is centrally located, serves vegetarian and gluten-free options and yet has a trendy feel to it as if it belongs in an up-and-coming neighborhood.

This place was filled with everyone, from groups of friends to remote workers, giving it an eclectic yet casual atmosphere during my visit. I was even more impressed when I took a look at the menu, which was filled with French toast, egg tortillas, and fruit-topped porridge.

It’s not often that I find somewhere to eat where I’d been eager to try just about everything on the menu, but Hygge was one of the rare exceptions. On the advice of the friendly waiter, I went for the potato pavé with vichyssoise, which was nothing short of mouthwatering.

Every time I try potato pavé, I question why I don’t order it more often, and this was no different; it’s a must-try. The potatoes came out somewhere between gold and brown, and the vichyssoise looked silky smooth and nourishing.

Crispy without feeling over-oiled, infused with garlic, and with a melt-in-the-mouth consistency, the potatoes alone would have been enough to keep me happy. However, the mild flavors of the leek paired with the more intense taste of the cream shining through made the soup a winner.

Hygge (€€) – Via Giuseppe Sapeto, 3, 20123 Milano MI, Italy – Monday, Wednesday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

David’s

David’s is a small but stellar cafe and pastry shop near Milan Central Station and is a lovely haunt whether it’s lattes, breakfast, or a quick cake you’re after.

With an attentive team and just a clutch of tables, David’s is a charming cafe with the most welcoming ambiance. These factors really made this place stand out to me, and this unassuming eatery quickly became a spot I found myself returning to.

The menu is simple and is all about hearty breakfast fare, including omelets, pancakes, and yogurt bowls. You won’t find anything overly fancy or decadent here, just good quality food made with love.

I woke up with quite the craving for something some bacon, so I snubbed the ham and cheese omelet that I’d typically be drawn to and went for the fresh bacon with a side of toast instead. Service was fast and efficient, and I was digging into my fluffy pancakes within 10 minutes of ordering.

The serving came out with a pile of strips of bacon dressed on top of a crispy portion of white breaded toast. The smokiness from the bacon complemented the crunchiness from the bread and the creaminess from the butter I happened to spread across each slice.

David’s (€€) – Via Gustavo Fara, 31, 20124 Milano MI, Italy – Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 12:30 pm

Hoya Milano

Hoya Milano is a breakfast bistro that gets a lot of recognition for their diverse menu, but it’s the classic breakfasts here that I think are the real stars of the show. 

While this chic eatery near the Indro Montanelli Gardens has a sophisticated and picture-perfect interior, don’t let this fool you into thinking this place is all about aesthetics. The team here has crafted a lengthy menu of international favorites, from waffles to croque madames.

Having noticed quite a few people ordering the Moroccan breakfast, I followed suit to see what all the fuss was about. As partial as I am to Moroccan cuisine, it’s not what I usually tend to crave in the morning, and I rarely reach for it outside of evening meals.

Doughy msemmen bread, zesty marmalade, olive oil, and a lightly seasoned omelet cooked to perfection, this platter made me think that I may have been missing out on Moroccan breakfasts all along.

To top it all off, this dish came with a generous pot of steaming Moroccan tea. The pungent aromas and soft mint flavors from the tea were the ideal additions to this delicious early-morning feast. 

Hoya Milano (€€) – Via Panfilo Castaldi, 42, 20124 Milano MI, Italy – Tuesday to Friday, 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, Saturday, 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, Sunday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Conclusion

I bet you’re excited about your next breakfast in Milan after reading through this list. This city has so much going for it in terms of morning fare, from boutique pasticcerias to upmarket cafes.

If you want to seek out some more eating stops, make a reservation for our Milan food tour with a local guide. Also check out our reviews of the best foods in Italy.