You can read this article in Italian here
When I’m far from Italy, what I miss the most isn’t pizza, pasta, or comfort food that reminds me of home; it’s Italian pastry. Pastries. Single servings. Slices of cake. Everything. Fortunately, Milan is home to many pastry shops, ranging from the most classic to the most creative, from historic places where you can watch Milanese women in their natural habitat, to newer spots run by young people curious about exotic preparations.
In this article, I’ll share some modern pastry shops in Milan that I’ve had the pleasure of trying (for those of you who love tradition, I refer you to this article on historic pastry shops).
L’Ile Douce in Isola
L’Ile Douce is the latest pastry shop I tried in Milan, and it’s already one of my favorites: a small, cute place without being over the top, with a wide selection of French and Italian-inspired baked goods, filtered coffee, and friendly staff. I absolutely loved the infiniment vanille: crunchy vanilla shortcrust, vanilla cream, vanilla-soaked biscuit, velvety Polynesian vanilla, and salted caramel. I also highly enjoyed the voiles, with mousse and chocolate in different textures.
Ziva in De Angeli
Have you ever tried a Mario or Dodici Luglio? These are just a few of the incredible single-serving desserts at Ziva, a small but fantastic modern pastry shop with attentive service (sometimes almost too attentive). In the photo, you can see the excellent Mario: zabaglione mousse and dark chocolate core. Amazing!
Felicetta in Wagner
I tried Felicetta one afternoon with friends, and it was a lovely discovery: Sicilian cannoli filled to order, brioche, éclairs, cakes, single-serve desserts… a little bit of everything, and everything was good! The place is small, but with two floors, and you can also have lunch since it’s a bistro and café.
Cleà in Washington Area
When talking about modern pastry shops in Milan, Cleà must be mentioned. In 2020, it was chosen as the best pastry shop in Milan on the TV show Cake Star, hosted by pastry chef Damiano Carrara (and Katia Follesa). Everything is good here, from leavened goods to single-serving pastries.
Marlà in Porta Romana
Don’t be discouraged by the often long line outside: Marlà is worth it. This modern pastry shop has become a true institution in the neighborhood: simple yet elegant, clean, and full of amazing desserts (even seasonal ones), with friendly staff. The Veneziana alla crema at Marlà is an absolute must-try.
Adolfo Stefanelli in Cinque Giornate and Vetra
I’ll start by saying I’ve never been to the Vetra location, only to the Cinque Giornate one. And I’ve been there many, many times—more than I’d like to admit. I’ve tried a bit of everything, from mont blanc to éclairs, single-serve desserts to leavened goods, pasticciotto from Puglia to croissants. All highly recommended!
The Best Modern Pastry Shops in Milan: The List
Here’s a handy list to share with friends, containing the pastry shops mentioned above, plus a few extras:
- Pasticceria Adolfo Stefanelli (Viale Premuda, 12 and Via Molino delle Armi, 23) – full review here
- Cleà Pasticceria Culinaria (Via Giacomo Boni 25, Via Vetta D’Italia, 18) – full review here
- Cioccolateria Belga Charlotte Dusart (Via Bartolomeo Eustachi, 47)
- Felicetta Cafè & Bistrot (Via Vincenzo Monti, 56, Largo 5º Alpini, 2)
- Fòla (Via Luigi Varanini, 12)
- L’Ile Douce (Via Luigi Porro Lambertenghi)
- Marlà Pasticceria (Corso Lodi, 15)
- Sisu (Via Gaudenzio Ferrari, 1) – mentioned as one of the best places for cinnamon rolls and buns in Milan
- Ziva (Via Federico Faruffini, 2)
What do you think of these modern pastry shops in Milan? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram!
Want to read something else? Here gluten free cafès and restaurants in Milan, some restaurants in Porta Romana (Bocconi area), what to do in a rainy day in Milan and where to get the best drinks in Navigli.
