Milan's best kiosks, where you can eat and drink outdoors
The best kiosks in Milan for outdoor dining and drinking. For those of you spending the summer in Milan, or even just a few weekends, don't panic: we've selected six kiosks where you can enjoy a carefree time at any time of day, from breakfast to lunch, from aperitivo to after-dinner drinks.
TO THE SENDOR
Exit Milano
The most talked-about kiosk (and the most refined on the list), even two years after opening: a concept born from an idea by Matias Perdomo, founder of Contraste, a Michelin-starred restaurant we've previously discussed here. Exit aims to offer simple, more accessible cuisine (main courses from €13 to €20), urban gastronomy as they themselves define it. Refined ingredients are presented in simple recipes paired with unexpected flavors. Enjoy at any time of day, by reserving in the kiosk's interior or on the outdoor terrace, in the beautiful setting of the central Piazza Erculea.
Piazza Erculea, 2, 20122 Milan MI – 02 3599 9080. Website.
MONUMENTAL
Mimì Gourmet
We've already mentioned it as a great option for an al fresco lunch, but Mimì is also perfect for satisfying our seafood appetites at dinner or during aperitivo time, accompanied by fried fish (€5-10). Originally, the kiosk specialized in mushrooms and truffles, as the sign still says, but now its signature dish is the platters: crustaceans, mollusks, and raw fish tartare (from €40 for two) served at informal tables in Piazzale Baiamonti, which are best reserved in advance.
Piazzale Antonio Baiamonti, 3, 20154 Milan MI – 02 313089. Facebook page.
INDEPENDENCE
Chiringuito Risorgimento
The meeting place in the Indipendenza neighborhood, that place where you feel at home and could pop down for a drink even in your slippers. From aperitivo until late (it usually closes at 2 p.m.), it's the perfect spot for a cocktail or two in peace, with your old friends, at reasonable prices (cocktails start at €5).
Corso Indipendenza, 3, 20129 Milan MI – 334 328 9282. Facebook page.
Goofy's Kiosk
The kiosk is located inside Indro Montanelli Park and closes quite early in the evening (11 p.m., the park's closing time), so the best time to enjoy the greenery while sitting comfortably on a lounge chair under an umbrella is at sunset. It's perfect for a post-work beer (€3-5) or a refreshing slice of watermelon (€3.50). It's also worth a try for a quick lunch: the cold food menu includes sandwiches, piadinas, and salads (€4-9). It was very popular for the Jazz in the Park Sunday event, which is currently suspended. We hope it resumes soon.
Via Daniele Manin, 6, 20121 Milan MI – 02 6551137. Facebook page.
FIVE LIVES
Mentana Kiosk
From March to November, Milan's financial district comes alive at aperitivo time. Right behind Piazza Affari, a stone's throw from Via Torino, where there are very few summer bars, this kiosk stands out, nestled in a charming little square. Illuminated by light bulbs and buzzing with background chatter, it enjoys a casual and romantic atmosphere. Originally a grab-and-go bar, it's now become a rather sophisticated spot (even in terms of prices; cocktails start at €10 but are plentiful) for a casual get-together in a suit and tie. Keep in mind that it closes early (10 p.m.) and reservations are essential.
Piazza Mentana, 20123 Milan, Italy. Facebook page.
REPUBLIC
Faravelli's small kitchen
The kiosk in Piazza della Repubblica is the express kitchen corner of the Faravelli delicatessen. For any time of day, from breakfast to aperitif, lunch, and dinner, it offers hot and cold dishes from their workshop on Corso Italia. For lunch, the menu includes sandwiches, salads, and hot deli dishes or stuffed pasta (from €8), also available for takeout. For aperitif, mixed platters are available, which can be paired with a drink or a beer from Birrificio Lambrate (€5-6).
Piazza della Repubblica, 272, 20121 Milan MI. Website.
