In Italy, desserts are taken very seriously, particularly in Milan. Many skilled chefs travel to Milan from other parts of Italy since the city has a prestigious reputation as the northern capital of the country and its proximity to Europe allows for tasty creations to accompany espresso or sweet wines after dinner. Walking around the city center, one will likely come across a gelateria or pasticceria filled with delightful, sugary indulgences every block or two, especially in the busy tourist area near Piazza del Duomo and Galleria shopping district.
While sweets and gelato are undoubtedly the most prevalent offerings, the dessert scene extends far beyond that familiar ground. Chocolate connoisseurs, for example, make a pilgrimage to Zaini Milano, located near Corso Como in the northern part of the city, which has been providing truffles and confections (and yes, chocolate gelato) for nearly a century. In the meantime, Milan’s famous predinner culture means there are prepared desserts to sample every night of the week, presented buffet-style in stacks and rows, all freeof charge(as long as you’re drinking).
However, given that cuisine from Milan draws from many parts of Italian food, any visitor there is advised to focus more on traditional dishes. Hence, the list below contains not only the most iconic desserts in Milan, but also many of the most well-known across the country (though tiramisu is not included here). Every bakery and restaurant offers their own version, so it’s important for those with a sweet tooth to seek out unfamiliar options as well as fresh takes on staples. True connoisseurs may also want to explore their choices through cooking classes, as many of the same companies that provide traditional pasta-making courses have optional lessons centered around desserts as well. Enjoy!
5 Best Desserts in Milan
Panna Cotta
Over the past few decades, panna cotta has become synonymous with dessert in Italy, but it is a relatively new creation, gaining prominence mainly in the 1960s. Often served chilled, panna cotta has a notably rich, silky texture that is distinct. Most believe this pudding-like mixture originated from the wine-producing Piedmont region in Northern Italy, which makes sense as it may have developed closer to other parts of Europe with comparable cream-based desserts displaying a similar pudding-like consistency (such as crème brulée in France, for example).
In Milan, you will commonly find tiramisu offered throughout pizzerias, pasta shops, and pastry shops, prepared in a wide range of styles involving ingredients from berry compotes to coffee bean infusions. Your best choice is to order it at a restaurant whose pasta you particularly enjoyed; chances are good the establishment will have it, and that the dessert chef has given it some additional flair.
Where to sample it: Cantina della Vetra • Map
Cannoli
Whereas panna cotta is a newer dessert, cannoli has a much longer history originating hundreds of years ago on Sicily when the island was under Arab rule. Often made during Lent or the pre-Lenten Carnival season, legend has it the pastry tube filled with ricotta and/or mascarpone along with various flavorings was seen as a symbol of fertility.
In Milan, they can be found practically everywhere, which has both pros and cons. Cannoli is intended to be consumed rapidly so as to uphold the contrast in feel between the shell and filling, however sometimes excessive time passes between when they’re made and sold to be eaten. To get around that, look outside the most tourist-packed area (near Piazza del Duomo) and venture more north to the Brera district north of Castle Sforza. The bakeries in this part of town (just a 10-15 minute walk from the Duomo) are more reliable. Really though, even a cannoli that`s been sitting for a while is still fairly pleasurable.
Gelato
Ice cream, known locally as gelato, represents an iconic dessert staple across Italy. Compared to American ice cream, gelato contains less fat while maintaining a smoother, creamier texture achieved through unique production methods requiring less dairy. Visitors will have many chances to personally taste regional variations in major cities nationwide. In Milan, located in northern Italy where temperatures prove cooler, gelato stands appear less ubiquitous as a chilled treat attracts less natural appeal. However, gelato remains readily available throughout summer months for residents and travelers alike to enjoy.
Again, you are better assisted steering clear of the immediate vicinity surrounding Piazza del Duomo and exploring other areas instead; one possibility is headed south toward Porta Ticinese and the Navigli district, merely 10 minutes away from the Duomo area by tram. The pathways along the waterways here (all of Milan was once encircled with canals, Amsterdam-style) are full of shops and eateries competing for pedestrian traffic, and the competition has prompted the ice cream parlors to improve their offerings to try and impress the local people who are drawn by the many pre-dinner opportunities in the neighborhood.
A place to try it:Gusto 17 Map
Panettone
In search of a true Milanese specialty? Panettone, a syrupy, fruit-flecked bread originating over 500 years ago, remains an emblem of the city`s culinary heritage. Various accounts credit nobles for its invention yet concur it evolved into a wintertime favorite, best enjoyed with sparkling wine, prosecco or amaretto to toast the holidays in festive company.
The process of crafting panettone is fairly laborious, but the presentation is remarkably consistent; it’s pretty much always done in a cylindrical shape, usually wrapped in paper (partially to prevent the dough from diffusing away from the core). If kept wrapped and prevented from becoming too warm, the bread can sit for months and not lose its freshness. Hence, in Milan, you will often find it sold whole, and not necessarily available by the slice. Having said that, there are a number of shops in the city that base their entire reputation on this one dessert, sliced or whole. Some of the best ones can be found in the neighborhood just to the east of the Piazza del Duomo, in the Monforte neighborhood. Take a loaf out to an outdoor table (which are everywhere in Milan) and you may make a few new (hungry) friends after you unwrap it.
Where to sample it: Pasticceria Giacomo • Map
Semifreddo
Known as “semi-cold,” semifreddo is a lighter, airier cousin to gelato. Though prepared similarly by freezing, semifreddo is more of a pastry in texture, resembling custard or mousse. Its history is brief compared to other desserts, initial recipes only dating to the early twentieth century. The origins remain somewhat ambiguous; however, noted chef Marino Marini connects it to the French parfait through their mutual reliance on delicate balances of sugar, fat, and liquid for unique structures.
Semifreddo is regularly served at gelaterias throughout Milan, meaning finding it while visiting the city is straightforward. However, due to its complex texture, the quality can differ. To optimize your chances of discovering an exceptional sample, consider searching near Parco Sempione, especially the Arco della Pace (Peace Arch) on the park`s northwest edge. This area of town offers some of Milan`s best pre-dinner snacks as well as locals who are more discerning about food (and desserts) than outsiders. That combination likely elevates the probability of enjoying a top-tier version.
Where to try it: Ciacco Gelato Senz’altro • Map
Best Milan Pasticcerias
Pasticceria Sant-Ambroeus
Half a refined and lavish (expensive) restaurant, half a pasticceria and chocolatier counter, with a standing bar that has remained largely unchanged (marble counter and enormous Murano chandelier intact), since 1936. • Map
T’a Milano
A store selling chocolates, drinks, meals, and goods; this place has it all. Try the award-winning white chocolate bar with caramel and Hawaiian sea salt. • Map
Pasticceria Marchesi 1824
Historic patisserie now owned by Prada. Stop by the original 1824 store on Via Santa Maria della Porta, the sumptuous pistachio green cafe above the Prada store in the Galleria, or a third outlet in the Quad. • Map
Iginio Massari
Celebrating the work of its renowned celebrity chef, this establishment focuses on pastries and chocolates, all freshly made on-site (staff are continuously seen bringing out more from the kitchen). Situated near Duomo square. • Map
Pasticceria Cova Montenapoleone
Another classic Milanese bakery, opened in 1817, now also owned by one of the big fashion houses – Louis Vuitton. Superb breakfasts and lunches. • Map
Princi
Multiple locations around the city (and world) for this chic Milanese bakery that does far more than just bread. The Piazza Cordusio outlet is conveniently open 7am-10pm. • Map
Baunilla
This contemporary, welcoming small patisserie is right in the core of the city however somehow feels off the worn track. It has cozy seating and does amazing chocolates. • Map
Pasticceria Gattullo
A beautifully preserved 1960s pasticceria that has has held on to its founding principles and features excellent dishes for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and appetizers. • Map
Pavè Milano
Hip pasticceria excellent anytime for delectable pastries, such as double hazelnut short dough with chocolate ganache and raspberry pulp, afternoon tea, as well as more substantial options on their homemade focaccia. Vegan and gluten-free available, as are English menus. • Map
Pasticceria Sissi
Whimsical sweet and savory creations are offered in a charming cafe with a walled garden in Sissi, which has become a pilgrimage site for many residents of Milan seeking to enjoy the food and surroundings. – Map
