Top Bars in Milan – Most Viewed (2025)

There’s something irresistible about the speakeasy 1930, and it’s not just the feeling that you’re in on one terrific secret. It’s also the inventive cocktails and classy vintage decor that takes you back to the time of American Prohibition. Hidden by what appears to be a Chinese convenience store, entry is only granted by invitation, which is notoriously hard to come by. If you don't know someone who's already a member, the best way to gain entry is by sweet talking the staff at Mag Bar (the parent bar of this locale), in particular owner and bar manager Flavio Angiolillo.

Camparino in Galleria is a historic icon of Milanese aperitivo culture since 1915, founded by Davide Campari at the edge of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Housed within Europe’s first shopping arcade, its Art Nouveau interiors were crafted in the 1920s by master artisan Eugenio Quarti, painter Angelo d’Andrea, and ironwork by Alessandro Mazzucotelli. The bar retains its original marble and mosaic flooring, adding a luxurious backdrop to its timeless elegance. Operating across multiple distinct spaces—the historic Bar di Passo (with standing aperitivo counter and outdoor seating), the elegant Sala Spiritello upstairs, and the exclusive reservation-only Sala Gaspare Campari in the basement—Camparino caters to everything from quick drinks to full sensory dining. With opening hours extending from breakfast through aperitivo and dinner, it’s a versatile destination that celebrates every moment. The cocktail menu pays homage to the original Campari Seltz and Negroni, alongside creative modern aperitivos crafted with precision and style. At an average of $15 per cocktail, it offers premium drinks that reflect its premium setting. Complementary small plates feature seasonal and regional dishes, crafted under the direction of chef Paolo Pivato, whose gourmet lunch service adds a culinary layer to the bar’s offering. As recently ranked #27 on The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2021, Camparino remains at the forefront of international mixology culture while upholding the tradition of Milanese downtown sophistication. Whether you seek a classic aperitivo, a stylish night out, or a chic daytime lunch, Camparino delivers in a historic, refined, and atmospheric setting.

Imagine renting your own private bar for a couple of hours, where you can choose every detail, from the music to the glassware, while a masked mixologist whips up cocktails according to your tastes. Welcome to BackDoor43. Billed as the smallest bar in the world, at 4 sq m with space for only four people (including the barman), drinking here is an intimate experience. If that sounds too claustrophobic for you, you can get take-away cocktails outside, by ordering through a small window (only on weekends).

Moebius Milano is a dynamic venue in Milan's Centrale district, blending gastronomy, mixology, and music within a 700-square-meter loft. The space features a Tapa Bistrot offering globally inspired sharing plates, a Michelin-starred Sperimentale Restaurant led by chef Enrico Croatti, and a cocktail bar boasting over 300 spirits. Live jazz, bossa nova, swing, and soul performances enhance the ambiance on Monday and Thursday evenings. A vinyl store within the venue adds to its eclectic charm.

Since its opening in 2002, Rita & Cocktails has become a cornerstone of Milan’s cocktail and aperitivo scene. Located at Via Angelo Fumagalli 1 in the Navigli district, this bar was one of the first in Milan to go beyond the typical aperitivo format—prioritizing fresh, seasonal cocktail making (no artificial syrups), inventive flavor combinations, and a food menu that complements rather than competes with the drinks. The decor strikes a balance: cosy yet elegant, with a prominent wooden bar, comfortable stools, lounge-friendly lighting, and a small outdoor seating area (dehors) to enjoy evenings when weather allows. The atmosphere is lively but never chaotic—music, chatter, laughter are part of the vibe without overwhelming the space. On the menu, you’ll find signature cocktails like Gin Zen (gin, fresh crushed ginger, lime & soda) and creative drinks shaped by the spirit of travel and experimentation. Alongside, Rita offers bar snacks and small dishes: burgers, finger foods, and other gourmet bites that are well thought out. The bar also frequently runs events and has become a go-to for after-work drinks, dates, and aperitivo meets. Operating Monday through Saturday evenings (from early evening into the night), Rita is closed on Sundays. It’s popular so arriving a bit early helps, especially if you want a seat at the bar or a table. For many, visiting Rita isn’t just about the drink—it’s about the ritual of Milanese evenings: good cocktails, good conversation, good food, in a place that feels lived-in and curated.

Since 1970, Nottingham Forest in Milan has been a magnet for adventurous cocktail lovers. Under the visionary leadership of Dario Comini—pioneer of the “bar‑chef” and molecular mixology movement—the bar fuses exotic artifacts from Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia with high‑tech drink wizardry. Its intimate, richly decorated interior is filled with masks, carvings, hammocks, and memorabilia, creating a vibe that’s part tiki hideout, part laboratory . Cocktails here are theatrical feats—served in skulls, boxes, bath‑tubs, pipettes, or even syringes. Think peated whiskey Old Fashioned in an illuminated box, Sichuan flower–tingled sippers, and mezcal‑BBQ‑century‑egg experiments. While the drinks may polarize, the experience is unforgettable and frequently described as worth the visit simply for the novelty and craftsmanship . No reservations—expect a queue, and cozy up at the counter or grab a spot outside if you're lucky. It's consistently rated among the world’s best cocktail bars—even making The World's 50 Best list for nearly a decade.

This bar’s playful, kitsch design and soft pastel hues instantly transport you into a scene straight out of a Wes Anderson film—which makes sense, considering the cult director himself designed it. From retro ’50s Formica tables to a Steve Zissou-themed pinball machine, every detail feels like a carefully curated piece of his cinematic universe. Nestled within the elegant Fondazione Prada, Bar Luce also pays homage to Milan, subtly incorporating elements inspired by the city’s iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Bar Basso is a living testament to Milan's cocktail culture, opened in 1947 on Via Plinio 39 and passed to Venetian bartender Mirko Stocchetto in 1967. Its hallmark? The accidental invention of the Negroni Sbagliato in the early ’70s—sparkling wine in place of gin—served in iconic oversized Murano goblets, now globally celebrated. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by a mid-century ambience: dark walnut paneling, pink walls, chandeliers, brocades and original marble floors, virtually unchanged since the ’50s. The bar’s bespoke Murano glasses with huge 6×8 cm ice cubes are a showstopper. Under the stewardship of Mirko's son, Maurizio (a UC Berkeley alum fluent in English), Bar Basso stays rooted in tradition while remaining relevant to modern patrons. It draws a cosmopolitan crowd—designers, architects, creatives—especially during Salone del Mobile and Milan Fashion Week, when it becomes the unofficial hub for Milan’s style community. The menu extends beyond the Sbagliato to over 500 drinks, including classics like Manhattans and Bloody Marys, plus unique creations like “Mangia e Bevi,” a decadent dessert cocktail blending hazelnut gelato, zabaglione, panna and liquor. While its raw, buzzy energy is part of the charm, some reviewers note spots can feel slightly rough around the edges—slow service, wear-and-tear—that reinforce its authentic, unpretentious personality . Open Wed–Mon from 9 AM to 1:15 AM (closed Tuesdays), this iconic venue continues to serve as a muse for Milan's creative and cocktail-conscious crowds.