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Milan also hides a sweet and enveloping side: that of hot chocolate, a winter treat, perfect for warming body and soul during Milan’s cold days. There are many bars or chocolate shops in the city where you can try this classic drink. You may not have known that the tradition of chocolate in Milan has its roots in the 18th century, when the first cafes began serving this luxurious drink.
Today, the city boasts a gastronomic scene that elevates hot chocolate to a true art form, both in the more traditional version, with milk and cream, and with different and experimental pairings, such as hot chocolate with chili or hot chocolate with ginseng.
So let’s see where to drink the best hot chocolates in town.
La Bottega, Guido Gobino
A few minutes’ walk from Piazza del Duomo, we encounter the famous artisan chocolate shop of chocolate master Guido Gobino. Some examples of his specialties are Giandujotto Classico, Giandujottino Tourinot, Creamy Spreads, Foglio Nocciolato with whole Piedmont Hazelnuts, Extra Bitter Chocolate selection and delicious hot chocolate.
This store is a paradise for the eyes and the palate. There is also another Guido Gobino store in Milan at Corso Garibaldi, 39.
📍 Where: Corso Magenta, 36, 20123 Milan.
Gay Odin Milan Chocolate Factory 1894
This chocolate shop is located in Naples (head office), Rome and Milan. A chocolate factory since 1894, artisan chocolate here can be enjoyed with different combinations: hazelnuts, almonds, rum and coffee. Try the tasty hot chocolate with cold hazelnut mousse, pralined hazelnuts and bitter cocoa.
📍 Where: Via S. Giovanni sul Muro, 19, 20121 Milan.
Chocolat Milan
Just a stone’s throw from Cadorna station, Chocolat Milano is an oasis of sweetness that enchants with its wide selection of hot chocolates: in addition to the classic milk chocolate, you can enjoy variants such as fondant, black cherry, chili, ginger, pistachio, hazelnut and cinnamon. A paradise for chocolate lovers in Milan, open daily until late in the evening.
📍 Where: Via Boccaccio 9, 20123 Milan.
Sant Ambroeus
Elegant and traditional, Sant Ambroeus Milano is a historic Milanese pastry shop. Here the sweet tooth can try the goodness of classic hot chocolate. Since 1936 , pastry chefs have been working every day to churn out desserts that respect tradition. For this reason, we recommend you also try the delicious brioche that goes well with the chocolate. Great choice to spend an afternoon in one of the most beautiful buildings on Corso Matteotti.
📍 Where: Corso Matteotti, 7, 20121 Milan.
Marchesi 1824
In the heart of Milan, overlooking the majestic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, we find Marchesi 1824, an icon of hot chocolate in Milan. This elegant historic eatery, with its marble floors, green armchairs and refined wallpaper, offers a unique tasting experience. Their chocolate with cream, served on the side, is a must for chocolate lovers in Milan. Perfect for a chic break, Marchesi 1824 combines pastry tradition and sophisticated atmosphere.
📍 Where: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 20121 Milan.
Cova Montenapoleone
In the heart of the fashion quadrilateral, Cova Montenapoleone is a historic institution for hot chocolate lovers in the city. Founded in 1817, this elegant café offers a unique experience that combines tradition and innovation. In addition to the classic hot chocolate, don’t miss the Covaccino: an irresistible mix of American coffee, chocolate, brown sugar, whipped cream and pistachio granola. With its charming indoor garden, Cova is the perfect place for a sweet break in downtown Milan.
📍 Where: Via Monte Napoleone, 8, 20121 Milan
Botega Caffe Cacao
Do you like a thick hot chocolate? Then Botega Caffe Cacao is for you. This pastry shop and café in Milan offers chocolate with pure cocoa processed directly in its laboratory. We also recommend you try Suasantità, hot coffee cream, chocolate, milk cream, and cold cream, the Pulentino caldo, a delight of hot custard, hazelnut crunch, and chocolate, and the Castagnino, an espresso with added meringue and chopped chestnuts with whipped whipped cream.
📍 Where: Via Cesare Battisti, 8, 20122 Milan.
Zaini Milan
Zaini in Milan is an exclusive boutique offering handcrafted chocolates and other packaged products. The history of this old establishment dates back to 1913, on Via De Cristoforis. One hundred years ago Luigi Zaini founded the chocolate factory of the same name, later run by his wife Olga until the 1950s. Just a stone’s throw from Piazza Gae Aulenti you can enjoy delicious chocolate, in an environment where you can breathe the atmosphere of yesteryear. Tip for those with a sweet tooth: try the croissant with hot chocolate, cream and cocoa for breakfast.
📍 Where: Via Carlo de Cristoforis, 5, 20124 Milan.
Venchi
Renowned for ice cream, during the winter season Venchi becomes a paradise for dessert lovers and fans of chocolate in all its variations. The stores in Milan do not provide tables at which to sit, but the offer is so tasty that the idea of sipping a good hot chocolate while strolling through the stores also becomes enjoyable. Among the most popular offerings we recommend you try the Rum and Gianduja chocolates, in addition to the traditional versions. Venchi has several locations in Milan, but in particular the store in Central Station is ideal if you want to forget that your train is more than 45c minutes late.
📍 Where: Piazza Duca d’Aosta, 1, 20124 Milan
Cioccolatitaliani
A stone’s throw from the Duomo, Cioccolatitaliani offers a hot chocolate experience in Milan that tastes like Paris. Renowned for its impeccable quality, this establishment serves thick, flavorful chocolate created with the fine Cacao Fino de Aroma, considered the best chocolate in the world by the ICCO. Whether paired with Neapolitan coffee or creamy ice cream, Cioccolatitaliani’s chocolate is a joy to the palate in an atmosphere that makes every sip special.