Autumn in Milan has a charm of its own. You don't have to walk far to find a lovely pastry shop where you can stop for a coffee and treat yourself to something sweet.
If you're studying Italian at Scuola Leonardo da Vinci and happen to be in the Porta Romana area, you're in luck! This neighbourhood has some charming places to discover if you have a sweet tooth.
We've picked out five pastry shops in the area that are definitely worth a visit.
🗺️ Want to save this itinerary on your phone? Open the Pastry Tour on Google Maps and keep all five stops handy for your next coffee break!
1. Martesana
📍 Corso di Porta Romana 131
With over 50 years of history, Martesana is one of the best-known names in Milan's artisan pastry scene. Its philosophy is all about combining the best of traditional pastry-making with a contemporary and creative touch.
But the new Porta Romana shop is interesting for more than just its cakes and pastries! The interior design takes inspiration from the Arco di Porta Romana, the historic city gate located right across the street.
The space itself is also worth exploring. There's a cosy area with bookshelves and small tables, as well as a brighter, more lively section for those who prefer to grab something to take away.
Of course, the real stars are the pastries: from creative individual desserts and bite-sized treats to large artisan leavened cakes. And with autumn in full swing, it's the perfect time to start thinking about panettone, Milan's famous Christmas cake!
2. Scaringi
📍 Viale Sabotino 13
Another great stop for anyone who loves traditional Milanese pastry-making is Scaringi. Its story began in 1977, on Valentine's Day, when the family opened a small pastry shop. Over the years, the business has grown, adding a café, opening several locations and even launching its own coffee brand.
Alongside cakes, coffee and homemade gelato, it's worth taking a look at the interiors. One of the most distinctive features is a large Empire-style chandelier, decorated with cut crystals and made by G. Moscatelli.
If you enjoy richer desserts, try their Milano-Monza cake or mini Sacher cake. Both are among the shop's signature creations.
3. Marlà
📍 Corso Lodi 15
Do you love desserts that look beautiful in photos but taste just as good? Then you should definitely check out Marlà!
Just a short walk from Porta Romana, this contemporary pastry shop opened in 2018.
The idea is simple: respect tradition while leaving plenty of room for experimentation. The result is a colourful display of pastries, original shapes and ever-changing flavour combinations.
We recommend trying their maritozzi (soft Italian buns filled with whipped cream, a traditional Roman treat) and their amazing fruit-shaped desserts, which look almost too realistic to eat!
4. Panarello
📍 Piazza San Nazaro in Brolo 15
Did you know that one of Milan's historic pastry shops actually has Genoese roots? Panarello was founded in Genoa in 1885 and arrived in Milan in 1930. It's still a favourite among local residents thanks to its simple approach and quality products.
So, what should you try? Some of the classics include Pandolce Genovese, a traditional Genoese sweet bread that's especially popular around Christmas, the famous Torta Panarello, crispy cream-filled cannoncini and plenty of other treats.
5. Giovanni Galli
📍 Corso di Porta Romana 43
To finish our little pastry tour, we're heading back to the heart of Porta Romana, where you'll find the historic shop Giovanni Galli.
Founded in 1911, this pastry and chocolate shop still has an old-fashioned charm. Many of its products are made using traditional artisan methods passed down through generations.
We definitely recommend trying the marron glacé: candied chestnuts coated in a delicate sugar glaze. They're especially popular during the autumn months and are a real treat in traditional Italian confectionery.
You should also try their chocolate pralines, boeri (chocolate-covered cherries with a liqueur filling) and almond paste sweets.
And if you're looking for a little souvenir to take home after your stay in Milan, you can even put together your own box of chocolates!
Ready to experience the sweetest side of Milan? 🥐☕ Imagine practicing your Italian while ordering a fresh maritozzo or a slice of panettone just steps away from class. At Scuola Leonardo da Vinci in Milan, learning the language goes hand in hand with discovering the city's best local spots.
☕ Practice Your Italian: How to Order Like a Local
Stepping into a pastry shop is the best excuse to practice your Italian outside the classroom! Keep these handy phrases in mind next time you walk up to the counter:
- "Buongiorno! Vorrei un caffè e una brioche, per favore."(Good morning! I’d like an espresso and a croissant, please.)💡 Milanese tip: In Milan, a breakfast croissant is called a brioche (unlike in Rome or Southern Italy, where people say cornetto), and asking for "un caffè" will always get you a classic espresso.
- "Al banco" vs. "Al tavolo"(At the counter vs. At the table)
In Italy, enjoying your coffee standing al banco is the fastest way to do it—and it is usually cheaper than sitting down al tavolo. - "Lo prendo da portare via."(I’ll take it to go.)
- "Cosa mi consiglia?"(What do you recommend?) – The best phrase to use when you can't decide between all the treats in the display case!
Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Milan
Thanks to its prestigious universities and academies, Milan is the elected place of education for numerous Italian and international students.
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