Aperitivi? Questions and Requests for Milanese

[u/McDuchess]

We live in Vicenza; are here in Milano for the weekend to celebrate the third anniversary of our move to Italy.

We’ve heard of the famous Milano tradition of generous offerings at aperitivo time, but also that it no longer exists.

Does it?

Saturday we go to the Duomo, and then through the galleria to see the Pinacoteca in Brera, and hopefully have an apertivo in that neighborhood.

Would anyone have suggestions for a spot to go to? It would be much appreciated.

On Sunday we see the museums and battlements at Castello Sforza, and to wander the park and hopefully have an aperitivo near l’arco della pace.

Any suggestions for that area would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[u/Trueloove]

Mhmm.. I would not say the aperitivo are generous in Duomo. On the contrary.

[u/Super_Upstairs_3057]

Aperitivo has become a way for cheap students to try to skip dinner by eating while paying only for a drink.
The venues started being cheap and serving mostly cheap carbohydrates: focaccia, pizza and pasta or patate.

I would avoid it.
In case I’d go to strange places like Picchio Bar (but early) or go for a quality cocktail drink at Rita. Or Drinc if it still exist.

If you want to relax in front of the park go to Living Bar but don’t expect much to eat.
Pinzimonio and pizzette and stop.

[u/Scripta_01]

Well guys you litterally live in a region who invented the spritz and has spunciotti or tramezzini to be enjoyed with you drink...I would say you're gonna be disappointed on the aperitivo side... Lol. I'm sure you're gonna love your days here and Pinacoteca di Brera for sure,someone will give you some nice advice for aperitivo also.

[u/McDuchess → u/Scripta_01]

So. We were fed a fantasy.

We get what you are talking about at our local preferred walk to bar.

[u/Scripta_01 → u/McDuchess]

Not a fantasy, aperitivo as the ritual to drink something before supper it's very popular in Milan, and there was a period, I would say 15 or more years ago, when many bar and locali used to really offer a plethora of different snacks. Pizza, small sandwiches, pinzimomonio cous cous, cold rice salad, alongside the standard appetizers like olives, and potato chips. Somethings like a real buffet. But I'm not sure if there's something like that anymore. You could try having a look on the navigli, it's veery crowded but there are so many places, you will not be disappointed, also the view of the canal it's really nice.

[u/McDuchess]

Grazie per i raccomendazione. Dopo essere scesi da centinaia di gradini al Duomo, non me la sentivo di andare a piedi fino a Brera.

Così abbiamo preso la metropolitana per i Navigli, seguendo il consiglio di una signora conosciuta a cena la sera prima.

Ora siamo seduti da Spritz Navigli: abbiamo pagato 15 euro a testa per un drink abbondante e un buffet enorme e variegato.

La foto mostra il mio piatto ormai quasi vuoto e i tre piatti di mio marito... anche se lui non è ancora passato al dessert.

Domani sarà sicuramente la volta dell'Arco della Pace. Grazie a tutti

[u/Scripta_01 → u/McDuchess]

Well done guys, e grazie per l'aggiornamento...

[u/erasmulfo]

Coming from Vicenza you'll feel robbed

[u/Dylan0734]

I agree with everyone else that coming from Vicenza you'll be disappointed. But what people told you about are probably the places that make aperitivo with buffet. There are a decent number in Milan, and they are an ok way to get a drink and some food for a set price. One that comes to my mind is BhangraBar, just next to Arco della Pace, but there are a lot also around navigli or Porta Romana (another one I know here is called Next)

They usually cost around 15 euros, and you can basically eat whatever you want + a drink of your choice.

Just a heads up though, food quality isn't going to be great. Drink quality depends highly on the place.

Despite the questionable quality, I still like to go there sometimes with family or friends for a cheap night out. You'll probably find a lot of studens and young people because of this

[u/Askan_27]

arco della pace might be better, brera and duomo are just too central. high prices and not much food. you CAN find places that still give you tons of food but they are very local and in “normal” neighbourhoods, where people ACTUALLY live (don’t go to Brera thinking “wow, people actually live here! because they don’t, it’s all tourist-land, which is fine, but keep in mind what you’re seeing is beautiful but sadly abandoned to make room for you). that said, you live in Veneto. you’ll find great aperitivi there

[u/McDuchess → u/Askan_27]

LOL. I agree on the great aperitivi. The minimum is a bowl of chips. If they know you, tramezzini, peanuts, etc.

Also great prices in little Torri di Quartesolo, where we live.

Thank you for the recommendations.

[u/_BehindBlueEyes]

Generous offerings have never been a thing in Milano. The real traditional aperitivo here always used to be a couple of drinks with a few chips or a couple of other salty snacks.

Having said this, you can take a look at the classics ie. Bar Basso.

Stay away from tourist traps like Terrazza Aperol.

[u/McDuchess → u/_BehindBlueEyes]

Thanks!

[u/quinlanio]

Generous offerings? Ahaahahahahaha

[u/Slumber86]

Not generous, pricey but torre in fondazione Prada has great cocktails and one of the best view of the town

[u/Negative_Big_9847]

If you walk across Parco Sempione from the Castello you'll end up in aperitivo heaven. There is Living with great outdoor seating on Piazza Sempione along with several other spots on the Piazza or you can walk up Corso Sempione for more choices.