If you need a spot to relax, grab a drink and enjoy a quick bite, I'd definitely recommend Fonderie…read moreMilanesi. It's a bit out of the city center which is refreshing, but it's also conveniently a quick walk from multiple metro/tram stops. The drinks are reasonably priced and the place is stocked with plenty of appetizers (mostly vegetarian). This place does get pretty busy, but the staff are pretty efficient with drink orders. I wouldn't expect the most out of the food, but if you're looking to relax, enjoy a drink, and grab a bite of food, this is the spot!

On my trip to Milan for the first time, I discovered appertivo - similar to happy hour after work…read morebut includes free food supplied by the bar in the price of your first drink. And while I was visiting Milan for only a week, Fonderie Milanesi was hands down the best appertivo place of the trip. The food was laid out buffet style and can out as one large, fresh batch at 7pm when it opens. You can email for reservations, which I did for a large group to ensure space for my group of 8. I would highly recommend this or to go early because this place fills up very quickly. While the food was top notch for appertivo, I rated this 4 stars because the service was not great. I can't tell if it was because we were in located in the back but it was near impossible to order any drinks from the staff and we had to go to the front bar to order more. Ambiance - warmly lit, bustling bar that's great for large groups and relaxing for a drink after a day of work or school. Adorned with Edison industrial bulbs across the outdoor patio

Another favorite in Milan. This is a bookstore/bar/cafe. It is a wonderful little hang out to…read moremeet friends, do some work, or read. The menu is simple, but the quality of ingredients is good. Gogol has a variety of honey, jams and wine for sale as well. They often have local art displayed and it changes regularly. I enjoy the music they play. You never know what it will be, but it is always good. Gogol offers free wi-fi and dogs are welcome. The couple that own the place are very nice too.

My friend recommended this place to me for some coffee and free wifi. I was not disappointed…read more Getting here was a bit of an adventure. I came from the other side of the canal and had to cross this small pedestrian bridge, walk around this small but mega old church, walk over railroad tracks, through a street with only old concrete walls around in blazing Italian July heat. When I finally turned around the corner, it was a bit of a shock. Gogol & company was in the front of a new fancy development. It had a small garden of herbs nearby with some shaded seating with several patrons already enjoying it. I was in dire need of some internet access and coffee. Being an exhausted tourist in need of a large supply of caffeine to feed on while I do some interneting, I gave in and asked for an American coffee. They actually had a drip pot on the side already made for people like me. I know, it's terrible of me to do in Italy, but I was really tired. Since I was hungry, I also got some small eggplant dish with some bread. It was delish and only 2 euros. I think they have real meals, but I didn't try it and I was a bit confused about them. They speak English, so you can just ask them if you need. Oh, and the bookstore here is awesome. Lots of books on politics, philosophy, socialism and more, but also some graphic novels. They have a really nice collection of children's books. Unfortunately for me, everything was in Italian. So, I just amused myself by adoring the gorgeous artwork on the book covers and trying to learn basic Italian in the children's section. They also exhibit artwork by local artists. Nice decor. They have a second floor for more books and also sitting. I liked how I saw the barista went to clip off some herbs from the garden for a dish.

Meeting friends for coffee, this bar is located close to Parco Sempione (but not in view) and…read morespecializes in pastry from southern Italy. They offered brioche, but also a custard filled tart (in two sizes) that is typical in the region. The walls are decorated in traditional items you would find in the region including woven basket 'plates' and prickly pear cactus. They have an assortment of coffee of specials on the chalk board as well as 'regular' coffee. There are a couple of 'two-seater' tables and three stools between the front window and the end of the bar. It was busy the day we went with people coming in to stand at the bar and drink their coffee, as well as some coming in to 'take away' pastry. The young woman behind the counter was very pleasant and quite busy. We sat at the bar (on the stools) or stood while we visited. This is a small location, very well maintained, the coffee is good and the service is with a smile.

Finalmente ho trovato un buon cannolo siciliano a Milano! Mi hanno appena portato un vassoio di…read morecannoli in regalo dalla Siciliana (dimenticato di fare la foto!!!) e devo dire che, nonostante il cannolo fosse già riempito quando l'hanno comprato e avesse fatto un viaggio nel vassoio sino a me, il cannolo era eccellente. La ricotta perfetta, liscia e dolce al punto giusto, la scorza friabile e spessa al punto giusto. Non so se sia il miglior cannolo di Milano, ma decisamente tra i migliori. TOP!!!!

Amazing food! Definitely order one of the Granitas (something between a smoothie and an ice cream)…read moreand one of the more savory rolls from the left glass case (I had the spinach roll). The Scicilian brioche is also great, but we tought it could use some filling like cheese or ham. Down side: you mist order the food at the counter and being it yourself to the outside area, and to use this area you pay an extra euro.

When we got lost, wandering about Navigli, we happened upon this brightly painted Gelato spot…read more Little did we know (until later) we were in a Yelp-certified location! Anyway, we tried some Gelato from the friendly and proud proprietor and both the flavor and consistency was spectacular. Add in a bit of secret, behind the counter Granita straight from Sicily, and our random event turned in to a mid-day dessert of the week! I'm going back for more!