Marchesi 1824, Milan

Apr 2

Pasticceria’s are a dime a dozen (maybe 10 Euro-cents a dozen?) in Italy, but Marchesi 1824 is something totally special and in a class all of it’s own. If the apple green interiors and the rainbow jelly pastilles on display in the windows don’t impress you, then I don’t know what will.

First opening in 1824 at Via Santa Maria alla Porta, the family-run pastry shop quickly earned a reputation for their handmade confectionary. In the 1900s Marchesi started serving morning coffee, biscuits, sweets and other baked goods, becoming a popular cafe and Milanese landmark. Still operating today from the same original location, and with two additional storefronts in Milan, visiting Marchesi 1824 is like stepping back in time to perfect movie set - with contemporary people watching as everyone comes in for espresso before starting the work day!

The location inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is slightly hidden, but that makes what awaits you at the top of the stairs all the more delightful. Stay for table service, or order at the counter and enjoy a pastry at the bar, where you can watch people go about their day on the floor of the Galleria below.