Shaken, Not Stirred: Cinema & Cocktails in Milan

Cocktails and cinema - name a better combo.

Autumn has arrived in Milan, and as the city hides beneath the fog and the grey, why not take the chance to warm up with a good film and a cocktail — before the film, after, or both?

For this article, we’ve teamed up with cloe.ontherocks to uncover the cosiest cocktail spots just a few steps away from our favourite cinemas. Take a sip, relax, and make the most of Milan’s misty season.

🎬 Cinema: Beltrade

🍹Bar Pairing: Hug (4min walk)

Why: The name says it all: cozy atmosphere, cute terrasse hidden in a courtyard, and an Instagram description that says “a place where to feel like home”. Definitely a must this autumn!

Alternative: This list wouldn’t be full without the one place that has been getting all the awards and accolades this year: Moebius. World’s 50 Best Bars, Top 500 Bars, a Michelin Star for the restaurant… It’s a bit of a longer walk (22min), but if you’re feeling fancy, this is where you have to be!

🎬 Cinema: Anteo Palazzo del Cinema

🍹Bar Pairing: Dry (3min walk)

Why: Dry is famous for its simple but efficient (and delicious) pairing: cocktails and pizzas. Whether you just want a quick drink before your movie or are looking for something to eat after your show, this is the perfect pick!

🎬 Cinema: Il Cinenoise

🍹Bar Pairing: Rita (13min walk) or Rita’s Tiki Room (14min walk)

Why: We definitely can’t make a choice for you between these two institutions of Milanese cocktail culture. But we’ll say this: if you want beautiful cocktail in a cozy atmosphere and a chat with a friend, Rita is for you. And if you prefer to travel with your drink and some music to warmer destinations, then Rita’s Tiki Room it is!

🎬 Cinema: Il Cinemino

🍹 Bar Pairing: Lacerba (13min walk)

Why: This is one of the loveliest bars in Milan! The atmosphere is relaxed, intimate, and artsy. There isn’t a single thing we don’t like about this place, set in a trendy neighbourhood. In the summer, you can enjoy your drink out on the street, and they also have a restaurant if you fancy going all in!

🎬Cinema: Fondazione Prada, Cinema Godard

🍹 Bar Pairing: Lubna (5min walk)

Why: The new artsy addition to the Milan bar scene is here! Lubna has a cosy, minimalist interior (with a huge screen wall featuring abstracts from Miyasaki films) and a large heated terrasse if you like the crisp Autumn air – whichever your mood, you will find what you want.

🎬 Cinema: Cinema Mexico

🍹 Bar Pairing: Cà-Ri-Co (12min walk)

Why: In an area known for design, fashion and film, this cocktail bar and its constantly evolving menu focused on sustainability are the perfect choice for a relaxed but refined drink. And it’s open from aperitivo to late night, so you can head there either before or after your movie!

🎬Cinema: Cinema Centrale

🍹 Bar Pairing: Camparino in Galleria (7min walk)

Why: Opened in 1915 in the heart of Milano (one year older than Technicolor in films), this beautiful location with direct views of the Duomo would be the perfect set-up for a movie scene. Plus, Campari has a rich history of supporting cinema – let’s toast to that with a Campari Soda or a Spritz!

🎬 Cinema: Multisala Colosseo

🍹Bar Pairing: Colibri (16min)

Why: Maybe this one is more adapted to spring or summer time (but then you can save it for a few months)… But we love it. Large terrasse, nice Spritz and coffee, and generally a very laid back vibe… Perfect!

🎬 Cinema: Anteo CityLife

🍹Bar Pairing: La Chiesetta (24min walk)

Why: That wasn’t an easy one. But then again, why are you going to Citylife for a drink and a movie? In the heart of Chinatown, La Chiesetta is a small bar hosted in… A former church! Cute, and definitely worth the experience!

There you have them, all the best cocktail bars to pair with your favourite Milanese cinema.

So let us know your favourite, and your own suggestions where to get your cocktail glass filled to the brim, after watching the latest film!