Summer Aperitivo in Milano

You know how the British drink tea in the afternoon? Or how the Swedish do fika? Well, Italians have something called Aperitivo, which is Aperitif or Happy Hour elsewhere.

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There are several reasons why this is liked by many and the first one could be that it is basically a cheap dinner. Usually having a Happy Hour means having some snacks and a drink prior to the actual dinner (like chips and olives) but in Milan, I like the Aperitivo with Buffet. The price varies from seven to ten euros according to where you go and eat and whether you eat inside or outside. You can take all the food you want, you can even go back and forth three times if you want to.

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Summer Aperitivo in Navigli

Normally, since the price is almost the same in every place, I try to find the restaurant that has a good and long buffet (longer means more variety of deliciousness). Usually, a buffet is made of stuff like:

• Any kind of pasta;
• Focaccia and Pizza;
• Any sort of meat;
• Tiny sandwiches;
• Cous Cous;
• Potatoes (Fried or baked);
• Cheese and Salami;
• Fruits and Dessert.

Most of the times I go out and have Aperitivo, it will be in Navigli because the atmosphere is good, everyone is there and you are eating along the canal. It kinds of feel like being in Venice but you are not, you are still in the "gray" Milano. Anyways, once you find your cozy place you pay your bill (usually prior to consuming) and then you can start eating "come un maiale" (like a pig) as Italians say. I normally go with friends and mostly during Summer because sitting outside is nicer than sitting inside, you see all the people walking around and chatting.

I normally order Spritz which is an Italian drink that almost everyone loves. It is made with Aperol and Prosecco. It is easy to make but sometimes baristas fail to even make this drink so I normally go for a beer because I am sure that they can not go wrong with simply pouring me a beer from a bottle in a cup. If you want a hookah here is the place to get one. I believe there are two or three bars that have them, some cost more and some are very cheap. My friends and I were five and we spent ten euros for a hookah (two euros each) which is good, but the place sucked and drinks were not nice. I would suggest that, if you can, you spend a bit more to have the quality you deserve if you come to Milan.

The only thing I should warn you is: mosquitoes are annoying during the summer, bring a spray of something to prevent your poor body from mosquitoes bites. I have seen some restaurants leaving some sprays on the tables, which is nice, but this is not regular so you should be prepared.

Another place where you can have Aperitivo is Arco Della Pace, but also Corso Como. These three locations are the most touristy ones, then there is also Brera but you can pretty much find an aperitivo place anywhere in the city.

You are probably feeling hungry after reading my blog post, I am sorry (or maybe not! ) Come on over and eat like Italians do!

- Cristian

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