Where to eat and buy the best traditional panettone cake in Milan?

Milan’s panettone tradition goes back hundreds of years, and today the capital of Lombardy remains the undisputed center of production for this famous dessert. Every year, especially during the holiday season, bakeries and pastry shops across the city compete to create perfect versions of this classic treat – from traditional recipes to bold, innovative interpretations.

Panettone Classico (classic panettone) is a tall yeast cake with a characteristic dome on top, prepared with lievito madre (natural sourdough), butter, eggs, canditi (candied orange and citron peels), and raisins. The preparation process takes a minimum of 30-48 hours and requires several fermentation phases. This guide will help you discover the best places in Milan where you can try panettone on-site or buy it to take away – both in renowned pastry shops and in lesser-known, local artisan bakeries.

Where to try panettone on-site in Milan? – cafés and pastry shops with atmosphere

Tasting panettone in an elegant Milanese café is an experience that allows you to fully appreciate the freshness and delicacy of this dessert. In many historic pastry shops, panettone is served by the slice, often with mascarpone, zabaione cream, or simply with espresso.

The most iconic addresses with on-site service

Pasticceria Marchesi 1824

Marchesi is not just a pastry shop – it’s a Milanese institution. Founded in 1824, it has preserved its Belle Époque charm with original mirrors, wooden furniture, and coffered ceilings. Since 2014, it has belonged to the Prada group, which opened two additional locations while maintaining the artisanal character of production.

Marchesi’s panettone is prepared by Diego Crosara – a pastry chef whose creation was declared the best panettone in 2023. The production process takes 45 hours, and the ingredients include Piedmontese butter, selected flour, fresh egg yolks, and aromatic Madagascar Bourbon vanilla. In 2025, Marchesi offers traditional panettone (50 euros/kg), al cioccolato (65 euros), and a senza canditi version (without candied fruits, 50 euros).

You can try panettone by the slice at all three locations:

Via S. Maria alla Porta 11/A (historic headquarters, takeaway only)
Via Monte Napoleone 9 (with seating)
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (luxurious interior overlooking the gallery, upstairs)

Price per slice of panettone: about 8 euros. For a whole 1 kg panettone: 50 euros.

Pasticceria Cova

Founded in 1817, Cova is another legend of Milanese pastry, a favorite place of aristocracy and refined Milanese. The elegant interiors at Via Montenapoleone 8 emanate the atmosphere of old Milan – this is where Giuseppe Verdi ordered his favorite sweets.

Cova’s panettone, prepared by Chef Pâtissier Andrea Tortora, is classic at its finest: natural sourdough, long fermentation, uvetta (raisins), and candied fruits. Available in 750 g (35 euros) and 1 kg (44 euros) formats. At Cova, you can order panettone by the slice, often served with liqueur or mascarpone cream.

Sant Ambroeus

Opened in 1936 at Corso Giacomo Matteotti 7, this pastry shop underwent renovation in 2022, preserving its characteristic elegant style. Sant Ambroeus is famous for perfectly executed breakfasts and desserts – panettone is served here year-round, making this place ideal for tourists visiting Milan outside the holiday season.

In 2025, Sant Ambroeus, in collaboration with Ginori 1735, created a luxury collection: Panettone Classico (48 euros/1 kg) and the al Cioccolato version (56 euros). Double impasto and 36 hours of processing guarantee exceptional softness of the cake.

Giacomo Pasticceria

Located at Via Pasquale Sottocorno 5, Giacomo Pasticceria stands out with its elegant decor reminiscent of a perfume workshop. This is a place for those who appreciate modern aesthetics combined with traditional taste. Panettone is served in the classic low form (caratteristico panettone basso), according to the oldest Milanese tradition from the early 20th century.

Hidden gems and local favorites

Pasticceria Cucchi

Cucchi at Corso Genova 1 is a family pastry shop from 1936, taken over in 2023 by the Monti Family, which continues the artisanal tradition. This is one of those places where panettone is available year-round – perfect if you’re visiting Milan in spring or summer. Besides the classic version, Cucchi offers variants with candied apples and cinnamon, with cherries, or with chocolate. The atmosphere is informal, local – here you’ll meet Milanese on their daily breakfast.

Pasticceria Gattullo

In the 70s and 80s, Gattullo at Viale Monte Santo 1 was a favorite meeting place for stars of Italian cinema and show business. Today it’s still an exceptional pastry shop, offering panettone year-round. In 2025, Gattullo’s prices increased by 11% – averaging 50 euros/kg – which testifies to the premium character of the product and growing demand.

Pavé

Pavé at Via Felice Casati 27 (Porta Venezia) is a modern bakery-café that revolutionized Milan’s breakfast scene. Their panettone, available year-round, is characterized by exceptional softness, clean aromas, and perfect alveolatura (structure of air bubbles in the dough). In 2025, they offer Panettone Tradizionale (42 euros) with candied orange and citron, sultana raisins, honey, and Madagascar vanilla. The minimalist packaging in a red-and-white geometric pattern has become a recognizable brand symbol.

Best additions to panettone

Italians eat panettone in various ways, and Milanese cafés offer several classic combinations:

Panettone with espresso or cappuccino – the most traditional breakfast, a piece of panettone dipped in coffee
Panettone with mascarpone cream – delicate, creamy addition served on the side or spread on a slice
Panettone with zabaione – thick cream made from egg yolks, sugar, and Marsala served as a sauce
Panettone with Moscato d’Asti – a piece of panettone enjoyed with sweet sparkling wine
Panettone with Passito di Pantelleria – dessert wine from Sicily as an elegant complement
Panettone with limoncello cream – lemon liqueur-cream served in a small bowl for dipping

Traditional Italian panettone, cut into pieces, a Christmas dessert

Where to buy the best panettone to take away in Milan? – bakeries and artisan shops

The difference between panettone artigianale (artisanal) and panettone industriale (industrial) is significant. Artisanal panettone requires lievito madre (natural sourdough) tended daily, high-quality ingredients – minimum 16% butter, 4% fresh egg yolks, 20% candied fruits and raisins – and a long production time exceeding 30 hours. The shelf life of artisanal panettone is 15-60 days, while industrial versions can be stored for months thanks to preservatives.

Comparison table: artisanal vs. industrial panettone

Feature	Artisanal panettone	Industrial panettone
Lievito (sourdough)	Lievito madre (natural, tended)	Lievito chimico (commercial yeast)
Production time	30-72 hours	6-12 hours
Ingredients	Butter 16%+, egg yolks 4%+, canditi 20%+	Standard, often with chemical additives
Expiration date	15-60 days	Up to 6 months
Texture	Soft, moist, natural alveolatura	More compact, less delicatePrice per kg40-50 euros5-15 euros
Price per kg	40-50 euros	5-15 euros

Quality leaders – renowned bakeries and brands

Vergani

Vergani is the only company in Milan that still produces panettone on an industrial scale directly in the city. For over four generations, the Vergani family has continued the tradition, using Angelo Vergani’s original lievito madre. The boutique at Via Mercadante 17 and at Corso di Porta Romana offers classic panettone and limited editions. In 2025, Vergani presented two special editions: Dubai Style Chocolate and Total Black – modern interpretations for chocolate lovers.

Peck

Since 1883, Peck at Via Spadari 9 has been a cult Milanese delicatessen, a symbol of the highest culinary quality. In this temple of gourmets, you’ll find not only traditional panettone but also avant-garde variants: with pear and chocolate, orange-pineapple-ginger, and in 2025 – with coffee, white chocolate, and pistachios (creation of pastry chef Galileo Reposis). Prices start at around 40 euros per kg.

Pasticceria Martesana

Founded in 1966 by Vincenzo Santoro, Martesana currently has 5 sales points in Milan (Via Sarpi 62, Via Cagliero 14, and a stand at Mercato Milano Centrale). Panettone Tradizionale Milanese requires 48 hours of fermentation, uses fresh butter, Sicilian candied orange, and Australian raisins. Price: 45 euros/1 kg.

2025 novelties:

Panettone d’Oro in collaboration with Moschino – gold chocolate glaze, Piedmont IGP hazelnuts, packaging in a golden polka-dot tin (48 euros)
Panettone Tris Agrumi Italiani – citron from Calabria, orange from Sicily, Italian mandarin (48 euros)
Panettone Fichi, Riso, Zafferano e Noci – tribute to Milanese culinary tradition

Pasticceria Clivati

Since 1969, Clivati at Viale Coni Zugna 57 has offered various panettone: traditional, tre cioccolati (three chocolates), marron glacé (glazed chestnuts). This is a family pastry shop with established local prestige.

Pasticceria Besuschio

Although located outside Milan in Abbiategrasso (about 25 km west), Besuschio is a legend among panettone connoisseurs. If you have time for a short trip, this place will show you what the Milanese tradition looks like in a calm, provincial context – with the same artisanal excellence.

Artisanal panettone from small bakeries

Ciacco Lab

Gelato shop and pastry shop with locations in Parma and Milan, run by Stefano Guizetti, won the title of best panettone in Italy according to Dissapore for the second year in a row in 2025. Panettone Milano stands out with giant candied fruits by Corrado Assenza and ideal balance of sweetness. The version with Corinth currants has become iconic.

Pasticceria Ranieri

Since the early 60s, Ranieri at Via Volta has offered unique pineapple panettone with candied pineapple seeds – a unique specialty that breaks traditional patterns but maintains artisanal quality. In 2024, Ranieri took third place in the ranking of best panettone in Milan.

Pavé (mentioned earlier)

In addition to the possibility of trying panettone on-site, Pavé also sells them to take away in characteristic boxes. Mini-panettone is a great gift idea.

Pasticceria San Gregorio

Angelo Bernasconi, who runs San Gregorio at Via San Gregorio 1, has over 70 years of experience. His panettone – available in versions: traditional, nuts and lemon, white/milk/dark chocolate, marron glacé – stands out with its homemade production atmosphere. Prices: about 38-40 euros/kg (the only pastry shop below 40 euros according to Maiora Solutions 2025 observatory).

Marlà

Nowoczesna piekarnia specjalizująca się w lievitati naturalnych, oferująca panettone w limitowanych ilościach. Marlà stawia na lokalne, organiczne składniki.

Tone Milano

Their PanetToni are baked in special ceramic vessels after turning off the oven (vasocottura), which gives a unique texture. 2025 variants: traditional with candied fruits and raisins, pear with chocolate, Pantelleria raisins with saffron. Eco-friendly packaging, including reusable fabric bags.

Gdzie kupić panettone poza sezonem świątecznym?

Chociaż szczyt sezonu przypada na Boże Narodzenie (szczególnie od końca listopada do połowy stycznia), kilka mediolańskich cukierni oferuje panettone przez cały rok:

Pasticceria Marchesi 1824 – all locations
Pasticceria Cucchi
Pasticceria Gattullo
Vergani – boutiques and online store
Pavé
Pasticceria Ottocento

Outside the season, panettone may be slightly more expensive or available in fewer variants, but quality remains consistently high.

Practical guide: how to choose and transport the perfect panettone?

What to look for when choosing panettone

Tips: how to recognize genuine artisanal panettone

Lievito madre – the label should indicate “lievito naturale” or “lievito madre“, NEVER “lievito chimico“
Yellow dough color – indicates use of fresh egg yolks (min. 4%)
Butter, not margarine – composition must contain min. 16% butter
Candied fruits and raisins – min. 20% of total mass
Long production process – information about minimum 30-48 hours of processing
Short expiration date – maximum 2 months, best consumed within a week of opening
Aroma – natural, delicate vanilla and butter, without artificial scents
Elasticity – panettone should “bounce back” after gentle pressing

Types of panettone and their characteristics

Type of panettone	Main ingredients	Characteristics	Approximate price
Classico/Tradizionale	Raisins, candied orange and citron, natural sourdough	Yellow cake, delicate sweetness, vanilla aroma	40-50 €/kg
Al Cioccolato	Cocoa dough, chocolate chunksDarker, more intense, for chocolate lovers	Darker, more intense, for chocolate lovers	50-65 €/kg
Senza Canditi	Without candied fruits, only raisins or plain	For those who don’t like candied fruits, more buttery	45-55 €/kg
Pistacchio	Pistachio paste, pistachio nuts	Greenish color, intense nutty flavor	55-70 €/kg
Artigianale specialità	Figs, glazed chestnuts, various citrus fruits	Unique, limited, seasonal	48-60 €/kg

When planning your purchases, it is best to check the current prices and available options directly on the websites of individual pastry shops (Marchesi, Gattullo, Pavé, Martesana, Peck, etc.), as individual prices and flavors may change during the season or vary between brick-and-mortar and online stores.

Packing and transporting panettone

Air travel:

Buy panettone in its original, rigid box or cappelliera (cylindrical tin)
Pack in checked luggage, preferably in the middle of the suitcase, surrounded by clothes
Avoid packing in carry-on – panettone takes up a lot of space
Check expiration date – artisanal panettone lasts 15-60 days, but best to consume as soon as possible
Avoid packing in carry-on – panettone takes up a lot of space
Check expiration date – artisanal panettone lasts 15-60 days, but best to consume as soon as possible

Car travel:

Place panettone in a cool place, avoid trunk on hot days
Don’t leave panettone in the car in the parking lot in the sun

Storage after purchase:

Cool (18-20°C), dry place
Original packaging (panettone hung “upside down” in paper form prevents the cake from collapsing)
Avoid refrigerator – it dries out the cake
After opening: seal tightly in wax paper or plastic bag and consume within 3-5 days

Panettone as the perfect souvenir from Milan

Best brands for gifts (elegant packaging, prestige):

Marchesi 1824 – luxurious packaging, including versions in velvet boxes (up to 875 euros for collector’s editions)
Sant Ambroeus by Ginori 1735 – hand-painted porcelain containers
Vergani Dubai Style / Total Black – modern, striking packaging
Martesana Panettone d’Oro (Moschino) – golden polka-dot tin, limited edition
Dolce&Gabbana x Fiasconaro – Sicilian-Milanese fusion in decorative tin (95 euros)

Remember: artisanal panettone is not just a dessert – it’s culture, tradition, and craftsmanship. Choosing panettone from a Milanese pastry shop, you’re gifting a piece of Italian history.

Summary: panettone in Milan – what to remember

In Milan, you’ll find panettone for every occasion and every budget. Historic Marchesi and Cova await with elegant interiors and slices served on plates, modern Pavé tempts with minimalist design and perfect alveolatura, and at Cucchi or San Gregorio you’ll feel the atmosphere of a family pastry shop where panettone is made the same way as half a century ago.

When buying panettone, look for natural sourdough (lievito madre) on the label, check the percentage of butter and egg yolks in the composition, and candied fruits should be visible to the naked eye. If you’re buying as a gift – check the expiration date and make sure the box will survive the journey.

Buon appetito!

FAQ

Is panettone available in Milan year-round?

Yes. Although the peak season falls on Christmas holidays (from late November to January), many renowned pastry shops, such as Marchesi 1824, Cucchi, Gattullo, Vergani, Pavé, or Pasticceria Ottocento, offer traditional panettone year-round. Outside the season, there may be fewer variants available, but classic versions are always on offer.

How much does good artisanal panettone cost in Milan?

In 2025, the average price of artisanal panettone is 42-50 euros per kilogram, according to Osservatorio Panettone Maiora Solutions. Some prestigious brands, like Marchesi and Gattullo, reach 50 euros/kg. Martesana panettone costs about 45-48 euros per 1 kg. Special and limited editions (e.g., with Ginori 1735, Moschino) can cost 50-70 euros. For comparison, industrial panettone costs an average of 5-15 euros, but the difference in quality is enormous.

Can I try panettone by the slice, or do I have to buy whole ones?

In many cafés and pastry shops, such as Marchesi 1824, Cova, Sant Ambroeus, or Cucchi, you can order panettone by the slice (una fetta di panettone). A slice costs about 8-12 euros and is often served with coffee, mascarpone cream, or zabaione. This is a great option if you want to try several different panettone without buying whole ones.

Where in Milan can I find panettone without candied fruits or with other additions?

Many pastry shops offer various panettone variants. Versions without candied fruits can be found at Marchesi 1824, Cova, Pavé, among others. Chocolate panettone is offered by almost all major pastry shops. Unusual variants include: pistachio (Martesana, Peck), with glazed chestnuts (Clivati), pineapple (Ranieri), with figs, rice, and saffron (Martesana), with pear and chocolate (Peck). It’s worth asking directly at the pastry shop about available options on a given day.

How long can I store purchased panettone?

Traditional artisanal panettone, without preservatives, typically stays fresh for 15-60 days if stored in a cool (18-20°C) and dry place, preferably in its original packaging. Always check the expiration date on the packaging. After opening, panettone is best consumed within 3-5 days. Don’t store panettone in the refrigerator – it dries out the cake. Industrial panettone can be stored longer thanks to preservatives.

What are the best places for panettone near the Duomo?

In the center, near the Duomo, you’ll find Pasticceria Marchesi in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (literally a few steps from the cathedral). Other options include Cova at Via Montenapoleone (10 minutes walk from the Duomo) and Peck at Via Spadari (5 minutes walk). All these places offer both the possibility of trying panettone on-site and purchasing to take away.

Is panettone a good gift idea?

Absolutely! Artisanal panettone in elegant packaging is an excellent gift, especially limited editions like Martesana Panettone d’Oro (in collaboration with Moschino), Sant Ambroeus by Ginori 1735, or Dolce&Gabbana x Fiasconaro. Prices for such gift versions range from 48 to 95 euros (some Marchesi collector’s editions can cost even 600-875 euros). Remember to check the expiration date before giving the gift.

Sources and updates:

The article was updated in December 2025 based on current data from Milanese pastry shops, Osservatorio Panettone Maiora Solutions, and results from Re Panettone Milano 2025 and Dissapore competitions. Prices may change depending on season and availability.

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