Milan's outdoor wine bars: six places to enjoy a glass of wine amidst courtyards and outdoor seating

INDEPENDENCE

O|nest Milan

A wine bar and restaurant, O|nest offers an enviable selection of wines, including natural ones, which the two owners will recommend and explain in detail. The real gem, however, is inside: you can enjoy a glass in the colorful courtyard nestled between the buildings, reminiscent of the Majorelle Gardens: indigo blue walls, gravel, and cacti. A perfect place to relax at snack time with some crostini with unique pairings (€5 with salami and apple pasta or hummus and purple cabbage).

Via Gerolamo Turroni, 2, 20129 Milan – 351 857 8998. Website.

MOSCOW

Association of Natural Cured Meats and Wines

Another member of the Botanical Club family, following in the footsteps of Champagne Socialist, this place offers glasses starting at €5, which can be paired with naturally leavened focaccias, perfect for sharing, and freshly sliced ​​charcuterie boards (from €9 to €24). The menu also features a few simple dishes. The beautiful internal courtyard, hidden among the exposed brick buildings, is a rarity on Corso Garibaldi.

Corso Garibaldi, 41, 20121 Milan – 02 3652 1391. Instagram page.

TICINO

e/n Natural Wine Shop

On the ground floor of the Emergency E/n building, Enoteca Naturale is an interesting and unusual project if you consider that part of the wine shop's proceeds goes to finance Emergency's activities. Drinking while doing good: glasses, even by the glass, start from 5 euros and are accompanied by various aperitif platters. All natural wines, very original and daring menu. There are the Grandi Amori, such as the octopus Catalana (13 euros) and the meatball sandwich (11); the Sveltine, with the excellent roasted friggitelli with anchovies (8) and sardines in saor with grilled polenta (7); finally the Happy ending, with Lemon curd with cream (6). But the real strong point is the large courtyard with a wonderful view of the Parco delle Basiliche, where you can relax on the wooden benches and high tables in an informal atmosphere.

Via Santa Croce, 19/a, 20122 Milan – 02 8277 0589. Website.

CITY STUDY

Winery on Via Stradella

A great option for any time of day, from lunch to aperitifs to a casual dinner. The large, plant-filled courtyard is perfect for a gathering with friends. Wine by the glass starts at €3, and the selection of bottled wines isn't extensive or unique, but all of this contributes to a casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxing, unpretentious experience.

Via Alessandro Stradella, 4/A, 20129 Milan – 02 8907 6506. Website.

SARPI

Isola Cellars

A historic meeting place for a pre-dinner drink in Chinatown, both winter and summer. Inside, the walls are lined with bottles displayed with prices clearly visible, while for glasses (starting at €6-7) you'll need to trust owner Luca and the expert bartenders behind the counter. An old-school wine bar where you can find interesting and rare offerings, even from outside of Italy, to be savored on the outdoor terrace set up on the lively pedestrian street of Sarpi.

Via Paolo Sarpi, 30, 20154 Milan – 02 331 5249. Website.

INDEPENDENCE and PORTA VENEZIA

HERE Wine Shop

Hic has two locations, both with outdoor seating. The bistro in the Città Studi area, also perfect for a romantic dinner, has expanded, taking over the flowerbed in front of the restaurant with lounge chairs, cushions, and low tables for a perfect relaxing moment. A more casual option is on the pedestrian Spallanzani street near Porta Venezia, where you can purchase or enjoy a glass of wine accompanied by a delicious platter of charcuterie on the terrace in front of the restaurant. Excellent glasses are available for 5 to 9 glasses.

Via Carlo Goldoni, 86 – 02 8396 5221 and Via Lazzaro Spallanzani, 16, 20129 Milan – 02 8407 8323. Website.