The story
Signor Lievito, near Porta Romana, has polarized Milan’s breakfast scene. Franchino Er Criminale dismisses it as a trendy spot with unjustified queues, calling the products “mediocre, underbaked, and overpriced”—specifically panning the Focaccia Bakery Stile Svedese and Cinnamon Roll. Yet four other local food voices champion the bakery as a must-visit.
Restory Food calls it one of the city’s best mornings, spotlighting a “craffin filled with custard and jam.” Cosa mangiamo oggi? praises the Northern European pastry lineup—Cinnamon Roll, Cardamom Knot, Chocolate Babka—and its cozy atmosphere, while Qui si Taffia simply names it a favorite. The consensus is clear: for those willing to brave the queue, Signor Lievito offers a distinctive, quality breakfast worth the wait.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2023.
What diners say
Synthesized from 34 Google reviews · tap an aspect for the detail
Signor Lievito is a beloved bakery and coffee spot in Milan, celebrated for its high-quality pastries and excellent coffee. Diners consistently praise the friendly service and cozy atmosphere, though some note that the small space can lead to queues. A recurring gentle reservation is that prices are on the higher side, but most feel the quality justifies the cost.
Pastries and Baked Goods
The pastries are widely acclaimed, with particular praise for the cinnamon rolls, babka, and flan parisienne. Many reviewers highlight the artisanal quality and unique flavors, such as cardamom and poppy seed buns. Some note that certain items can be slightly dry, but overall the baked goods are considered outstanding.
Coffee
Coffee is a standout, with many calling it the best in Milan. The honey cardamom latte and iced latte are frequently mentioned as must-tries. The cappuccino is also praised for its perfection, and latte art is appreciated as a rare touch in Italy.
Service
Staff are consistently described as friendly, kind, and helpful, even during busy times. They take time to explain the menu and bring orders to the table, which adds to the positive experience.
Atmosphere
The venue is described as cozy, modern, and minimalistic, with a warm ambiance. It has both indoor and outdoor seating, though the interior is small, which can lead to a crowded feel during peak hours.
Value
While many find the prices reasonable for the quality, a number of reviewers feel it is a bit expensive. The cost of pastries and coffee is generally seen as fair, but some note that similar quality can be found at lower prices elsewhere.
Wait Time and Crowds
The venue is popular, often resulting in queues, especially on weekends. Most reviewers find the wait manageable and worth it, though a few mention that the small space can feel chaotic. Ordering takeaway is suggested to avoid the crowd.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 11 dish mentions say about the food
Reviewers rave about the cardamomo, calling it a masterful, aromatic triumph. The overall vibe is one of warm, rustic elegance and pure, ingredient-driven joy.
“For those who like cinnamon, this is probably the best thing here. But I swear it's not well baked. Just barely sufficient products. Not worth the queue.”
“The cinnamon roll is soft, moist, and has the right level of moisture compared to other places. It's not soaked in syrup. It's beautiful, fragrant, and made in concentric circles.”
What creators say
4 creators have covered Signor Lievito. Most active: Franchino Er Criminale, Qui si Taffia, Restory Food
A trendy bakery with unjustified long queues. The products are mediocre, underbaked, and overpriced. A waste of time.
Dishes mentioned
Focaccia Bakery Stile Svedese
This is bread passed off as focaccia again. The topping is well seasoned, it has a nice perlage, but in the mouth it's a completely different thing. I've been chewing it for minutes.
Cardamom
A brioche with cardamom on top. It looks undercooked. With poppy seeds, nice to look at, but in the mouth it's just normal, nothing special.
Doppio Cioccolato
Again, nice to look at, but in the mouth it's more than normal. Not even that good, just chocolate. Not worth the hour-long queue.
Cinnamon Roll
For those who like cinnamon, this is probably the best thing here. But I swear it's not well baked. Just barely sufficient products. Not worth the queue.
- Qui si TaffiaLoved
@stefanoguizzetti founder di @ciaccolab ci racconta i suoi Best of #milano Ep.72🔥 · @ 1:51
Signor Lievito is one of my favorite breakfast spots in the city.
Signor Lievito near Porta Romana serves excellent pastries for breakfast, with a standout craffin filled with custard and jam.
Dishes mentioned
Pan Swiss
We disintegrated it. There's a mix of chocolate and custard cream that I don't mind at all.
Morning Bun
I was hoping for better inside. I think it's a similar Cinnamon Roll. Yes, okay, there's cinnamon. Yes, it's a Cinnamon Roll, they just gave it a different name. Very soft and very sugary.
Craffin Ripieno di Crema Pasticcera e Marmellata
I knew it would be nice and succulent. The cream inside is beautiful, it has amazing colors, only the taste is missing. It reminds me a lot of childhood. Bread, butter and jam. Oh, look here too. This one too is beautiful. It should be either berry or blueberry jam. This is delicious. I'd say this is both the tastiest and the prettiest.
Signor Lievito offers Northern European pastries like cinnamon rolls and cardamom knots, with a cozy atmosphere and a different take on breakfast.
Dishes mentioned
Cinnamon Roll
The cinnamon roll is soft, moist, and has the right level of moisture compared to other places. It's not soaked in syrup. It's beautiful, fragrant, and made in concentric circles.
Cardamom Knot
The cardamom knot smells great, is very moist and sticky. It's perfect if you like soft, cuddly breakfasts. You can smell cardamom a lot, it's really fragrant. The aroma might come from cornflower petals.
Chocolate Babka
The chocolate Babka is freshly baked and you can feel it. It's made in layers, and I like to peel them off like a mozzarella braid. It's warm and delicious.
Pane Burro e Marmellata
The bread, butter and jam is the simplest thing but gives the most satisfaction. The jam is not phosphorescent red. If they're good at making butter, jam and bread, why not?
