Bar Basso
The historic Milanese bar famed for inventing the Negroni Sbagliato, offering a retro atmosphere and a true aperitivo experience.
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Bar Basso
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The historic Milanese bar famed for inventing the Negroni Sbagliato, offering a retro atmosphere and a true aperitivo experience.
Visit during peak events
Experience a buzzing atmosphere during Milan's Salone del Mobile or Fashion Week.
Order the classic Sbagliato
Try the signature Negroni Sbagliato, famously invented here and served in a large glass.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Cocktail Bar
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato
Experience the iconic cocktail created here, a twist on the classic Negroni, served in a classic Milanese setting.
Retro Milanese Atmosphere
Step back into the 60s with chandeliers, velvet seats, and a traditional bar offering a true Milanese aperitivo experience.
Vibrant Aperitivo Hub
A popular meeting point for locals and creatives, especially during Milan's design and fashion weeks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit during peak events
Experience a buzzing atmosphere during Milan's Salone del Mobile or Fashion Week.
Order the classic Sbagliato
Try the signature Negroni Sbagliato, famously invented here and served in a large glass.
Aperitivo is simple
Expect basic offerings like olives and chips with your drinks; food is not the focus.
Know your drink order
The menu focuses on drinks, with over 500 options; service is generally quick for beverages.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit during peak events
Experience a buzzing atmosphere during Milan's Salone del Mobile or Fashion Week.
Order the classic Sbagliato
Try the signature Negroni Sbagliato, famously invented here and served in a large glass.
Aperitivo is simple
Expect basic offerings like olives and chips with your drinks; food is not the focus.
Know your drink order
The menu focuses on drinks, with over 500 options; service is generally quick for beverages.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bar Basso is a celebrated Milanese institution, renowned for its history as the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato and its retro 80s ambiance. While many praise the iconic cocktails, the unique atmosphere, and its status as a vibrant aperitivo spot, some patrons have noted issues with basic aperitivo snacks and occasional poor service, ranging from slow attention to hostility.
"we went there on a nice sunday afternoon and it was full!! I do love bars where people hang outside and sip on their drinks so we waited to get a spot outside. Nice vibes, lots of drinks"
Gur Ozbelge
"We didn't order food, but got some really nice olives. The drinks were great. The service was fine, the location isn't great for views but they do a decent job of getting a nice vibe going anyway.
Bar Basso probably won't be the highlight of a visit to Milan, but you'll have a lovely time and be glad you went all the same!"
Richard Norris
"Went to Bar Basso this evening at the strong recommendation of a friend at home. The ambiance was cute and the drinks were reasonable; aperitivo was basic. (Olives and chips - other aperitivo seemed to be reserved for later in the evening/bigger spenders.)
At the end of the meal, our waiter shouted at us repeatedly (in Italian; neither of us speak it) about a misunderstanding with the bill until his colleague confirmed he’d just noted the tab was in cash and quickly switched to card. We settled immediately and left. It was a simple misunderstanding which led to an inordinate amount of hostility from our server. My partner and I were both clearly a bit surprised by the encounter as was his colleague who sorted the whole thing near-instantly.
Given the hostility from the server we’d never return, nor would we recommend it to other travellers."
Noah Gomberg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Bar Basso is most famous for being the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato cocktail and for its iconic retro 1980s atmosphere.
It's a twist on the classic Negroni, made with Prosecco instead of gin, mixed with Campari and vermouth.
Bar Basso primarily focuses on cocktails. Aperitivo offerings are typically simple, like olives and chips.
Yes, it's a classic Milanese experience, known for its history and unique cocktails, though service can be variable.
It's popular year-round but becomes especially lively during Milan's design and fashion weeks.
While not explicitly stated, reviews suggest it can get very crowded, especially during peak times, implying walk-ins are common.
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Every Italian has their bar, and Bar Basso is the quintessential Milanese spot for aperitivo al banco any time of day. In the morning, locals shuffle in and out for coffee, and as the day passes, a younger mix of visitors joins the scene, gathering in groups at the tables outside (the crowd multiplies during Fashion and Design weeks). Bar Basso is famous as the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato—a “mistaken” twist on the classic Negroni, swapping out gin for prosecco to create a more boozy version of a Campari spritz.
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The best hotels in Milan include luxe brands like Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Park Hyatt, and Bulgari, and DeGiorgio lauds their excellent cocktail programs. “Guglielmo Miriello, one of the city’s most esteemed beverage professionals, oversees drinks at the Mandarin Oriental; the 1960s-inspired Rumore opened at the Portrait late last year; and the Bulgari hotel’s bar manager, Patrick Greco, is shaking up some stellar libations,” she notes.
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Step back into a time of 60s glamour at Bar Basso, with its chandeliers, velvet seats and waiters in white shirts and black ties. Famous not only for having served everyone from Frank Sinatra to a former President of the Republic, it’s a veritable Milanese institution for one very good reason. It was the first place to offer ‘aperitivo’ (a drink plus light meal) to the public and and the beloved Negroni Sbagliato cocktail was invented here.
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The negroni sbagliato (a ‘wrong’ Negroni made with spumante in place of gin and mixed with Campari and vermouth, which you’ve probably heard of from TikTok) was first created at this classic Milanese cocktail bar and is still served today in an enormous glass. Located in Città Studi, an area buzzing with students, Bar Basso fills up during Salone del Mobile, the annual design week, when it becomes the after-party venue of choice.
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This is the bar where the Negroni Sbagliato (which translates to “incorrect Negroni”) was invented, when a bartender accidentally added sparkling wine to the classic Negroni instead of gin. Today, Bar Basso is famous for serving this unique cocktail. But that’s not all they serve: The cocktail menu has over 500 drinks, so you’ll certainly find something to imbibe.
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Anyone familiar with Milan is likely to have had a negroni sbagliato (“wrong negroni” made with prosecco instead of gin) or two at Bar Basso. The bar has been around since the ’40s and is as popular among Milan’s young, hip residents as well as its old-timers. The drink list is dizzyingly long, while the atmosphere is warm and laid-back.
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Bar Basso is the convergence point of Milan’s numerous souls, where creative people, university students, workers and residents meet, in a few words, it is an institution for the community. Country of birth of the famous “Sbagliato” and a reference for great Milanese mixing, the bar welcomes its guests in an atmosphere that brings the 80s back to life , informal, beautiful, but above all true. The neon sign, which seems to have been written by hand years ago, stands proudly on the corner between Via Plinio and Via Enrico Noe, while inside you’ll have the opportunity to relax seated at the beautiful wooden and gold counter.
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A historical cocktail bar that through the years has become a real Milanese institution, Bar Basso is mostly renowned for its signature cocktail Negroni Sbagliato, invented here and presented in huge scenographic glasses with 6cm x 8cm hand cut ice cubes inside. A true cult bar for sophisticated drinking devotees, Bar Basso was the first-ever bar in Milan to introduce the “aperitif” to everyday people. While before cocktails could only be found at the exclusive lounge bars of luxurious international grand hotels, since 1947 cocktails have been mixed and drunk at this local neighbourhood bar.
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Let’s start with a classic: Bar Basso is the place where the Negroni Sbagliato was accidentally created in 1972, and more than 50 years later, it continues to be a favorite of locals who come to catch up with old friends (and make new ones) at the outdoor tables on Via Plinio, illuminated by the famous neon Bar Basso sign. The interior is furnished with design pieces that have made it an especially popular venue during Salone del Mobile. It has an old-school charm, but the buzz is almost always around the tables outside.
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If Savini, with its 1930s Art Deco décor, is all about aristocratic understatement, the next stop, Bar Basso, belongs to the postwar La Dolce Vita period. Opened in 1947, it was, and to some degree still is, a fashion-crowd destination, although it still opens at 9 in the morning for those who want an espresso at the bar, and even when the beautiful people are around it still functions as a neighborhood spot. It also manages to get even less alcohol into its signature Negroni than anyone else in town.
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Bar Basso – This legendary 1950s bar is the birthplace of the internet-famous Negroni Sbagliato, and it’s still one of the best spots in the city to enjoy the cocktail, served in delightfully oversized glasses. The bar’s vintage red neon sign, grand chandeliers, and pink walls and ceilings are as retro as the staff’s starched white button-downs. The crowd is as diverse as it gets, from cashmere-clad sciure to teenagers on a night out, from fashion setters to fashion followers, from Milanese to non.
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Bar Basso is one of Milan’s most iconic cocktail bars, renowned for its rich history and its legendary contribution to mixology: the invention of the Negroni Sbagliato. This accidental twist on the classic Negroni, created in the 1970s, replaces gin with sparkling prosecco, resulting in a lighter, more effervescent cocktail that has since become a worldwide favorite. The bar’s vintage charm, with its retro decor and warm ambiance, makes it a popular destination for locals and travelers alike.
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This Milan institution is a favourite among Vogue editors and fashion designers. Its neon signs and vintage interiors seems to transport you back to the 1960s, when it was first opened by Mirko Stocchetto, who accidentally invented the negroni sbagliato (literally a mistaken negroni) by grabbing prosecco instead of gin. Today, his son Maurizio helms the bar, making sure everything runs smoothly and that any mistakes with the negronis are made on purpose.
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Bar Basso is a must-stop for a memorable aperitivo experience in Milan. It’s known as the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato, attributed to founder Mirko Stocchetto, who mistakenly added prosecco to the famed cocktail instead of gin, giving the drink its name. Today, his son Maurizio runs Bar Basso, whose charisma and prowess have helped make it a top hangout for Milan’s design community, though Bar Basso thankfully maintains a laid-back vibe.
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Bar Basso is famous for its negroni sbagliato (or ‘wrong’ negroni) which substitutes the usual gin with sparkling wine. You can find them all over Milan, but Bar Basso is the original and is considered to still be the best. The interior of Bar Basso is old school in design, with a large zinc-topped bar, waiters in starched white uniforms, and a bright neon sign outside, inviting you in for one of the best negronis of your life.
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An historical cocktail bar that has become a real Milanese institution and is best known for its signature invention, the Negroni Sbagliato, which is presented in huge iconic scenographic glasses with large ice cubes. A magnet for the crème de la crème of international designers, design journalists and students, this is a must-visit whilst in Milan. Cocktails Not known Beer (0.5l) Not known Wine Not known
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Welcome to Bar Basso in Milan, where the magic happens one sip at a time!. This charming establishment, known as the "temple of mixology," is the ultimate hangout for cocktail enthusiasts and unsuspecting explorers seeking liquid adventures. Brace yourself for an experience that will make your taste buds dance like nobody's watching, and maybe even question your allegiance to that boring old glass of wine.
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Maurizio Stocchetto's Bar Basso is aglow in gilded fixtures and mirrored walls. The place is a veritable time capsule, and the décor and glassware have changed little since the Stochetto family took over the bar in 1967 (it was founded 3 decades earlier). Bar Basso is the reputed birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato, which was invented when Mario’s father Mirko replaced Negroni’s gin with Prosecco.
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Food isn’t included, but Bar Basso had to be mentioned in this guide, since this is the place where the first Aperitivo was born, back in the 50s. There’s a selection of 500 cocktails: each one is presented in gigantic glasses filled with huge chunks of ice. In the summertime the specialty is the “Mangia e Bevi” (eat and drink) a homemade ice-cream accompanied with fruit and drowned in liquor.
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This is a ritual that takes place before dinner and is observed by most bars and restaurants around the city. You show up and order a drink at a slightly higher price than normal. The first drink is usually between €10 and €15 depending on the restaurant, and included in your drink price is access to a large buffet or lots of plates of different foods that are brought to your table.
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This Milan landmark doesn’t feature impressive architecture or great views, but it does have plenty of cultural significance. Bar Basso, a traditional cocktail bar in the Citta Studi district of Milan, is the inventor of the Negroni sbagliato. You might remember when this cocktail – made from Campari, sweet vermouth, and sparkling wine – had a moment a few years back.
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Bar Basso, with its claim to fame as the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato, stands as a beacon for those looking to imbibe history alongside their cocktails. It's a place where the design world's elite gather to celebrate the day's inspirations. LùBar serves up a refreshing contrast, inviting guests into its lush garden oasis for spritzes and socializing.
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This epic institution evokes the charm of a bygone era while still setting the benchmark for cool. Avail yourself of a Negroni Sbagliato, or the “Mistaken Negroni” swapping prosecco for gin, created in 1972 by late owner Mirko Stocchetto. Better yet, ask for “uno Sbagliato grande” which swims among clinking ice cubes in a glass goblet bigger than your head.
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A true Milanese classic, unmissable during a trip to Milan or to visit at least once if you’re a local. Bar Basso is always filled with people to the brim so finding seating inside is basically impossible, fortunately there is plenty of pavement space outside – great for mingling with new people too!. Order Negroni Sbagliato, Bar Basso is its birthplace!
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Opened in 1947 under owner Mirko Stocchetto, it is considered a traditional spot for locals and visitors. They are famous for their classic Negronis as well as for their own original creation, the Negroni sbagliato – the “wrong Negroni”. The cocktail was created by mistake by one of the bartenders, and their updated version trades the gin for prosecco.
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A favorite gathering site of the international design set during the Salone del Mobile, Bar Basso is famed for its negronis. The negroni sbagliato was invented here when a barman replaced the gin in a negroni with a sploosh of prosecco. These—and the regular kind—are served in whopping handmade glasses in two rooms left unmodernized since the 1940s.
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One massive square ice cube characterizes both the Negroni Sbagliato and Bar Basso's house version of the standard Negroni, which is served in a glass chalice. Today, Mirko's son Maurizio runs the show. Cocktails range from eight to ten euros, and complimentary plates of chips, olives and miniature sandwiches are served for the table to share.
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Un altro grande classico milanese, che mette d’accordo più generazioni. Arredi sobri e di stile, il Bar Basso (Via Plinio 39) si considera il padre dei cocktail bar milanesi, e non solo. Dagli anni Settanta inventa nuovi modi di bere: è sul suo bancone che è stato creato il Negroni Sbagliato, frutto di un provvidenziale errore del suo barman.
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The place that is credited with the invention of the Spagliato Negroni (for a correct pronunciation, check with your favourite Italian!) For those of you who follow us on Instagram you will have seen the story we posted from Bar Basso. The young bartender was making us a Cynar Spritz. The more senior bartender was talking to him in Italian.
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Ce bar légendaire a ouvert ses portes en 1947 et a toujours été un lieu de rencontre animé. Il est connu pour être l’endroit où est né le Negroni Sbagliato. Le propriétaire du bar, Mirko Stocchetto, a créé cette boisson, qui se traduit par « Negroni incorrect« , en utilisant du prosecco au lieu du gin utilisé dans un Negroni classique.
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The next afternoon finds me at the historic Camparino bar, located in a corner of the glass-covered gilded shopping paradise that is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The site began as a restaurant opened by Gaspare Campari—yes, that Campari—in 1867. The Camparino Bar emerged on the spot in 1915, opened by Gaspare’s son Davide.
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One cannot speak of iconic venues without mentioning Bar Basso, famous for inventing the Negroni Sbagliato and for maintaining an air of timeless elegance. Equally storied is Camparino in Galleria, standing proudly at the entrance of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II since 1915 – an upscale venue where tradition meets modernity.
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The bar is located in Città Studi which is abuzz with students. During Salone del Mobile, the annual design week, Bar Basso fills up during aperitivo hour and is the after-party venue of choice in the area. The trademark drink of Bar Basso, the Negroni Sbagliato was invented here and is served up in a giant glass.
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This iconic Milanese bar is famous for inventing the Negroni Sbagliato, a delightful twist on the classic Negroni cocktail. Whether you're a seasoned Negroni aficionado or looking to try something new, Bar Basso has a drink for you. Step into its retro ambiance and sip on a piece of Milanese cocktail history.
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Bar Basso is famous for inventing the Negroni Sbagliato (a negroni made with prosecco instead of gin) and is popular with the fashion and design crowds, as well as Milanese locals. It’s worth the visit just for that old-school Milanese feeling, as well as the old waiters who’ve worked there for years.
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The barman picked up the wrong bottle (prosecco instead of gin) and a legend was born!. It’s just as tasty and fortunately won’t give you as much of hangover as the classic negroni (well, depending on how many you drink). Try it at any bar in the city or in its original birthplace.
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An iconic staple where bar owner Mirko made bartending history with the creation of the Negroni Sbagliato. It is a neighbourhood bar occupying a corner site and survives untouched since the late 1950s. The interior is lined with dark walnut panelling and overhanging chandeliers.
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Bar Basso is classic Milano da Bere, complete with a disorganized service and randomly proportioned Negroni and Negroni Sbagliato. But perhaps that's the appeal of this bar, which some consider to be one of the World's 50 Best. It's a chaotic and dynamic mess - much like Milano.
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Bar Basso – Even during foggy nights, Milan’s most famous neon sign points to Bar Basso, where every night artists and creatives gather to drink a spritz or a negroni sbagliato (which was coincidentally invented here and is served in a gigantic glass).
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Bar Basso is the place to get the best Negroni Sbagliato – since this is where the cocktail was born!. This drink is a spin on the classic Negroni – made with prosecco instead of gin. This happened at bar Basso in 1968 and was actually an accident.
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Bar Basso was the first bar to introduce an aperitivo in Milan in 1947. Before then, cocktails could only be found in specific lounge bars and luxury hotels. Today they have over 500 drinks on the menu, but you should choose Negroni Sbagliato.
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A historic Milanese eatery on Via Plinio is known for being the place of invention of the Negroni Sbagliato. Opened in 1933, it was formerly an osteria. Over the years it has become one of the best aperitivo spots in town.
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Bar Basso, aperto in Porta Vigentina nel 1933 si trasferì nel 1947 in via Plinio. E qui come tutti sanno fu anche inventato il Negroni sbagliato. Soundtrack: Blue Train di John Coltrane (10.44 minuti).
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Bar Basso: One of the oldest cocktail bars in the city - best known for its creation of the famous Negroni Sbagliatto. If you’re a negroni fan, going to Bar Basso is a right of passage!
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Known for inventing the Negroni Sbagliato, Bar Basso is a historic and iconic Milanese institution. Step back in time as you enjoy classic Italian cocktails in this vintage-themed bar.
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It was an evening open to anyone who wanted to celebrate this milestone together with Camparino, featuring a dedicated cocktail list and two iconic guests: Bar Basso and Marchesi 1824.
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Sip delicious cocktails at trendy bars like Bar Basso and Nottingham Forest. Dress to impress with the city’s stylish dress code. Plan ahead to avoid queues and disappointment.
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For the traditional Italian evening tradition of aperitivo, head to Bar Basso for all your favorite pre-dinner drinks and snacks!
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