Bar Quadronno

Bar Quadronno is a historic spot in Milan, widely recognised as the city’s first late-night paninoteca. Founded in 1964 by Faravelli, a skilled bartender with a keen culinary intuition, Bar Quadronno revolutionized Milan’s bar scene by introducing a range of gourmet sandwiches filled with culinary delights and innovative sauces. For the first time, the humble panino was elevated beyond the typical offerings of salami or ham and cheese. Among the original creations was the iconic smoked salmon sandwich and the legendary “monkey ham” sandwich, which was actually made with chamois meat.

Over the years, Bar Quadronno became a cult destination in Milan’s nightlife, especially during the 1970s and 1980s, frequented by the city’s theater and fashion crowd. Despite its modest size – originally with just three windows and five small tables – its popularity grew exponentially, earning it fame far beyond the city limits. After three renovations, Bar Quadronno remains today a timeless Milanese institution, revered for its legendary sandwiches and its unpretentious yet refined atmosphere. The warm, intimate setting, complete with round tables, wooden paneling, and soft lighting from bronze lanterns, has made it an enduring favorite among Milanese and visitors alike.

Despite the evolving ownership and occasional renovations, the essence of the place has always remained intact, preserving the spirit of Milan’s storied past. The Bar Quadronno legacy continues to thrive, recently even inspiring fashion: Matthieu Blazy, former creative director of Bottega Veneta, launched the Quadronno Bag in 2020 as a tribute to the beloved café.