Why go to Aalis, the new bakery in Milan that will make its way among the signature breakfasts?
Just when Milan seemed destined to become the city of small wine bars and enotecas serving natural wines and accompanying small plates, the winds of trendiness began to blow in a completely different direction: true well-being is no longer aperitivo but breakfast, preferably with impeccable pastries and a filter coffee.
One person who hasn't escaped certain trends is Paolo Martuccelli, an entrepreneur already well-known in the craft beer sector with several openings under his belt between Milan and Trieste. He has decided to dedicate himself, along with a large team of partners and professionals, to this Milanese nouvelle vague.
The Alice team
We're just steps from the Catholic University of Milan, at Via Montebello 7, where Aalis has opened, a new bakery designed to serve customers throughout the day. Although a neighborhood establishment, the team behind it suggests much broader ambitions: in addition to Martuccelli, we find Alex Marelli, his longtime partner in the opening of Shallo craft breweries, and Alice Marelli, a gourmet with a passion for travel and captivated by the format of the bakeries she encountered on her travels, which inspired her to create a space that would be more than just a bread and baked goods retailer.
In addition to them, behind the scenes at Aalis we find Martin Dumas, a baking veteran with experience in Milan, having opened the highly successful boulangerie Égalité; food & beverage manager Francesco Palma; and Gherardo Mazzani, a culinary consultant who helped develop the breakfast and lunch menu. In short, there's no shortage of professionalism and talent, and we're confident the project will develop in many directions in the immediate future.
True to its inspiration, Aalis is a versatile space for breakfast, takeout bread, an extended brunch, or future themed evening events pairing baked goods with craft beers or hosting pop-up dinners for distinguished guests. The refined and welcoming atmosphere reflects the promised versatility: the room is dominated by the Viennese pastries and breakfast items, set against a romantic backdrop of various breads, including baguettes, which have already become a hit on social media. The space is ideal for enjoying the place alone or with friends, perhaps at the social table.
Aalis's offer and prices
We stopped by for tastings just a few days after opening, and some adjustments to the products will be natural, but the selection is already rich and focused: we tried an excellent hazelnut cake (cakes range from €3 to €6 a slice), a perfectly flaky pain au chocolat (viennoiseries range from €2.80 for a croissant to €3.80 for a pain suisse), and a small red pizza (€3) embellished with a delicious tomato. In addition to these, there are other offerings that demonstrate research and a desire to stand out, such as the cramique, a Belgian brioche with chocolate chips, or the "dome brioche," a clear homage to the Sicilian brioche.
Alongside the pastry shop, the establishment offers an extended brunch from 10:30 a.m. until early afternoon, with a selection ranging from classic egg dishes, avocado toast, and salads, to appetizers and main courses of the day. The savory counter also offers croque monsieur, toast with ham and fontina cheese (€7), croissants filled with prosciutto and figs (€7.50), white focaccias, and focaccias with mortadella (€3 and €6). A wide selection of coffees, specialty ones of course, will be available, created in collaboration with Roman coffee roaster Aliena Coffee Roasters: the classics will be joined by various extractions, from filter to cold brew, with prices ranging from €1.50 to €6.