Gelsomina brings a little southern Italian character to breakfast in Milan. Pastries, cream filled maritozzi and a thoughtfully styled setting give this café an appeal beyond a quick espresso.
Located near Repubblica, it offers several ways to approach the morning. Keep things simple with coffee and a brioche, or settle in for a more substantial brunch.
Review of Gelsomina Milan: Details
- Location: Via Carlo Tenca 5, 20124 Milan, Italy.
- Area: Near Repubblica, between Milano Centrale and Porta Venezia.
- What It Is: An Italian pastry shop and café serving breakfast, brunch and lunch.
- Best For: Pastry lovers, coffee breaks, sweet breakfasts and casual brunch.
- Vibe: Mediterranean influences, decorative tiles and a welcoming café setting.
- Price: Published menu prices include espresso at €1.30, brioches from €2 and maritozzi from €5.
- Telephone: +39 02 6671 3696.
- Email: info@pasticceriagelsomina.it.
- Website: Gelsomina’s official website.
- Menu: Pastries, brunch and drinks.
- Opening Hours: The website currently displays summer hours of 8am to 4:30pm daily. Confirm the seasonal schedule before visiting.
Menu details were checked on 21 September 2026. Prices and availability may change.
Gelsomina Milan Review: Highlights
A Southern Italian Influence
Gelsomina takes inspiration from southern Italy, bringing that identity into both its food and design. The Carlo Tenca location combines decorative tiles, plants and varied tableware with a contemporary café setting. Flawless’s profile explores these design details and the bakery’s southern roots.
That combination makes it an appealing choice for a slower breakfast or a catch up over something sweet.
Maritozzi Worth Considering
The maritozzo is a natural starting point for anyone seeking a more indulgent order. Gelsomina’s menu lists a whipped cream version, plus options with pistachio cream, pastry cream or chocolate.
Our suggested starting point is the pistachio version if you enjoy nut based pastries. Prefer something simpler? Choose the classic whipped cream filling. These options appear on the official pastry menu.
More Than a Sweet Breakfast
There are savoury choices too. The brunch menu includes ham and cheese toast, eggs with bacon, and avocado with scrambled eggs.
This makes Gelsomina useful when one person wants a pastry and another prefers a fuller meal. Check service times if you are planning around a particular dish.
What to Order at Gelsomina
For a first visit, choose one pastry and a coffee before adding anything else. That keeps the order focused and leaves room to explore the counter.
Some options from the published menu include:
| Item | Listed price |
|---|---|
| Plain brioche | €2 |
| Pastry cream brioche | €2.50 |
| Pistachio brioche | €3 |
| Pain au chocolat | €3 |
| Maritozzo with whipped cream | €5 |
| Maritozzo with whipped cream and pistachio | €6 |
| Espresso | €1.30 |
| Cappuccino | €2 |
Prices come from Gelsomina’s pastry menu and drinks menu.
For brunch, ham and cheese toast is listed at €10. Avocado with scrambled eggs on ancient grain bread costs €14. The brunch menu also lists pancakes with berries at €14.
Value for Money
The clearest value is in a straightforward coffee and pastry order.
Using the published individual prices, an espresso with a plain brioche totals €3.30. A cappuccino with a pistachio maritozzo comes to €8. These are calculated combinations, not advertised meal deals.
Brunch is a different purchase. A savoury plate, drink and pastry will cost more than a simple Italian breakfast. Decide whether you want a quick stop or a full meal before ordering.
For another pastry focused option, compare our Aroma Napoletano Milan review.
Gelsomina Milan Review: Things to Note
- Check the branch: This article covers Via Carlo Tenca. The website also references Via Fiamma for certain evening menus.
- Hours are seasonal: The official site labels its displayed opening times as summer hours. Avoid assuming these apply throughout the year.
- Menus serve different occasions: Breakfast, brunch and lunch listings do not necessarily mean every dish is available all day.
- Vegan choices are listed: The pastry menu includes plain, chocolate and apricot vegan brioches. Ask what is available when you visit.
- Discuss allergies directly: Gelsomina states that products share preparation facilities. A dietary label does not guarantee protection from cross contact.
Gelsomina Milan Review: Tips
- Browse before ordering. Compare the day’s selection with the online menu before choosing.
- Keep the coffee pairing simple. An espresso offers a useful contrast to a richer cream filled pastry.
- Share contrasting pastries. A brioche and a maritozzo provide more variety than two similar fillings.
- Allow time to sit down. The setting is part of the appeal, especially if your morning schedule is flexible.
- Confirm hours for a late visit. Call the Carlo Tenca location rather than relying on an older listing.
Building a sweet food itinerary around Milan? Our Gelateria Umberto review covers another option for gelato and affogato.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gelsomina in Milan?
The location covered here is Via Carlo Tenca 5, near Repubblica. Use that address when planning your route.
What should you order?
The pistachio maritozzo is an appealing choice for a richer breakfast. A brioche and espresso make a simpler combination.
Does Gelsomina serve savoury food?
Yes. The published brunch menu includes toast, eggs, omelettes and other savoury dishes. Confirm availability and service times directly.
Can you have an inexpensive breakfast?
The published prices allow for a modest coffee and pastry order. Brunch plates and additional drinks increase the total.
Gelsomina Review – Photos

The Brief Review Verdict
Gelsomina is an appealing option for a pastry centred breakfast near Repubblica. Its menu accommodates both a simple coffee stop and a more leisurely brunch.
The strongest reason to consider it is the combination of Italian pastries and a distinctive café setting. Start with a brioche or maritozzo, then build the meal around your appetite.
Our recommendation: Consider Gelsomina for a relaxed breakfast in Milan, especially if pastries are the main attraction.
