Nestled on the quaint corner of Callowhill Street sits Milano Mornings, a charming new addition to the neighborhood café scene. Polish owners Anna and Ewelina have transformed the space into a cozy nook glowing with soft light and quiet cheer. Unlike your typical sweet-treat spot, Milano Mornings opened barely two weeks ago and already has a loyal stream of visitors — proof that great things travel fast by word of mouth!
What makes Milano Mornings feel so special is the care woven into every detail. Anna and Ewelina seem to anticipate exactly what a guest might need. Studying for finals? Outlets line nearly every table. Craving a little brightness on a gray Philadelphia morning? Sunlight pours generously through their wide street-facing windows. Every chai arrives with a gentle dusting of cinnamon, every pastry with a shimmer of sugar; here, going the extra mile is simply their standard.
Right now, the shop hums with seasonal charm. A decorated tree twinkles near the counter, greenery adorns each table, and warm lights flicker just enough to make you forget about the cold outside.
Their pastry case is reason to linger. Flaky croissants, gooey cinnamon rolls, and sweet and savory danishes line up in a mouthwatering display. On especially lucky days, you may even spot one of their homemade Polish cakes. Their cinnamon roll, in particular, is a must-get! Delicately crisp on the outside, tender within, drizzled with sweetened frosting, and dusted with cinnamon. It is the kind of pastry that demands two hands and zero hesitation.
And the drinks? They are treats in their own right. A great beverage earns its place by doubling as a dessert, and the strawberry matcha and umami ube latte more than delivers. Prepared right before your eyes, the strawberry matcha offers earthy, velvety warmth balanced by bright sweetness, while the ube latte is delightfully tangy and colorful. Both are delightful cups of joy, ready to lift visitors’ spirits even on the grayest winter afternoon.
The best way to visit is with a peaceful stroll: simply head to 18th St. and then walk north to Callowhill. But if a 30-minute walk is not desired this rainy winter, the 49 bus departs across Hagerty Library on 33rd St. and drops riders off at 20th and Callowhill. From there, it is a simple five-minute walk – close enough that even the fiercest Philadelphia winds cannot deter a journeyer seeking a sweet treat.
So, this finals week, those who are craving a quiet escape filled with good coffee, festive charm, and pastries that make students feel ready to tackle the hardest of assignments, Milano Mornings may just become a new favorite corner of the city. After all, every good week deserves at least one sweet escape.