The story
Tucked away on Via Lorenteggio in Milan’s residential southwest, Iro Iro Cake is the kind of understated pastry shop that rewards those who seek it out. With a solid 4.3-star rating, this casual, walk-in-friendly spot offers a compact but compelling lineup of Japanese treats. As creator Giovanni Fois noted in his search for the best Japanese food in Italy, it’s "a typical Japanese pastry shop in Milan offering both traditional sweets and Western-style adaptations" — affordable and genuinely worth a detour to explore Japanese flavors. The menu leans on classics: dorayaki, mochi, and matcha tea, each prepared with the quiet precision that defines the shop’s character.
What makes Iro Iro Cake a hidden gem is its unassuming balance of tradition and approachability. It’s not a showy destination, but rather a neighborhood stop where you can grab a sweet, a takeout box of mochi, or a matcha to go. Fois’s endorsement underscores its value as an authentic yet accessible introduction to Japanese pastry in Milan — no fuss, just well-executed staples that speak for themselves. For anyone craving a subtle break from Italy’s usual dolce repertoire, this tiny cafe delivers exactly what it promises.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2022.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 3 dish mentions say about the food
Reviewers rave about Iro Iro Cake’s mochi, praising its pillowy texture and delicate sweetness. The overall vibe is one of cozy, artisanal indulgence that feels both comforting and refined.
“These are the famous mochi — a typical Japanese sweet made from glutinous rice pounded into a soft, sticky white paste, then filled with beans. The one with red beans I'd advise against — I keep ordering it and keep making the same mistake. But the one with white beans and matcha was really super pleasant — good and worth trying.”
What creators say
1 creator has covered Iro Iro Cake. Most active: Giovanni Fois
A typical Japanese pastry shop in Milan offering both traditional sweets and Western-style adaptations, affordable and worth a visit to explore Japanese flavors.
Dishes mentioned
Dorayaki
These are special pancakes filled with bean paste. The one with red beans was nothing too special, almost skippable. But the one with white beans was really good — I liked it and recommend it.
Matcha Tea
We also had unsweetened matcha green tea — very good. I'm a big fan of matcha tea.
Mochi
These are the famous mochi — a typical Japanese sweet made from glutinous rice pounded into a soft, sticky white paste, then filled with beans. The one with red beans I'd advise against — I keep ordering it and keep making the same mistake. But the one with white beans and matcha was really super pleasant — good and worth trying.
