About Sant Ambroeus
The city
Milan has always been a city of sophisticated sensibilities—a place where rich history and timeless style intersect with innovation. The worlds of art, fashion, design, and finance have long called Milan home, all thriving in an atmosphere that respects tradition and encourages experimentation. Milan is a city of quality craftsmanship, genuine talent, and exacting standards.
The Origins
In 1936, two pastry chefs joined forces to open a café just steps from the legendary opera house Teatro La Scala to meet the tastes of Milan’s savvy urbanites. Inspired by Saint Ambrogio, the patron saint of Milan, the team gave their pasticceria and confetteria the Milanese version of his name: Sant Ambroeus was born, and a devoted following soon emerged
A home away from home
“When I tasted the food, I was transported immediately to Italy, to Milan, to a place where simplicity is key.”
Milan in New York
“I knew that I had found a place in New York where I could go and feel at home.”
La semplicità è italiana
“We stand by old ideals in a new world. We converse and eat as we do in Italy, but we plan and work as they do in New York."
The Clientele
It didn’t take long for the vibrant, welcoming café to become the meeting place for the local intelligentsia, who would begin their days with Sant Ambroeus’ perfectly crafted cappuccino and sweet cornetto, pop in for lunch to savor a crusty panini, and spend their evenings enjoying classic favorites in the restaurant’s elegant dining room.
Recognition & Expansion
The second half of the 20th century saw Sant Ambroeus become a brand synonymous with Milanese style and quality, first flourishing at home, then expanding across the Atlantic. In 1982, New York City’s first Sant Ambroeus arrived on Madison Avenue in Manhattan, opening its doors to a new crop of discerning locals and international visitors
“Treasure, delicacy and a piece of italian history”
New York’s Beginnings
Manhattan’s first Sant Ambroeus quickly became a beloved spot where Upper East Side locals gathered for expertly crafted espresso and authentic Italian cuisine under glittering chandeliers. Its reputation grew, drawing in a new generation to savor time-honored flavors and homemade sweets
Present Day
Today—with five Manhattan locations in neighborhoods including the Upper East Side, West Village, and Soho, plus outposts in other parts of New York and Florida—Sant Ambroeus remains true to its Milanese roots. Each location bares its soul with its own unique design while reflecting the same DNA: quality ingredients, unparalleled craftsmanship, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.