Milly's Cakes: Brunch Anytime at Nali Patio

The story behind Milly’s sounds like a Korean soap opera. Owner Emily Long quit her job as a marketing exec and studied at Le Cordon Bleu. When her family began pressuring her to settle down, opening a bakery in Beijing was her best escape route.

The shop combines three of her loves: sweets, alcohol and brunch. The gourmet menu is admittedly no match for its Nali Patio neighbors. However, the all-day brunch is a draw, with well-prepared classics like eggs benedict (RMB 68) and corned beef hash (RMB 72) alongside champagne-based cocktails.

The sweet and savory afternoon tea set (RMB 98) is also worth trying. Carrot cake and tiramisu cupcakes (RMB 25) were sublime on our most recent try, but moistness of the cake has varied between visits. Milly’s custom cakes will likely be the main attraction. They don’t come cheap (RMB 600 and up), but the look on your friend’s face when you bring out an edible rendering of her head on a panda body will be priceless.

Also try: CC Sweets, Colibri Café

Milly’s Cakes
Mon-Fri 11am-midnight, Sat-Sun 11am-2am. C308, 3/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang
District (5208 6071)
朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园3层C308

NB: A version of this article published in the June issue of the magazine stated that the chef had previously worked at Mosto and Niajo. He has worked in the kitchens at both restaurants but not as the chef. To avoid any further confusion we have removed that reference from this version.

Click here to see the June issue of the Beijinger in full.

Photos: Judy Zhou