Is it just me or are there always new coffee shops in Boston? Caffè Nero was founded in the UK and has its headquarters in London. It is now located in six different countries, and it was introduced to the United States in 2014. Even though Caffè Nero has been around for 20 years, it is still fairly new to Boston.
As soon as you enter, you feel this homey, laid-back vibe, which felt very different to me than other coffee locations. Usually, it’s always a quick in and out to get your drink and food. But, with Caffè Nero, the atmosphere welcomes you to drink or eat your food without feeling rushed. The setting is warm, inviting, and makes you think of your quiet spot at home. The interior design is kind of industrial with a bit of rustic vibe. There are booths, tables, love sofas, small lamp tables beside armchairs, floor lamps, an electric fireplace, and bookshelves all around.
Since my discovery of Caffè Nero, I’ve gone twice already and really like it. This coffee shop offers you a place to go to study, do your homework, or read a book—the perfect place for college students who just want to enjoy some quiet time to themselves. The baristas are cool and offer good suggestions of what to get. Everything about Caffè Nero is nice and the food is just mouthwatering.
If you’re staying to have your drink, the barista serves it in a white mug with their logo on it and they create coffee art, which made me think of cute Instagram-worthy pictures. So, if you want to show off your drink, I’d recommend drinking it there. You can also buy ground coffee and their white mugs to make your own art at home! Also, if you decide to order a delicious pastry, it’s served on a dessert plate that makes an even more aesthetically pleasing photo for your feed.
Caffè Nero serves salads, sandwiches, fruit bowls, and all day breakfast items like oatmeal, muffins, croissants, and granola. They also serve desserts like cakes, cookies, cannoli, brownies, biscotti, and waffles. Each item is made with health concerns and allergies in mind. So, make sure to ask which foods are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-, wheat-, dairy-, or nut-free.
They serve smoothies, cold brew, teas, macchiatos, cappuccinos, lattes, hot or cold, espresso, hot chocolate, blended drinks, and coffee, of course. Caffè Nero caters to each individual whether you prefer almond milk, 2% milk, cream, honey, or different types of sugars.
The first time I went, I ordered a cappuccino with almond milk topped with cinnamon, and it was delicious. I went with a few people and they ordered just a couple of coffees, a slice of old-fashioned chocolate fudge cake, and a chocolate chip scone. Let me tell you about that old-fashioned chocolate fudge cake. It was amazing! Every corner and in between was chocolate goodness, but not overpowering like other chocolate cakes I’ve tried. The cake gave me “Matilda” vibes, from when Bruce was forced to eat a whole cake in front of the whole school. But, don’t let that fool you—it has the perfect amount of chocolate. I definitely recommend you order this.
So, what are my final thoughts on Caffè Nero? Well, I’m definitely going back. I will be trying a different drink and getting that chocolate cake. With that said, if the cake, variety of drinks, and warming environment don’t get you, then I don’t know what will. As a Starbucks enthusiast, I’ve got to say, move to the side Starbucks, because Caffè Nero is here to stay.