Tucked away in the basement of South Beach Avenue, just next to fellow new opening Alchemist Beer Lab, sits a cosy space housing Caffè Vergnano 1882. The Italian coffee maker’s concept cafe in Singapore is its 100th in the world, and for good reason. Step through the doors and you’ll find yourself surrounded by Italian oak walls, wooden floorboards and a leisurely vibe that’ll make you just wanna chill there for the rest of the day.
If you’re keen on learning a brief history about the brand, check out the timeline on the wall — it tells you all the momentous events that have happened since its conception in 1882. Just below that are shelves full of merch, so you can purchase and bring home whatever tea blends, cups or coffee beans suit your fancy.
Of course, the central focus is the coffee — specifically, the Italian espresso blend ($3.50) that’s only available at Caffè Vergnano outlets around the world.
This bittersweet brew finds its way onto the menu multiple times, in espresso-based concoctions such as Caffè Gianduja ($5.50-$6.50), with thick hot chocolate and whipped cream; Marocchino Speciale ($5-$6), with foamed milk, chocolate powder and chocolate cream; Delizioso ($5.50-$6.50), with foamed milk, nutella and whipped cream; and Bicerin ($6-$7), a traditional mix with cocoa.
But if you want your espresso served to you in a fancy martini glass, get the Shakerato ($5.50).
Wines, beers and juices also feature here, as well as a limited variety of pies, quiches, ravioli, lasagna and risotto. Or if you just wanna sip on a cuppa and enjoy a slice of cake, they’ve got you covered, with desserts like lemon pound cake, tiramisu, carrot cake and speculoos cheesecake.
To up your coffee game a notch, sign up for the regular workshops held at the cafe space. Every first Sunday of the month sees an espresso-focused session ($150), where you’ll learn about the basics of the blend, prepare a selection of beverages and peer into the inside of an espresso machine.
For something a little less serious, unleash your artistic side and attempt to master the art of latte drawings ($150) every second Sunday of the month. Alternatively, there’s the brew-it-yourself class ($150) on the third Sunday of the month — it’ll teach you all about flavour profiles and brew recipes.
Caffè Vergnano 1882 Singapore is at #B1-17, South Beach Avenue, 26 Beach Rd, 6385-5579. Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat & Sun 9am-6pm.
