Since we didn’t really venture out much during the pandemic, we haven’t cry visited Brooklyn for over a year. This fabulous and cozy little café, Ciao Bella Coffee seems like the right spot to go for our first visit to Brooklyn! They have been opened for about a year, which must have been tough to open at the beginning of pandemic…but thankfully, they survived, and are thriving!
The interior is really nice, with relaxing vibe. Not big, but not tiny either. Bright with loads of natural light coming in from the large windows. Nice amount of seating on both sides, with a good space in the middle which is necessary when a line forms. And we did see lines forming during out visit. Seems like Ciao Bella Coffee is a local favorite.
The left of the entrance had three tables with chairs, and some counter seats. I liked the hanging plants that give the homey feeling. They had some books on the counter for anyone who is interested in doing some light reading while getting a cup of coffee. The ordering counter with a bright wall mural is very inviting. I really liked the vivid colors.
I especially liked the right side, with a nice comfy sofa. It made me think of “Friends” show. And with that, I just had to sit on the sofa… I also liked all the mismatched chairs, it is such a comfortable space! While sitting at the sofa, I could understand why the “Friends” spent so many hours in their café! Ciao Bella Coffee offers free WiFi, so you could get really comfortable in here…
They had a record player with a vinyl record on the coffee table, among a handful of books. That made me think “it is so Brooklyn!” LOL. They also had a box of masks and hand sanitizer bottle for customers. You never know when your beloved mask breaks or gets super dirty. I have seen some people trying to take a sip of drink while they still had mask on! (I admit I have come close to doing the same…).
As we walked up to the ordering counter, I was welcomed by very friendly smile, and selections of pastries! They had pound cake, cookies, croissants, donuts, and few other items. I have seen photos of soup and bagel sandwich in the past from this spot, so if you want something more than these items, you could ask what else they have available. They also had some merchandise for sale, such as oatmeal, pesto sauce, evoo, etc…
After looking at everything, we decided to order Cappuccino ($5/Large), Mocha ($5/Medium), Almond Croissant, and Blueberry Donut. They make coffee drinks with Lavazza, and they are great!
Another great thing about Ciao Bella Coffee, on top of the relaxing vibe, clean space, and friendly staff, is the different milk offerings! I requested my Mocha to be made with Macadamia Nut Milk! I love macadamia nuts, but I haven’t tried macadamia nut milk, so I was curious… So, the lovely barista, Sumayyah, crafted my Mocha with Macadamia Nut Milk. I really like Mocha, so I’ve had my share of Mocha from many different places. Let me tell you, Mocha from Ciao Bella Coffee was the one of the BEST one I’ve had! It was chocolatey and sweet, but not overwhelming, with a hint of nutty flavor. Delicious! Strong coffee with quality you can taste. The aroma was amazing too. And just look at the delicate little foam on top… It is a not a “quick” drink, as the barista takes time and care to craft each drink, which I appreciate very much!
My hubby ordered Cappuccino with Oat Milk. You could taste a bit of oat flavor, which made the coffee milder and extra tasty. Cappuccino is something we often order at a restaurant at the end of our meal, but they don’t make them like the one here at Ciao Bella Coffee. This one was delightful!
As we tried to decide on what pastries to order, Sumayyah, the barista recommended croissant for me, since Mocha was going to be sweet. I had my eyes on the chocolate donut looking one, but with that recommendation, I changed to Almond croissant. And boy, I am really glad I did! Even though the Almond Croissant has sweetness to it, but since it is not chocolatey, it gave a nice balance from the sweet Mocha. They get these baked goods from NJ bakery, and they are tasty! It was a nice size too, with great almond flavor with every bite.
My hubby ordered Blueberry Donut. They get donuts from Donut Plant and we already know like their donuts, so it was no brainer. The Blueberry Donut had loads of blueberry in the dough and the icing. Soft and moist, great flavor! I could have this every day…
And if you are one of those amazing people who love supporting small business, Ciao Bella Coffee is a perfect spot for you. They source tasty looking Empanadas (beef, chicken, spinach, and pizza!), and Hibiscus Tea from small businesses to supper them. Don’t you love seeing them help each other like this? I know I do! But if you want something that’s made there, then get their Mini Cannoli Siciliani ($2.75/each). They are freshly piped at order, and really great treat!
I always think the filling is a bit too sweet for me, but I really enjoyed their cannoli! It was creamy, velvety, and elegantly sweet. The shell was crunchy with subtle sweetness to it. They had some kind of syrup drizzled over the cannoli (I know, I should have asked what it was…). I was afraid that the syrup (?) will make the cannoli too sweet, but it didn’t. It was just right, which was surprising! Great little cannoli! If you want a few, you can get a box of five mini cannoli for $10. That will make a great gift!
They have one unisex bathroom at the back corner. A small bathroom behind the double door. It was very clean, and well lit. It is always nice to have access to a bathroom, especially if you want to spend a relaxing time with your coffee and pastry…
During our visit, we met the owner, Marco. I hear it is a husband and a wife team, another lovely thing about this café! He was very friendly and welcoming. Sumayyah was one of the friendliest barista I’ve ever met in all of NYC! And she really knows how to make an excellent cup of coffee! Thank you Sumayyah! You want to get an amazing cup of coffee creation? Head over to Ciao Bella Coffee!
Ciao Bella Coffee – 284 Clarkson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226
Looks like a great place!!!!
It sure is a great spot indeed! 🙂
Food Lover Girl embodies a delightful passion that resonates with anyone who appreciates the art of culinary exploration. Her enthusiasm for trying new dishes and uncovering hidden gastronomic gems is infectious, inspiring others to embark on their own flavorful journeys. Whether it’s savoring the complex layers of a gourmet meal or relishing the simple comfort of home-cooked fare, Food Lover Girl’s zest for all things edible celebrates the universal language of food. Her adventures remind us of the joy found in a shared meal and the way food can connect us across cultures, creating memorable experiences that linger long after the last bite.
Thank you so much for your kind words! 🙂
And yes, I totally agree that the food can connect us across cultures, it is a true universal language!