Cibo Espresso

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
The queue out the door speaks volumes about the quality of the coffee within. The striking red awning, umbrellas, and take away cups further ensure this small corner cafe stands out in the crowd. Louvred glass windows open to the street and there’s a large service-window for those after their caffeine hit in a hurry.

The franchise is the brain child of four passionate men, all of Italian heritage, who have come together to provide consistently good food, drawing on their culinary heritage to entice the diners. Chef Salvatore Pepe, of Cibo Ristorante fame, overseas the cuisine with the help of pastry-chef Claudio Ferraro. Barista Angelo Inglese was taught the fine art of coffee making at the fledgling age of seven by his father, who was formally trained as a barista in Naples. The last of the quartet is Roberto Cardone who handles the marketing and also has a strong family history in the hospitality industry. Unsurprisingly, the menu has a strong Italian focus, the carefully prepared cafe-fare perfect for a quick snack or healthy lunch. Traditional recipes, combinations, and techniques are employed to bring you a variety of panini, foccace, insalata, and other savouries. There is plenty on offer for those with a sweet tooth – try the Italian cakes, pastries and, of course, the gelato.