If you favour simple dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, enjoy coffee as a pick-me-up or like to indulge in pre-dinner aperitifs, Italy’s celebrated culinary culture will likely appeal to you. You won’t have to book a flight to experience it this summer, though, as La Bottega Milanese is bringing an authentic taste of Milan to York.
In Italy’s most stylish city, life revolves around neighbourhood espresso bars and people drop in and out of these throughout the day, taking a break and socialising over a refreshing drink. Milan’s coffee shops are often refined and elegant, with interiors that embrace original features such as high ceilings and large windows and incorporate quality, long lasting materials like wood and metal. Now open on New Street, Leeds-born La Bottega Milanese recreates this sense of quiet luxury. Italian espresso bars are also places of innovation and creativity, where friends might meet to discuss business or debate politics. La Bottega Milanese brings this to Yorkshire – it welcomes everyone, with free WiFi for those who need to stay connected and puppuccinos for its four-legged customers.
When it comes to coffee, the Milanese generally prefer a lighter roast with diverse yet delicate flavours, which makes Arabica the perfect bean choice. La Bottega Milanese has its own house blend, La Classica. This contains only 100% speciality grade Arabica that is ethically sourced through direct trade and roasted in Yorkshire with a new batch each week.
La Bottega Milanese is open from 8am on weekdays in York, so you can savour a morning cappuccino with a crisp pastry here, or grab an invigorating espresso on your way to work. Later in the day, you can then treat yourself to a serving of tiramisu or graze on a cheese and charcuterie platter while enjoying aperitifs like a negroni or espresso martini. All of the cafe’s fine meats and cakes are imported from Italy, while other ingredients such as its bread and fresh produce are local. If you haven’t visited yet, why not make like the Milanesi and join this authentic culinary community?
