Caffè Concerto

Beautiful Spot with Exemplary Coffee Artistry

Recently, I embarked on an afternoon retreat to Caffè Concerto, nestled in the bustling lanes of Westfield. Their perceived ambition mirrors that of an opulent European café, with its sophisticated decor and attempts at gourmet flair. Upon entry, one is greeted by a polished setting that attempts to capture a slice of Vienna or Paris, although somewhat misplaced in the industrial-feel of the nearby shopping mall. The visual yet falls short of creating an inviting aura due to instances of inattentive service. However, not all visits seem to align with this state of affairs, as reflected through the heartfelt service from employees like Ashraf and Faiq, whose warmth adds occasional ambiance to what can be a disparaging sense of rush.

Food unveils itself as a poetic dichotomy at Caffè Concerto, running a range from sublime to potentially scathing disappointments. The lavish salmon Nicoise seemed to dance upon the palate, juxtaposed starkly by tales of stale croissants and pedestrian paninis that could leave one's enthusiasm wilting. Equally erratic is their famed coffee, described in some instances as a sensory delight while timely threads echo discontent over tepid offerings. Amongst the chatter of misplaced expectations lies a beacon in their rich Concerto hot chocolate—a true embrace for the tastebuds. Though faced with an overpriced narrative, if one leans into the artfully presented menu in its full, some aspects could stand the scrutiny of the experienced gourmand. All told, Caffè Concerto, with its passionate cocktail requests and halting musical chairs of customer service, manages to embody both struggle and allure within its melodious name. — Nigel Gourmet