Recommendations

Cafe with an old-world, sophisticated Italian vibe that makes you want to hang out, relax, and enjoy the moment.

Guide: Euro (Giancarlo)
Location: West Village

Strengths

• While the food is good, if a bit pricey, I like this place for breakfast, brunch or lunch.
• It’s got an old-world, sophisticated Italian vibe that makes you want to hang out, relax, and enjoy the moment.

Shortcomings

• Expensive for what it is.

Insider tips

• Stop in for an espresso and a pastry, or gelato at the bar.

Anecdotes

• As I sipped a cappuccino and nibbled on delicious sweet pastries at the bar, I couldn’t help thinking about the irony of Starbucks. After all, Howard Shultz originally modeled Starbucks on this type of outfit, where patrons would socialize, relax and linger over their coffee-based drinks, chatting with the barrista and taking in the scene. Shultz’s revised vision clearly paid off for him, but I much prefer Sant Ambroeus.

Perfect for

• People who want to teak a break in "Italy" on the way to their West Village destination