Kyiv's coffee market is becoming increasingly crowded, with unique little shops to large franchises opening some new location almost every day. And each one is looking for that edge to make them stand out. For Esperanto, its bringing a wide range of Italian tastes to those craving more than just a good espresso.
The little cafe near Lvivska square first opened in December last year and quickly gained popularity among the capital's residents. The place's specialty is that, in addition to cappuccino and a sandwich, clients can also purchase Italian products at reasonable prices – an idea that came to the director after a visit to Italy.
The range
of products includes: imported mozzarella, prosciutto, pasta, coffee and other
Italian goods. You can also grab a fresh salad or sandwich with lemonade,
filling one of the biggest gaps on the Kyiv food scene: Places where you can
quickly get a healthy meal to go.
Part of a
franchise first set up in Dnipropetrovsk, where the chain already operates six
cafes, this is Esperanto’s first venture into the capital. According to the
manager, Tatiana, another one is set to open in January, also in the center.
The Italian
atmosphere hits you straight upon entry. Bags of coffee, bottles of wine, olive oils, sauces, and
cheeses fill the room. Appetizing salads and sandwiches are found on shelves, a
delight both for the eyes and nose.
The staff
is both helpful and knowledgeable about each product. Together with a friend, I
picked a salad with prosciutto cured ham for Hr 23 with curry sauce (Hr 3),
cheesecake (Hr 17) and a cherry strudel (Hr 15), as well as a fragrant sandwich
with Provence herbs and olives (Hr 14) and a cappuccino (Hr 16).
We decided
to eat right there in the small cafe area. Salad consisted of cherry tomatoes,
mozzarella, prosciutto, grated Parmesan cheese and lettuce that was both tasty
and fresh. The desserts and cappuccino were not extraordinary but were good.
Disposable
cutlery and cups took away from the experience, but the venue is primarily
focused on takeaway.
Before
leaving, I bought 100 grams of Neapolitan salami for Hr 22 to enjoy a small
taste of Italy at home.
If you are
looking for a quick and healthy meal, especially an Italian one, drop by Esperanto.
You just might find me there, too.
Kyiv
Post staff writer Daria Zadorzhnaya can be reached at [email protected]
To view
the products catalog or additional information visit http://esperanto.in.ua
+38 067
543 3508
11
Artema Str.
Lunch to
go and coffee: approximately Hr 60
