What's the Buzz
In the midst of an urban jungle, an oasis emerges, alive with the aroma of Italy, offering authentic pastries and coffee so delicious you cannot believe you haven't been here before.
This is Cafe Gran Milan, located on Jacuzzi Street — in a semi-industrial area you may think is El Cerrito, but is really Richmond. The cafe is tucked down a driveway and nestled between grey buildings; you think you've taken a wrong turn until lush greenery and a bright yellow structure emerge.
Once inside, you are greeted by an expansive display of baked goods, leaving one pondering for longer than is practical. A barista appears to take our order, forcing us to choose among the many beautiful creations.
We ordered a classic cappuccino, vanilla latte, and cafe mocha. No one was unhappy with their choice.
Our mocha man reported that this version of his preferred beverage varied from those previously ordered, in part because of the careful balance between the chocolate and the coffee, which might also have been a lighter brew. The latte was traditional and balanced, with pleasant notes of both coffee and vanilla rather than one fighting to overtake the other.
One Grandview staffer feels the cappuccino is a specific drink that can only be constructed in one way. It's a you get what you get situation where the coffee-to-milk ratio of perfect thirds is integral to the drink. However, Gran Milan's cappuccino differed in that the ratio leaned more toward milk, making the drink closer to a latte. Good, but a little milky.
The pastries. Oh wow, the pastries! Filled croissants, beignets, cannuccini – the choice was impossible, so we randomly picked three and sliced them up back at Grandview HQ so everyone could get a taste of the bounty. Filled with custard, dipped in chocolate or topped with fruit, if you are looking for a good, old-world European bakery, this is it.
But wait, there's more...
Did we mention the sandwiches? Yes, there are sandwiches, and there's pizza and salad too! In fact, Cafe Gran Milan's menu offers a little bit of everything; oh, and they cater too.
What's the Buzz is surveying coffee shops around Richmond, which includes independent roasters and cafes staking a claim on a corner and making their case one cup at a time. The rule is simple: order what our staff normally drinks, document our findings to help you, the readers, decide whether it's worth the trip. Have a favorite cafe or coffee stop? Let us know!
What’s the Buzz: Point Richmond’s Roma Caffe and Bar
Grandview Independent · GrandEATS
What’s the Buzz
Reviewing coffee shops around Richmond, CA ☕ 0stops visited
Linda Hemmila
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