New coffee house is authentic Italian pit-stop in EU quarter

The vintage-themed establishment, with furniture and fixtures right out of an old-country grocer, is right on Schumanplein, in the shadow of the European Commission’s Berlaymont building and the Council’s Justus Lipsius building.

The cafe bears the name of the Turin-based chain of shops but was brought to Brussels by two local franchisees: Belgo-Italian entrepreneur Florence Azzolina and her Italian husband, Giuseppe. The couple previously operated a luggage service at Brussels Airport before becoming smitten with Caffè Vergnano 1882 and deciding on a change of career.

“We discovered the concept in the course of our travels, first in Italy then in New York and London,” Azzolina explains. “For us, it was an obvious opportunity. There’s such a large Italian community here in Brussels, but there isn’t a real Italian-style bar.”

Azzolina’s definition of “Italian-style” isn’t just to do with the products or the design – the tempo is essential. In the morning, European functionaries, politicians and journalists shuffle in, belly up to the bar and slam a nice strong espresso on their way to work. (If they have more than a few seconds to spare, they might even sit down and enjoy a cappuccino and croissant.)

When these same professionals return for lunch, the Vergnano serves gourmet hamburgers, sandwiches and salads. After work, the place is set for the classic Italian aperitivo: cocktails with a range of snacks, including cheese and cured meat. Thereafter, patrons can enjoy a relaxing lounge-like atmosphere into the evening.

“It’s important for us to showcase not just Italian products but local specialities as well,” Azzolina says. “There’s the beer, of course, and we also plan to offer local dishes like stoofvlees as piatto del giorno on a regular basis.”

This flagship coffee shop is just the start for Azzolina, who plans to open another Brussels branch in spring.