A traditional Italian breakfast is just a simple coffee and a sweet pastry otherwise known as a cornetto. Cappuccino is the typical breakfast drink and for those who keep it traditional, they will never order a cappuccino after midday.
As our hostel was not in a tourist area we were lucky to have stumble across La Colonna, a very simple no fuss cafe with a small newsagent at the front. The signage was quite old and dusty and not one to attract tourist. The inside was simply a few canteen tables, mainly a bar area where people will order their coffee and cornetto, eat it and then leave. It's not a place you hang around for long and just there to serve its purpose in serving coffee.
Prices were incredibly cheap.
Service was pretty confusing at first. You just have to get the waitress attention who will take your point, if your Italian is not good like mine, just point at the counter what you want and they will get it for you. Then head over to the newsagent part where you can pay.
We ordered two cappuccinos to start which was lovely and strong yet smooth. Nice frothy milk on top and drinking temperature. No complaints.
For food we ordered:
A croissant filled with chocolate and another with creme
Nothing spectacular but generous in size and also filled to the rim with the chosen filling. They were both very satisfying.
Custard sausage filled doughnut
This came in a shape of a sausage which was a bit unusual. But it was lovely, much easier to hold and bite into with the custard spilling out. The dough was light and sweet, airy and fresh. The custard inside was also creamy and generously filled. Nice coating of sugar to add another layer of sweetness across the dough.
Artichoke sausage sandwich
This sandwich helped me discovered something new which is, artichokes really goes well in a sandwich filling. Almost like avocado being buttery but with more bite and a citrusy undertone. It came with frankfurters like sausages, sliced across adding a firmer bouncier bite as well some sweet meatiness to counteract its flavour. It was delicious in the soft fluffy white bread it came in. I could have definitely fit in another one if I didn't have plans for lunch.
And with the two coffees, three cornetto and a sandwich, it cost us under €6. Bargain! read more