Nero Kitchen by Caffè Nero — Restaurant in West Hartford

I only write reviews when I'm passionate. So here it is:

Let's start by saying I jumped for joy when I heard Caffe Nero was coming to West Hartford. It was my go to spot whenever I was in Boston. When I moved to CT, I tried pretty much every local coffee shop and all left me with a bitter aftertaste. I told everyone how I couldn't find coffee I liked any more.

Imagine my sheer elation when I heard Nero opened last week. I hade to try it immediately. I came in on Day 2. I ordered a vanilla latte and the classic eggs benedict. The most satisfying meal I had all week. Get the benedict, you won't regret it.

My second time in was two days later.. ordered the vanilla latte again and this time a cookie butter croissant. WOW, what a tasty treat. Third time... vanilla latte and chocolate cinnamon banana bread. Again, phenomenal.

I sit here now, the fourth time in one week on a Friday evening. BLT Sourdough -- SO GOOOD!! I've not had one thing that missed the mark.

We haven't even addressed the vibe. Perfect to do work for a couple hours. Perfect for a first date. Perfect for quite literally anything. The décor is homey and elegant. And there's more seating than I've ever seen in a CT coffee shop.

So, stop in. I'd recommended not going in the middle of morning rush. It will feel like a morning rush and there will be delays. The best time is the afternoon where you can take everything in.

Also, all of the staff have been amazing. The vibes are great with this one. hope it stays for a long time.

(p.s. there is a 50 cent charge to eat in cafe. but they literally bring it to your table. So you can order, sit and relax. No hovering the counter looking for...

Great atmosphere but not worth the price.

The space is fantastic for relaxing, studying, and socializing. Varied sitting and seating arrangements from couches to chairs with tables. There's also a fireplace and books to read.

The problem is their pricing: my large vanilla latte with oat milk was almost $8. While the coffee was good, the quality did not justify the price. I can get an equally good coffee from Cafe Sophia or J. Rene for $2 less or I can get a much larger coffee from Starbucks for $2 less. They also upcharge everything: single origin roast, oat milk (a whole $1, sheesh!), and syrup. My "simple" coffee had four cost components to it.

They have a lot of baked goods but I was personally disappointed by their lack of dietary restriction bakery items. They had no vegan or gluten free items for sale when I went and they told me they only "sometimes" have them. I was surprised to hear this because they have easily 30 different baked items for sale on display. To not ensure there's at least one vegan or GF option available at all times feels lazy. They have the room and the capabilities for sure. Always having dietary restriction items on the menu would make their offerings feel much more inclusive.

Staff was very friendly. I really enjoyed having multiple options for my espresso: their usual espresso blend or their single origin roast.

I will be going back one more time to try their espresso blend and then I will not be going back again until their coffees are closer to $6 in...

This West Hartford Caffè Nero Kitchen offers a thoughtful blend of corporate consistency and local character. The space balances industrial and warm elements with exposed ceiling beams, terracotta walls adorned with local historical photographs, and diverse seating from wooden tables with blue chairs to comfortable upholstered options near bookshelves filled with volumes from the local school's bookstore.

Unlike standard Caffè Nero locations, this "Kitchen" prepares food to order rather than just warming pastries. The coffee meets expectations without exceeding them, served in white cups with foam art. Prices are standard for upscale coffee shops, with reliable Wi-Fi and consistent service.

What sets this location apart is its attention to place—local books on shelves, neighborhood photographs, and a gas fireplace creating a "third space" that's neither home nor office. While ultimately a global corporation charging premium prices, they've created an environment where students, remote workers, and locals can pause in a carefully designed setting that balances mass appeal with...