Chicchi & Grani Lecce Cafe Review: Authentic Southern Italy Find

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Lecce Cafe Recommendation

Chicchi & Grani

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© Words/Photos by Nomad Ssalmi

Southern Italy's charming city of Lecce is a labyrinth of narrow streets, and tucked away in these ancient alleys are countless delightful 'bars' (cafes) just waiting to be discovered.

Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to one of my favorite finds:

Chicchi & Grani, located in Lecce's newer district.

This isn't your typical tourist trap; it’s a true local bakery cafe where residents pop in for their morning coffee and fresh pastries.

Let's dive into all the delicious details below!

1. Chicchi & Grani Basic Information

This cafe proudly uses Caffè Izzo beans, a true testament to Neapolitan coffee excellence. It's the perfect spot to enjoy both freshly baked bread (Pane) and exquisite coffee (Caffè), making it ideal for a leisurely breakfast or a light brunch.

We stumbled upon it simply because we saw so many locals heading inside – and it certainly paid off! 😂

2. Inside Look & Menu

As a true bakery cafe, the display cases are brimming with freshly baked cornetti and pastries, made every morning.

While many patrons enjoy their coffee and pastries inside, we also saw plenty of people grabbing pastries to go.

From the kitchen in the back, fresh batches of bread are constantly being baked.

If you time your visit just right, you might even catch the warm pastries coming straight out of the oven!

Their cornetti (croissants) come in various fillings like cream and pistachio cream, alongside a wide array of other tempting pastries.

I was really hoping for a Pasticciotto, a local Lecce specialty, but an elderly couple ahead of me ordered the last two! So, I settled for a cornetto instead.

Noticing my disappointment, the owner kindly explained (with gestures!) that more would be ready by 10 AM. Such friendly service! 👍🏻

While there's indoor seating, the spacious outdoor terrace is perfect for enjoying your coffee under the warm Italian sun.

3. Food Review

1️⃣

Cappuccino

~$1.70

First up, my order: a classic Cappuccino. The milk foam was incredibly dense and silky smooth.

The beautiful latte art made me smile even before taking the first sip.

It was a truly delicious cappuccino, balancing a rich coffee flavor with the creamy texture of the milk foam.

I usually prefer a latte, but since coming to Italy, I've completely fallen in love with the charm of a good cappuccino! 😍

While Italian coffee is generally superb, finding one with such velvety foam isn't always easy. I highly recommend the cappuccino here! 👍🏻

2️⃣

Latte Macchiato

~$1.70

If you prefer a milder coffee than a cappuccino, I suggest trying the Latte Macchiato.

Just be aware that it's significantly lighter than what you might expect from a latte back home.

It's a great choice when you want that morning caffeine kick without too intense a flavor.

And yes, the foam on this one is also incredibly smooth!

3️⃣

Cornetto

~$1.70 (Plain) / ~$1.90 (Cream)

After my Pasticciotto quest failed, I opted for a delicious Cornetto.

I chose one plain and one filled with cream.

Back home, I usually stick to plain croissants, but in Italy, it seems many locals prefer them with cream fillings.

The cornetto itself was perfectly flaky on the outside and wonderfully soft and chewy inside, generously filled with smooth custard cream.

Taking a sip of coffee and then a bite of the sweet, creamy cornetto is the perfect way to kickstart your morning.

4. Conclusion

Lecce is a city best explored at a leisurely pace, allowing you to soak in its unique atmosphere.

When you feel a little tired from wandering, why not take a seat on the terrace at CHICCHI & GRANI and enjoy a coffee, just like a local?

With its friendly owner, delicious coffee, and incredible pastries, this spot is truly perfect. If you're visiting Lecce, make sure to stop by!

I hope my post helps make your trip even more enjoyable.