Elan
Café
Milano, Italy.
Halal Food, Flowers, and Coffee in the Heart of Milan
Back in Milan, my first stop was at no other Elan Café. The coffee and service were so-so, but the place looked lovely at least. This is a 7-minute walk from the Duomo as we headed to the café based in Liberty Tower.
Ciao Bella, give me my coffee.
My first impressions were wow, this is pretty. The pink stands out from afar, which caught my attention. The interior never fails with the pink flowers all around. I'm in a pretty pink café with my girls and that is what this is intended for. The café was designed with Instagram in mind, as every corner offers an opportunity for a stunning photo. I mean, look at the menu! To the very last detail. My café experience began with an order for a soya cappuccino. However, it took some effort to communicate my preference to the waitress, as she seemed to be in a rush. When my drink finally arrived, I was disappointed to find that it wasn't made with soya milk as requested. After bringing this to the waitress's attention, my order had to be sent back, resulting in an additional wait of about 10 minutes. It was certainly not the seamless service I had hoped for.
Our Order
Costata Di Fassona €34.9
Fish & Chips €18
Tomato & Burrata Pasta €14.9
Yes, all Elan cafés around the world are halal! So fear not, if you are looking for a spot to eat in Milan that serves halal food, this is the place for you. My honest opinion of the food is that the food was okay. The fish and chips were great in flavour and portion size was worth the price. The pasta was undercooked and flavourless sadly and the steak overcooked and chewy. At least the flower decor made up for it? Still, they have a big menu with lots of choices, which is great (which can be viewed on their website) and oh, and the coffee was good, so at least there was that!
How Many?
This café had three floors! Yep, three! I was just wandering around looking for the restroom when I ended up on the third floor. And let me tell you, the view from up there was amazing. Even though this place is always packed, there are plenty of seats for everyone. And what's cool about Elan is how spacious it feels. You never feel like you're squished in, even when it's busy. I couldn't help but think it would be an ideal venue for various events like bridal showers, birthday parties, or even baby showers.
Conclusion
In summary, my experience at the café was enjoyable. The large table provided a comfortable space for me and my friends to gather, offering a pleasant view of the surroundings, which was particularly delightful in Milan. The fact that the café served halal food was a bonus, eliminating any concerns about dietary restrictions. However, the service fell short of expectations, along with the quality of the food. Despite these shortcomings, I am inclined to give the café another chance, as I am curious to explore their dessert offerings and perhaps other items from the menu.
