The name Coffee Milano gives the impression of a standard coffee shop, but that is far from the truth. The shop initially opened with a focus on coffee, but Sam Ebrahim, the owner, expanded to a deli, pastry, and ice cream shop. Why? Ebrahim explains, “Coffee Milano’s goal is bringing Italian culture to the people of Pacific Beach.” Adding foods to the menu expands the Italian experience.
Coffee Milano uses organic beans for its coffee to ensure a high-quality product. Its ice cream is made in-house and the deli only uses the freshest ingredients. The pastries offered are not made by Coffee Milano, but they are still delicious. On the weekend, the shop opens up the grill on the patio for special menu items like its kebabs, which customers rave about. Other favorites are the latte cappuccino and the all-organic acai bowl. Personally, Ebrahim loves the affogato (a coffee-based dessert), and Italian gelato. One thing Ebrahim wishes to have done differently with Coffee Milano was to decide to serve food at the start. That way, he would have installed a grill in the kitchen instead of outdoors to make a wider variety of food. Looking ahead, Ebrahim plans to use social media to let more people know that the shop serves food. COFFEE MILANO Where: 1146 Garnet Ave. Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Info: 858-705-7753.