A New Leccese Cafe Is Opening in Covent Garden

Capilungo is opening on Long Acre next Wednesday

Central London’s about to get a new one-stop shop for Italian pastries, wines and small plates as Capilungo, a cafe-come-wine bar, is launching in Covent Garden next week. The concept is inspired by the cafes of Lecce, a picturesque city in Puglia, and will evoke southern Italy through its offering of pastries native to the province and its terracotta-hued interiors.

Capilungo has been co-founded by Lecce-born brother and sister duo Gianluca and Asia Capilungo, as well as their uncle, Luca Capilungo, and Asia’s partner Huzefa Sajawal (co-owner and Executive Chef of Fatt Pundit). Luca has run his own Lecce bakery since 1991, and Gianluca and Asia wanted to bring his passion for the city’s cuisine to London. Luca will be heading up the kitchen, while Asia (previously of Soho House and Cubitt House) will oversee management and Gianluca (former Bar Manager of Aqua Restaurant Group) will be in charge of the aperitivo-style drinks list.

Food-wise, expect a concise menu that centres around the Leccese ‘pasticciotto’ and ‘rustico’ pastries. The pasticciotti are sweet, shortcrust pastries filled with the likes of classic custard, Amarena cherry, pistachio and chocolate cream. While the rustici are savoury puff pastries stuffed with mozzarella and tomato. Aside from that, there’ll be a range of other pastries, as well as a selection of small plates and larger plates such as parmigiana and Pugliese-style meatballs. And you can pair your bites with a shot of espresso or a glass of Puglian wine, depending on the time of day – or, just whatever you’re in the mood for.

Open Wed 13th December 2023
76 Long Acre, London WC2E 9LB
@capilungolondon

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