If you’re on the lookout for a cozy brunch spot in Amsterdam that blends Brazilian roots with global influences, Lova – Coffee & Brunch is a must-visit. Despite its small size, this delightful little café offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing meal. On a recent visit, I sampled a couple of their standout dishes—the Baconeggandcheese and the Mandioca—and here’s why I believe Lova is worth adding to your brunch rotation.
A Taste of Brazil with a Global Twist
Lova’s menu is an exciting mix of flavors and textures, influenced by the café’s Brazilian roots and a global culinary perspective. The dishes we tried were not only delicious but also showcased the thoughtful preparation and fresh ingredients that go into every meal.
Baconeggandcheese
One of the highlights was the Baconeggandcheese, a creative take on a New York City classic with a Brazilian twist. This dish features pan-toasted bread topped with a soft-boiled egg, crispy bacon, hot sauce, aged Gouda cheese, and a homemade requeijão cheese spread. The combination of flavors was superb, and the bacon, likely oven-baked, was perfectly crispy without feeling greasy. Despite its hearty ingredients, the sandwich didn’t feel heavy, making it a tasty and relatively healthy option for brunch.
Mandioca
We also tried the Mandioca, a unique dish featuring hash browns made from cassava, a staple in Brazilian cuisine. These hash browns were served with smoked salmon, crème fraîche egg salad, edamame puree, and seasonal greens. The result was a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, with each ingredient complementing the others beautifully. This dish was a pleasant surprise and demonstrated Lova’s ability to elevate simple ingredients into something special.
Service and Ambiance
The service at Lova was generally quick and friendly. There was a minor hiccup with the drink service – they asked if I wanted ice, but then served my drink in a hot glass with no ice, possibly just washed down. However, this was a minor flaw in an otherwise smooth and pleasant dining experience. The staff was attentive and prompt with both drinks and food.
Coffee: A Room for Improvement
One area where Lova could be improved is their coffee. During our visit, the coffee machine seemed to be poorly adjusted, resulting in an extremely sour cup that was not pleasant. Given the high standards of the rest of the menu, we hope they will do something about this soon, as a good cup of coffee is essential to a great brunch experience. Also considering they state they serve specialty coffee and coffee is incorporated into their name.
Final Thoughts
Lova – Coffee & Brunch is a charming addition to Amsterdam’s brunch scene. With its unique blend of Brazilian and global influences, it offers a refreshing take on brunch classics. The Baconeggandcheese and Mandioca were both delicious and well-prepared, showcasing the café’s commitment to quality ingredients and creative recipes. Despite a small hiccup with the coffee and drink service, the overall experience was positive.
Whether you’re looking for a new brunch spot to explore or simply want to enjoy a relaxing meal in a cozy setting, Lova is definitely worth a visit. With its inviting atmosphere and delightful menu, it’s a place you’ll want to return to time and again.
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Review: 8.5/10
Price / Quality: 8 | Service: 8 | Atmosphere: 7.5 | Originality: 9.5 | Freshness: 10 | Choice: 8
