New Italian Coffee Shop & Wine Bar Opens In Midtown

MIDTOWN, NY — It's a "cynical" blend of New York and Italy.

Cinico Coffee Company (Cinico means 'cynical' in Italian) is welcoming customers of all dispositions to their first New York City location on Madison Avenue and East 35th Street.

Taking over the former home of Chocolat Michel Cluizel at 199 Madison Ave., the cafe and wine bar offers an all-day menu, with Italian breakfast, lunch and aperitivos, all inspired and influenced by its founder, Ben Hamilton.

Hamilton, a singer-songwriter, was born in New York but raised in Padova, Italy, and spent summers working in his grandmother's restaurants in the city.

“We are committed to importing the finest artisanal coffee blend roasted in Rome to
capture the most authentic essence of Italian coffee culture," Hamilton said.

The cafe brews an exclusive coffee blend, roasted in Rome, to make unique drinks, like the CappucCINICO, a treat the cafe describes as their interpretation of the traditional cappuccino with shaved chocolate flakes and garnished with 24k gold leaf.

On the menu are signature pastries, sandwiches made with their house-baked focaccia and smaller snacks like olives, cipollinene and cured meat plates. Also on offer is an extensive wine and cocktail list.

The cafe is covered in gold, brass and grey tones, with walls finished in Venetian plaster and its custom circular counter handmade in Italy with a custom sofa in a back lounge. Inside can seat 31 total — mostly with 18 counter seats — while there is seating for 12 outside.

And starting this fall, Cinico will offer special intimate live music nights in the lounge.

Cinico is now open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information, please visit their website here, or follow their Instagram page.