Aromi
Aromi is a family-run café on Bene't Street in central Cambridge, inspired by a café in Acireale, Sicily. It is a quick, casual stop for pizza by the slice, arancini, focaccia and gelato, a minute from King's Parade, the Corpus Clock and the Eagle pub.
Photos
Jiajia Zhao
A Sicilian family story
Aromi was set up by Ofelia and Francesco Genovese, who came to Cambridge to study in 2003. Ofelia modelled it on her father-in-law's café in Acireale on the east coast of Sicily, and family members joined the business bringing family recipes with them. It has since grown to more than one café in the centre.
What to order
The counter is built around easy things to eat on the go: squares of pizza, focaccia and arancini on the savoury side, and gelato in flavours such as almond, pistachio and hazelnut with chocolate. It suits a fast lunch between colleges or an afternoon treat on a sightseeing day. Most people take their food to go and eat on a bench or by the river, but it is equally good as a quick sit-down coffee stop.
Where it sits
The café occupies a three-storey stone corner building at 1 Bene't Street, a building of local interest that has housed everything from a hairdresser to tailors and an RAC office. Step outside and you are beside the Eagle, the Corpus Clock and King's Parade, with Market Square a short stroll away.
Highlights
- Family-run café inspired by Acireale, Sicily
- Pizza squares, arancini and focaccia
- Gelato including pistachio and almond
- Steps from King's Parade and the Corpus Clock
Good to know
- Casual counter service, good for takeaway
- Another Aromi café is close by on Peas Hill
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: cambsedition.co.uk · capturingcambridge.org