Salento
Peninsula · Lecce
Italy
"Salento is a town in the Andes known for its green, mountainous surroundings, and for its coffee. One of the owners of this Washington Heights cafe has roots there, and even before you walk in, the Colombian pride is on display: All along the exterior wall, there’s a beautiful mural of wax palms, the national tree. The contents of the pastry case at Salento are beautiful too, and taste as good as they look. Try the pastel salento, a puff pastry filled with the unusual but irresistible combination of pineapple, mango, dulce de leche, and cheese." - molly fitzpatrick, bryan kim
"Salento is a Colombian coffee shop in Washington Heights where you can read a book with a side of guava cheese palitos. But it’s also home to some of the crunchiest empanadas this city has to offer. The $3 carne y papas ones have a thick skin that tastes like a distant relative of cornbread, and a soft filling with mashed potatoes and shredded beef. If you live in the area, make this your regular coffee shop so that you can always leave with at least three for later." - will hartman, willa moore, molly fitzpatrick, monica prestia
"Named after a town deep in Colombian coffee country, this stylish cafe opened right before the pandemic and is one of the best places to go for coffee and a bite (or substantial breakfast) in the Heights. The large display case holds an array of traditional pastries like bunuelos, and various puff pastry treats stuffed with sweet (guava and cheese) or savory (chicken, mushroom, or beef) ingredients. You'll also find fresh empanadas, arepas, and, if you’re truly hungry, the bandeja paisa—a classic plate with beef, chorizo, chicharron, arepa, sweet plantains, and fried egg over rice and beans." - willa moore, sonal shah, bryan kim, nikko duren, matt tervooren
"Named after a town deep in Colombian coffee country, this stylish cafe opened right before the pandemic and is one of the best places to go for coffee and a bite (or substantial breakfast) in the Heights. A large display case surrounded by ferns and glass lamps holds an array of traditional pastries like bunuelos - crispy, not-too-sweet doughnut holes - and various puff pastry treats stuffed with sweet (guava and cheese) or savory (chicken, mushroom, or beef) ingredients. Besides breakfast snacks, they also have fresh empanadas, arepas, and, if you’re truly hungry, the bandeja paisa - a classic plate with beef, chorizo, chicharron, arepa, sweet plantains, and fried egg over rice and beans." - The Curious Uptowner
"A local café known for excellent iced coffee and standout guava pastries that are often bought as gifts; a convenient little midday treat and neighborhood stop where she also picks up giant iced matchas." - Emma Alpern, Adam Mazur
