Words By Ayanda Dlamini
All images Baglios
Baglios Amalfi – The Woods has just opened its doors in Craighall Park, and it’s already getting the right kind of hype. This new addition to Johannesburg’s café scene is the perfect merge of gelato and coffee.
Baglios pays homage to its Italian roots, in both its offerings and atmosphere. The café’s name is a nod to the Amalfi Coast, a region renowned for its artisanal gelato and dedication to quality ingredients.
The space itself is small but undeniably elegant. It's aesthetically clean, beautifully simple, and accompanied by an alluring soft lighting and gold details. There is a sense of sophistication without feeling pretentious. It’s a space that feels equally suited for a quick takeaway or a slow afternoon indulgence.
While I came for the coffee, the ice-cream was terribly hard to ignore. Thanks to some generous sampling, I was able to taste a bit of everything, and wow what an experience. Each flavour was thoughtfully crafted, delivering a punch of authenticity that highlights Baglios’ dedication to quality. I tasted an array of flavours - Oreo, pistachio, granadilla sorbet, mango sorbet and strawberry sorbet - classic flavours, made with so much skill and depth of flavour.
The classic vanilla gelato was a stand out, it’s true vanilla characteristics, with its creamy texture, was beautifully rich. The vanilla is also the star of their very popular affogato. I can see how it’s a perfect pairing, as their signature house blend coffee beans bring notes of fruity acidity, chocolate undertones, and a hint of nuttiness that beautifully complement the smooth vanilla. The result is a dessert that’s simple yet indulgent, marrying the best of coffee and gelato.
Baglios effortlessly caters to both coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts. This new elegant spot is destined to become a go-to destination for people seeking a taste of indulgence and of course, good coffee.
