Walking around in one of the most happening neighborhoods in the city of Mumbai, India one comes across a café-cum-gelateria that could easily be mistaken for being an art gallery.

The design of this space revolves around a minimal monochromatic volume adorned with textures and gentle curves, drawing inspiration from the graceful swirls of gelato.

This is Affogato , a beautiful and delicious amalgamation of coffee and gelato by co-founders – Suren Joshi and Shalini Rattan. The space has been designed by the partners at Kaviar Collaborative – Kasturi Wagh and Vineet Hingorani.

Building an Opulent but Homely Space

Suren and Shalini had a vision for an inviting space that exuded both luxury and warmth. They aimed to strike a harmonious balance between opulence and a welcoming homeliness.

With Affogato, Kaviar Collaborative sought to transform a gelato and coffee shop disguised as a subterranean art gallery. “Our concept for Affogato is reminiscent of art pieces and sculptures showcased on pedestals within an art gallery. The design seeks to place the wide array of gelato and coffee offerings of Affogato at the center stage, gracefully positioned atop a collection of stone blocks,” shares Kasturi.

“Our approach was to elevate the components of an affogato to the status of artistic pieces rather than treating them as everyday consumables, and this philosophy is embodied in the very essence of the space we have created,” she adds. The entire space has a warm beige monotone, which gives the space a very warm feel with a rich charm to it, it is inviting and luxurious.

The color, in Affogato’s case, is significant. “It is the color of coffee, it is the color of some of our most popular gelatos like salted caramel,” says Shalini. The Process of Building the Affogato Being a pioneer of a space requires vision and courage. Offering over 58 flavors of gelato and a wide selection of coffees, Affogato brings together the amazing flavors of the two worlds that are quite apart and yet so similar.

From the four steps you climb down to enter the space to every surface and texture, everything has been meticulously envisioned, planned, and executed. “During our initial visit to the site, our thoughts instantly transported us back to our experiences in New York City , particularly our visits to the intimate art galleries nestled within the narrow lanes of the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

They were essentially hole-in-the-wall establishments characterized by expensive glass facades and minimal interiors, where the showcased art itself was the magnetic centerpiece that drew people in,” shares Kasturi elaborating on the design vision that Affogato has been built on.

Undoubtedly, affogato is the artistic centerpiece of Affogato. The space employs a singular texture across all its surfaces, providing a subtle backdrop, allowing the coffee and the gelato to shine as the central artistic creations that draw the crowds in.

“A layer of beige micro-concrete envelopes the entire space, providing a cohesive and continuous finish. Stone cladding adorns the pedestals where the consumables and coffee machines are housed, lending a texture and character to the functional areas,” explains Kasturi.

To give the place a warm, homely feel, minimal furniture crafted from wood is strategically placed, adding a natural and inviting element. Together all these design and texture elements create a balanced and harmonious environment amidst the predominantly concrete and stone surroundings.

The Experience of having an affogato at Affogato

Affogato celebrates the intersection of coffee and gelato – where the bitterness of the coffee combines with the sweetness of the gelato, the hot with the cold, and the fluid textures of coffee with the creamy textures of a gelato, making it a unique experience to be here.

“To have an affogato at Affogato is an experience,” shares Shalini. The space and its offerings have been highly praised by quite a few Italians who have visited Affogato.

They have an impressive presence at all Italian Foundation Day events in the city, which is by no means a small feat. Considering how particular one would usually be of foods from back home, Affogato’s coffee and gelato offerings have made quite a remarkable impression. It is then no surprise that all their ingredients are imported from Italy and quality standards are meticulously adhered to.

From keto-friendly and vegan gelatos to fruit-based and nut-based gelatos, diabetes-friendly to weight loss-friendly gelatos, Affogato has something for everyone. It also offers a wide range of coffee selections, ensuring the space has something for everyone who walks through its doors.

Engaging the People at Affogato

Imagine walking into the coziest café and gelateria, and getting a chance to make your sundae, however you like it. At Affogato, one can do exactly that, even with a croissant! A hot croissant with a cold gelato in it, topped with the the most delicious toppings of your choice, all made in-house.

The different temperatures and textures certainly make it an incredibly tempting offering. The 58 flavors of gelato that Affogato currently offers are also not constant. There are always new flavors being launched, some old flavors being switched out from the new. “With every visit to Affogato, you are sure to discover some new flavors that weren’t there when you last visited,” assures Shalini.

One could walk into the store, have a coffee, a gelato, or an affogato, and very soon also pick from a delicious food menu that is currently in the works. Together the team at Affogato aims to ensure each customer who walks into the shop has a wholesome, unforgettable experience.

A Must-Visit Spot in Mumbai

Few spaces celebrate the intersection of two immensely diverse foods like coffee and gelato the way Affogato does, without compromising on one for the other to shine. At Affogato, both gelato and coffee are two lead heroes in an incredibly opulent yet comforting movie, supported by the outstanding interiors and cozy vibes of the space.

Having an affogato at Affogato is truly an unparalleled experience where everything on your plate, in your cup, and around you plays a role. It is something best experienced at leisure, savoring every bite and every sip while watching India’s maximum city, a city that never sleeps, rush by.