Serves meat, vegan options available. A family-run independent coffee house with an extensive array of baked goods, including vegan choices. Serves sandwiches, coffee, drinks, afternoon tea and much more. Relaunched March 2021 as fully vegan. Holds live acoustic music nights. Reported to serve meat March 2024. Open Mon-Sat 08:30-17:00, Sun 10:00-16:00.
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5 Eld Ln (at Lion Walk), Colchester, England, CO1 1LE
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- Outdoor seating
- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 11 Jul 2024 by Siamanguel
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52 Reviews
First Review by Banool
TrueChampHiggins
Points +18
Disaster - Edit
Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong.
Read moreFirstly - this cafe appears to have changed ownership and now serves to cater to “all diets”, it is no longer a plant based business.
Pros
The new decor is Greek themed and a very comfortable environment to spend time in. It is pleasing to the eye and certainly captivating.
Vegan Shawarma meat was of good quality.
Plate presentation was nice.
Vegan coleslaw was great!
Great smoothie.
Weaknesses
The theme of the cafe does not match the food on the plate, much of the menu appears to be a traditional British cafe rather than a Greek one.
I heard the server on multiple occasions openly explain that they were “really busy” to customers in an attempt to turn them away, as they couldn’t handle the lunchtime rush.
The chef was elsewhere, continued to run in and out of the cafe throughout the time I was there.
They ran out of flatbread, promised to get some more and when they returned offered us the choice of one panini and one flatbread.
Service was slow and it was obvious the staff were struggling to cope which created a tense atmosphere.
Vegan options are limited now, the menu is more non-vegan than it is vegan.
The shawarma was dry and could have used some more sauce.
Overall I would not recommend this cafe to vegans or vegetarians and think it is a real shame to lose this cafe along with Hanks which were mainstays in the Colchester vegan scene.
Guest
Steph.R
Points +16
Not worth a visit. - Edit
Hardly any vegan options, since recent change in ownership. The cafe is not vegan anymore.
Read moreStaff are rude and unfriendly, I was ignored when trying to order with no apology and rude attitude.
Atmosphere could do with a more friendly approach, better seating and more relaxing instead of cheap and bland.
Updated from previous review on 2024-05-23
Cons: Not a vegan cafe, Staff are not helpful and friendly , Not a nice atmosphere
Guest
SimonDeLorme
Points +22
Disappointed - Edit
Used to be totally Vegan, and was awesome, and always very busy, unfortunately new owners have decided to cater meat and dairy to the menu, disappointing
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-05-15
Vegan_Fire_Guy
Have you given them a one star review simply because they are no longer vegan? Presumably you don't give other places one star who have meat or dairy on their menu?
Read moreWould you rather them and other places remove all vegan options? Not sure if it helps the cause to hand out 1 star reviews because of this. I'd suggesting basing a review on what their food and service is like.
Guest
PriskaUusitalo
Points +92
No longer a vegan cafe - Edit
Do not visit. Use to be fully vegan but decided to go against ethics and serve meat! Refuse to go there again.
Read morePlease visit hanks instead! Fully vegan fast food in town!
Pros: Nothing
Cons: No longer vegan, No longer vegan, No longer vegan
Guest
mione
Points +42
Very poor vegan options - Edit
Was a lovely place for a sandwich or cake and coffee but now just two vegan options, not keen on the new decor either as it’s very plastic-y with fake flowers. It doesn’t look cosy anymore
Read moreGuest
EmilyClark26
Points +59
No longer fully vegan - AVOID - Edit
**revised 20/03/24 from 5* to 1* **
Read moreNo longer fully vegan, which is a huge shame!
Visited for the first time since moving away as this was my absolute go-to in Colchester.
Not only was the place deserted (clearly the locals know something we didn't) but the staff were rude, coffee was burnt and all tables were incredibly wobbly.
Couldn't comment on the food quality but options were severely limited.
Updated from previous review on 2022-06-11
Guest
EliseB06
Points +462
No longer fully vegan! - Edit
Used to be a great spot with lovely treat but is now a very boring non-vegan cafe. Avoid
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-10-01
Guest
Ricky123
Points +976
Great spot for some sweet treats - Edit
Stumbled across this place by accident and I m so glad I did.
Read moreHuge selection of cakes, brownies, scones. I tried a couple of options and they were delicious.
Guest
ChristopherBashforth
Points +21
Lovely, dog friendly, convenient and tasty - Edit
Dropped in for breakfast while exploring the town. Very friendly staff and lovely food. And great coffee! Always good to support a planet friendly business.
Read morePros: Convenient, Friendly, Vegan
Guest
CathyCoriander
Points +116
Lovely vegan breakfast - Edit
Very welcoming to our dog and to us! Friendly, efficient service and tasty food. Coffee was excellent and we’ve bought some cakes to enjoy later 💚
Read morePros: Generous portions, Friendly people , Cleanliness
Guest
GuyJones
Points +221
Rustic and busy. - Edit
We popped into Caffe Sala for Coffee and cake. The choice of cakes was vast and the drinks equally so.
Read moreThere is a lovely atmosphere in the cafe with a constant buzz of chat and people passing through for lunch or takeaway cake.
They even have local craft items for sale.
Pros: A comfortable, but busy cafe, Large selection of Food. , Centrally situated in a busy city.
Guest
LeanneEasden
Points +36
Incredible cake selection! - Edit
So many cakes to choose from, and they even have fruit & cheese scones!
Read moreTheir savoury menu is equally good, I’d recommend the chilli, avo and houmous bagel.
Pros: Kids under 5 eat free, Child friendly space (highchairs) , Varied menu
Guest
MozelleWinters
Points +58
Very nice! - Edit
Nice staff, very tasty food. A little pricey for what it was, but otherwise a nice experience.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-08-15
Guest
JoCo
Points +215
Great selection, lovely cafe - Edit
Great selection of food from savoury through to cakes, and good coffee. Lovely setting - outdoor seating is in a good people watching zone. Service was quick, food tasted fresh.
Read morePros: Choices , Food, Coffee
Guest
Herbivore_Dinosaur
Points +22
I'm yet to find a better vegan cafe anywhere! - Edit
More cakes than you can shake a stick at and each one is a work of culinary art!
Read moreI can't resist a visit every time I'm in town. Super friendly staff and a nice little venue. Can't fault it!
Pros: Cakes are amazing , Good, strong coffee, Always friendly
Cons: There are none!
Guest
veganevolutionist
Points +2366
Alfresco breakfast - Edit
Nice cafe inside but sat outside with music being too loud turned out to be a good decision anyway cos it meant we had an alfresco breakfast on a lovely warm sunny Sunday in April. The food and drinks were great and would come back again to try the baked pastries etc.
Read moreGuest
avegantee
Points +68
Delicious cakes - Edit
Haven’t yet had lunch but cakes and coffees are consistently delicious
Read morePros: Lots of options , Delicious cakes , Nice and easy location
Guest
SytzeSimonse
Points +308
Well-situated, great all-round vegan cafe - Edit
Great place for a vegan lunch or coffee break! Wonderful ambiance, friendly staff and well located in Colchester.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-10-21
Pros: Plenty of vegan options, Cosy cafe , Good portion size
Cons: Obligatory tipping
Guest
WillCawthorne
Points +19
Lovely food and staff - Edit
Great variety of vegan food, i’ve tried the meatball sub, avacado and hummus bagel, cheeze and ham panini, all delicious. Coffee and cake also very nice.
Read morePros: Great variety of vegan food, Friendly staff, Nice furniture and decorations
Cons: Slightly expensive , quite small
Guest
Slammerhaze
Points +16
Caffe Sala - vegan heaven in Colchester - Edit
Great selection of food and drinks. Love the cakes! Staff are so friendly and helpful .
Read moreGuest
lucilou29
Points +58
All the cakes!! - Edit
Tried, carrot, cinnamon swirl muffin, coffee and cheese scones. all amazing! Best carrot cake ever!!!
Read morePros: All vegan , Oat milk as their standard milk, friendly staff
Cons: Expensive-ish... But I did order alot!
Guest
AlDickinson
Points +42
One of the best! - Edit
Fantastic find on my first visit to Colchester, non vegan partner more than impressed with choice and quality! Excellent main course and the pudding was delish!
Read moreWill definitely be back, give this place a try if you're in the area 🙂
Pros: Extensive vegan menu, great choice., Friendly staff., Great central location.
Guest
ConnorFinch
Points +464
100% Vegan Food & Drinks! - Edit
Amazing to have a fully vegan cafe that offers good lunch, coffee and cakes in Colchester!
Read moreReally lovely coffee and the ‘Crumblejack’ is amazing!
Pros: Fully vegan , Great cakes, The best coffee!
Guest
Gracees
Points +63
Best lunch spot around! - Edit
Caffe Sala is wonderful! Not only are their cakes (especially the victoria sponge and cherry and marzipan slice) freshly baked and delicious (my visiting omni family loved them!) but their loose leaf tea makes the best brew. The paninis are flavourful, and while I have not tried a sandwich, bagel, or jacket potato, they always look incredible and are all made to order.
Read moreThe drinks reward card is great, although it is a little confusing as to what size drink you can claim when your card has been stamped to indicate purchases of different sizes of drinks.
Another nice touch are the items displayed around the cafe for sale by local vegan sellers!
Pros: Fully vegan, Coffee reward cards, Freshly baked cakes and other food made to order
Cons: Drinks reward card confusing
Guest
laura_e_vegan
Points +1459
The best - Edit
Just the best, most delicious food and drinks in this little gem of a cafe in the heart of Colchester.
Read moreWe liked it so much we came here twice in a day!
Guest
dairyfreediaries.xo
Points +34
One of my favourite cafes - Edit
This is one of my favourite cafes to go to, the people inside are friendly and helpful. Didn’t have to ask about any allergens as all listed. Large savoury food menu- I haven’t yet tried this but I can highly recommend the peanut butter brownie, hot choc with vegan cream and marshmallows, the chocolate fudge cake and the simnel cake!
Read morePros: All vegan/ plant based, Staff super lovely
Guest
JulieWilson
Points +23
A lovely place to eat and meet with friends - Edit
The venue is conveniently placed in the town. The staff are friendly and the food is good. There's a good selection of hot and cold drinks. The cakes are delicious and the choice is difficult to make as they all look good. There are plenty of options for lunch too. Being able to choose anything off a menu always feels good.
Read morePros: Delicious food, A nice place to sit and chat , A good choice of drinks
Guest
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