For some time now, thanks to recommendations from several Sheffield readers, I've been wanting to check out Bragazzi's over on Abbeydale Road. Recently I read a posting on an online coffee forum from an American who had heard Bragazzi's, located "somewhere in the north of England", served the best coffee in the UK. It was then I decided I had to try it.

It was just a matter of finding the place. For those of us who live on the western side of Sheffield, this area southeast of the city centre seems a bit of a Bermuda Triangle, especially when trying to navigate it by car. After several diversions and miscalculations we finally found the cafe, marked by a bright red sign and located just a few doors down from Yabba, the West Indian shop and cafe that makes heavenly hot papaya chutney and coconut rundown sauce.

As one enters Bragazzi's there is a small deli to the left which sells Italian foodstuffs, fresh meats and cheeses, and ready-made sandwiches for £3.50 that the cafe patrons can purchase to eat. On the other side of the door is a small cafe area dominated by a large coffee table and sofas in the front window, giving the feel of a cosy but sunny living room. The ambience, with the continental posters plastering the walls, reminds me of some of Seattle's funkier coffeehouses, most notably Still Life in Fremont. There is a window counter on the deli side where one can sit and sip coffee and enjoy the view of the sidewalk tables, Ali's Minimarket, Talk Time, and Milano's Pizza across the street.

The number of customers seemed just right for a Saturday noontime, with half of them reading newspapers and the other half chatting with friends. We managed to find a small table right in the middle of it all. Our double macchiatos were served in cylindrical white china cups. The drinks were perfectly made but a bit smooth for my liking, as I do prefer a bit more robustness. In fact I would say these macchiatos were very very very smooth and would definitely please those who like their coffee smooooooooooooooooth.

Our sandwiches were quite tasty. The mozzarella in mine was very fresh and the pesto was bright and basil-intensive, and the aubergines were lovely. Andrew enjoyed his salami sandwich with artichokes and watercress, although he had trouble detecting the alleged presence of sun-dried tomatoes. Our only real objection was that the bread could have been a bit fresher.

I would say Bragazzi's is definitely a Sheffield gem, especially for people who live and work on the south-eastern side of Sheffield. I don't really think the coffee is any better than Hulley's at Hunters Bar or Gusto Italiano next to the Cathedral. But that is certainly not a criticism. After all, perfection is only an ideal -- except, perhaps, in the case of Caffe D'Arte in Seattle.