ilcaffè
by Cinnia Finfer
Well regarded in its native Sweden, ilcaffè is a newcomer to the Los Angeles coffee range wars. Good thing they packed
authentic approach. Housed on the ground floor of the much beloved Eastern Columbia building, ilcaffè can be entered
both from the street and the new Acne Studios store. The sleek grey/black/chrome interior is a departure from LA’s usual
wood-on-wood java emporiums. Distinctively Swedish, ilcaffè features a traditional high wood-clad serving bar with no
stools and a collection of high and standard tables and chairs each crowned with a fresh flower. “Johanson Design furnishings are in all our cafes,” explains managing partner Michael Backlinder. “They particularly suit the Eastern Columbia space,
sleek yet comfortable, contemporary but timeless.”
The ilcaffè/Acne Studios partnership was born from a growing friendship between ilcaffè founder, Magnus Jökulsson and
Acne founder, Jonny Johansson. Johansson, a regular and outspoken fan of ilcaffé’s Kungsholmen location, personally approached Jökulsson about the plans for the Los Angeles location. Both share a similar business philosophy, so discussions
began on the concept of an adjoining café to the new west coast flagship store.
ilcaffè greets the day at 7:00a.m. with abundant natural light and a focused menu offering a classic selection of coffee
drinks. Intriguing to see an European company so warmly embracing local preferences by serving for Stumptown coffee,
Juice Love cold press juices and a select but changing array of fresh pastries and croissants sourced from Arts District
bakery, The Bread Lounge. Lunch consists of traditional paninis (prosciutto, salmon, pecorino) and as a nod to a classic
favorite, Mexican Coca-Cola. Customers are a combination of locals, Ace Hotel guests, tourists, Acne shoppers and arriving workers grabbing a morning cup, a quick bite or an informal meeting. Sections of the day’s newspapers make the
rounds while the staff delivers the coveted balance of friendliness and efficiency.
To better engage the enhanced sidewalk scene on Broadway, ilcaffè has added outdoor benches, tables and greenery, offering a particularly casual way to linger with friends, not available anywhere else on the street.
“We consider ilcaffè a day bar, “ adds Backlinder. “While we want to give our customers reasons to visit us throughout the
day and into the evening, our focus will always be on coffee service.”
ilcaffè
855 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014
213 612 0331