Milk and bread — two things we simply couldn’t resist.

Hong Kong-based Pirata Group has just announced the grand opening of its latest concept, an Italian seaside panetteria and gelateria - Pane e Latte.

“This is our first, immersive bakery concept and we’re moved by guests’ enthusiasm and feedback so far.” Pirata Group Co-founder and CEO, Manuel Palacio shares.

Pane e Latte is Italian for bread and milk – homey items that recall comfort and familiarity. Pane e Latte responds to Hongkongers’ growing penchant for high quality items from the oven, baked fresh daily. The experience is of a traditional Italian bakery juxtaposed against global cafe culture via a long, marble countertop from which guests may browse and take their pick from the daily offering on display.

As the first iteration of Pane e Latte brand, the Stanley location takes full advantage of its seaside locale to evoke the colourful, cliffside homes in Positano, on the Amalfi coast. Striped beach parasols find new life as domed window awnings and pillow covers, in soft, gelato colours.

OVEN-FRESH BREAD

With a mission to Bake the World a Better Place, Pane e Latte uses nine different types of Italian flours to create traditional, authentic baked goods guests can enjoy all day long. Bomboloni is an Italian doughnut made with soft yeast dough and filled with crema pasticcera.

There are several kinds to satisfy every craving including vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut gianduja, salty caramel, pistachio & raspberry, lemon, and the locally-inspired milk tea bomboloni.

Croissant Bomboloni is an intriguing Pane e Latte invention. Its exterior is made up of layers upon layers of flaky pastry, concealing a soft, pillowy centre filled with delicate, orange blossom crema.

Breads include the signature Focaccia Pugliese, different types of sourdough, ciabatta, baguette, rye bread, crispy brioche and more.

Fans of Danishes and viennoiserie will also find plenty to delight in, with selections such as pain au chocolat, croissants with various flavours and panettone-style brioche among others.

On the Cakes counter, guests will find signatures including double mascarpone cheesecake, charlotte raspberry, a light tiramisu papillote and other confections.

There is also a simple all-day breakfast menu available from opening til close with salads, focaccia sandwiches and plated dishes perfect for brunch, including truffle croissant, steak & eggs and avocado toast.

Downstairs, a gelato experience awaits in a secret speakeasy, coming in August. Pane e Latte gives its own spin to the beloved Italian frozen dessert by stacking it with creamy soft serve and a multitude of toppings including cotton candy, and dark and white chocolate shards, a true gelato experience.

Envisioned as much more than a restaurant, Pane e Latte is also an all-day cafe with grab-and-go options and a gelateria. Whether it’s a cozy coffee date with viennoiserie, an afternoon gelato treat in the hot humid summer weather, or a sit-down lunch over hearty sandwiches, Pane e Latte realizes every one of your bread-related dreams.

Photos courtesy of Pane e Latte