The World’s Only Nutella Café Is Back For Another Spin

Establishments based solely on one food product – not a food style or cuisine, but a specific product – can be slightly hit-or-miss. As a Londoner, I’ll tell anyone who listens about the Leicester Square M&M’s World, usually in rather a breathless fashion, regaling them with my feelings on the strangeness and generally overwhelming nature of it – and with the fact that the M&M’s themselves feel sort of like an afterthought to the merch and human-sized, anthropomorphic pieces of chocolate everywhere. Is it fun? Yes, if you’re not hungover. Is it where you go to eat M&M’s? Not necessarily.

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The Nutella Café, though, is a little different. Ever wanted a dine-in experience based around the flavor profile of hazelnuts and chocolate? Now you have another chance. 

The Nutella Café: It Returns

The world’s only permanent Nutella Café has returned to Chicago. Yes, it’s back! If you didn’t know there was a Nutella Café to begin with (and I certainly didn’t!), and you’re into the spread, this might feel like a big deal; others, though, will be well aware of this place, given that it first opened in May 2017. However, Ferrero, which owns the Nutella brand, has given it a revamp and expanded its menu – and now, the Michigan Avenue location is bigger and (Ferrero hopes) better than ever.

According to its press release, Ferrero has redesigned the Nutella Café with the spread’s iconic jar in mind. In practice, this means that guests can expect a “custom ordering station inspired by its signature silhouette, along with a swirling bronze mesh ceiling and textured walls that echo the brand’s signature chocolate hazelnut spread.” As for the new menu items, customers will now be able to order tiramisu cups, mocha frappes, milkshakes, and ice cream cones with a Nutella twist – and they can also add on Nutella’s new peanut spread to their orders. There will also be new order ahead or pickup options. 

Is It Worth The Visit?

I guess it depends on how much you like Nutella and how much you can deal with crowds. Like the aforementioned M&M’s World (see, I can’t stop talking about it), the Nutella Café has been labeled a bit of a tourist trap by Chicagoans, albeit one that offers a sit-down dining experience and some fun menu options. Apparently, it’s also kinda expensive – BUT, some people do say that it’s a fun thing to do on a day out (and apparently, the Nutella chia seed pudding is dynamite). There are an abundance of places to eat in the city that are likely way better, but sometimes it’s not about that. Sometimes, it’s about getting a picture for Instagram, surrounded by a load of Nutella merch. Now that’s living.