Nestled amidst a run of independent businesses on Glossop Road, Assaje has brought an authentic taste of Italy to the city’s bustling café scene. With a strong focus on customisable food options, high-quality ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere, the café has made its name on the local foodie scene for itself since opening last October.
Behind the venture is Hugo, co-owner and a familiar face in Sheffield’s hospitality scene, alongside the team behind Caffè Tucci. Having met Stefano and Salvatore (Tucci) while working at Cubana Tapas Bar, Hugo was later approached to collaborate on a new café concept. The result was Assaje – a place where customers can enjoy Italian classics with a unique, made-to-order twist.
The name Assaje comes from Neapolitan slang, translated literally as “a lot”, and used to express something extra meaningful or special. “If you’re describing what someone means to you, and they mean a lot, you’ll use the word assaje to show that,” Hugo explains. That sense of ease and warmth runs through everything at the café, from the laidback atmosphere to the way customers are welcomed.
“We really take the time to chat with customers,” Hugo says. “It’s not just about serving food – it’s about asking how their day is going, making them feel welcome. That’s what makes a café special.”
A big pull for the punters has been the build-your-own options on sandwiches, salads and even pastries. Starting at £4, a focaccia base can be customised with a variety of Italian-imported cheeses, cured meats and fresh ingredients. There’s even the option to go all out with a stacked, premium sandwich.
“It’s not just about serving food – it’s about making customers feel welcome. That’s what makes a café special.”
Pastries follow the same ethos, offering plain croissants with the option to fill them with pistachio cream, hazelnut and white chocolate, wild berry and apricot, or Nutella. “People love the customisation aspect,” Hugo says. “Some just want a classic filling, others go all in with the options. It makes things fun and flexible for everyone.”
A great Italian café needs great coffee, and Assaje delivers with Caffè Vero – an Italian roasting brand based in the Midlands. You can order all the classics, or try out one of their specials – whether that’s a pistachio latte, Brasiliano or Raffaello pick-me-up.
The café has already built a strong customer base in the area, attracting hospital staff, university students and local workers – not to mention food influencers coming to shoot mouthwatering content. With its links to Caffè Tucci, many regulars have followed the team over to this new spot, knowing that they’re guaranteed the same level of quality.
Although currently focused on breakfast, coffee and lunch, the team has plans to introduce Aperitivo nights in the near future. The vision is to create an authentic Italian café bar experience, where customers can enjoy Sambuca, Spritz, wine, cheese and small plates in a relaxed social setting.
“We’ve got a license to serve alcohol, and have beer on draught as well as cocktails, so we want to introduce a proper Italian after-work vibe,” Hugo shares. “Aperitivo is a huge part of Italian culture, and we’d love to bring that to Sheffield.”
With so many customisable options, it can be hard to know where to start. Hugo’s personal favourite is a focaccia filled with Caciocavallo (Italian smoked cheese), porchetta (slow-roasted pork), friarielli (wild broccoli), and a drizzle of honey.
“It’s a proper Neapolitan-style sandwich – smoky, savoury and a little bit sweet. It’s amazing,” he says.
Meanwhile, one of the most popular choices among customers is a focaccia with burrata, Parma ham, basil pesto, and San Marzano tomatoes. “That one’s a bestseller – people see it on Instagram and come in just to order it. There are classics on offer, but the beautiful thing is, people can experiment and explore. Come and find the perfect combination for yourself!”
So, whether you’re after a perfectly made espresso, a stacked focaccia or a relaxed evening drink, pop down and let the Assaje team do the rest.
Location: 347 Glossop Road
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm (evening hours coming soon)
Follow: @assaje_sheffield
@caffe_tucci_sheffield
Check out our reel from when we got the chance to sample Assaje’s delicious offerings!
