Caffe Nero to Continue Its Boston Takeover With South End Location

Caffe Nero, a London-based, Italian-style coffee shop chain that kicked off its United States entry with a Downtown Crossing location here in Boston, isn't wasting any time putting down more local roots. A Jamaica Plain location is also in the works, and now the South End is getting one too, according to blogger BosGuy, who reports that it will take over the former Francesca's Cafe space (564 Tremont Street). Francesca's closed in August 2013 after being open for nearly two decades.

Caffe Nero serves espresso and other coffee-related drinks, as well as salads, sandwiches, and a variety of baked goods. The Downtown Crossing location has been generally well-received since its opening in May 2014, at least according to Yelp, where it averages four-and-a-half out of five stars over more than 100 reviews. The "cozy" and "inviting" ambiance is particularly crowd-pleasing; one Yelper describes it as "like the Beauty and the Beast library with a contemporary Instagram filter."