Imagine this: You’ve just finished your weekend ride to Tagaytay, and now you’re back in the metro but don’t exactly want to go home just yet. There are lots of coffee shops on the way home, but if you ride a Vespa (or are just fond of the Italian brand in general) then this place is a must-visit.
This is the Vespa Cafe. It’s located inside the Vespa dealership in Festival Mall, Alabang, and at first glance the building looks like a regular showroom and service center. But it also serves as a spot for Vespa enthusiasts to rest and check out each other’s motorcycles.
Granted, I visited on a rainy weekday afternoon, so the Vespisti weren’t exactly out and about. But that also gave me a chance to try out the coffee and test out the free Wi-Fi while working on some articles. But before we get to that, how was the parking?
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Parking at the Vespa Cafe is pretty accessible. One of Festival Mall’s parking lots is beside the Vespa Alabang building, and because the cafe isn’t located deep within the mall, you can park your scooter right next to it and watch your ride while you drink your coffee.
Car owners have good access, too. The first couple of slots next to the building are a few of the only ones that aren’t covered by a roof, but that also means they most likely won’t be occupied, and you won’t have to walk far to access the cafe. We’re happy to report that there’s also bicycle parking nearby for cyclists.
Upon entering, I was greeted by multiple Vespa models—I mean, it’s still a dealership after all. Though there were a couple that really got my attention, including a PX 150, a 946 Dragon, and a kitted-out Sprint 150.
I had a chat with the owner, and he told me that on weekends (when the weather permits), Vespa owners and their rides would park outside the cafe. They also hold events like launches, anniversaries, and general tambike sessions with the brand’s community. The other side of the establishment is a service center, and aside from repairs and maintenance, they also offer detailing services including glass coating.
As for the coffee, I ordered an iced Vespa Signature Latte (the barista said this was their bestseller) and a double shot of espresso. The espresso had a velvety and dry mouthfeel with smoky notes and nuttiness, followed by sharp acidity and astringency. I had a better experience with the iced Vespa Signature Latte, which had nice creamy foam and a pleasant balance between the milk and coffee. The double shot cost P80, while the Vespa Signature Latte cost P179. The prices on the menu top out at P229 for the White Chocolate Matcha Latte.
Inside seating is a bit limited, but again this isn’t really the kind of place to sit down and work anyway. When it’s sunny, chairs and tables are set up outside so that customers can have coffee al fresco.
But if you did need to work here, the Wi-Fi is very fast. I measured around 300Mbps through a browser speed test, and throughout my stay, the connection wasn’t buggy at all. That said, you’ll want to make sure your laptop is fully charged, as I only spotted one electric outlet near the tables.
Aside from coffee, Vespa Alabang also sells merchandise. You’ll find original Vespa-branded jackets and T-shirts, as well as helmets and accessories. Of course, if you plan to purchase a Vespa motorcycle, you can do so as well. A glance at the shop will show limited-edition models like the 946 Red and the 80th Anniversary editions of the GTS 300 and Sprint 180, but if you want something more standard, you can always inquire with the dealership’s personnel.
Overall, the Vespa Cafe in Alabang is a pleasant coffee spot for Vespa enthusiasts. You’re sure to meet fellow Vespisti and others with a similar passion for riding. The cafe’s operating hours are from 12pm to 9pm, with last call at 8:30pm. If you want to check out more of the cafe and updates regarding rides, events, and promotions, you can visit Vespa Alabang’s Instagram here.
More photos of the Vespa Cafe in Alabang:
