The owner of a Croxley Green eatery has shared his joy at being named Watford Observer readers’ ‘Your Favourite Café’ for 2024.

Café Amici, in Baldwins Lane, was the winner of the latest round in our annual competition highlighting the local businesses prized by residents.

The café has been owned and run for the last 15 years by the Sinisi family who are of Italian heritage, serving both traditional English food and Italian cuisine.

Owner and chef, Donato Sinisi, celebrates the win with “nonna” Carmela Sinisi, cafe assistant Susie Brady and restaurant supervisor Ania Wilnicka. (Image: Cafe Amici)Owner and chef Donato Sinisi said: “We are extremely happy and proud to have won this award.  We are a small team of dedicated staff all living in Croxley Green.  

“We work well together and feel very appreciated by all of our loyal customers for voting for us for this award.

“We hope to continue to provide excellent customer service to all existing and new customers for many years to come.”

His parents came over from the Amalfi Coast, near Naples, around 60 years ago and he now lives up the street from the business with his wife and two children.

Café Amici has been named ‘Your Favourite Café’ for 2024.Café Amici has been named ‘Your Favourite Café’ for 2024. (Image: Cafe Amici) Café Amici's menu represents their different influences as it ranges from their authentic homemade lasagnes to the "Amici Special", a double full English breakfast which is one of the of their most popular dishes.

Donato thanked the "tight-knit" community for their support over the past 15 years, adding: "We're really close to our customers and most of them know what they're having before they even order!"

Customers congratulated the café on the award as it posted a photo of the 'Your Favourites' trophy on Facebook.

Inside Café Amici in Baldwins Lane, Croxley Green.Inside Café Amici in Baldwins Lane, Croxley Green. (Image: Café Amici) One resident commented: "Love your food. Best café. Well deserved," while another said: "Well deserved, great eating place and lovely atmosphere and staff."

The Cassio Lounge and Meriden Kitchen in Watford, as well as the Café Deli 122 and Mill End Café in Rickmansworth were also nominated for the ‘Your Favourite Café’ award by Watford Observer readers.