Charming Italian cafés for an espresso in Vancouver

Vancouver is unquestionably a city of coffee fans; one can find an indie café on almost every street corner. However, some days you just have to have your espresso the Italian way. Check out these local cafés if you're craving an authentic Italian experience. [Photo © Yellow Pages / Pages Jaunes]

Charming Italian cafés for an espresso in Vancouver
Shannon Tien By

Calabria Bar

1
1745 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A4

Though its blocks are lined with many different kinds of restaurants now, Commercial Drive used to be known as the heart of Vancouver’s Little Italy. So, when a café has a reputation for being the “oldest Italian coffee house in B.C.” and it’s located on The Drive, you can bet it’s legit. Café Calabria is as famous for its paninis as its coffee, so make sure you stop by for lunch or dinner.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Sciue Italian Bakery Caffe

2
126 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2V4

Four words: tiramisu made in-house. Sciué’s Yaletown location at the Roundhouse is a popular lunch destination that’s just steps away from the seawall. The daytime café serves classic Italian coffee (that’s blended and roasted here in Vancouver), plus authentic Roman-style pizza and Italian desserts. Check out the enclosed patio on warm summer days.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Bellaggio At The Convention Centre

3
1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3

Bellagio Café is definitely more of a sit-down spot, especially if you’re looking for breakfast or brunch to accompany your coffee. The comprehensive menu includes Italian favourites such as bruschetta, hand-made pastas, Mediterranean inspired salads, and pizzas. The Canada Place location offers an open-air patio and a stunning view of the mountains and water.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

1105382 Bc Ltd

4
2310 Ash St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3C2

The coffee here is actually Vancouver’s own 49th Parallel, but the café has the distinct feel of an Italian living room. Located in a converted heritage home near Olympic Village, the café features a sprawling multi-level patio and a tucked-away second floor that’s popular among students and freelancers who are looking to get work done in a quiet setting.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Caffe Artigiano

5
763 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1S2

Café Artigiano may have locations across Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto, but the Hornby Street location in downtown Vancouver has a distinct Italian vibe, thanks in part to its charming al-fresco patio. Though the café serves light snacks and food, most customers rave about the coffee, which is made from seasonally roasted beans for ultimate freshness. The intricate latte art is particularly noteworthy.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Milano Coffee Roasters

6
156 8th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1N2

Inspired by Italy’s most stylish city, Milano is a go-to café for anyone who appreciates high quality, award-winning coffee paired with high quality treats. This spot also serves alcohol and is the perfect, quiet atmosphere for freelancing and quick, classy business meetings outside the office. You’ll find Milano locations across Vancouver in Gastown, the West End and Mount Pleasant.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Giancarlo Cafe

7
1865 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A6

Giancarlo has been referred to as the soup and sandwich king of Commercial Drive. Come to his namesake café if you want to grab a quick lunch and wash it down with a shot of espresso, or if you’re hoping to catch the soccer game on TV while sipping on some hearty, freshly made soup. Bonus: the prices at Giancarlo’s are obscenely affordable.

More from Shannon Tien Shannon Tien
Shannon is a writer and a coffee drinker living in Vancouver. You can read more of her food writing at http://www.youcaneatnow.com/
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