Caffe Italia

Cafe · San Diego

Caffe Italia

Cafe · San Diego

1

1704 India St, San Diego, CA 92101

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Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null
Caffe Italia by null

Highlights

Italian cafe fare, gelato, pet-friendly patio, free WiFi  

Featured on Michelin
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1704 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 Get directions

caffeitalialittleitalysd.com

$1–10 · Menu

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1704 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 Get directions

+1 619 234 6767
caffeitalialittleitalysd.com

$1–10 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 17, 2025

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@michelinguide

Along the Inspector Trail: San Diego

"Wake up with an espresso at Caffe Italia, tucked inside the Pensione Hotel, or come on Sundays for a wonderful waffle-bar brunch." - MICHELIN Inspectors

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/travel/san-diego-guide-food-bakeries-bars-dessert
View Postcard for Caffe Italia

Rumi Arakawa

Google
I forgot to take a pic before starting to eat my ice cream, so I took it after a couple bites. Ice cream was great but I wish they have half option since regular has 2 scoops and I thought that was a little too much. 1 scoop and half price feels much better option!

Mahsa Pourhamze

Google
I stopped by this cafe today and it was a bit of a mixed bag. The food was def good, but the service was just so-so. One thing that kinda threw me off was that everything's to-go. That was a bit of a bummer. But the backyard is honestly really beautiful, and the whole vibe of the place is nice. If you're looking for a spot with a great outdoor space, this might be worth checking out.

Monkey Around the World

Google
First time in Little Italy and our experience was a pleasant little surprise. Our order was messed up pretty severely but upon informing the staff it was corrected. Admittedly, we did not try any coffee, but the sandwiches we did have were pretty good. We especially loved the outdoor courtyard which offered a nice eating environment.

James Davidian

Google
Nice specialty coffee spot (with breakfast options). White Mocha was nice (ask them to add cinnamon on top to make it more delectable). Egg panini needed some salt/pepper/salsa, but the prosciutto and fig sandwich was nice.

Patricia Valdes

Google
Delicious food, had the Little Italy and Venice Breakfast. Very Delicious!!! Very cute decor, very nice attendants! Highly recommend this cute cafe! Coffees are spectacular too!

Mohamed AlAli

Google
I enjoyed a perfectly brewed coffee that had rich flavor and a smooth finish. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, making it a lovely place to relax or catch up with friends. The staff was friendly and efficient, though the seating area could get a bit crowded during busy times.

Imo Gong

Google
Love love love the environment. Enjoy the big windows. Weekday afternoon is nice and quiet. Mocha taste a little out of the ordinary (not the best way). Tiramisu doesn’t have coffee or alcohol taste, would be better if it does.

Anika G

Google
Had the best experience here this past Sunday, super friendly staff. I had an iced matcha and it was great and my sister had an espresso that she enjoyed. Along with a bagel and their little Italy toast! The best part was the group of dogs we saw with the friendliest owners! 🥰 definitely worth the visit
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Sharon A.

Yelp
Great find on a Saturday morning!! Needed caffeine after landing in SD with no sleep. This was a site for sore eyes! Service was great, those who took our order repeated the order back to us to be sure they got it right, were pleased and held great conversations. The overall vibe was chill, coffee house aesthetic. The location was super convenient and right next to the farmers market happening at the same time. I ordered a medium iced vanilla lattes with almond milk. A fairly easy drink to make and hard to mess up. The drink was a 7/10. Wasn't a big fan of the coffee, drank more milk than actual coffee - probably should've asked for an extra shot. Overall a great find, looking forward to stopping by a few more times while I'm in SD.
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Mike M.

Yelp
Great coffee here.. strong and bold. The cafe is busy with breakfast and lunch items. There is a variety of coffee and tea drinks (hot & cold). A nice atrium like patio in the rear to enjoy your meal and drink. We grabbed a small table on the front sidewalk.. perfect for a short sip and nibble. I had a small cinnamon- walnut sweet tart with my coffee. This is a very good cafe.
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Nicole C.

Yelp
Server/counter staff didn't greet us for a couple of minutes. They finished making a drink and their conversation. I ordered a slice of cheesecake, the one on display was not the one they served. They said the slice was the same, just different decoration. The case one had jam and this one barely had drizzle. This one has a great cheesecake taste and texture. Though the crust tasted like old fridge. Coffee was tasty and refreshing on a hot morning. Great interior courtyard to get away from the bustling street.
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Aaron G.

Yelp
Decent coffee Got the hammerhead , very strung but good if you need a nice wake up drink lol Outback has a birds theme with a large birds nest
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Lauren X.

Yelp
Very busy in the morning hours and it's no surprise. I love the sunny vibe that they have outside by the sidewalk or if you want a cooler area they do have outside seating behind. That is pretty much shaded. Food really excellent for small bites. You can get really full. It's gotta be the cheese! Ordered the cheese egg Panini and could barely finish! Add that to the morning latte you'll be set to continue walking little Italy. The restroom is quite horrific, though I must say it's very dirty and unkept. But if you don't plan to use it, everything about this place is a high star.
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K B.

Yelp
Good variety for the menu. I got a blended gelato drink and it was super good! I would come here again to get a latte and try one of the baked goods. Everything was quick and easy
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Julia S.

Yelp
This establishment is easy to find - only a few steps North of Date St, and before the Little Italy sign. I HIGHLY recommend getting their Vietnamese iced coffee: a strong, bold flavor with just the right amount of sweetness. My friend and I drank our coffee slowly while sitting on a few chairs outside the establishment and it was very relaxing to enjoy our caffeine in a slow but steady manner. 10/10 would come back!
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Maggie C.

Yelp
Cute little cafe that's great for people watching in busy Little Italy. I wasn't even super hungry but ended up devouring the prosciutto and fig panini. Also love that they can make a real cappuccino the proper way with the right amount of foam.

Pam F.

Yelp
The coffee is amazing. The people who work there are so friendly. The chocolate croissant was great, but even better was the coffee with gelato in it. Yum!! Highly recommend.
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Mariam C.

Yelp
Great coffee spot, very pleasant staff. My caramel latte was excellent, truly one of the best coffees i've had.
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Nick H.

Yelp
Absolute masters of the craft and an authentic Italian coffee experience. I had been curious to try a true Italian macchiato and they delivered. It was very good and I enjoyed it. Enjoy going to the shop. It has nice seating options in the heart of little italy. Parking is free on West Grape street for 2 hours during the day, then you can walk over. Weekdays are the best time to come here. Service was fast and baristas made sure to help me get what I wanted. Double Espresso Italian Macchiato was a great way to start the day.
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Paloma O.

Yelp
I'm back and I can't get enough! Drove over 90mil To have a Caffe Emmline, anytime I'm in SD or headed down to Baja California I have to stop by, they're always so sweet! The place is so cute and at a prime spot, you can walk around there's always so much to do!
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Arturo S.

Yelp
Visiting Lovely San Diego and needed a quick bite to start my day. Unfortunately, front desk at my hotel couldn't recommend the name of one place so I just walked a block to Little Italy and found Caffe Italia. I had an iced latte and the nice young lady recommended the Prosciutto, Fontina cheese and egg panini- and the combo was delicious. Chill little spot ,and I got there at 8:20, beating the rush which started just minutes after. Don't think I'll have time to hit this little gem again, but glad I did. Thanks!
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Susan O.

Yelp
Not bad at all for a quick pick-me-up! Little to no wait at all for both ordering and receiving my drink. I ordered an Iced Caramel Latte double shot and extra sweetened and it was fairly decent. The caramel flavor is derived from a sauce and no complaints on that end, just not anything particularly spectacular, but it surely does the job. The service was decent and the interior is intimate and cutely designed, a fair amount of chairs and tables available if you'd like to dine in. Would stop by again if I'm in the area!
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Sarah B.

Yelp
Wow. Went for a double decaf flat white with heavy cream and not only is it lava hot, it is DELICIOUS. (And STRONG. Whoa the double!) With so many coffee shops here in Little Italy, it's going to be impossible to say this one is the best, but the ambience and the kind service and the SUPER HOT coffee are going to make this a unique highlight of the trip. The other shops have their patios on the street, but Caffe Italia has theirs nestled behind the shop, making a shady space that feels like a courtyard between the buildings. The running water and little birds flitting around truly make this little space magical. Lovely! You'll be glad you stopped by!
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Travis T.

Yelp
Little Italy is one of my favorite spots in San Diego to hang out when I am visiting. I have visited Caffe Italia a few times in the past. I mostly come here to get a coffee drink and a dessert. Caffe Italia is Little Italy's first espresso bar and opened in 1992. This is a great place to chill out on the patio over a quick lunch or a snack. For food, they have salads, panini sandwiches and breakfast on their menu. I personally love the variety of desserts that they have here. I like to grab a gelato or one of their mini cakes and a latte and hang out at a table outside and do some people watching.
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Kelly Dues T.

Yelp
Great cup of coffee. The staff were really pleasant. Offers gelato and drinks with gelato in them. There's a food menu too. Cozy ambiance.
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Kathy O.

Yelp
Walking to a diner from our hotel and we came upon this place. At my husband's urging, I agreed to go in. Thank you Jesus! The avocado toast was fantastic! Many versions to choose from, but you couldn't go wrong with any. The coffee was excellent as was the friendly staff. Will absolutely go back for the exact same thing. Avocado toast and coffee please and thank you.
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Xindy Y.

Yelp
Great spot to grab coffee while you walk around little Italy or wait for a reservation nearby! Coffee was great!
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Dan P.

Yelp
Eggnog latte - visited Little Italy in November and this was one of their specialty holiday drink. ordered it as hot for dine in for the latte art but latte art is available as both togo and dine in! latte is topped with cinnamon powder. coffee was aromatic and strong but eggnog flavor is not so strong. honestly tasted like a regular vanilla latte to me. if you like sweeter coffee drinks, this is not for you as latte is very lightly sweetened. Service is quick and friendly :D Shop has a lot more seating than expected, there is a large room with multiple tables, chairs, and outlets in the back (very secluded from the front, perfect for studying). Interior gives off homey bar vibes.
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Kit K.

Yelp
The service here was quick and to the point--no long wait, which was great. I ordered a sandwich, and it was absolutely delicious. The bread was the perfect mix of soft and crunchy, and the meats and cheese were fresh and flavorful. The portion size was just right as well. I also appreciated the self-serve water station, which was a nice touch. The outdoor seating area added to the experience with its relaxing, zen-like vibe. Overall, a great spot for a tasty and enjoyable meal!
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Leilani M.

Yelp
Caffe Italia was a much needed refuge from the summer rays coming in with a bang! Took a look over the menu.. orange juice! The perfect remedy. Service was wonderful and friendly. While regaining some strength we filled up with water and did a pit stop. It's a popular spot in little Italy to get in and out with ease. The back alley was a shaded haven with a little secret hideaway from the crowded street. Nice spot to recharge.
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Danielle M.

Yelp
Delicious coffee and breakfast sandwiches/toasts! Menu has a big variety, servings are generous, ingredients are fresh. A great place to grab a coffee and a bite, with lots of outdoor seating
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Claudy C.

Yelp
Reasonable prices and good food and coffees. A lot of seating space outside and inside. Great service.
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Michael F.

Yelp
We only ordered a large nitro cold brew, so I can't speak on other items, but.... The staff and cold brew are perfect! Beautiful little place with amazing people and a great location, what more can you ask for!
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Cheryl R.

Yelp
Visited Caffé Italia on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The ambiance was nice and mellow. The staff was welcoming and friendly. I ordered a Ice Blended Chai Latte and a Orange Baba, both were delicious.

Ari B.

Yelp
Excellent place for coffee and breakfast. Both taste great. There are seats indoor and in the front and back. They allow dogs in. Parking can be difficult depending on the time of the day. You order in the front, wait for your drink on the side and get a number for the food which would be brought out to you from kitchen. I tried the Italian Panini and Chai Latte and they were both great.
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Rodrigo C.

Yelp
Service was great. Enjoying a vanilla latte and a beer with my daughter. Great spot to relax, listening to mellow music and enjoying vibe.

Cheryl T.

Yelp
Whenever we're in the area visiting,we always stop for a coffee. Whether it's a hot, iced or blended coffee,it's always a great cup! They also have desserts, pastries and sandwiches. Staff are always nice,even when it's busy and overwhelming. It can get busy, but that's a good sign right? There's some seating inside but outside in the back is the place to go. Super cute area with tables and cute for photos.
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Stephanie L.

Yelp
I was hoping when I came here that they would have a speciality Italian coffee. The only thing they were able to offer me is an espresso. I ended up getting the pumpkin cake latte and I was kinda disappointed. It tasted pretty watered down.

Yadira P.

Yelp
I'm visiting from LA and was craving some gelato this place was sooo cute such a vibe they have a gem in the back it's like a secret calm patio. Don't even get me started on the customer service I forgot the name of the girl who helped me and my friends but she was AMAZING she made our day even more than the treats. Will definitely be back!
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Michelle F.

Yelp
I guess it's a "write a coffee review" type of week for me. The space: I visited Caffe Italia during the week on a Wednesday. The place was busy and bustling with lots of folks coming in and out. You're almost immediately transported to another city and or country. The atmosphere is that of a busy urban city. The vibe: There are people taking meetings, studying, standing at the counter drinking their expressos. Young dads coming in with a double stroller with their kiddos, young families with their kids. Basically, a little bit of everything. Lots of energy, lots of activity. I managed to find a table outside in the corner to enjoy a couple sips of my latte before taking off. Wouldn't recommend this place: to study (especially if you're sensitive to loudness), wouldn't rec this café if you're visiting with kids either. Little Italy is a bubble and Cafe Italia definitely fits the bubble. Caffe Italia is serving it's purpose.
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Evonne C.

Yelp
[Drink] - Caffe Emmline ($7.75): Yummy drink! Tastes just like coffee ice cream while keeping you awake :) Not too sweet for those that don't like overly sweet drinks [Service] - Line up to order and wait for your order to be called - Staff were nice, helpful, and attentive [Ambiance] - Small little cafe that can still fit a few tables inside and out, and a bar for those that wants to sit for a chat or to get some work done.
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sonia g.

Yelp
Got a white mocha blanco latte and it was one of the best lates I've had. Highly recommend if you are in the area.
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Conner S.

Yelp
A convenient spot for coffee located right in the middle of Little Italy. I visited during the afternoon and sat outside (they have both indoor and outdoor seating). I ordered a simple americano and it was good! Nothing out of the ordinary - it was what I was looking for! They also have a small food menu, some gelato, pastries and some alcoholic drinks. Good spot to check out if you're in the area!
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Kimi H.

Yelp
This is just about the coffee, but it's super watered down and just ok. Definitely overpriced for what you're getting. The barista at the register wasn't the friendliest and seemed annoyed with everything but it was on a Thursday and it wasn't that busy there at the time. Anyways, not sure how the food is or anything but avoid the coffee and lattes.
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Anna B.

Yelp
Convenient coffee shop in the heart of Little Italy, was able to walk to it after walking around farmers market on Saturday. Parking is busy around there but it's walking friendly and plenty of street parking all around. Has a coffee menu, pastries, gelato and a small food menu. I got a 12 oz caffe latte which was fine. There is seating inside, shared outside area with other businesses, and bathroom is shared with the hotel next door.
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Brittany H.

Yelp
A small size gelato is a huge serving of gelato! They serve 2 generous scoops of gelato flavors. It's delicious. A great spot to hang out at.
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Adriana M.

Yelp
Came in on a cold day for some coffee. I got a cinnamon and honey latte and it was DELICIOUS!! Not too sweet, lots of thick froth, and the barista was very friendly and professional. They seemed to have a nice selection of coffee and pastries (which were very large). I'll be back to try more items!
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Emina S.

Yelp
I'm here every day for my morning & afternoon cappuccino I love the stuff ,they all are so friendly and nice . They welcome you with a smile every time . All baristas are very professional and friendly. But today's barista was Bri & Lizzy that deserved my 5 + stars If you're near Little Italy stop by for a cup of coffee that you won't regret.
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Maritza ..

Yelp
Perfect coffee spot in little Italy. We were waiting for a seat at a restaurant near by and needed coffee to wake up. This place has good coffee. One of my favorite Ice blended location so far. The ice blended coffee was a perfect combination of sweetness and bitterness. I got caramel and I could taste coffee with a hint of caramel. My sister whose not a big coffee drinker loved the mocha. I wish I would have gotten the barista name who made my drink because I asked for whip cream and he went beyond and added drizzle to both the drinks. Made it even prettier! I love the aesthetic touch he added. We also got rugulach, my older sister couldn't wait to try them so she started to eat it before I even got to take a picture of it. We even came the day after when we got lunch in the area for the rugulach for my younger sister who saw me posted about it and started craving it. Definitely will be coming back for the coffee here.
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Allen S.

Yelp
This is a nice place to get coffee and goodies. While we were waiting for breakfast at Morning Glory we came here based on Yelp reviews. This is a lot more fun then a large boring coffee company that many of us visit. They packed a lot of character into the small space. The excellent little Jewish Rugelach pastries are similar to Baklava but pleasantly not as sweet. If you need a break stop by for a treat.
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Jenny T.

Yelp
Delicious cappuccino in little Italy. Loved the patio options for dining al fresco. The service was top notch as well
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JV M.

Yelp
What a dream. Cute little cafe in Little Italy. Had the avocado toast and an oat milk latte of sorts and let me tell ya groovy party in my mouth ;) hehe. I am a foodie and coffee connoisseur and they did not disappoint. The service was spot on too! It was such a beautiful day outside too so got to enjoy it with a view. Btw lots of shopping and things in the area so it was all a win win.
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Paul M.

Yelp
Cafe Italia has a small storefront, right in the heart of Little Italy, and looks like a good place for coffee drinks and pastries. And, it certainly is. But, it is so much more. Who would guess that they have the best gelato around? Their selection is small, around 5 varieties, but the quality is amazing. I have had several flavors, but the spumoni is my favorite. And, I'm not usually a big fan of spumoni. This one, however, is so packed with ingredients, including chocolate chips. Just fantastic!! Also, to my surprise, they have great salads. My go-to salad is the Fragola. It has arugula, strawberries, goat cheese, avocado and toasted almonds tossed in a very flavorful lemon vinaigrette. I always add chicken, and that is a big part of why I love this salad. Unlike the dry, bland, grilled chicken breasts that most restaurants put on their salads, the chicken at Cafe Italia looks and tastes like it was carved right off the bone. Delicious!! The service during my visit today was very friendly, as always. Their staff have smiles on their faces and are very patient and accommodating when people, like my wife and I, struggle to choose what flavor of gelato to order. My only complaint is that it can take some time to get your food, especially during the lunch rush. But, it is well worth the wait.
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Malika U.

Yelp
Grabbed an iced coffee for my stroll through Little Italy. The shop was pretty busy for the evening and most the tables were full, but the place looked a little dirty and unkept. Staff was not very friendly and the coffee was alright. They have desserts you can purchase beer the register, but most likely won't be returning.
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Renee A.

Yelp
Visiting San Diego for a few days and wanted a hot chocolate. Found reviews of Caffe Italia and decided to give it a try. I actually ended up ordering the cafe mocha. It was a bit on the sweet side, but satisfied my craving for the original idea of a hot chocolate. It was smooth, creamy and had a hint of cinnamon. I also picked up a drip coffee for my husband but upon tasting it (I took it to go) it was a bit cold and didn't taste freshly brewed, even though I asked specifically if it was. Even with cream and brown sugar it was disappointing. So I'm giving them 3 stars - a blended review and rating based on the combination of the order. Parking was also difficult to find. It looks like a cute area (Little Italy) with several restaurants and bars that I would come back to explore.
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Eileen F.

Yelp
Delicious food great coffee. Gets busy and small tables but worth your time. I worked the #1 breakfast Panni it was good
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Belle V.

Yelp
The best caramel latte ever! And their bagel is good, too!It's a very small shop but it's packed with good stuff. Service is as fast as they can ever be. But special sandwiches, will take a little bit of time. But it is all worth it. Chocolate cannoli and espresso mousse are very good! When we are back in town we will definitely come back!