I'm so glad to have found this gem! The place is oozing Italian charm, from the gratuitous decoration to the music to the selection of Italian cookies and gelato. The owner is so nice and obviously has poured a lot of love into the place. I came around 7 for dinner and the shop was initially empty except for myself and one other person, which surprised me, but soon after I sat down, customers started trickling in, many of whom seemed to be regulars. Regular or not, everyone was given the same attention and amiability from the owner. I had a decaf almond milk latte, a vegetarian panini, and some gelato. The latte ($4) was simple and done just right, the espresso had a pleasant taste. The panini was great! Lots of vegetables, fresh and flavourful, and I loved the optional hot pepper relish. This was $10 but it was pretty big! I was also very happy with the gelato! I ordered 2 scoops, spumone and rum raisin, expecting the scoops to be about the same size as they are at most gelato shops in Vancouver (tiny), but the owner looked like he was actively trying to get as much gelato as possible onto the scoop when he served me, and the scoops were probably twice the size that I was expecting for about the same price ($7). The gelato was delicious and had a good consistency. It's super rare for me to be in the Commercial Drive/Little Italy area, but I really hope to be back here some day! read more

Café Calabria - Spumone & Rum Raisin Gelato - Italian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Lovely Italian coffee shop that also serves sandwiches and gelato. It was my first time there but from the interaction of the staff/owners with other customers, I can tell it's a popular establishment in the community with a lot of loyal customers. I tried the Frank's Special Sandwich which had cappicollo, mortadella, mozzarella cheese, eggplant (pickled), lettuce and tomato in it. The sandwich bread was soft but also toasted to a nice crisp. The filling was pretty generous. I also tried their mocha with whipped cream. It's heartwarming. Cafe Calabria's interior design is quirkily maximalist. There are a lot of white statues and their ceilings are painted. There's a fountain inside the cafe too. It's fun to spend an hour there sipping a coffee while enjoying the fun atmosphere. read more

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I was brought here by my friend because they know I love Italy and its people. I had the soup of the day and a sea-salted caramel ice cream for dessert. My friend had coconut ice cream and an Italian-style sandwich. We both also ordered espresso. We were very pleased with the flavors of the dishes. The large portions were really worth the price. I'll definitely come back to try more dishes. read more

Absolutely the worst coffee ever. We ordered two cappuccino it was so bitter we had to add sugar. The staff are nice and cafe itself is quite gawdy but comfortable chairs and a clean washroom. read more

Review based on hot chocolate only. Got a hot chocolate here since my partner was craving! It was $6 flat for a large hot milk chocolate. Cash only. The hot chocolate was okay--hit the spot enough. But it was way too milky and not very dense with chocolate flavour. Perhaps on the sweeter side as well (but not sweet with chocolate, sweet with sugar). Service was quick and friendly. It was a bustling café with all the seats filled up on a Sunday afternoon. They also serve gelato, which is neat! read more

Café Calabria - Large hot chocolate milk with whipped cream (that I ruined before taking the picture lol) - Italian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Step into this little scoop shop on Commercial Drive and you'll feel like you've stumbled onto a scene from an Italian soap opera--luscious ice cream, dramatic tension, and a plot twist you can taste. The pistachio? Bellissimo. The stracciatella? So creamy it should come with a warning label. Unfortunately, the romance melts faster than the sorbet when you hit the waffle cone: one crunch and--plot twist!--it's as stale as last week's focaccia. As for the owner, imagine an espresso shot with legs: short, strong, and guaranteed to jolt you awake. Ask for a sample and you'll get a look that could curdle milk faster than a gelato machine on turbo. Customer service isn't just an afterthought; it's apparently vacationing somewhere in Tuscany. On the bright side, his icy glare pairs nicely with your frozen dessert--talk about a fully integrated brand experience! Bottom line: come for the gelato, bring your own cone, and practice your best "eh, grazie" shrug. With a waffle upgrade and a smile upgrade, this place could be mamma-mia amazing. Until then, it's a solid two stars--and that's mostly for the pistachio doing the heavy lifting. read more

The second time was as good as the first. I went out of my norm and I induldged in a Rum & Raisin Gelato absolutely delicious. read more

Café Calabria - Beautiful tasting desserts - Italian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Finally found a place where I can speak Italian! Be prepared, cash only but there are a ton of banks nearby. Coffee is really good and such good prices! They also have a ton of seating inside. I have to come back to try all the bakery items. They looked seclusion's. I got a latte macchiato and loved it. read more

Café Calabria - Latte Macchiato - Italian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Haven't been there in years but loved the place always greeted with such a warm welcome . Miss the place , next time in Vancouver I'll be there for sure . BONJOURNO! this is an amazing place honestly. The Boys are always smiling and the customers are equally as pleasant. read more

We had lunch here and it was a pleasant surprise. The sandwiches were huge and the bread was fresh and toasted. Frank was friendly and the service was quick and efficient. We will be back. read more

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BONJOURNO! I scream like a little Italian kid every time I walk into this amazing place honestly. The Boys are always smiling and the customers are equally as pleasant. This is the real Italy of Vancouver folks! Eat & drink everything they offer & take some coffee home trust me - you'll be craving more! CIAO CIAO! Xo Duran read more

Café Calabria - Rider on the Storm! - Italian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Today I wanted to show my girlfriend the decorations in this place which I think were great. I have come here before and given this place my business several times and that's how I know about the interior vibe. No joke, within 30 seconds of us being there and not ordering, a staff member (male, glasses, with a scowl of someone who just smelled their own terrible fart) came flailing at my stomach standing at a staggering 5'1 or 5'2 cussing us out for not ordering coffees, and we should've ordered coffees. I tried to tell him I patron their business but today I'm just showing my girlfriend their interior for us to come back and he cuts me off with his high pitch nasally "would've been nice, would've been nice" - he sounded truly hilarious. Anyways, that encounter provided a lot of entertainment for us after we left and I've been doing impressions of him, walking around the corner at home on my knees saying "would've been nice, would've been nice!" And have made my girlfriend cry from laughing. Hence the 2 stars. Thanks for the permanent joke Frodo, "would've been nice" to be immortalized for something other than being a short guy with a temper and nasally voice but alas. read more

Amazing coffee, food, staff and ambiance! Be prepared to pay cash. Get there, grab a coffee then sit outside and people watch.

One of my favorite coffee shops in Vancouver! Why? #1 - The Italians know what they're doing. The coffee is amazing. #2 - Some of the most amazing sorbetto I've ever had. #3 - No hipsters. I can't believe all the complainers. I've always received excellent customer service here. Obviously they don't want non-customers using their washroom all day, and bringing in drinks from other places. Who would? The best blackberry sorbetto I've ever tried, and I've been to most of the gelato shops in this city. You can't even compete with the quality here. PS - They accept cash only read more

One of last true Italian coffee bars. I love this place and when I am I'm the area I always drop in. Great selection and true Italian espresso. read more

Café Calabria - Perfect Italian espresso - Italian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Best place to go for dessert if you're craving gelato. Love the over the top decor and excellent service.

I was brought to this cafe first by my Italian in-laws who kidnapped (oops! Invited) me to have some Italian experience while in vancouver! And they described the place as an authentic italian cafe. And since that first time I became a regular customer whenever I'm around the area! So I've been to this cafe many times now and what I like about the place is that you get good coffee, nice panini with flavourful cold-cuts and you can enjoy a clean sitting space! Also I think that the guys who run the cafe are funny and cool, but this is applies to them when I have my Italian in-laws with me! otherwise, I'm completely anther customers! What I don't like abou this cafe is that you need to get cash to pay for your coffee! come on that's far from being comfortable Cafe Calabira. I don't know who carries cash in his/her pocket! (no seriously who got cash in her/his pocket now?, I don't). So several times I had to go out of the shop, walk across the street to get some cash and come back! some other times I just went to another cafe in the cafe-full street! I aslo don't like the cafe when it is not that busy, because they shot the lights off on the unused side of the shop, and that turns the place into a haunted house, esp with the distinctive decoration and statues that have in place :S not always inviting! But during busy hours, this place has a special character that worth checking out while you're in commercial drive! read more

Café Calabria - Italian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

My sister and I were walking along Commercial Drive and were hungry for lunch. Good thing we stopped inside of this place. The paninis are amazingly delicious. We were told The Frank Sandwich is a popular one so we had to try it. I understand why it is a popular sandwich. The meat slices are flavorful. The melted cheese and the toasted bread is like icing on the cake. My sister also had a cappuccino and was in love with it. If bold coffee is your liking, this hits the spot. The decor it wonderful too. Sculptures in the dinning area. The dinning area is a little tight, so don't fret if you are almost shoulder to shoulder with your neighbors =). Service was great. They were friendly and though there was a bit of a lunch rush, service was quick! read more

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The Frank's Special is amazing, as is the Tasty Turkey. The crowd is diverse and the coffee is excellent, as is the service. We feel really comfortable here! 2 sandwiches and a large mocha was $20. That's a lil pricey but we were very satisfied. read more

Café Calabria - The ceiling - Italian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

For my 250th review, it needs to be somewhat memorable. So I choose this establishment because of a bit of trivia relating to the owner. If I am trotting along Commercial Dr for anything, this is a usual stop for me. Even in the evenings if I am in East Van for whatever reason, and if I have time, I will pop by. I like the coffee here. The place reminds me of an Italian family home. I've seen statues in someone home once!!! I kid you not! They also have snacks, baked goods and paninis if you want. I'll bet none of you readers knew that one of the sons that run this place was an ACTUAL PORN STAR in California at one point. Guess which one? =P read more

Great atmosphere, coffee and Service. I Spent the afternoon at the Drive and had to make sure I checked out Cafe Calabria and say hi to Frank. I ordered a cappuccino and was served quickly with a smile. The cappuccino was great and I loved the atmosphere. I said hi to Frank, the owner and had a nice chat with him. He's always there making sure his customers got great service. saying hello to all those who walk in. I would always recommend to anyone to check out the place enjoy a coffee and say hi to Frank. read more

Café Calabria - Italian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I found myself down on Commercial Drive this afternoon. I guess in the day it would be referred to as "Little Italy". After I parked I asked my friend where do you want to eat? He said what about the Japanese restaurant across the street? My reaction... 'When in Rome....' (we're in Little Italy why are we going to a Japanese restaurant?). Anyways I convinced him to try something more congruent to the environment we were in! Some how we ended up at Cafe Calabria. This place is a coffee shop/sandwich shop. When one walks in one is immediately struck by the authentic Italian decor and atmosphere. I think the guy who served us was named Tony! He has a receding mohawk and gold chains on his chest. I'm sure Vito Corleone, Frank Pentangeli, and the rest of the cast of the Godfather we're having coffee in the back! Haha Well this place is a gem! I had the tasty turkey sandwich, and a coconut cake. Both were fresh and very good! I'll come back soon to sit and have a coffee at one of their outdoor tables! Pretend to myself that I'm in Italy! Arrivederci! read more

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What a pleasant surprise. Didn't expect to see such rich culture just inside. When we walked inside we see the statues, the paintings on the ceiling, and Italian music as if you're in an Italian museum. I said this reminds me of Italy I traveled there in March and (I think he was) the owner told, "me you are in Italy!" I asked him where he's from, he said Calabria --which makes sense now why it's called the Café Calabria I asked for an espresso sized coffee but a larger size than just a single shot and it came in this perfect medium but still very Italian and still small size cup (it was double espresso) The kind of place where everybody knows your name and the gentleman drinking coffee there all seemed to be regulars who all know each other. Warm friendly feeling. When my boyfriend went to pay we realized it's cash only and he thought he only had a five dollar bill... the total came to nine dollars and believe it or not the owner told us to don't worry about it but luckily we had enough extra change between us to pay the bill. Be mindful that it's cash only !!! Do NOT count on the owner telling you it's OK even if he does haha read more

Café Calabria - Italian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I LOVE this place. For many years I've walked by and just peeked inside after noticing it looked like a piece of Italy was stolen and place inside the building. Seriously, does Vector work here?! ( That was a despicable me reference...lol) Such an interesting place with many statues and even a water fountain in one spot. Anyways, one day my GF and I were making random lists and needed a place to just sit and have a coffee but couldn't think of anywhere until we drove by and decided we'd see what it was like. The place is massive, tons of seating and beautiful rustic Italian music playing mixed with oldies, it legitimately felt like we were in a small cafe in Italy. The menu is huge with lots of specialty coffees, sandwiched and even gelato. The only thing that is confusing is that there aren't any prices listed beside the items so when we ordered we had no clue how much it would be until he told us and that kinda sucks because it's CASH ONLY. Luckily we pinched our pennies together and had enough for 2 drinks and a biscotti (Prices vary from $3-$6ish for drinks and $3 ish for a biscotti). The coffees are made extremely well and tasted really good but the biscotti was the main attraction, it was beautifully soft and have a really great chocolate flavor. I enjoyed the ambiance of this place and the products they serve, can't really complain. The one thing I will say is that if you aren't paying attention when you choose a table you might see yourself at eye-level with a sculpture of David's wang in your face...yea even though it was just a sculpture I decided we had to change seats in case someone got a picture of my head eye-level with ...it's head. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY MEMES COULD BE MADE ?! read more

Café Calabria - Italian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Full of elderly well-dressed professionals, this classic coffee shop caters to those who enjoy thorough ambiance with their latte and biscotti. With the David-eque statues and high ceiling mirrors, it aims to reflect a European museum, perfect for those willing to pay out a little extra for some textbook culture. The baristas are a little smug, and the music is mostly Euro-pop, but the little water fountain on the upper level makes all of the detractors forgivable. Classy and thick, most of the clientele are wearing leather shoes and speaking in foreign languages, but it adds to the overall feel. Aside from coffee, customers can also get Italian pastries, gourmet ice cream, and high end sandwiches. A nice place to have a conversation while feeling as though you're backpacking through Venice. read more

Café Calabria - Italian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I have been drinking coffee for 60 years. I started with cream (half & half) and sugar in my coffee. Then 20 or so years ago, I switched from sugar to artificial sweetener. I finally found one I liked. But then, about three years ago, I gave up sweetener but still had to have the half & half. And then 26 days ago when visiting my grandson, I had to drink black coffee as he does not have milk or cream. I have tried so many times with many brands and types of coffee to drink it black. And now, I've FINALLY found one that is absolutely delicious - all by itself!!! And I have my grandson to thank for introducing me to the best coffee EVER. And it just happens to come from the coffee shop he's been going to since he was a child. Frank, the owner is a wonderful host and I could not have been welcomed or treated better. I just got back to Los Angeles and will hopefully be able to order Frank's Caffe Calabria coffee to drink in my own home. Thank you Frank and family for the two days I spent drinking your coffee with you. You're the best! read more

Nice atmosphere, really reminiscent of an Italian bar. Just a few notes: there are no prices on the menu so who knows if they are consistent with each customer. I didn't care for their menu style at all. I ordered a caffe latte and a pizza taglio. Caffe: fresh pulled shot - yay, but still not sure how much it cost me. wish they had raw or brown sugar, but it was good. Pizza/focaccia: They put cheese on their calabrese (Focaccia with tomato sauce) and called it a Margherita pizza. The cheese wasn't entirely melted, and even though there was very little sauce (the bread was practically dry, except for a stain of red on top), it sure left a lot of oil on my hands. Meh. Would not get this again. Maybe their sandwiches are better. Total bill: $11. Not worth it, but the brothers were polite & prompt and their restroom was clean. read more

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I meet most Sundays mornings with my Boss at Cafe Calabria. We relax over a couple of coffees and discus the coming week. Life is good here simple friendly service, great price point for consistently delicious italian coffees, savoury foods and sweet baked goods. The almond biscuit is a particular favourite of my wife's. I do not hesitate to recommend this favourite cafe. You can not go wrong. Frank Sr. and his sons will be sure to look after all those who walk through their door. Enjoy! read more

Excellent food, friendly owners. It feels like being in Italy. We always visit when we are in town (from Seattle).

No offence but I've had better coffee boiled in a pot while camping. Time to get better beans and get with the times otherwise, fuggettabouit! read more

Café Calabria - blech!! - Italian Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

That's Amore! This truly Italian cafe is an institution on the drive. If the elaborate statues and Italian flags don't catch your eye, surely the sandwiches people are scarfing outside this joint will have your mouth watering! I have been to Cafe Calabria more times than I can count and I'm never disappointed. Before you head here, hot tip: get cash! They don't take anything else. There are two things you have to get when you stop in, a cappuccino and a sandwich! Both together are exquisite. Today my mom and I shared the sandwich called "The Bun" which had three meats, eggplant, banana peppers, lettuce and tomato and cheese. The sandwich is packed with flavour and they warm it up in a press so you've got some heat to it. A perfect snack and afternoon bite to share. One sandwich to yourself will have you satisfied and full! For the perfect combo I ordered a cappuccino - the foam is out of this world exceptional. What I remember my cappuccino to be like in Italy! Forget your franchise, they don't know what's up like these Italian brothers. Thanks again Calabria, will be back in no time. read more

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As a European, I get a kick out of the hipster / alternative crowd that get offended with some attitude being thrown their way. I have to laugh at the sheer stupidity of the politically correct folk who think they can park their ass anywhere. Anywhere, that is, except Calabria. Case in point; Some self-centred idiot orders something from Starbucks and insists on sitting at Calabria with their dog while enjoying the competitors crap. This is a dangerous ordeal at Calabria because the owners will have you sitting in the middle of the street before you know it with drink spilled and your ego bruised. So funny and actually very enjoyable to see the owners verbally kick some ass of the poor hipster who thought he/she is "Commericial Drive certified." If you insist on supporting Starbucks on the Drive, stay on the Starbucks side of the street. It makes sense no? Anyways, Americano and Taralle with attitude please. read more

Don't go here. They're rude and I have no idea why. I had already discovered that Continental Coffee was a wonderful coffee place on the Drive. However, I wanted to try many of the other places that looked nice too. So I went to Cafe Calabria. I ordered an iced chai. The barista started to make it and asked my husband what he would like. My husband didn't want anything, and the guy said that we couldn't stay in the cafe. If you don't order anything, you can not sit at their table. Really? My husband and I paused, turned around to look at the empty cafe, looked at each other, back at this guy, and back at all the empty tables. I know that this is ridiculous but it felt like time stopped for a second. Is this reality? This guy just told us that we can't sit in his EMPTY cafe, unless we both get something? I asked the barista, so I can sit at a table with 2 chairs with my chai, but my husband has to leave? He told me that I could only have one chair. I continued my line of questioning and asked if I could put my purse on the other chair, or if he would be moving the chair away from my table as soon as I sat down. He didn't understand what I was getting at, and I let it go. I can't believe it- but I actually bought the chai. I should have left at that point- I was really getting a drink for the opportunity to sit down, chill, and talk with my husband, and obviously that wasn't going to happen. Anyway, I bought the drink. Worst chai ever- know why? He didn't put any chai in it! It was milk on ice! Oh my god! I love to tell people this story. Do they know how stupid they look for this chair policy? With the many many superior coffee shops and cafes on Commercial, I hope their business suffers for their customer service. read more

TABLE NAZI ! This is old, but it came to mind . We were out for a bike ride and my wife wanted a coffee . We stopped in here .I was out front with the bikes she grabbed a coffee and we sat down at a sidewalk table . It was almost empty inside . I think there were signs about "outside food drinks" etc but she/we ( it's my money too )had bought a coffee ! No sooner had we sat down ,the owner I'm guessing approached and told me I couldn't sit as I had not bought anything . I explained my wife had bought a coffee . NOPE ! mmmm I guess the signs should read that everyone must buy something . If it read that way I would have went elsewhere. So I stood while she drank it lol for real . It's not like we were going to hang around all day . Others have coined the term surly , and they are a surly bunch here. I have never experienced this anywhere I have been too , ever . I probably never will because I won't be returning. No wonder it;s empty . Coffee quality ... who cares .... read more

This is such a perfect relic of the Drive's Italian district heritage. A large, quaint space with reproductions of famous Italian statues scattered around, and a real feel that you've stepped into a cafe in Italy. Alex G and I came her for yesterday and decided it was time for a treat! We grabbed a San Pellegrino (grapefruit - yum!) from the cases in the back which have a bunch of unique items including Italian aperitifs. On our way back to the front we slowed down by the gelato and decided it was just the treat we needed! I tasted the mint choc chip which tasted like it hadn't been used in a while - it had that slightly sticky texture. I ended up getting a single scoop of nocciola (always my favourite flavour) and it was quite good. Definitely hit the spot! It's cash only for everything which is kind of a bummer, but we made it work. The tables are a little small for two laptops but they fit the Italian theme with their marble look. A fun, slightly odd spot to hang out and watch the world go by. read more

Seems like the theme for reviews for Cafe Calabria is you either love them or hate them. The key is playing by the rules. I was introduced to Calabria a couple of years ago. Luckily, my friend has been going there for years and knows the owners. "I'm in" but I'm also respectful of their business and Cafe Calabria etiquette. Calabria etiquette says you don't come to the cafe with another stores coffee cup and sit at their tables. That's reasonable. If you want to sit at the tables at Cafe Calabria, you need to order. If you have an attitude, a chip on your shoulder or think you are all of that, find another place for coffee, sandwiches and sweets. Cafe Calabria is not for the Starbucks generation. It's a family owned business that has been there for years. If you want Starbucks and the Starbucks way (including soy), my suggestion is to go to Starbucks. And remember, cash only! read more

Sandwiches (panini's) are OK... nothing to brag about. Better panini's next door at the cheese grotto. Most disappointing...the COFFEE!!!!! omg. The americano coffee tasted like instant coffee. Worst coffee I have ever had ..besides McDonalds. I would drink tim hortens before having an americano coffee from Calabria ever again. I know that coffee is different in every country, style, brewing and taste. I have had many Americano coffee's in my day but never will have coffee again at Calabria. If I wanted to taste instant coffee I would of gone 1/2 block up to the grocery store and bought a bottle of Nescafe. Sorry Calabria...I cannot come back to waste my hard earned money. read more

This is definitely not just another Italian cafe. I've been coming here for years, and I still think they make the best mochas ever. I don't know what brand of cream or chocolate they use, but it's gorgeous stuff. They also make a mean Americano, and I don't even like Americanos. Calabria is family-owned. You usually see one of the sons of the founder behind the counter. They're both very cute - if you like the Mediterranean type - and charming. Even if I haven't been there in a long time, they always make me feel recognized and welcomed. I don't eat there very often, but there is also homemade biscotti on offer and panini sandwiches and gelato. If you're thinking of bringing something into the cafe and eating, think again. That sign stating no outside food or drink is definitely not just for decoration. Finally, there isn't a cafe in Vancouver can match Calabria for unique ambiance. Where else will you find statuary, fountains, and all the Italian celebrity pictures you can shake a stick at? But I'd go there just for the coffee. And the boys. Note: The old-fashioned atmosphere extends to method of payment. Bring cash. read more

Where do you get your sandwich made by the main actor of flash Gordon! Really. What if that comes with some roughing on the shoulders by the very guy? Father and two sons running this place. Clearly they do it because they enjoy it not because they need to. Where does the line between rudeness and raw in your face dose of common sense lie? Yes the father can be rude but he definitely has his reasons. And he tells you. You want to eat or drink your own food in his cafe? Think again. You want to use his toilette without ordering? Think again. So someone asks to use the toilet claiming that he will order later. The old man says no you order and then you use the toilette. The guys insists. The old man simply says 'this is my place and I make the rules'. End of argument. Espresso is good, served normally by one of the two sons. The other son (the heavy built star actor), slices mortadella and prosciutto for the daily panini. Calmly yet passionately. Not sure if my take away sandwich was a special one, as my friend is a regular or not. Boasting slices after slices of different cuts, cheese, artichokes on focaccia. Not your italian from italy classic, but definitely your italian 'not' from italy indulgence. Play the rules and you will be well served. You may even get a friendly punch on the shoulder from Mr Flash! read more

I love to go to Café Calabria. It's a real Italian Café with a great ambiance! When I go there, I feel at home ! My favorite coffee is double cappuccino with a cookie and a special Frank sandwich! I recommend everybody to go there! I go there once a week and Each time I go there, I don't need to make an order, they know what I drink !! I love that! It's so friendly!! read more