Caffe Vitoria: What There Was Before There Was Starbucks
Written: Aug 23 '03 (Updated Oct 29 '05)
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Pros: Great coffee, great desserts (what else could matter?)
Cons: Parking is impossible to find
The Bottom Line: A fun, calorie-laden experience in Boston's North End.
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| modernmarvel's Full Review: Caffe Vittoria |
Caffe Vittoria is a fixture in Boston's North End. They serve desserts and Italian coffee in a charming setting.
DECOR
The decor is a big part of Caffe Vittoria. The restaurant is divided into several rooms and each has its own character. The decorations are Italian eclectic. Basically, it looks like a collection of local goods the owners picked up over several decades of trips to Italy. The chairs are metallic. There are no booths. Tables are arranged in a random pattern. Some have umbrellas over them, as if they were outside. On our last visit, we sat in a hall decorated to look like a veranda.
The restaurant is much larger than it appears to be from the street. As you enter and go by the first tables, you quickly see that it goes on for quite a while. If you don't see a free table, walk in and keep going. You are bound to find something.
MENU
Caffe Vittoria is solely a dessert place. There are plenty of delicious Italian pastries to be had plus a very good selection of Italian ice creams. The Italian coffees predate Starbucks and are still among the best to be had in the city.
Small plastic menus reside on each table. Of course, you should also survey the pastry cases on your way in. If you don't see what you want on the menu, be sure to ask. They have never failed to provide the calorie-laden treasure that I am seeking.
SERVICE
Service is always good. Friendliness varies. Still, Caffe Vittoria feels like a neighborhood joint and the servers act like locals.
LOCATION
Caffe Vitoria is located in Boston's North End. Originally, this was the home of Paul Revere and his house can still be viewed near by. The Old North Church (one if by land, two if by sea) is two blocks down the street from Caffe Vittoria. Years later, the North End became the settling point for thousands of immigrants from Italy. Although the North End is still considered the Italian section of Boston, the reality is that cheaper rents, proximity to the financial district, old world charm and its reputation for safety, has made the North End very attractive to a variety of people and the North End is now very mixed. The old Italian feel remains though and there are still plenty of cafes and Italian restaurants.
GETTING THERE
Caffe Vittoria is located on Hanover Street, the main drag of Boston's North End. Boston's mammoth Big Dig construction project is bound to challenge anyone who seeks this area. Access streets vary depending on where the construction project creates its newest detour. Signs are pretty good and it makes sense to look for and follow anything directing you to Boston's North End.
There is almost no parking near Caffe Vittoria, although there are some parking lots about a 20 minute walk away. There are also no subway stops in the North End. The best way to get to the area is to park in downtown or one of the lots by the water and hoof it. The area is charming so it won't feel like too much work. Besides, you have to walk off all of those calories.
OTHER INFORMATION
We visited at 11pm on a Friday night and this large cafe was almost full. It is almost always almost full. They don't take reservations. Just walk in and ask any staff member where you might find an open table.
They DO NOT take credit cards.
Vegetarians will have some options.
Handicapped Accessibility: The restaurant is on several levels and tables are close together. Seats near the door would be the most accessible.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
This is a charming little restaurant in a charming area. It makes a nice stop on its own or as an after-dinner treat following dinner in a North End restaurant. Due to Boston's major construction project, access can be a little challenging, but it is well worth the trip.
BOSTON: Radius; Excelsior; Jacob Wirth; Cottonwood Cafe; Imperial Seafood House; Sibling Rivalry; Fleming’s.
BROOKLINE: Mr. Sushi; Fugakyu; Takeshima; Tsunami; Anna's Taqueria; Zaftigs Delicatessen; Bangkok Bistro; Golden Temple.
NEWTON: Appetito; India Paradise; Blue Ribbon Barbeque; Ice Cream Works; Baker's Best; Bill’s Pizzeria; Cafe Nicolas; Union Street; O’Hara’s; Yeradi’s; Johnny’s Luchonette.
CAMBRIDGE: S&S Restaurant; The Japanese Mall; Jasper White’s Summer Shack.
WEST ROXBURY: Cafe Misono.
BRIGHTON: Tasca.
ESSEX: Woodman’s.
SAUGUS: Kowloon.
CHAIN RESTAURANTS: Not Your Average Joe’s; Bertucci’s; Legal Sea Foods; Cheesecake Factory; Rainforest Cafe; Fire & Ice; Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse; Friendly’s.
COFFEE, BAGELS AND DONUTS: Bruegger’s Bagels; Finagle a Bagel; Dunkin Donuts; >; Peet’s Coffee and Tea.
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Everything is good. Try the Italian ice cream.
Best Suited For: Friends
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