I love coffee. I hate Starbucks. I love Dacapo.

Really, the title says it all. Dacapo is an Italian cafe that serves up some of the best coffee, gelato and pizzas in the city. The trendy cafe has been open since late 2006 but it hasn't been until just recently that I think Dacapo has hit its stride.

The Coffee:

In-house roasted coffee beans and an Elektra espresso machine put Dacapo in an envious position of been equipped with the best-of-the-best. Fortunately the cafe also has the baristas to put the equipment to good use. Led by founder Antonio Bilotta, Dacapo has a skilled group of employees that consistently craft delicious espresso-based beverages. My personal favourite are the cappuccinos. They'll run you $4.25 but they're worth every penny.

The Gelato:

After touring Italy this summer I ate my fair share of gelato so I was eager to compare Dacapo's offerings with what I sampled in Europe. Well, I can confidently say that Dacapo's gelato holds its own against its counterparts in Italy. The cinnamon gelato is my standard order but the revolving door of flavours gives you lots of options. If you feel like trying something really Italian order an affogato: espresso served over gelato.

The Pizza:

Even though authentic Italian pizza is hard to find outside of Italy, Dacapo does a good job re-creating the experience. Their newly expanded menu has several hard to pronounce yet delicious tasting pizzas to choose from. Unlike some other Italian pizza restaurants in Edmonton, I think one of Dacapo's strengths is that their pizza is of a consistent quality. Nothing is more disappointing than a pizza with a soggy crust...

Annoyances:

It's a cash only establishment but there is a debit machine on the premises (You'll be charged $2.00 for withdrawals.). Gift cards can also be purchased to alleviate the need to carry cash.

Personal Plug:

My car recently got stuck in Dacapo's parking lot after a particularly heavy snowfall. I struggled with my car for a few minutes before Antonio helped dig me out. It's that type of service that keeps me going back.

Google Streetview of Dacapo:

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