****~ (4/5)

Are you a coffee person? I’m not.. not really. But I do enjoy a good bean here and there, especially since my morning starts off with an automatic Starbucks coffee machine. It’s not bad, I can choose decaf, mild, or some magical mix of both which it will grind and brew into my morning wake up potion but it doesn’t exactly taste good. Getting my fix from Starbucks the store itself is great, I can choose a drink and customize it my hearts delight. Decaf! Non-Fat! EXTRA HOT!

Yeah, I’m not too choosy and the default is fine for me but it always feels like there could be something more. Caffe Artigiano gives me that feeling I’m missing: a latte that tastes more than just milky. There’s a flavour in there that gives a tingly feeling, and no, I didn’t get it extra hot. Either way I’m sure coffee enthusiasts will have more elegant things to say about coffee served at Caffe Artigiano versus Starbucks or Blenz (seriously, crappiest cup sleeves ever and not very bio degradable, Blenz. Tsk, tsk), but I will just say that I enjoyed the coffee.. from a cup.

One thing I will say about the place that I know something about, is that they make you feel welcome. Whether that is just good training for their staff or not, it’s a welcome change from the bunch of faceless baristas at other coffee shops. I’ve been to this place when it’s crazy crowded and when it’s quiet. Each time it feels good being there and not like they’re there to take my money for hot water that’s been passed through ground beans. Yay, Italia!

The downside, is the price. It’s a bit steep for coffee but it’s good to indulge once in a while.

Caffe Artigiano
4359 Hastings Street
Burnaby, BC V5C 2J7
Tel: 604-473-2180

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