🇨🇦 Saskatoon’s Italian Brunch Surprise

🇨🇦 Saskatoon’s Italian Brunch Surprise: D’Lish by Tish Café – Sweet & Savory Panini Adventures When a tiny Italian café in Saskatoon’s quiet Pleasant Hill neighborhood serves up a banana-peanut butter panini that somehow works, you know you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem. D’Lish by Tish Café, a family-run spot with checkered tablecloths and a chalkboard menu, delivers unexpected flavor combos alongside classic Italian sandwiches. After tasting their sweet-and-savory offerings (and debating whether banana belongs on pressed bread), here’s why this spot deserves a visit – with caveats. First Impressions: Nonna’s Kitchen Meets Prairie Café Walking into D’Lish by Tish feels like entering a European auntie’s cozy nook: The Vibe: • Decor: Red gingham curtains, vintage espresso posters, and a counter full of biscotti • Seating: 6 tables (max 20 people) + a sunlit window bar • Aroma: Freshly baked focaccia + roasting garlic The Service: • Owner Tish: A Sicilian-Canadian who chats with regulars • Order Style: Counter service, food arrives in 10 mins • Kid-Friendly? High chairs available (but tight space) Pro Tip: The window seat is the best spot for people-watching + natural light. The Food: Panini with a Side of Whimsy 1. Beef & Mozzarella Panini ($12) ⭐️⭐️⭐️½ A meaty Italian hug with a textural hiccup: • Filling: • Shredded Beef: Slow-cooked in tomato-herb sauce (like a deconstructed meatball) • Mozzarella: Stretchy but could be more generous • Onions: Lightly caramelized for sweetness • Bread: Ciabatta – toasted too hard (jaw workout required) • Flavor: Rich, savory, nostalgic – like a fancy Italian sub Solution: Ask for lightly toasted to save your teeth. 2. Banana Peanut Butter Panini ($6) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The surprise star of the meal: • Combo: • Banana: Sliced thin, barely caramelized • Peanut Butter: Smooth, not too sweet • Bread: Buttered brioche (softer than the ciabatta) • Taste: Comforting, not cloying – like a grilled PB&J for adults • Best Paired With: A strong espresso to balance sweetness Who Knew? This shouldn’t work… but it totally does. 3. Passionfruit Italian Soda ($3) ⭐️⭐️½ A missed opportunity: • Flavor: Artificial-tasting syrup (no fresh fruit) • Bubbles: Flat after 5 mins • Cream Topping: Whipped, not canned (small win) Better Drink Choice: Their lavender latte (locally sourced syrup). Why This Place Stands Out 1. Authentic Italian Touches • Bread Baked Daily: Focaccia, ciabatta, and panini rolls • House-Made Sauces: Marinara, pesto, and garlic aioli • Espresso Setup: Proper Lavazza machine (not Keurig) 2. Unusual Combos That Work • Nutella & Strawberry Panini (weekend special) • Prosciutto & Fig Jam (sweet-savory perfection) 3. Pricing That Makes Sense Compared to Saskatoon’s other brunch spots: Item D’Lish by Tish Competitor Average Panini 9-12 14-18 Coffee 3.50 5+ Dessert 4 (biscotti) 7+ The Verdict: A Quirky, Cozy Stop Rating (10-point scale): Category Score Notes Food Creativity 8 Banana panini = win Bread Quality 7 Better when toasted less Value 9 Cheap for the quality Ambiance 8 Feels like a mini getaway Perfect For: • Quick, cheap lunches (in and out in 30 mins) • Sweet-toothed adventurers (unusual combos) • Espresso purists (no $7 vanilla syrup nonsense) Skip If: • You need gluten-free bread (limited options) • You hate tight spaces (it’s tiny) Pro Tips: 1. Ask for Extra Sauce (their pesto is killer) 2. Weekend Specials: Nutella-stuffed French toast (Sundays only) 3. Parking: Free on side streets (no meters) 📍 Location: 702 14 St E (Pleasant Hill) ⏰ Hours: 8am-3pm (closed Mondays) 📱 Order Ahead: Call 306-555-1234 to skip the lunch rush #SaskatoonRestaurants#SaskatoonDining​#ItalianFood #HiddenGems #BrunchGoals