Kaffa Roaster and Studio — Restaurant in Greater Strathcona

This review isn’t a reflection on their product or services as I never made it inside the building. Instead I wandered around in the rain looking for this place. There’s construction everywhere, which is not their fault at all obviously. I found the signage to be really poor as I couldn’t locate it and was trying to look on Google maps. I called but didn’t get an answer. I never did see a sign, but I think I found it - entrance in the back alley behind sugar bowl. There are several staircases to get up to what looks like a cool space. Needless to say I couldn’t get up there with my stroller and gave up🤪

Edit: I eventually found this place another time but I had to ask inside a bakery. It’s actually a random door by the bike shop. A couple staircases and you’re in a cool and spacious spot with views. Definitely achieved an A+ atmosphere. Coffee has always been quite good. It would be nice if they actually had baking available at the counter. I had to go down and pick up a cinnamon bun from the Sugar Bowl. So minus a star for inconvenience of the baking and difficulty of finding the place. Otherwise I will continue to visit...

Walking in, I had to take a moment to deal with the shock of how stunning this environment was. Even on the gloomy December day that it was I suddenly felt warm and cozy. There aren’t many words I could use to describe the interior with that do it so much of a sliver of justice. “Wow” might be the closest I could get. Perfect studying spot, too. The soup and salad were $9.50 each, and while the salad (a delicious chickpea dish) wasn’t the largest in portion size, the soup was very filling and came with toasted sourdough to side it. I enjoyed both to the fullest, and left my bowls clean! The staff, too, made this venture special. Everyone behind the counter gave off the same warmth that the decor did, as if Kaffa couldn’t get any better. I’ve been eyeing up the coffee cakes for a second, even as I write this… rest assured that I will grab one as soon as I hit “submit”.

All in all, I am so happy that I decided to walk up those stairs and check this gem out. I...

I wish there were still more spots like this in Edmonton. Working with the beauty of a historical building, Kaffa has played off that old school vibe. A must see room in the city. There are multiple selections for eats and treats, as well as a traditional Italian style coffee menu. Let’s just say they know how to make a true macchiato. Milk steaming has always been spot on. However, my only concern comes to the coffee roast itself. I’ve been here a few times now, this last time having a pour-over as well as flat white. Coffee’s flavour notes have always been up for interpretation as everyone’s palettes are different. I have to admit there wasn’t much of a flavour going on generally. The pour over was bold, but unfortunately boring and not the fun and funky flavour mentioned by the barista. The flat white was a bit more flavourful but had a somewhat of a cardboard aftertaste. Great experience overall, great room, but an average roast that I’ll probably...