Tre Fantastico — Restaurant in Victoria

Many years ago I frequented the Fantastico in the Quadra Street village and the barista there was given the task of serving me "whatever you think will bring me back in the door"...

Well, be careful what ask for, as I was given a bowl sized coffee that was quite literally the best coffee I have ever had in my life, presented with chocolate covered beans around the base on a plate. I sat at the window enjoying this delight, watching the passersby, and taking in the day unfolding around me. And a wonderful think happened: I began to see things sharper, colours were more vivid, my thoughts clearer and faster, I had more energy and felt like the world was mine to explore and enjoy!?!

Like a certain episode of Seinfeld, I was enlightened.

This was NOT the case of the Parkside located franchise; I found the coffee to be bitter like a franchise regular blend which always has the pot brewing and is never washed out. The muffin was average. The seating was full and I ended up in the hotel lobby (too cold to be outside!).

The staff were attentive and polite, but I didn't feel like I was valued like the other Fantastico location. The prices were high. Parking is paid, on the street. If you're a customer of the hotel there is underground parking and apparently that would include free charging...

Food was ok, but servers were not. Not only did none of them exchange a single please or thank-you as basic discourse, but one server actually chided me for moving an empty advertisement chalk board off of a table so we could sit down. “That was there for a reason” she scolded “you should ask permission before touching anything”. Excuse me?? It was getting fairly crowded in the room and I had 5 strangers bums in my face as I sat to eat! So I chose to gently pick up the board from the adjacent table and lean it against the wall so that we could move over out of the way and others could sit down. Ask permission?? Excuse me? Not a chance. In fact it was obvious she should have had the presence of mind to have moved in the first place for all the customers to have seat. Secondly, what kind of server chides a customer for clearing a space to sit? I did you and all your other customers a favour. So very inappropriate and I feel so turned off now by it that even though it is in the lobby of our hotel (we own one of the rooms here so actually return frequently) I will never set foot in the cafe again. Family owned? I dont care - train your servers on basic...

Tre Fantastico is a great little coffee shop that has won my heart with its simple charm and good vibes. It's the kind of place where you can escape the hustle and bustle, even if just for a moment.

Whether you're in need of a quick caffeine fix or a light snack, Tre Fantastico has got you covered. Their coffee is reliably fantastic, and it's the perfect pick-me-up to start your day on the right note. The menu offers a range of options to grab a quick bite, making it a convenient stop for those on the go.

What truly shines at Tre Fantastico is its staff. The team here is genuinely friendly and welcoming. They understand the importance of a warm greeting and a friendly smile, and it makes the experience all the more enjoyable.

While it may not be the biggest or flashiest coffee shop in town, Tre Fantastico has a certain cozy appeal that keeps me coming back. It's a spot where you can unwind, chat with a friend, or simply enjoy a moment of tranquility.

In a city filled with coffee options, Tre Fantastico stands out for its simplicity and authenticity. It may be a "little" coffee shop, but it has a big heart, and that's what...