Café 22 — Restaurant in Waterloo

Let me start off with confirming what many other reviewers have pointed out - this place has modern charm, coupled with a kind and hardworking owner, Asia. This was my first visit to this cafe as I was only in town for a bit and was grabbing a to go coffee before my trip out. I love good coffee and, based on what I read in the reviews, was really looking forward to trying out what so many people rave about. Unfortunately I was let down on my expectations. I suspect that most of the people that come to this cafe, don't come for the coffee.

I got an Americano (the larger of the two sizes, most comparable to a medium) which was quite pricey (3.20). This price would have been justified had the coffee experience been similar to what you expect in a high end coffee shop - fresh beans, ground up, tampered properly, watch the machine to make sure you have good crema... all the works. This is standard procedure for a cafe. Unfortunately, the coffee here is made from Illy canned pre-ground coffee, most comparable to a store bought Folgers. The Illy coffee, at no technical fault to Asia, is stale, slightly burnt, and tasteless. No crema from the machines (again because the coffee is stale).

Usually I would just contact the owner if I had something to share based on my experience. However, I'd like to make this review public because the coffee experience here less than that of another 4.8/5 cafe elsewhere. If you want good food, this might be the place (fresh meats/cheeses/sandwiches here). If you want a latte with lots of cream, sugar and pumps of flavoring (we all have our preferences), you might appreciate the service here. However, if you want to truly get a good cup of coffee/americano, I'd suggest to look elsewhere.

To Asia, you cafe looks wonderful inside and your charm is inviting. I hope you can upgrade the coffee experience away from Illy with perhaps some locally roasted beans and most importantly grinding them for orders. I would definitely come back...

Visiting Cafe 22 has been an incredibly memorable experience for my family and myself. It is exceptional in all aspects, from the quality of food, the service, and the atmosphere. It was our first time visiting the cafe and our impressions were extremely positive. The environment and atmosphere is very elegant, cozy, and warm. The interior achieves a Victorian style, with antique furniture, warm lighting, and intricate patterns and details along the walls and decor. The food was delicious and satisfied our appetite. We ordered the soup of the day, chicken noodle soup, the Viva Italia wrap, and a Chicken Ceasar wrap along with our cappuccinos. The food was prepared quickly and it was beautifully presented. What made the experience even more memorable was the owner of the cafe, Daniela. She was incredibly kind and generous to us and allowed us to share our story of coming to Canada, while she shared her own story. The conversation was sincere and heartfelt, and she made us feel special. My family comes from a European country and ever since living in Canada, we have strived to find a cafe that achieves a European atmosphere and captures European flavours, and Cafe 22 is exactly the place we were looking for. We look forward to coming here again in the...

A Gem in Uptown Waterloo: Over the years, Café 22 has become more than just a coffee spot for me; it's a place I eagerly look forward to visiting time and time again. Nestled in the heart of Uptown Waterloo, this local and independently owned café stands out not just for its exceptional coffee, but also for the warmth and hospitality that Daniela, the owner, extends to everyone. It's rare to find a place where the staff and guests are treated like family, creating an atmosphere that's both welcoming and comforting.

The coffee here is consistently fantastic, offering a perfect blend of flavors that keep me coming back. But what truly sets Café 22 apart is Daniela's genuine kindness and her remarkable ability to remember her frequent customers, making each visit feel personalized and special. Her friendly conversations are the highlight of my visits, adding a personal touch that is hard to find elsewhere.

Café 22 is, without a doubt, a delightful haven in Uptown Waterloo. I highly recommend giving Café 22 a try. The combination of great coffee, a welcoming atmosphere, and Daniela's delightful disposition makes this café a must-visit...