La Vita Dolce — Restaurant in Chapel Hill

Place: Cute coffee shop with creamy gelato. They are not speedy fast like some cafe’s but that also means the food is fresh and not rushed. My sandwich was served very hot which I guess is nice for to go. I ordered to go to eat on the swing bench on the side walk by the mural next door.

Experience: They had a nice seasonal menu of drinks. Their coffee is strong, which I see many loving while I myself don’t want to taste it at all- I recommend a different drink if you’re like me. Also, they offer diary alternatives like oatmilk which is great! Staff were nice and their indoor seating was cozy. Outdoor seating is also really nice for a small cafe.

Critique: My total was $30 after tipping ($16.50 sandwich + $8 drink + tax & tip) , which is pretty steep- the sandwich and latte pricing is pretty steep for their quality in my opinion- La Farm is well- farm to table and cheaper. I love capreses but for the one of the pricier menu options- it fell short in taste. They boast about the quality of their coffee beans and their housemade gelato- but the food ingredients are not very descriptive. At this price - I expect elevated quality in ingredients like farm to table, house made sauces, organic, etc, which may be the case, but if so- needs to...

I recently went back to this coffee shop and asked for a half decaf iced coffee. For background I have heart issues so I can only have a certain amount of caffeine every now and then. After receiving my coffee, I instantly questioned if it was half decaf. Turns out, it wasn’t. I immediately started having health issues after drinking 1/8th of the coffee (which happens when it’s not half decaf). I just want to emphasize how important it is to follow the customizations placed by the customer. I know it’s not typical to get people who request half decaf (it defeats the point of coffee) but please, follow the instructions or you could seriously damage someone. Unfortunately, I will not be returning to this coffee shop. Out of the entire chapel hill area, this has been the most expensive coffee shop. The flavor isn’t that well either, the coffee tastes very burnt. It’s beautiful inside out but, there’s cheaper options out there. It’s also not fair to charge customers extra for changing the milk. Those who are sensitive/ allergic to whole milk shouldn’t need to pay 80 cents to a dollar more, it’s a disability that they cannot handle. Maybe I caught them on a bad day but whatever it was, I’m making the personal decision to...

Another cafe in what I'm learning in NC to be intentionally developed to give the old town square feeling even though it's a newer area.

I haven't been in for maybe a year since they're not in my usual 'orbit of daily life', which may be good so I don't have gelato on the daily.

I went a little off my usual reservation of beverage choice and ordered a Cuban latte. Never had one before, anywhere. The condensed milk definitely gives it a little something, sweet, but not overly so, like with a mocha.

I had one of the breakfast sandwiches on my first visit and recall it being good, but since coffee is technically a beverage, this review is only for the service and atmosphere.

The barista I had contact from was nice, friendly, etc, even on a rainy, dreary Thursday.

Plenty of seating inside and out.

3/16/23: Returned to the scene...