Cafe Voltaire — Restaurant in Gainesville

I'm obsessed with Voltaire's mocha. The local milk option makes it ultra creamy, and the cinnamon spice gives a sophisticated edge. It's rich, but not overly so, and the sweetness complements the coffee flavor without masking it. This is a coffee to look forward to, a delight to enjoy at any time of day.

The apple compote crepe was exceptional. I knew it was being cooked when the delicious aroma of pan fried batter hit the air. The crepe was perfect—pliant, crispy, buttery—and filled with refreshingly sweet, tender apple goodness. It was served fresh off the pan and topped with Voltaire's homemade vanilla gelato—à la mode never tasted so good. It's big enough for two to share, as we did, but I had a hard time overcoming the greedy desire to hog the whole thing to myself. This is certainly the best crepe I've ever had. 10/10, no notes.

I'd also like to mention Voltaire's lovely atmosphere. The interior is painted in calming shades of green, with beautiful antique wood furniture throughout. Scattered around the room is a curated collection of locally made goods, art pieces and bric-à-brac. Overall, Voltaire has a refined vintage look that elevates the experience, whether you visit to study, enjoy a carefully crafted coffee, or share a moment with your significant other. It's easily my favorite cafe in Gainesville, and I'm very thankful for its place in our local...

Café Voltaire has a cozy and inviting atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in. The lighting is soft, which gives the space a calm and relaxed feel, perfect for studying or spending time with friends. The music fits the mood well, adding character without being distracting. Their menu offers a thoughtful mix of savory and sweet items, and the crepes are especially worth trying whether you want something filling or something light and sweet. As a tea drinker, I really appreciate the variety of teas, which feels like a genuine part of the menu rather than an afterthought. The combination of good food, a strong tea selection, and a warm setting makes Café Voltaire a place I look forward to...

UPDATE: they’ve more or less fixed the odor issue, though there’s still a faint remnant. I’d say this is now a strict upgrade to Volta, which was excellent.

OLD: Volta was my favorite spot in town, and at first I thought Voltaire was an upgrade. It’s charming, the coffee is as good or better and they have delicious crepes. BUT, they make the crepes in an open unventilated space. With time, an oily cooking smell has permeated the space and by now I can’t tolerate it long enough to order much less set up to work. I find it quite sad - without the smell I’d be a regular but with it I just won’t be back. I’ll check periodically to see if it’s been fixed and will gladly delete this...