A great new addition to the Commercial Drive neighbourhood, this Italian sports cafe features Italian snacks, pizza, panini, desserts, coffees, wine, cocktails and more. This new eatery is owned by Dom and Frank Morra, the same family that also owns Via Tevere Pizzeria, Straight Outta Brooklyn and the Saltimbocca Truck.

They took over the long standing Abruzzo Café and have kept the sign on the inside wall as a nod to it’s history. There is seating inside as well as a few seats outside, tv’s are scattered throughout for patrons to watch the Italian soccer games as well as other sporting events.

I have visited and tried a selection of pizzas as well as several other items including desserts.

The Antipasti Misto featured meats, cheeses, veggies and their house-made focaccia. Loved The Cheech Saltimboca with mortadella, ham, salami, fresh mozzarella.

I tried a selection of Grandma’s pizza squares, my favourites were the Pepperoni which features double pepperoni cups and the Margherita; we also tried the meaty Capricciosa. This style of Italian pizza is thicker, has a crispy bottom, and has various meat and veggie toppings.

Tried one of their panini, the Vinny Verde Panino, a tasty sandwich with eggplant, artichokes, red pepper, provolone and greens.

I had an Iced Americano made with local Casa del Caffe, loved the coffee flavour.

We also tried a selection of their desserts and of course I loved all of them, the Pastiera Napoletana is made by their nonna; also had their amazing Tiramisu (the same recipe as their sister restaurant Via Tevere), Croissant con Nutella; and the NY Cheesecake with strawberry sauce.

They also offer soft serve ice cream and I tried both the vanilla as well as the chocolate vanilla twist.

The eatery is open daily (closed Tuesday’s) from morning to night.

Caffe Soccavo is located at 1321 Commercial Drive in Vancouver.

By: Richard Wolak