Caffe Ristretto

It’s a good, quiet coffee place. I really enjoy the comfy atmosphere.
However it does have some sour notes.
The counter area isn’t usually clean, large groups over whelm the small staff.
But if you just want a quiet refuge on the waterfront that doesn’t feel corporate, then here’s your place!

I think a lot of the reviews before mine sum it up quite well. It’s a coffee shop — it has coffee. Other than that, there’s nothing noteworthy about it. I’ve gone a few times to get some work done. They do offer free wifi. The reason I went back is because it has always been quiet and empty when I’ve gone, and the seating is nice and abundant. I threw out the last drink I got from Ristretto, though. I ordered a green tea latte and when I took a sip it was a green tea latte, plus some espresso. Usually tea lattes have tea, caffe lattes have espresso, never both… I’m sure that was just a mistake, and it was a one-​off, but that’s the only memorable experience I’ve had from ristretto.
The location would be perfect for a nice summer morning coffee and pastry on a sunny day, though. I can definitely see its potential. Staff was also really nice, and there’s lots of parking in Bishop’s Landing and other Lower Water St. lots.

Caffe Ristretto’s staff are great. The food/​snacks/​treats are meh, at best. But the café has a nice welcoming atmosphere and is a fantastic place to work/​read/​people watch. If they could just get some moister cookies and maybe some good pastries or something. But seriously, the staff and atmosphere are tops.

This place is right around the corner from where i work so it was natural to try it for a good cup o joe! All in all the coffee was great. The only reason why its lacking in that infamous last star, is the service was a little lackluster. Not bad, just seems the fellow behind the counter REALLY didnt want to be there. I will be back, and if its better I will be sure to update the review with another star! :)

No complaints here. We ran in to grab a hot drink for a walk on the waterfront and were met with very prompt and friendly service. Our order wasn’t too complicated (2 teas, please) so I can’t comment on the quality of the rest of their wares, but the service alone was enough for me to return. As mentioned in other reviews, the café itself isn’t exactly oozing with personality, but it’s certainly clean and tidy, and an ideal stop for a hot drink while you’re on the waterfront.

I really don’t have anything bad to say about Caffe Ristretto. Unfortunately, I don’t have a ton of great things to say either. It really is A-​OK. Truth be told though, I’ve rarely «café-​d it up» here; it’s usually just a place to grab a drink while exploring the harbourfront.
The service is perfectly acceptable. Selection of coffees is good (I’m told, I don’t drink coffee). Prices are a tad higher than I’d like. Food options are okay if un-​memorable.
One of the best things is the seating. I know, I know, it sounds like I’m desperate. But, really, the chairs are quite comfy. Well, the indoor ones. They do have a small outdoor seating area which is great in the summer.
Whenever I’ve been there it definitely seems like there are regulars which maybe means I just haven’t spent enough time there to get its charm.

Call yourself by an Italian name and my expectations are high. I expect that you’ll deliver true Italian cappuccino, for example. Not cappuccino served in a mug the size of my head. And aside from the name, if you’re a specialty coffee shop (i.e. not Starbucks) I just generally expect that you’ll do it better than the run-​of-​the-​mill, big box coffee shops. But Caffe Ristretto doesn’t really.
All in all, it’s OK, and it’ll do the trick if you’re on Lower Water St. and need a quick hit. But it’s not where I would be running to get my espresso, and certainly not my cappuccino, unless I had run out of other options.

With a name like Caffe Ristretto, you’d expect a location beaming with bold Italian personality. Unfortunately, the feel of this waterfront café falls a little flat. Their service and menu checks off all the major boxes that a café needs to, but there’s little extras packed into this venue besides its great proximity to so many next stops of the night (Pizzeria A Mano, Keith’s Brewery, Morris Street).
Snacks are brought in from a catering service so it’s pretty much business as usual for any of their squares, cookies, and biscotti, and coffees, teas, and other beverages are par for the course.
Caffe Ristretto certainly isn’t doing anything wrong, per se, but might just be in need of an identity crisis before it can figure out exactly what it’s trying to bring to the table.

Caffe Ristretto nestles into the luxe confines of the Bishop’s Landing Courtyard. While it maintains a quiet existence, it is certainly a great one. This slightly «off the charts» location assures patrons a quiet, welcoming atmosphere and cultivated esthetic.
This bistro/​café styled venue offers a fine selection of sandwiches, treats, caffeine and the extras. My experience didn’t lead to any particularly divine food discoveries, but it was fresh and tasty all the same.
Tourists from the cruise ships are likely to peek into Ristretto, as well as the Bishops crowd– its a mixing of groups. Its a lovely spot to go for a quiet coffee and be amongst great surroundings. If this spot were a little more central, I’d be there more often.

This café has a subterranean feel, residing slightly below street level in the base of a condominium unit. The space is bright and simple, with concrete and a relatively rouge palate adorning the walls.
I’ve been in on a number of occasions; to read, pick up a quick joe, and as well to chat with amaigas. The service is often smiley, but not always quick. On one particularly busy afternoon, I waited over ten minutes for my hot bevie. I have an ample amount of patience and empathy when it comes to these kinds of situations, but the place was understaffed and the poor darling at the counter was seriously flustered.
The java is fine. I wouldn’t add it to my top cups in Halifax, but it is pretty good and does the trick if you’re in need and down in this district. If you’re toting a laptop around and looking for a place to connect, this is a relaxed space with adequate seating. Caffe Ristretto is a fine little joint in a lovely end of town.

After a busy morning at The Market, we all wanted a little peace and quite. Off we went to Caffe Ristretto.
This is a really nice relaxed atmosphere, which was a welcome on this day. In the back there is a great section by a fire place, although it was not on when we were there. They have small bistro tables with chairs and then the big leather ones to just sink and and enjoy.
There was a few people there with their laptops. We had coffee’s and hot chocolate. The staff were nice, and the location is great to people watch.
I will not say it was the best coffee in the world, but it will hit the spot!

This is a great little study spot or conversation place. they have wifi that is password protected. It’s far enough from campus that’s it never gets crowded and the club chairs are very comfortable to work in. The coffee is inexpensive and plentiful. I once had the veggie panini even though Amore pizza is right across the street and was surprised at how good it was. The staff are helpful and never have any of that coffee joint attitude that you sometimes get in other cities. I always tipped in appreciation of this, their fairly inexpensive coffee and the fact that they never rushed me even though I was there until close most evenings.

Café Ristretto does it in a pretty good way.
This coffee shop has been around for a little under five or so years if I remember correctly. They are located near the waterfront and in the beautiful Bishop’s Landing which is home to a few specialty stores and Condos. So they cater to a Condo sort of crowd along with tourists since they are so close to where the cruise ships come in and dock.
The coffee shop has a nice, open concept but still has enough seats for everyone. Their staff are very, very laid back. Sometimes, perhaps a bit too laid back. But generally they are great and very easy going. I would just like to see a smile from time to time. If I did, this place would definitely get another star.
Smiles aside, this place is still really good. Their seating is different but comfortable. You will find dark, hard wood chairs, leather chairs and laid back, retro style red chairs. The entire coffee shop is surrounded by windows which I love and they always have music playing and most of the time its not too loud as to annoy anyone.
On to the food and drink. The food should be mentioned first as it is the best part of this coffee shop. They have very large cookies that I have never seen anyone completely finish! They also have everything else you would expect from a coffee shop; muffins, scones, Biscotti along with sandwiches. The downside is that they do not have the prices for their food listed on the wall. But besides that, the food is fantastic! I would suggest the cookies. And I dare you to finish one. Just get a doctors note clearly stating you are in good health before embarking on that journey.
On the drink side of things, the coffee can taste a little watered down from time to time. I like a full bodied coffee whether it is light or dark, and theirs is a bit on the weak side. Not enough for me to think I won’t get my «buzz on,» though.
And of course they have what every coffee shop should have, free wireless! I’m looking at you Starbucks. Come on, get with the times.
Café Ristretto is a very solid coffee shop. They have a nice selection of food and snacks, a great location, beautiful interior and average pricing for a fancy coffee shop. Expect to pay a few cents over two dollars for a medium coffee. But to be surrounded by this environment, I’m willing to fork over the money.