I've heard great things about Caffe Classico. I love Classico Takeout and Empanadas so it was time I gave this one a try. I was not impressed unfortunately. Don't get me wrong; everything was good, but it didn't live up to what everyone was saying. The location is great. It's on the corner of Frankfort and Clifton. I like all the windows and the chill vibe. It's seat yourself, but they do table service. We got empanadas: beef, chicken, and ham & cheese. They're great--just like the ones at Classico Takeout and Empanadas. They were out of the entree we wanted so we got the salmon. It was pretty good. My biggest disappointment was the pizza. Several people recommended the spicy Thai shrimp pizza. It was just okay. I did not taste any Thai flavor. It was basically a cheese pizza with diced shrimp and a drizzle of buffalo sauce. I didn't care for the crust either. It ended up being a $70 dinner that was just okay. If we go back, it'll probably be for the empanadas or fries. It seemed like almost every table got the pomme frites so they must be good. read more

I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars because: The service: amazing. Our server was welcoming and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu items, ingredients, and ability to customize. She offered recommendations when we were indecisive, and made sure each customization was executed accurately. The food: unpredictable. Let me explain: I ordered the gazpacho and the ensalada fresca. Both come with a hearty slice of Blue Dog crusty sourdough. Gazpacho: one million stars. SO delicious - flavor is spot on, with incredibly creamy texture for a vegan soup. Salad: not bad, but didn't blow me away. The greens were tasty, and the few tangerine slices and pine nuts scattered on top added a nice depth. The balsamic dressing was also pleasant. As a whole though, I felt something was missing. Maybe a crunchy or warm element? For a $15 dinner salad I expected more. The pricing: a little steep. I understand the goal is to provide elevated European cuisine, however for the quality and quantity I didn't feel the salad was worth it. That said, I would gladly pay $4.50 all day long for that gazpacho. Overall I appreciate the variety of options, especially vegan and vegetarian menu items. I would consider a return visit for the gazpacho for sure, however the issues above merit shoring up. read more

Caffe Classico - Ensalada Fresca - Dinner - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Although the barista was not present the drip coffee was accompanied by a Biscoff and a small vessel of cream, a sign that the food and presentation would surely go alongside the pleasant, quaint, and delightful ambiance. I've never used any of those adjectives in a review and they are perfect to describe this place that I will surely be back to. read more

Caffe Classico - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

I've been here before and the food has been amazing tonight, the french fries were out of this world and the lima bean risotto dish was definitely a one star. The waitress was delightful the music was really great and I do love going here so I'll go back I just probably won't get the lima bean dish again. That's too bad because it used to be my favorite. read more

Caffe Classico - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

My husband and I met friends of our here for dinner. They had been several times and recommended it. It was delicious! Menu that has a wide variety of options- anyone can find something there that they'd like. I had the mussels and they were delicious! Our waitress was nice. Small space- not a ton of seating, so not sure how great it would be for a large group. read more

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This European style restaurant is amazing! I stopped in for an espresso and breakfast and was amazed by the vibe and the food. I will definitely be a regular here read more

Caffe Classico - Espresso con panna - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Caffe Classico is a great lunch spot. While small inside, you can usually get a table within a few minutes. There is a bar/counter you can eat at as well. I haven't tried a ton of the food because I always stick with my same order: cup of gazpacho and a half panini. The gazpacho is to die for! So creamy and yet it's vegan. The portion sizes seem to be getting smaller with price increases is why I deducted a star. read more

The service is quick and the staff is friendly. Their food is delicious, I especially like their fries and paninis. It's a quiet cafe with a lot of natural light. read more

Menu on the website is not what is available in the restaurant. No jamon as on the website are available Disappointing read more

Cafe Classico has always been one of my favourite places. I always said the Risotto cakes and Limas was one of my top 5 favs in Louisville. Today at lunch that changed. First, the dish was $30.00 but I told my friends when I love something and I've been craving it I don't care even if it's lunch. When my food came I almost cried, the beans were nothing like I've had every other time, they were gray in color and I'm pretty sure they were left over from last weekend. The risotto cakes were just mush and nothing tasted as it had the many times I've eaten it. I didn't bother the server as she had 12 tables and was so busy, and she was great. So disappointed, and I'm sure if the owner was there he wouldn't have let that be served. read more

The ambience is very relaxed; and the good is very good as well. There are two rooms; and you can not see the second or back room from the front. So, you aren't really sure how busy they are. They have a check payment system similar to other restaurants. Your phone scans the code; your entire order with gratuity suggestions, including custom %, appears. You pay via phone. If you prefer the more traditional approach to settling your bill, that is available as well. read more

I found a great work lunch spot - menu and receipt pictured. Swipe to see the turkey, Panini, curried, chicken, salad, sandwich, the West Coast veggie sandwich, chunky chocolate, chip cookie, and the frothiest cappuccino ever! read more

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From the many chats I have heard among this town, Caffe Classico has stuck out as a prime example of food excellence and effort. Entering the establishment at dinner time with my date, we were immediately asked if we shared a preference on the front or back room. Enticed with the strums and percussive beating of the live music down the hall, we decided to stake our night in the back room, where a live guitarist played throughout our meal. I ordered the Chicken Roulade, my first experience of a French classic, for around 30 dollars. Stuffed with two cheeses (goat and prosciutto), pine nuts, dried tomatoes, and wilted spinach, these poultry pinwheels left me wanting more, due to both their deliciousness and their small portioning. Paired with some asparagus and two pan-seared risotto cakes, I was left enthused, not duly satisfied. Finishing my meal, I waited a little, and then ordered a double espresso, which came nicely prepared in a beautifully shaped demitasse, paired with a small swirling spoon and a Biscoff biscuit. The espresso tasted full and complex, and at a price of 5.50, I didn't feel too ripped off for the amazing quality I received. All in all, Caffe Classico disappointed from the lofty expectations I had prior, but maybe that has an amazing thing to say about their standard! Still earning a 4/5, I believe I need to give them another try, especially for their lunch menu, which I am sure to find better suited for my 20 year old lifestyle. read more

Whether you're wanting a full meal or just a snack, Caffe Classico has you covered. I'm a big fan of going out for a dessert after dinner and this is one of my go-tos. They'd got great cookies and fresh gelato. They also have a full coffee bar until close. Their food is also always tasty, I enjoy the pom frites and pizza as well as paninis. They are typically busy at peak hours, noon and 6-7 but pretty quick to serve if you arrive before or after these times. If you're looking for a taste of Europe, this is the place to go! read more

This place has the most unique flavors of empanadas in town. My favorite was the gyro and the spinach. I love how they also serve coffee. I love their giant cookie here also. I aim to try each flavor of empanadas they have one day. Hopefully, like an empanada flights lol. read more

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Garlic shrimp pasta is the star here! Deliciously sweet and garlicky! I'd forever come back for this dish. read more

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Had been driving past here for years and finally stopped in!!! Very diverse menu with lots of affordable options for many kinds of cravings. Extremely European feel (but with better service) all around. Doesn't make you feel like you're on Frankfort Ave! read more

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I would agree this place is an under the radar gem. A lovely and relaxed atmosphere. Every time I've visited the service has been terrific and I haven't had a bad meal yet. I would also echo those who say this place has terrific desserts. That's most definitely true. I can't get out of this place without at least having one of their delicious cookies. I'll definitely be returning sometime soon. read more

By far one of my favorite restaurants in Louisville. A nice, quaint restaurant with amazing food, their pomme frittes are probably the best fries I have ever tried! This restaurant gives a very intimate feeling, like a restaurant where you could go alone and have a nice meal without it feeling too overwhelming. The staff is very attentive as well and since the restaurant isn't too big, the staff is always in eye view where you can politely wave them over if need be. Definitely recommend if you are looking to have a quite evening with a wide variety of food! read more

Caffe Classico - Sausages Alemania - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Café Classico is one of our favorite places to go to for a nice start to our afternoon with a wonderful cappuccino and Belgian Pomme Frittes or a light lunch or dinner. The environment is calm and comfortable. The people are polite. And service is always on point and satisfying. Try the desserts with your coffee they are always satisfying. read more

Caffe Classico - Belgian Pomme Frittes - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

This place is so close to being one of those small treasures, with only a couple of misses: when you do make reservations (not needed) they do not greet you very efficiently... it was actually a bit awkward, and the setting for dinner was pretty bright. The only thing we ate that lacked any pizzazz was the Pizza Alla Bobo... the pie lacked flavor and any kind of herb enhancement. Otherwise we really enjoyed our dinner and have some bright spots to share: The black eyed pea soup was awesome! Slightly spicy but not over bearing. The Chicken Roulade was tender and well cooked with lovely add-ons. Closing dinner with an Espresso and Argentinian Alfajores cannot be passed up. Absolutely lush! --- oh and despite the sound, the Fig and Feta gelato was delish! We will be back. read more

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I recently had two soups and some baguette slices. The blackeye pea soup is always good (one of very few places in Louisville where you can have black eye peas (even the soul food and country places don't serve it). The Moroccan lentil soup left a harsh and bitter taste. I will not order it again. I enjoy this bistro because it is one of very few places in town that has European charm and decor. read more

I'd say that Caffe Classico flies a bit under the radar, but based on the crowd I saw today at lunch, I may be the only person not remembering how great this spot is. This place was packed, and we were lucky to get a table. I started with a cappuccino -- fixing the mistake from my previous visit of not ordering one of their coffees. And this cup of cafe was good. The foam was thick, and the entire cup was a luscious pick-me-up. For my entree, I went with the Panini Prosciutto, which was what I've gotten on previous visits. This sandwich was hot with the cheese warm and still gooey. I loved the bread especially. I also got to try the empanadas, with the ham empanada being my favorite, as well as the cake cookies and gelato. These cookies were sweet and fresh, and the gelato was creamy. I opted for the pistachio flavor, which was not over-the-top with the flavor. The service was prompt for the most part, and the whole vibe just feels like it's a restaurant in a bigger city. For a lunch that's a bit different, especially, I would recommend Caffe Classico. read more

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This cafe is so adorable but sort of tucked away towards the end of the Frankfort Ave restaurant corridor, that I sometimes forget about it. But, I'm always so happy when I remember to visit! My go to dish, which will crush me if they they ever take it off the menu, is the Huevos Fritos Al Caballo with a glass of Spanish white wine. How can you go wrong with a heaping plate of pommes frittes topped with two sunny side up eggs and a tomato vinaigrette?!? Amazing!! The Yelp classification calls this an Italian restaurant but I'd consider it Pan-European. They have Spanish offerings, panini, and even fish & chips. They have a good selection of gelato and delicious baked goods for dessert and a nicely curated wine/beer list. If you're in the mood for fancy coffee drinks, there for you covered there too. Caffe Classico has two fairly large, airy dining spaces (front & back) and they often host special events like flamenco dancing or Spanish guitar nights. Their hours can be a little eccentric, so check before you head out. read more

I've loved this place since it opened but just recently visited and had to leave a review. Their cappuccino is the best in the city by far but they have also added so many great food items. You can even get some delicious gelato for dessert with your cappuccino. The ambience of the place feels like any established street cafe in Italy or France, there is even a Vespa parked near the window. do yourself a favor and check this place out. read more

Have yet to try for a sit down dinner, but the sandwiches are out of this world. Great coffee and drinks. Very euro vibe. Bright and fresh.

Serving Spanish and American new food, Caffee Classico is run daily by its owner who observe day to day operations. Therefore, the customer service, the wait time, the cleanness of the place are all unquestionable. Food: eggsellent , acceptable portions + serves Sunday Brunch Favorite: sunday brunches and everything I've tried was pretty good. Prices: Reasonable Atmosphere: it does attract older crowd, but also good for dates, business night out, or morning breakfast and brunch. He is now screening the FIFA world cup. + regular host musicians and bands Service: Excellent and will create something that was in the menu back for you to please the customers Parking: street, also has coat service/or if am not sure, place to hang it. Bon Appetite read more

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We love this place The soup The fish and chips The salads The pizza The wine All good total yummo And the consistency you can always trust and I always have to say best fries in Louisville PERIOD ticks every box we have for a pleasant lunch or dinner Three Yums up read more

This place is a jewel in Clifton! Ambiance feels like a European Cafe. It's intimate, wait staff is excellent ad is the food.

Nice quaint restaurant with friendly service and fresh food. Hoping to go back and try some more of their menu offerings. Nice selection of appetizers, salads, panini's, pastas and gelato. read more

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Had lunch with a couple of friends and we decided on Cafe Classico. I called the day before and asked about reservations and was told I wouldn't need one since there was never a wait for lunch, not so. The restaurant has two dinning areas but only one was open so not a lot of seating and we had to wait about 25 minutes for a table. There were a couple of seats at the bar and we were able to order coffee while we waited. I had a French vanilla latte which was delicious. One friend had a regular coffee and the third had a mocha latte which she enjoyed. Each was served with a small wafwr cookie which was a nice touch.. For lunch we had soup and salad. The soup was a cream based seafood chowder which my friend said that alone she would come back for. Another had the half order of salmon, sweet potato pruee and asparagus which she said was good. I had the half order of the flank steak, mashed potatoes and asparagus. The potatoes weren't very hot but they were good, asparagus was some of the best I have ever eaten and the flank steak was ok,, good flavor and cooked rare as ordered but it was a bit tough.. service was great. There were only a couple of servers handling the entire resturant and making drinks and they did a great job.. parking is not easy on Frankfort Ave but street parking on side streets. Nice atmosphere, quaint. read more

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What to get: Spicy Thai Shrimp Pizza Time seated: 0 mins (Wednesday at 6PM for 2) Time food arrived: 10-15 mins Ambiance: cafe, light dining, coffee & dessert meet up spot Parking: street parking [Frankfort Ave or side streets] ==The Food== ++Feta Panini++ You can order a full or half order for paninis. It comes with a small salad and kettle chips. I love the toasting of ciabatta bread. This is what I picture what a lunch should look like. They're known for their paninis and it was good, but it's nothing unique or special that I'd come only here for. ++Spicy Thai Shrimp Pizza++ Now this is a unique offering that I'd recommend! The pizza is about a small size pizza, possibly enough for an individual. It's a thin crust and you can smell the shrimp even before eating it. The spice isn't a scalding hot burn, but a medium warm that is noticed first rather than built up over time. I really enjoyed this and would have eaten the whole thing if I didn't already have the panini. ==The Space== I always find this place so intriguing when I drive by. It never looks busy or full, and sometimes it looks completely empty, but I think the offerings alone should attract the 'coffee shop' crowd. I think the benefit of not having a large crowd is that it was pretty quiet inside and you're able to have a conversation without a disruptive noise level. With the door on the corner of the intersection, you can be seated in the first room with the large glass windows or in the other dining area down the hall. The offerings are the same, but the front room feels more accessible and comfortable as a cafe. ==For Next Time== -Melange (under Coffee) -Linzer cookie or Alfajores read more

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We came here for brunch and my first impression was "What a cute little place". We had a party of 5 and for some reason they sat us on a 4-top and just added the 5th chair. Not very comfortable. The menu is quite extensive and prices are not too high. The Caffe Mocha was delicious and I almost ordered a second cup! I ordered the cinnamon roll which they made it sound like it was "heavenly" but it really wasn't. I also got the "Tapa Brava" which was pretty tasty but unfortunately cold. We also tried the "Pan Catalan" but it was cold as well. Service was slow and just not very good. It is a shame but I won't return. read more

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This is a great little spot located in Clifton. The food is fresh, the environment welcoming, and good service. I will say, however, that they keep raising the prices AND shrinking the portions. Today, the side salad with my sandwich was minuscule and if there was even an ounce of turkey on my spouse's half panini I'd be shocked. This double whammy is driving fewer visits from us. read more

Amen and amen. This place is so awesome. Love all the natural light and the calm ambience. During the day, only the front room is open but it's enough to accommodate for all the patrons. I came around noon on a Tuesday and there were a few tables here and there still open. Better to go as a group of two or four here. People were coming in and out while I was here. I saw couples, elderly folks, moms with small kids, college students with their parents. It's a place for anyone. It's also not fancy here so dress as you please. I can't speak for what it's like in the evening though. I found parking just a block behind it in front of the Clifton center, no problem. Service was kind of European. They leave you on your own but still try to come by once every so often to fill your water. I got some coffee and ordered the panini de pavo. A turkey sandwich with Swiss, tomatoes and spinach. It came with a small salad that I felt was doused a little too much in balsamic as well as with some chips. You can make it a half order so I did that and got some lentil soup. So yum!! Presentation was absolutely perfect! My friend got the feta panini. It had feta, pesto, sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and spinach. She enjoyed it so much! It was a lot of food! And not a bad price for lunch. I think my total was a little over $13. I will add that the coffee was not strong or anything. Just perfect. It reminded me of the coffee at Ghyslain, one of my favorites places that closed here in Louisville. They don't have macaroons here but Caffe Classico certainly makes up for ghyslain not being around anymore! read more

Went in before an event in Frankfort Ave for a quick dinner. Sat at the bar. Service was timely and pleasant. I was very pleased with my pasta, although I can't remember which one I had. Overall lovely experience and recommended it to someone the next day. Will definitely go back with my husband. read more

Great food! Wonderful service ! We have tried many dishes , fish and chips , risotto cakes , panini, soups ,etc and everything has been terrific. We definitely will be back. read more

I've been going there for many years. Great food, great service, very nice atmosphere. What else is worth asking for? The owner is a great guy too. This is a steady, reliable, charming restaurant and we're lucky to have it in the neighborhood. read more

Such a lovely restaurant. Great for a date night, or just a time to go and relax and enjoy company with a wonderful meal at this authentic European-style cafe. Best enjoyed if you're not in a rush. The menu offers everything from coffee and gelato to wine and excellent entrees. Personal favorite food items are the Belgian Pomme Frittes (crispy and served with some aioli dipping sauces) and the Choripan sandwich. Excellent quality especially considering the favorable prices. Very fast and safe service during Covid with easy takeout options. read more

It's a place with a lot of potential however I think something is missing. I had a good time listening to a guy playing guitar and tried empanadas. Vegetarian for my surprise tasted very good but the meat ones were kind of plain just meat with chopped onions. Wine was good and dessert (alfajor) was tasty, just like home! I believe a little more light and more spices to the meat empanada would have gone better. But I'll be back and next time I'll try the paninis, been told they were awesome. read more