Caffe Europa

Cafe Europa Is standard stop for me on Las Olas.  The original was more casual, this new version is much improved.  Food, service & atmosphere all a go.

This place is hit or miss. I cannot tell you how many times we have ended up at next door Cheesecake Factory for late night sweets because this place was closed. In my opinion, they close too early all the time. You cannot be on Las Olas and close that early! I know this is Broward County and this isn't Lincoln Road but c'mon! You have veranda seating and are on a prominent street, you should stay open later. The times listed here on Yelp are not accurate at all either.

The other big issue that goes hand in hand with this is their service. One of the times we tried to dine here we were basically escorted out. It was not "We are so sorry but we are closed. Please try us again another day". When I mentioned how it was still so early, the owner (gentleman with the grayish hair that is always there) basically scolded me saying " we have been open since____!" as in "GTFO!". Another time we entered through the back door (they offer parking in the back) and a waiter came out waving his finger telling me to go back out because they were closed". Wow. I am talking at around 10pm or 11pm on a Saturday night. ON LAS OLAS!

Our running joke most weekends is, " Where should we go for sweets? Caffe Europa? ha ha ha ha riiiiight". When I have been able to sit and order it was either rushed or just an after thought. Absolutely NO attention to detail or service. The waiters always look like they have somewhere else they have to be at that exact moment. I always feel like my ordering is interrupting something. It's almost comical but too bad it's true.

Why bother to keep returning? Well, I happen to be a fan of their coffees (they serve Lavazza) and desserts. It's the only reason I have returned although it has been less and less each time. Who wants sweets with an attitude? Here's hoping they fix this soon so that I can go and enjoy my desserts in a happy place. The menu also offers Italian fare of course including some gluten free items which I have been intrigued about.

As mentioned, they offer seating outside facing Las Olas and it is spacious inside. To be continued...

Delicious food, amazing desserts, and right in the middle of downtown Fort Lauderdale!!! Perfect place to go if you want to feel like you are on vacation...a big of Europe right in the backyard...