[vc_images_carousel images=”2306,2311,2309,2310″ img_size=”full” slides_per_view=”4″ hide_pagination_control=”yes”][blockquote author=”Dan Kislenko, The Hamilton Spectator “]”If you’re in the mood for familiar Italian favourites, a good place to visit is Barbara Caffé. This is pan-Italian fare, reflecting no particular region of that country’s culinary diversity, but delivering quality comfort food that most of us already know, and lots of it. Barbara Caffé is a big place spread over two stories, that is also a bakery and small grocery store in front. For mains, the risotto of the day — wild mushroom ($15) — is one of those deceptive dishes. When it arrives it looks like a modest portion, but it’s in a bowl not a flat plate, so it is a lot. The risotto was a simple preparation of short-grained Arborio rice and both fresh and dried mushroom pieces, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese. The intensity of woodsy mushroom flavour was very good, and the rice was cooked a minute or two past al dente which is better than crunchy as happens in even some high-end Italian restaurants. The real story here, though, is the absolutely correct texture of the sauce. Some risottos come out like soup, others more like pilaf. In this case, the sauce was thick and creamy and stayed that way.”[/blockquote]

[vc_images_carousel images=”2306,2311,2309,2310″ img_size=”full” slides_per_view=”4″ hide_pagination_control=”yes”][blockquote author=”Ninka Bielak”]”In 20 minutes or so I found myself down the QEW at 387 Barton Street, Barbara Caffé. The meeting with Teresa was delightful, and even more so as we were served an attractive antipasto platter to nibble on. The platter featured prosciutto, salami and “giardiniera” (pickled cauliflower, peppers and spicy eggplant), 3 cheeses, including a lovely tomato bocconcini, all accompanied by a tasty fresh bruschetta. Oh, there were olives too, although I’m generally not a fan. As we sketched out what I might write about, I took in the surroundings, including the colourful mural. (Take a look at the photo of Teresa and I in her intro, or travel down to the Caffé.) The business began as a gift shop almost 24 years. Founder Joe DeLuca still runs things, with the assistance of daughter Giulia, and the vibe is clearly one of regulars dropping by. That’s hardly surprising since, shortly after it opened, the shop quickly became a hangout for Joe’s friends. Being a hospitable sort, he made them coffee. It wasn’t long before a few tables were added to accommodate a growing clientele. In turn beans, and a few other deli items, were stocked for sale. Giulia relates how her Mother used to make her school lunches in the back of the shop. Apparently the smells were so tantalizing customers clamoured for sandwiches to be added to the offerings. As a result, larger premises were required, so they eventually moved into a bigger location next door, and the current business was born.”[/blockquote]

[vc_images_carousel images=”2306,2311,2309,2310″ img_size=”full” slides_per_view=”4″ hide_pagination_control=”yes”][blockquote author=”Sandy & Anita Redman”]”My husband and I have lived in the area our whole lives and have passed by the cafe countless times. So, when we saw a website deal we thought that we would finally try it out. The atmosphere was inviting. There were a lot of Italian regulars seated so we were afraid that we would be ignored. But the staff treated everyone with the same warmth and attention so we did not feel uncomfortable. We had a three course meal and every course was delicious and homemade. We craved ‘true Italian’ cuisine and that’s exactly what we received. I have to mention that their dessert selection was unbelievable. They have a takeout counter with a dessert display case. We ended up taking some goodies home for the weekend. We will definitely be back to satisfy our next craving.”[/blockquote]