Caffe Dante, A New York City Establishment, Adds Breakfast To Its Repertoire
A neighborhood favorite, Caffe Dante in the West Village is launching breakfast for the first time this Monday, Aug. 15. The original café opened in 1915 and the memories, relics, and art of the original shop still adorn the space today. Historically significant and culturally important (especially to the Italian community), Caffe Dante remains the same authentic eatery that it's been throughout its more than a century-long lifespan.
The café is absolutely lovely. Fresh pastries, breakfast treats, and lots of freshly brewed coffees on one side, and on the other, a classic bar with countless bottles lining the back wall and stools on which to enjoy your aperitivo and bites. White-washed, exposed-brick walls and tiled floors only add to Dante's charm.
Lucky me, I got a sneak peek at the new menu from chef Rachael Polhill, which features classic American-Italian dishes served Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
I love the toasted banana bread served with a creamy, light mixture of ricotta and honey that accompanied my artistic, frothy cappuccino. Also satisfying is the avocado toast (mountain!) served with goat cheese, arugula, and basil with an optional poached egg (obviously, get the egg).
Other morning treats include the house-cured salmon board served with fresh bread and pickles; the breakfast burrata, an adapted version of Dante's evening menu favorite, with sea salt and honeycomb; and a fresh, healthy hazelnut granola bowl, with a raspberry compote, Greek yogurt, and honey.