New ownership getting St. Catharines’ Italian Café a lot of fresh attention

“Can she bake a cannoli pie, Billy boy?” Wait, no. That’s not how the song goes. Cannoli is cannoli and cherry pie is pie. Two different desserts.

Not at the Italian Café in St. Catharines. The new ownership at the European restaurant at 88 Facer Street is already attracting big attention and while they have delicious and varied meat entries, including a seasoned BBQ Steak sub that will stop you in your tracks, it’s all about the desserts to many fiercely loyal patrons.

While it’s been a fixture on Facer Street for many years, new owners Carrie and Dan Demers, who recently took over and revamped the space in their own image, own the ultimate family run business. Why? Because she brought her family recipes with her when they first opened the doors. Her Dad makes the famous pasta. Her son barbeques those steaks for the soon-to-be-famous Steak Subs on Saturday. (Warning: Get there early.)

Carrie says a dream of honouring her mom made her take on this new venture. The new ownership seems to be sitting well with the neighbourhood.

Italian Cafe serves up from coffee to espresso, from cappuccino to latte to wash down their delicious cuisine.

For the sweets, all the expected Italian treats but Carrie does so many things with cannoli that it’s hard to keep up. Cannoli pie (her secret recipe), cannoli cheesecake… and any number of flavoured cannoli. Tarts, cupcakes, more pastries and so much more.

And the meats? Succulent, delicious, authentic Italian serving from steak sub to porketta to meatball panini.

Italian Cafe is located at 88 Facer Street, St. Catharines. Hours are: Monday-Tuesday closed, Wednesday-Thursday-Saturday 11 am-4 pm, Friday 11 am-7pm and Sunday 10 am-3 pm. Phone: (905) 938-9192.