With our booming market for specialty coffee in Toronto, it's no surprise that Ditta Artigianale (which means artisan factory) has set its sights on opening its first International location right in the heart of our beloved city.
The brand, which started as a micro-roastery, was founded in 2013 by Patrick Hoffer, alongside star barista Francesco Sanapo, who both have a love for 'la dolce vita.'
Sanapo says, "It's always been a big dream of ours to open in North America because it gives us a chance to spread out of Italy and share the way we do coffee. We approach our craft in the artisan way, which means attention to detail, mixed with the love and passion of what we do."
Hoffer and Sanapo pride themselves on finding the blend between the new wave of coffee and old traditional Italian culture. The brand can be described as Italian soul, with an International view.
"Our shop is a place where you can go from having your European-style breakfast early in the morning, to enjoying some aperitivo in the evening, after work."
Though plans have yet to be finalized for the interior space -- which will be located on the ground level of the Harlowe building on Richmond St. W -- Sanapo guarantees the atmosphere will reflect a modern Italian café. He says, "We are the new generation of Italians, and we want to reflect our heart and soul in our new Toronto location."
Though plans have yet to be finalized for the interior space -- which will be located on the ground level of the Harlowe building on Richmond St. W -- Sanapo guarantees the atmosphere will reflect a modern Italian café. He says, "We are the new generation of Italians, and we want to reflect our heart and soul in our new Toronto location."
The menu will be unique to their other Italian cafés; they want to ensure the coffee lovers of Toronto will appreciate everything they have to offer. From pastries to small bites to full meals and brunch, the offerings will all have an authentic Italian touch with an innovative twist.
Using their own signature gin called Peter in Florence, they will offer an intricate line of cocktails that will be excellent to sip on as you wind down from the day.
The founding team has plenty of experience curating rare coffees from around the world and will be serving a special espresso blend called Mamma Mia, a project they started a few years ago.
Using only female coffee producers, Mamma Mia is dedicated to the women who have cultivated this blend, consisting of beans from Honduras, Mexico, Costa Rica and Ethiopia.
Sanapo is also excited to bring his signature Coffee-Misu to Toronto, a delicious blend of coffee and dessert that feels like you're drinking a warmed-up version of a classic tiramisu.
Ditta Artigianale will be up and running sometime in either March or April of 2022 at 608 Richmond St. West. In the meantime, follow them along on Instagram for more photos of their spaces, coffees and products, as well as their opening journey across the GTA and beyond.
