Vovito: Gelato, Coffee, and Crepes

Tucked away to one side of the Bravern, Vovito Caffe and Gelato is worth seeking out -- for more than just a quick bite to eat or a cup of coffee to go. The servers at Vovito Caffe stand ready to cook up a crepe to personal order and accompany it with coffee that more than meets up to high Seattle standards.

Comfort doesn't seem to be Vovito's main feature. The oddly angled and dimly lit interior features granite counters and stainless steel stools; patrons usually occupy the small number of lower-slung chairs, and the high stools are remarkably uncomfortable for any but the tallest. Customers who want to spend more than a few minutes may want to try taking their treat to the outside seating (if weather permits) or as far as the outdoor fireplace and benches the Bravern offers a little down the way. Vovito Caffe does offer free wireless and if you can snag a seat, it's a pleasant place to linger.

While the made-to-order Panini, crepes, omelets and other sandwiches are more than worthy and its baked goods (including a Budapest coffee cake) are full of savor , the best thing Vovito offers is the hand-made gelato and sorbetto, which comes in a medley of twenty-six flavors, including pomegranate, green apple, chocolate hazelnut, tiramisu, salty caramel, spiced pumpkin, and white mint. For a kid-favored treat, try the Vovito Gelato Spaghetti, which features chocolate meatballs and strawberry marinara sauce.

Served in a frosted metal dish, the gelato is accompanied by a crisp, pie-shaped cookie. One scoop is ample, particularly with the richer gelato, but the ardent dessert lover can get as many as three. If you want to take the goodness home with you, you can even order a gelato cake.

HelloSeattle Tip: The Bravern offers free parking; the Vovito is just a floor up from the garage entrance.

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