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Awesome coffee and great panini and gelato in a perfectly convenient location. The lady who works here in the mornings is the nicest girl EVER. She is so friendly, so cheerful. I just want to give her a hug. And free wifi!

I've been to Istria countless times, whether it was just to get a cappuccino, a free cup of water, a lemon cookie, or all three. Every time I've been impressed by the skill of the baristas. The Intelligentsia beans are always stupendous (although not quite up to par with downtown Intelligentsia due to the minor difference in machinery) and the service is impeccable. The gelato is stupendous as well. Upon first inspection of the coffee shop it looks like a quick coffee stop while waiting for the train, but on further inquisition Istria is a unique local experience. One can chat up the service, discuss the subtleties of coffee flavors with them and sample the wide variety of blends they have. Although slightly expensive, this shop is worth every penny if you value high quality coffee. Although there is a line of pillars running through the center of the dual chromatic orange and white shop, they provide a sense of privacy from the counter not gotten at any other Hyde Park coffee shop. I would recommend Istria to every coffee connoisseur, but discourage it for the blunt of palette as the amazing coffee would not be worth the money if not appreciated properly.

Istria's coffee is overpriced and service is slow, but it's the best place to go if you live in east Hyde Park. The coffee is quite good, though their cappuccinos generally have far too much foam. Pastries are about average, and thankfully not as ridiculously overpriced as those the Medici. The gelato is delicious but incredibly expensive. The decor is rather clinical, but I like all the windows. Usually it is empty enough that you can be comfortable doing work there for a while (unlike the Med or Bonjour, which have fewer tables).

Istria Cafe is simply too good to be true for the Hyde Park community! Finally a cafe with real people serving REAL Italian products! The espresso is so wonderful, the gelato is a must have and the panini make your mouth water. You will always see the same regulars, as everyone in the neighborhood know this is the best place to go. I can't wait for the new location to open at the Art Center. The service is absolutely impeccable.... everything has a personal Istrian touch, all the way down to the latte art in my morning vanilla latte.

I'm a firm advocate of a multiple visit review to give any eating establishment a fair chance to impress. I've been to highly rated eateries and been far less than overhwelmed and been to dives and been blown away by the food. Istria deserves a series of visits simply because the size of the patron crowd greatly affects the type of service and even the qaulity of the food served. I've been when all is great and other times when the service was just too busy to get it done. The reviewer Richard sounds like a disgruntled 17 year-old who just left home so take that with a grain of salt. I've lived here my entire life and seen foodies come and go. Istria is a great place. Try the tarts and write a review.

This is an always crowded destination for Chicagoans looking for the European Lifestyle. The coffee is great and the gelato is exceptional. The Gelato is made onsite and the restaurant gives extra attention to quality. There are alway a dozen flavors to choose from. This is easily the best gelato in Chicago. Well worth the trip. You will not be disappointed.

Great selection of coffee, tea, sandwiches, gelato, with incredibly gracious service. It's the best place to open in Hyde park in a long time. Highly recommended!