Marchese Italian Market & Cafe

For such a little café, it has a heart grander than most restaurants one may find. My wife and I scuttled in to escape the cold and found a lovely, accommodating staff serving some tasty bites. We palliated our winter chills with a demitasse of hearty espresso accompanied by a soft chocolate cornetto and a flaky sfogliatella. Time seemed to stand still as we admired the Italian paraphernalia along the walls, the cheerful chatter of Italian accents, and imported Italian meats and cheeses. For a moment, I forgot I was in Virginia.

My wife, who has been practicing her Italian for years, was greeted with warmth and encouraged to practice the language with them. We departed with a slab of guanciale (pig cheek), which is nigh impossible to find, with plans to finally make an authentic dish of carbonara alla romana at home.

It’s rare to find places—authentic and true—like this in this part of the USA. I'm grateful to have experienced Marchese’s and will incorporate it into my life here in Hampton Roads.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We are so happy we stopped in. The bruschetta was the best we’ve had. The coffee is amazing too. She even had a side of blueberries for the little one.the soup was yummy. Very attentive service. we’re glad we found a new spot!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Bruschetta, Panini, Croissant

Best Italian Wedding Soup outside NYC. Seriously. Try a bowl with a Caprese salad. The Panini’s are ridiculously tasty. Try whatever dessert the sweetheart of an owner behind the counter points at. And for the love of all that is holy, Italian and delicious, browse the little mini market for treats. What a find!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Soups, Salads

Delicious food and dessert.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pistachio Ricotta Cake

Love it here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Incredible cappuccino and puff pastry

I am of Italian heritage ( Naples)..
I feel like in my mother's kitchen for Sunday dinner. The aroma of the food fills the restaurant .

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Cannoli, Pasta and Meatballs, Rome Panini

Can't wait to go again!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Caprese Delight

I called this restaurant to see if they were open as I live a distance away.They never called me back
. I took a chance with a friend and went up there.Only to find they had a sign they were on vacation.It should have posted on the websight that, instead of saying they were open.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

This place is delicious!! The best coffee!! The paninis is so good and so fresh!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Salmon and Fennel Salad, Bruschetta, Cannoli, Baba, Caprese, Caprese Delight, Breakfast Platter, Bruschette Pomodoro & Prosciutto Di Parma, Prosciutto with Fresh Mozzarella, Soups, Salads, Pistachio Ricotta Cake, Pasta and Meatballs, Bakery, Rome Panini, Gnocchi with Pesto Sauce, Croissant

The food was delicious and I want a panini right this second.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cannoli, Rome Panini

A truly genuine Italian experience with top notch hospitality and some of the most delicious foods I've ever tasted. These are the kinds of meals that make your life better. Best cannoli I've ever eaten (please don't tell my Italian mother I said that.) 5 stars! This market and cafe was so good that I actually wrote a report on it for my VCU International Marketing class.

Discovered this gem of a place on a Saturday afternoon after getting scones from my favorite bakery.
When I walked in I noticed italian customers present which was a good sign to me. I had the rigatoni with meatballs - it was very good. It was accompanied by a small side salad with balsamic drizzle and toasted bread slices. Perfect portion size and fair price. My second visit I had a cup of Italian wedding soup - the best I've ever had. And for my main I ordered the gnocchi with pesto - fantastic. Finished the meal with a slice of red velvet cake for dessert. Nice and moist. A wonderful place indeed.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Salads, Pasta and Meatballs, Gnocchi Tomato and Parmigiano

Best cannoli in VB! Definitely grab some profiteroles when they have them.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cannoli

Great place, amazing owner amazing coffee ☕... best place in the 7 cities area to have an espresso, doppio e un brioche with great company

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5