Cafe Vincenzo is a quaint little cafe that specializes in sandwiches, salads and smoothie bowls.

Originally one of the many burger joints along the Danforth strip, Cafe Vincenzo pivoted towards lighter fare in response to positive feedback from visitors.

Since then, the restaurant has been a popular brunch spot for diners of all ages. Its ambience is similar to that of a cozy beachside cafe, complete with worn brick walls, hanging lamps and floral centrepieces.

Other fun details, such as toy cars and action figures, can be found on low shelves above the tables. The walls are also decorated with pictures of Roman sculptures and architecture, as a nod to the restaurant's Italian influences.

Cafe Vincenzo serves a wide selection of sweet and savoury dishes. Many of these meals can be purchased for under ten dollars, making it one of the most affordable options in the area. The mortadella sandwich ($7.50) is one of several Italian-inspired cold cuts.

Though not as colourful as many of the other options, its modest appearance belies a delicious flavour, enhanced with tomatoes, arugula, mayonnaise and cheese.The funghi toast plate ($10.49) is a filling meal with three tasty components.

The first is a grilled cheese sandwich, garnished with mushrooms, onions and roasted peppers. The second is a mixed greens salad with tangy dressing. Rounding out the trio is a pile of roasted potatoes, cooked in garlic, olive oil and lemon juice.

My favourite dish was the burrata salad bowl ($18.99). Creamy burrata cheese rests atop a mountain of mixed fruits and veggies, including red onions, cherry tomatoes, strawberries and blueberries.

Walnuts are added to give the salad some extra crunch, while balsamic dressing is drizzled on top to give it a tangy finish. Together, they tie the disparate elements of the meal together, all while drawing out their unique characteristics.

If you're looking for something on the sweeter side, try the chunky banana yogurt bowl ($10.49). Vanilla yogurt acts as the base, while bananas, walnuts, granola and grapes give the bowl a bit more structure.

The final touch is a dollop of peanut butter, which makes this healthy meal taste more like a decadent dessert.

The iced berry hibiscus peach tea ($6.75) is the perfect summer drink. Its bright pink colour makes it ideal for Instagram photos, while its sweet and fruity flavour will help to quench your thirst on even the hottest days.The iced banana bread matcha latte ($6.85) is a new addition to the menu, having been added in late May. Though superficially similar to a standard matcha latte, a quick sip is all it takes to set it apart from its imitators.

This drink is rich and creamy, with a cinnamon-inflected aftertaste. The banana flavour is fairly mild, but helps to balance out the bitter matcha.
Cafe Vincenzo is located at 679 Danforth Avenue.