Quinn Abugov
Nestled in at the corner of Pamila and Preston streets, eXpresso Café is well-located in a high-growth area of Little Italy. Photo by Lorne Abugov
In December 2024, the Little Italy neighbourhood of Ottawa welcomed eXpresso Café, the city’s first-ever real estate café. The brainchild of local realtors Rolando Di Labio and Steve Gabellini, this unique café blends the world of real estate with the cozy ambiance of a modern coffee shop. The concept, which has a similar counterpart in Toronto, offers a space that’s ideal for coffee lovers and real estate professionals alike.
As the trend toward online realty continues to grow, Di Labio and Gabellini, who now work with the cloud-based EXP Realty, have found the perfect way to blend their love for the neighborhood with their real estate practice.
“There’s nothing like this in Ottawa,” says Di Labio. “When this property came up for sale, we bought it. At first, we thought about renting, but then we saw it as an opportunity to stay in the community, have a café, and build our real estate practice here.”
eXpresso Café serves a variety of espresso drinks, using the Nespresso line and a top-of-the-line machine to create espressos, cappuccinos, and other coffee-based beverages. Pastries like donuts and muffins, as well as sandwiches from local favorite Farinella, are also on the menu. The café is more than just a place to grab a coffee – it’s designed to be a gathering space for both realtors and the wider community.
The braintrust behind eXpresso Café are pictured in front of the barista bar, (r to l) co-owners Rolando Di Labio and Steve Gabellini, Josseline Pellerin and Jeff Matheson. Photos by Lorne Abugov
The ceiling to floor glass windows of eXpresso Café provide a picture perfect view of busy Preston Street. Photos by Lorne Abugov
The design of eXpresso Café is striking. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a modern barista bar that blends seamlessly with the space, which doubles as a real estate office. The main café area offers various seating options, including armchairs, sofas, and window-side stools, perfect for those who want to get some work done while enjoying the hustle and bustle of the neighbourhood outside. The basement features a full-scale office space for anyone needing a more traditional workspace.
“Real estate is a face-to-face business, and I’d say 80% of my deals are conducted at a coffee shop,” says Gabellini. The café, with its dual purpose of being both a coffee shop and a real estate office, takes this idea to the next level, offering a space for agents to meet clients, collaborate, and work in a comfortable, inviting environment.
While the café is aimed primarily at realtors, it’s open to everyone, with Di Labio and Gabellini eager to become an integral part of the Little Italy community. In addition to serving coffee, they plan to use the space as an event venue for parties, celebrations, and real estate-focused gatherings.
As part of their vision, the partners aim to foster a global connection within the real estate world. “We’ll have an event board, listing different events that will highlight various aspects of real estate investment,” says Gabellini. “We’re a global company, so we wanted that global feel.” The café space will serve as a hub for real estate professionals to come together, collaborate, and share ideas.
At the time of The Mainstreeter’s visit, the food service was still being finalized, but the cappuccino was excellent, and the space exuded a warm, welcoming vibe. The partners, both natives of Little Italy, are passionate about the neighbourhood, and they see the café as a way to stay connected to the community while building their business.
With its combination of coffee, real estate, and community, eXpresso Café is sure to become a popular spot for both locals and real estate professionals alike.
