Cafe Castemila
4999 Old Orchard Shop Center East Ring Rd Unit K26/ D21, Skokie, IL
Crema's Take
“Tucked near Old Orchard, Cafe Castemila brings genuine European café charm to Skokie with impeccable espresso work and house-made gelato that transports you straight to Italy—reviewers rave equally about the mocaccino's perfect chocolate-espresso balance and the strawberry gelato's one-of-a-kind flavor. The space itself is irresistibly Instagram-worthy with K-drama café energy, but the real draw is that the aesthetic backs up the skill, with creative drinks like strawberry matcha ice lattes and thoughtful pastry pairings that make it feel like a special destination rather than just a convenient stop.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Stopped in for a mocaccino and a slice of raspberry cheesecake with fresh fruit. The mocaccino was excellent—coming from a pretty fussy coffee person, the espresso and chocolate balance was spot on. Cheesecake is fresh, not factory‑sweet, with real fruit on top. Cute, bright space that feels like a little holiday treat spot rather than just an ice‑cream shop.
I visited Cafe Castemila today with my kids and the gelato was absolutely delicious, just like in Italy. The strawberry flavor was incredible and truly one of a kind. My kids have been talking about the gelato all evening, and that’s honestly why I’m writing this review 🤣. I also heard that they make the gelato fresh in the store , which makes it even better. I will definitely be coming back, even if it’s cold outside. Congratulations to the whole team and especially to the person who makes the gelato amazing work. This is the best cafe in Chicago!.
When you're at old Orchard you have to find your way to this Café. It has all the charm and atmosphere of a Kdrama meet cute! But it's not just for show this place has the creds of European skill. Not only will your tired feet thank you as you plop yourself in the aqua chairs outside or the charming velvet chairs inside, but you'll feel the lightness and happiness. The first thing I noticed were the pink ponies in the window. And then the flowers in the basket of the pink bike outside as if… Maybe once upon a time in our dreams when Paris was pink? The sisters that owned this place are experts gelato. Their family started 26 years ago in Poland. I had to ask because they knew right away to offer a taste, and their suggestions were on point. I always gravitate towards the fruity gelato like lemon because if they know how to make a good lemon gelato it's the litmus test like a whiskey sour is for a bartender. And this lemon was not overly sweet the way it can be when someone is trying to overcorrect for too much tartness: instead there was a citrusy light beautiful rich lemon flavor that was clean and fresh. They also introduced me to the passionfruit which was smooth and flavorful like the softer sister of mango. And their mango was fantastic. In the end I went with a cold brew with extra ice because it's a hot day and a cold brew latte for my chauffeur friend who drove me here, and a strawberry pastry. Today I was running an errand but next time I'll be back to sit and enjoy an unrushed moment of ease. Bring a date.
I stopped here because of the decoration, which is super adorable. However, to my surprise, I ordered a strawberry matcha ice latte, and it came out amazing! Nowadays, you can find matcha almost everywhere, BUT to find a good matcha, it's rare. I loved this drink; I even had to come back to the store and congratulate them because it was delicious. I will come back to try their sweets and ice cream next time.
Absolutely adorable 😍. The yogurt and cherry Gelato was so refreshing, creamy, with just the right tart to sweetness ratio! My flat white was delicious too. Too many adorable things staring at you here. Loved it!
Crema Reviews
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