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Meet Your North End Halifax Neighbour: Federico Pasquinelli, founder of Espresso 46

Welcome to Espresso 46, a charming café nestled in the vibrant North End of Halifax at 2867 Isleville Street, owned by the passionate and dedicated Federico Pasquinelli. Federico's journey with coffee is a rich tapestry woven with cultural heritage and personal experience, beginning in his homeland of Italy.

Federico Pasquinelli, founder of Espresso 46 in North End Halifax
Federico Pasquinelli, Founder of Espresso 46

Embracing the Rich Espresso Culture of Italy from a Young Age


Federico grew up immersed in espresso culture, with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through his childhood home in Italy, courtesy of the espresso bar located just beneath it. From a young age, he was drawn to the vibrant world of coffee, spending time with friends amidst towering coffee bags and experimenting with coffee machines as early as age seven. This early immersion set Federico on a path that would eventually lead him to opening his own espresso business in the North End of Halifax.


“I grew up in Espresso culture because I had a bar underneath my house in Italy," says founder Federico Pasquinelli. “So, since a young age I was hanging out there. Even with my friends, we used to hang out between coffee bags. And I started to play with coffee machines when I was about seven years old. So, that started from a young age, and I became in charge of coffee - you know, in my house, (with my) family.”


Infusing Halifax's North End with the Rich Traditions of Italian Espresso


In 2017, Federico embarked on a new adventure, moving from Italy to North End Halifax with his family. It was here that he noticed a gap in the espresso landscape. The rich, cultural experience of enjoying espresso as he had in Italy was missing. Driven by a longing for authenticity, Federico opened Espresso 46 just six months after settling in Canada.


“When I moved here, even if it’s only seven years ago, the coffee culture, the espresso culture in particular, was still a little bit behind. I was just desperate to get a good espresso the way that I like.”


Customers enjoying espresso and cappuccino's from Espresso 46 in North End Halifax
Customers enjoying espresso and cappuccino's from Espresso 46

Situated on Isleville Street, which offered a promising blend of bustling foot traffic and a strong sense of community in the North End, the café quickly became a beacon for those seeking genuine espresso experiences. The decision to open Espresso 46 felt organic and inevitable, a natural extension of Federico’s passion for coffee.


“It really happened very organically. One day, (I) opened up the window and start to serve espresso. It was very casual, because I was fixing coffee machines here and I was roasting with Java Blend, so it came almost naturally to open the window and start to serve espresso.”


The local community's response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Espresso 46 transformed into more than just a café; it has evolved into a hub of connection and friendship, where relationships flourish over expertly crafted cups of espresso.


Customer's lining up at the Espresso 46 window in North End Halifax
Customer's lining up at the Espresso 46 window at 2867 Isleville Street, North End Halifax

Finding Community and Comfort in North End Halifax


For Federico, Espresso 46 represents more than just a business; it embodies a piece of home, a bridge to the deep-rooted traditions of Italian espresso culture, and a beacon of community connections in an ever-evolving world.


Federico feels a profound connection to the North End, as it has been the backdrop of his time in Halifax. To him, it feels like home, a unique haven of community that can be hard to find, especially amidst the transient nature of modern cities. In a world where rapid development often causes people to come and go, the North End stands out with its steadfast residents. Here, people stay, offering the chance to forge meaningful relationships. This enduring sense of community is what truly defines Federico’s experience and makes the North End special.


Watch the full interview with Espresso 46 founder Federico Pasquinelli on our YouTube page below:


Special thanks to Keegan Jackson for producing the video episodes of the Meet Your North End Neighbour series.


Driving or biking to Espresso 46 in North End Halifax? Find a place to park with our interactive parking map here.


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