For us, Ace Coffee Roasters holds a special place in our hearts. Our journey into specialty coffee began just steps away from their Whyte Avenue location. Living in an apartment behind their shop, we often found ourselves drawn in by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee during our morning walks. Those visits became the foundation of a love for exceptional coffee.

It was at Ace where we purchased our first coffee grinder—a decision that marked the start of a deeper exploration into the world of coffee. We also picked up a French press, and with it, began experimenting with Ace’s range of coffees. Eventually, we upgraded our brewing setup and made it a mission to try every notable coffee spot in Edmonton. But no matter where our coffee adventures take us, Ace remains dear to us.

As of early 2025, ACE Coffee Roasters has four locations across Edmonton. These include their original café on Whyte Avenue, a location in Manulife Place downtown, and another in the Garneau neighborhood and one more at the Bountiful Farmers Market.

Ace Coffee Roasters is more than a roastery or café—it’s a symbol of Edmonton’s coffee culture at its best. Their vision was to introduce Edmonton to classic Italian espresso, which makes sense considering founder Joe is himself Italian. Joe founded ACE in 2017.

Italian espresso has long been synonymous with coffee culture. Unlike many modern specialty coffees that emphasize brightness or fruity flavors, Italian espresso prioritizes a smooth, rounded profile and it's characterized by

Richness: A well-rounded body and deep flavor profile, often with notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel.

Bitterness: A touch of bitterness that enhances the overall complexity without overwhelming the palate.

Crema: The hallmark of a perfect espresso shot, crema is the golden, velvety foam that forms on top of the coffee, indicating freshness and proper extraction.

Italian espresso is typically roasted darker than lighter roasts popular in Canadian specialty coffee culture. This darker roast brings out caramelized sugars and reduces the acidity. If we were to sum up everything we would have to say about ACE is that they do Italian espresso better than anyone in Alberta we've tried. We would describe their coffees as bold and full of character.

If we had to sum up everything we love about Ace, it’s that they do Italian espresso better than anyone in Alberta. Their coffees are bold, full of character, and deeply satisfying—just the way espresso should be.