Java Joints of Jet City: Caffe Umbria

It’s early on a Sunday morning and for once, parking is easy to find in Pioneer Square. We click across the historic red-bricked plaza to the flagship store of Caffe Umbria. We’re met by a long, polished steel bar with clean lines. It’s classic Italian design, second only to the other, more rustic half of the store with exposed brick, wooden beams and beautifully painted tile work. The friendly baristas smile alluringly and then surprise us by asking for our drink orders in plain old English. We really thought it was going to be Italian.

The rich coffee has notes of cocoa in it and we’re all buzzing and laughing hysterically by our second cup. The raspberry croissant is deliciously flaky, not like the soft, mushy croissants you usually find in Seattle, but the "raspberry" filling is more like sugary jam.

If you’re looking for over-sized muffins, 17 pound scones or hearty fare, don’t come here. If you’re looking for a small plate of mozzarella and basil, espresso, light pastries or gelato, head to Caffe Umbria. Umbria convincingly brings you an authentic Italian experience which, to us, means snacking and visiting for hours and hours, which we do. The baristas never even bat an eye.

Caffe Umbria
320 Occidental Avenue South
Seattle 98104