Do you ever see an empty coffee place that you like? Neither do I. It is empty. Why would I want to go in there? You wont have to worry about that here. There is always a line. Always a crowd and yet because of their unique lay out and table arrangement always a place to sit. Quick service. There always seems to be three or four people working at the counter. Two are working the register and taking orders. Two or three are making the drinks and getting the food orders ready. Before I go too far does anyone remember Torrefazione? At one time the best coffee hands down in Portland. They were so popular and always crowded. I give them credit for creating the first designs in your cream as it was poured into your cappuccino. Maybe it was invented somewhere else but they were doing it with flair and style here. Well the place was purchased or bought out by Seattle Best coffee which in turn was swallowed up by Starbucks. My friends rejoice because they are reborn here. This is third generation coffee people keeping the brewing tradition going. I don't know what their secret is but it's not burnt and they seem to have mastered it. Coffee with flavor its a thing of the past for most Americans. They want coffee with Sugar or pumpkin spice or mocha carmelletta. Whatever the heck that is. If I wanted a sugar high i would go get a Coca Cola and call it a day. No I want it all. Robust , bold, flavorfull coffee. This place delivers. They do it quickly and they seem to just keep going like a fine oiled machine. The desserts a simply coffee centric and constantly changing because well I told you its crowded and everyone is gobbling everything up like is a Thanksgiving Buffett but its not a buffet. Its a collection of tasty treats that are maybe two or three delightful bites. Enough to satisfy but also crave a little more. Beware they are a little pricey because they dont make them there. Whoever delivers, delivers the goods. On the other side of the counter flow, they have what can only be called big mini sandwiches and snacks. What in the world could I be talking about? Well think big giant sandwich made for tiny people then enlarged. You got it. Crust cut off on some. Others are delightful finger rolls. layered with meats and cheese. Usually a nice soup is on, better hurry though, it seems to disappear fast. You know it is open if there is a line and you see a lot of other people going in. Definitely worth seeking it out. read more

I visited Caffe Umbria on a Monday at lunch. I was meeting a friend for lunch and coffee and this fit the bill. Parking was on street and relatively easy to acquire. The ambiance was wonderful. The cafe was light and airy with plenty of seating scattered inside and out. In the back corner was a lot of people working alone while enjoying a cup of coffee quietly. In the front and outside were a lot of people meeting for lunch and talking. I had a dark roast drip coffee upon the recommendation from the barista and it was a good suggestion. The coffee came in a cute cup with saucer and was paired with a piece of dark chocolate. I also ordered a toasted BLT panini (it had avocado!) and it came with a little ramekin filled with olives. I thought the panini was on the pricey side was it was very delicious. I'll definitely visit Caffe Umbria again! read more

Caffe Umbria - BLT panini, lightly toasted with a side of olives. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Spacious café, very clean. Fast, friendly and accurate service. Pleasant atmosphere. read more

Great coffee. I actually buy their whole medium espresso beans to grind and make lattes at home. If you buy a bag of their whole bean on Friday, they'll throw in a free drink. I wish they did this promotion throughout the week. They have a great sandwich selection for lunch as well. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. read more

Really tasty americano! Nice corner location in the Pearl district in downtown Portland read more

Caffe Umbria - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Been here with my mom several times. We are both from Italy and I was there growing up and been back as an adult. This place has amazing coffee I can drink black or have a REAL expresso macchiato. I don't have to doctor the coffee with a ton of sugar, cream, flavor to hide the bitterness and bad flavor. I can drink it black!They do make pizza in squares like at home and the same sandwiches that are popular at home. It's very good and highly recommend. The Italian society mentions this place all the time too. The place is super clean, open and comfortable. The service is with a smile and pleasant. read more

My favorite coffee shop. Coffee always delicious, and the staff is always personable and cheerful. I have been coming for years and they always maintain a high standard. I would highly recommend. read more

Visited this spot while waiting for brunch! The coffee was verrrry good and I also had a biscotti. Perfect appetizer before brunch! The space was CRAZY busy and I felt like we were being starred at by the people waiting in line. Oh well, we weren't there long. read more

Caffe Umbria has one of the best tasting coffees in the area and I enjoy their chai lattes.

Visited this place recently. Haven't been in a while. It used to be one of my favorite cafes because it reminded me of cafes in bigger cities, including Rome. However, my recent visit had me feeling this place needs a revamp. The level of sophistication has gone down. Service: The barista didn't even greet or make eye contact when I ordered. There is far better at the Starbucks a couple streets up. Americano: Decent. Cleanliness: The whole place just had a dusty feel about it. Like it hasn't been thoroughly cleaned in a while. There were crumbs all over the vacant tables. There should be someone wiping down periodically. Food: Never quite impressed with the selection of sandwiches and desserts. What's the point of having them if they look like deli food? read more

I enjoy the vibe at Caffe Umbria. I get their Gusta Crema beans to make my espresso at home. The coffee is fully balanced. Not acidic like many coffees in Portland. This has been my coffee spot for many years. During the summer, I would recommend getting a granita. You can enjoy the taste of the coffee while still getting something refreshing. read more

They have the European vibe with the coffee counter. Love the chocolate that comes with your drink. I liked my hot chocolate and this glazed croissant. Delicious. read more

Caffe Umbria - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I love this place. Great coffee where the oat milk flows like wine in an unpretentious and lively environment with friendly employees. I'm docking one star due to the pastry situation and the fact that I have to stop elsewhere to grab a decent pastry--a sin in a town full of world class bakeries like Nuvrei, Bakeshop and Sparrow! Otherwise, this place is a great melting pot with lovely coffee. Recommended! read more

Wow. Coffee? Subpar at best. The tank in this situation? The service. Barista asked if I "really wanted a macchiato, because it's different than the ones I get at Starbucks." Seriously? Like I DON'T know what a macchiato is? I ended up ordering a latte to hide the embarrassment of my foreign colleagues who were meeting me at a "popular and well-known coffee shop in Portland." Yeah, well-known for crappy service. Thanks a lot, Um-Bri-Not. read more

I've been wrong before, and now is once again, a time I was very wrong. I have really grown to love Caffe Umbria for its simplicity and elegance. Drinks (in a cup for there) come with a tiny metal spoon and a sliver of dark chocolate. They have a lovely water pitcher so you can stay hydrated while you hang out for hours chatting, reading, or studying. People are friendly and the customers are perfect for people-watching and are often from another country. Its the best bustling down-town coffee shop ever. And they have very cheap gelato (which is tasty and satisfying). read more

During my halcyon days completing the final stop of my medical training in Portland, Caffe Umbria held a sentimental place in my heart since this is where one of my mentors always requested to meet with me every Tuesday afternoon to discuss difficult cases and wax poetic about life pursuits and philosophy. It was like Tuesdays with Morrie minus the tragic backdrop. Like a grandfather who experienced life in another era, my mentor was well versed in various topics including art, photography, politics, music, and food, and the common theme throughout all his proclivities was a gravitation towards the classics. His recommendations on where to eat, what to read, where to travel were always the old masters, shying away from the zeitgeist. Caffe Umbria encapsulates the classic Italian expresso bar, based out of Seattle and founded by a third generation roaster with roots in Perugia, Italy, way before coffee found its way into American culture. The artistry and passion put forth into their product has not been ignored by the masses, having expanded to four locations and being served in a multitude of venues including the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas and the Culinary Institute in Napa. My mentor insisted the best way to enjoy an Italian roast was in the form of a macchiato (Italian for "marked" or "stained"), an intense shot of expresso marked with a dollop of foam, unlike the bastardized forms drizzled with caramel and doused with cream one finds at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts. A little sugar is optional, but the point is to enjoy the essence of the expresso with the milk serving to moderate the flavor and adding a touch of sweetness. Like having one's first shot of scotch, my first few experiences were a bit jarring, but after many weeks I grew accustomed to the subtle nuances and it's now my go-to drink whenever I step into a quality roastery. I can't comment on the authenticity of the sandwiches/pastry but the gelato is respectable with limited flavors and the venue is sleek with lots of natural light and clean lines, much like I would imagine the original roastery would appear in Italy. The pacific northwest has a wide abundance of coffee options to choose from, but Caffe Umbria is a vicarious portal into experiencing expresso in its most classic form. read more

Caffe Umbria offers the feel of a very chic Italian coffee shop in the heart of the Pearl. The space is crisp and slick, with lots of well-defined lines, sleek black surfaces and classy Italian offerings. I have yet to sample the Umbria coffee served up at this location, as I couldn't pass up the opportunity to score a Bibicaffe, a treat I rarely see offered in Portland (a sweet carbonated coffee soda). Even without the Bibicaffe, it would be hard for me to get pas a Sanbitter, San Pellegrino, or similar non-coffee offerings, especially in the afternoon. Served up in a tall glass of ice on a saucer with a complimentary dark chocolate, I couldn't escape the notion that I was enjoying a had to find soda in a very European caffe... well, one that's frequented buy denizens of the Pearl, that is. Oh, and the servers? Dressed in slick black ties and offering up a generous serving of welcoming enthusiasm to each afternoon customer, they fit the bill perfectly. Not sure how I hadn't made it in to Umbria yet, but I can definitely see myself making this a regular stop on my afternoon meeting circuit. read more

In a town that prides itself about good coffee, it's tough to find a cafe that shines since they're all pretty good. Caffe Umbria actually manages to distinguish itself pretty well. Take what I review with a grain of salt though - I'm only a recent coffee addict and I only managed to order a single cup of coffee (no food or specialty espressos). With that in mind, the coffee that I ordered here was far and away one of the better brewed cup of joe that I've had in the Portland area. Add to that their corner location and large windows for people watching (if you're into that) and you've got a great place for your caffeine fix in the Pearl District. The only caveat is their decor and atmosphere. Like most of the Pearl District, Caffe Umbria has that "shiny" feel to it - things appear slightly polished, metal highlights with light wood paneling, barristas in black button down shirts and ties, etc etc. If you're more into a relaxed average-joe coffee shop then it'd be best to move on to another spot. read more

Came in here and asked for juice and the women said "we have fresh squeezed prange juice" and i said i will get that. She pulls out a big bottle of odwalla with a ripped off label and pours me that That is not fresh squeezed! Gotta love places that lie to your face read more

Really cool little Italian cafe that we stumbled upon while looking for food to eat prior to heading to Powell's. They don't have a huge selection of food but Paul and I loved what we got. I got a panini with tomato, basil, and mozzarella on it and wow, was it good! Paul got this cool piece of 'pizza' which was a large piece of flat bread with all sorts of stuff on it: mushrooms, tomatoes, prosciutto, and a few other toppings that I can't remember. Each of them came with a little cup of delicious olives, which was a nice bonus. They also serve desserts, gelato, and assorted beverages. I will totally go back there, my sandwich was really great! read more

Espresso and gelato all in one. What more can you ask for in a morning? Bread and pastries? They have them. You will drool over their paninis. Service? Yes, and friendly. It is well lit with their glass windows unlike other stuffy and dingy coffee shops. That's the way I like my mornings. Ok. Pre-brunch funtions. It's my weekend and I'll have my gelato when I want to. read more

Enjoyed the ambiance of this Cafe with a lovely heart latte and some light chocolate cake. It's a sweet surprise to have the latte served with a bite size of dark chocolate on the side. Friendly service! read more

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I spent my lunch break here today and overall, I liked it. I had a really good croissant. It was nice and buttery, soft and flaky. So good. I also was a big fan of the chocolate I got with my espresso. That's definitely the way to my heart. Now that being said, I went there specifically for the espresso, because I've read good things about it. But it was a disappointment. It was bitter, acidic and tasted burnt instead of being smooth and delicious, the way it is meant to be. But I have yet to find a good espresso in Portland. They're truly a rare thing, so it didn't weigh too heavily on my rating. The prices did though. The before mentioned croissant was way overpriced, as was all of the food. read more

To the short/troll-ish barista who works here, YOU ARE SO RUDE! When I come in to get a latte, I don't expect to have to wait for more than 10 minutes to order so that you may flirt with the middle-aged man who is obviously wearing a wedding ring. And when I do finally get up to order from you, you treat me like I am a dirty speck of dirt! And don't yell at other baristas who are making my coffee, they do it better than you. read more

Caffe Umbria is a good place for coffee with some friends or co-workers. It gets you away from the Starbucks vibe adds a change of pace to getting a good cup of coffee. When you walk in, there are tables and chairs throughout. Most of the seating areas are 2 to 6 people and are laid out well. You order your drink up at the front and they will bring it out to you. While I was here I also had a small hot sandwich (Brie and prosciutto on a baguette). It truly hit the spot. There are also pastry and good deserts there too. I was there conducting an interview for a job I had open. The open environment was relaxing and made the interview more conversational over the typical stiff office interviews. So this space worked out well. It is right in the heart of the Pearl District too and close to shops and other entertainment. Good place to stop in and grab a cup o' Joe or a fancy cup with froth. read more

in a word? Authentic! reliably authentic italian coffee & sandwiches. The coffee, unbeatable. The tuna sandwich with paper thin lemon slices blows my mind! I haven't seen it on the menu for a while, but any time I do, I pounce! hungry or not! because it might be a few weeks before it makes another appearance. The staff = OK. There are a few awesome people but the overall staff rating comes down because of the one creeply guy that always trys to hit on all girls. read more

I like this place. It reminds of a fancy version of the little cafes in Italy, but a bit more modern and upscale. Fine by me. I had the latte and a macaroon. Fantastic! I will definitely be back. read more

I was on a quest for the best espresso in the PDX...I loved everything about this place Ordered: Tall Americano (black), but as soon as I started talking to them about coffee and that I was hoping to find the best espresso while traveling around Portland, everything change. Daniel (the barista) had me try a restretto shot and then did a fancy long pour (he actually did something different that I had never heard of) so I could really taste the flavor of the coffee. Pros -The people are great. I was floored at Anna's style and told her as much. I guess complimenting gopes a long way because immediately I started talking to the whole staff like I had known them for years. -I was treated as a regular and not a tourist -Coffee was great, and was in the top 5 for espresso......But in actuality I am not sure if it was because of the fact that I fell in love with the people or because I fell in love with the coffee. Does it matter? -They suggested other gem espresso places to try as well (Public Domain being one of them) Cons -This is a great place....I wouldn't even thinking about saying anything negative. read more

We ducked in to this little place today, enroute between the Japanese Gardens and Union Station, in need of additional caffeine and a light snack. We ordered a quiche to share, a couple of cookies, a latte and a regular coffee. Everything was tasty and top-notch. My mother was delighted by the fancy fern rendering on the foam of my latte; while I became quickly addicted to the chocolate-hazelnut biscotti. Oh, and I managed to snag the last one. read more

Sometimes the coffee here is good. Sometimes, and never better than just "good." I pop in here occasionally for a little anonymity while I knit, and always order a small cappuccino. Sometimes, it is a nice little treat with micro foam in all the right places. Usually, the espresso tastes under extracted, like someone is taking "ristretto" waaaay too seriously. Usually, the milk foam resembles bubble bath. Why don't I go elsewhere? I don't always feel like walking very far. On my last (probably forever) visit, I ordered a small gelato and a small cappuccino. What I got was a small scoop of unsettlingly gummy gelato -- it had perhaps been sitting around in that cold case too long -- and a large to-go cappuccino that sat on the counter for who-knows-how-long because I didn't associate "large cappuccino to go" with my order: "small, double-shot cappuccino for here." In fairness, they re-made my order... and I received a 12-oz, single shot cappuccino. It was unpalatable. The only remaining flavor of the sadly diluted espresso was an acridity lingering in the micro foam. The service is mostly fairly friendly, if not a bit too stuffy for the mediocre quality of product. read more

I ordered a cappuccino here. They asked "12 ounce?" I said "no 8oz please" Then I watched the barista make 2, 8oz cappuccinos and noticed he only poured a single shot into each cup. When they handed me the drink I asked if it only had one shot in it and they said yes. I apologized, and said I wanted a drink with 2 shots and further apologized buy saying that it was my fault for not being specific when I ordered it. I said that I had never been anyplace before that didn't make a cappuccino with 2 shots so I wasn't used to ordering that way They told me that was the traditional Italian way. I laughed and said I never got one that way in Italy or anywhere else in the world. The barista then scoffed at me and went over to change the music playing in the store. The counter person asked him what he was going to do about my drink and he said "I'm going to make a special cappuccino for the special Italian guy." I asked "is that really the way you talk to customers?" He laughed and shrugged his shoulders. I proceeded to tell him what kind of person I thought he was and how unprofessional his behavior was. He laughed and didn't seem to care at all. I got my money back and left. Don't know if this guy is the boss or if the boss just thinks this type of customer interaction is ok. I doubt he is just a rogue employee who gets away with treating customers this way. He had an air of "I don't care" I've been walking buy this shop since it opened and never gave it a chance. I won't be giving it another. read more

I've been to my fair share of Italian espresso bars during my time in Italy, and this place is as good as it gets -- probably because it's ran by Italians, haha. Cafe Umbria has given itself its own identity in a city that's sprawling with great coffee shops. It's not like the indie Portland coffee shops or like the larger coffee chains. The decor is really nice, but not pretentious. It has a simple setup for those wanting to grab a coffee or a quick bite to eat. The coffee is pretty amazing. It's a nice dark roast with full flavor. I stop in for an espresso about once or twice a week -- I wish I could come by more since it's so good. read more

This is one of my favorite haunts in the Pearl! This place has the highest concentration of Euro-types I've seen in all of Portland. It's great fun to people watch here! The espresso drinks are good but a little spendy. The drink sizing is traditionally European. The small is actually small, not large like you're probably accustomed to. On warmer days, I recommend the coffee granita. It's a tastier version of a Starbucks frappuccino. They show soccer games on a large flat screen and stay open late for First Thursday Art Walks. There's occasionally live music, and it's always excellent. This is a good place to meet friends, read a paper, or get some work done. There are a couple plugs and free wifi. read more

Probably best coffee shop IVE been too. Good food yummy coffee. Great atmosphere and service.

I have a hard time finding coffee I like, but not here. +Italian inspired/style drinks +Great atmosphere +Tasty food and treats (the Italian chocolates by the register are omg-good) +Gluten-free choices (get the GF coffee cake! Yum!) +Nice location +Fantastic staff Depending on your budget, it may not be suitable for your morning coffee every day, but you're paying for quality and definitely getting it. read more

A grown up coffee shop in the Pearl where you don't have to be cool. Most patrons are senior citizens, Italians, those bike guys in shiny unitards, and Pearl District residents so no one is paying attention to you. Don't get me wrong, I miss the disgruntled, groggy, Grizzly Bear loving' staff at the former Acorn Cafe (now Barista), but it's nice to walk into a place that makes you feel barely noticed (especially before the caffeine kicks in.) I don't care for espresso, I like black drip coffee, and I have to say Umbria has the best in the Pearl. Wanda read more

We were here for the Italy vs Germany game. Had some wine, a beer and one of the caprese focaccia sandwiches. 8 bucks for a sandwich is a bit steep in my opinion. Did it give us a quick flashback of being in Italy? Yes. With balsamic on it, no haha. Delicious none the less, but not somewhere to stop in and grab on the go if you want cheap. They have some great gelato, we're definitely going to keep that in mind for the next time that we're in the area! I've had their coffee before and it was good too! Stop buy if you want good coffee and a nice wait staff. read more

Best iced latte downtown. I've tried every coffee place in the Pearl and this espresso blend has the best flavor. And their butter croissants are super Flaky and good. read more

I think anything with heart-shaped foam tastes better, no? Just kidding. Kinda. I met my boss here the day after Valentine's Day for my mid-year review and she bought me a vanilla latte. It was probably the best vanilla latte I've ever had because the coffee was so smooth. No sharp, bitter after tastes. Lots of sitting room, though all hard surfaces, which means me and my butt won't last long. So if you are looking to steal a table, look for me. I won't linger too long. She also bought me some of the Gusto Crema Blend to take home. I ground up some beans and brewed them today and am enjoying another great cup of coffee...minus the foam-shaped heart. read more

Very cute place! I like the choice of indoor or outdoor seating. Kind of reminds me of cafes in New York. I had the half tomato, basil and mozzarella pizza paired with a regular drip coffee. YUMMMYYYY.... the chocolate piece at the end was the perfect dessert. read more

Caffe Umbria - Coffee and Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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