I've never been to Italy, but I almost feel like I have, having visited this shop. It's got most of the attributes that I've read about, it's just a quick, grab a coffee and go kind of place. The delightful barista was running a one woman show, fielding orders and fulfilling them as fast as she could, while maintaining a beautiful smile and chatting with the customers. I was carefully observing her milk steaming technique, something I struggle with at home. When I mentioned it. she actually took a moment to show me some tips, which I really appreciated. But what of the coffee? As advertised, this is the place to go for classic Italian espresso, Sure, you can get some milk drinks, too, but don't go expecting a nitro cold foam Madagascar cinnamon concoction or anything like that. Myself, I'm all about the straight espresso, and today, they were pulling (if I recall) the Rossalina, which is a little more spice forward than their standard Signature espresso, and it was very nice in cup. Rich, dark, with a nice crema and super thick body, it's just what you'd want in this style. Yum! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The cafe itself is... barely. :) There's only a couple of tables, it's basically standing room only-adjacent, and it's easier to just wait outside if there's more than a handful of people inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Do NOT bring your laptop and expect to work here or anything of that nature - just get your coffee and move on with your day. A lovely spot which I'll be sure to visit again anytime I'm in Portland! read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Very cute Italian coffeeshop! Super small but that's part of the charm - having your espresso standing up.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The Macchiato and Shakerato were tasty and strong. A great spot for a quick pick-me-up in Downtown. read more

Spella Caffè - Macchiato - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Oregonian Sept 24, Readers Choice survey, reports Spella is one of the best coffee rosters in town. I'm here to check out the news buzz and buzz out on a macchiato - which was A-OK-O buzzzzin! Medium sweet roast, Rainforest Alliance certifiedl! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Spella service and cafe vibe definitely A-OK-O! Small space standing room only rubbing elbows with other coffee "peeps!"[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Spella works / sources coffee cherries with farmers in India and Latin America. Roasts beans in town, Italian style, small batches producers bold, big flavors, the robust way I like it! I walked here in the rain to try it out. Definitely made my rainy espresso day! read more

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Spella really has superb espresso. And while the spot is small, the woman behind the counter was making multiple orders at once and taking them at the same time! It was really a sight to behold. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Don't come here expecting to sit and meander. Get your espresso and then go onto to enjoy your day![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Stopped by Spella for the first time today. Ordered an espresso. There's a small counter where you can drink it if you get it to stay. I also got a complimentary sparkling water to cleanse my palate. The espresso is hand pulled and tastes great. If you buy a bag of beans you get a free espresso. Will definitely be back for that. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The space is tiny but service is great.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]This tiny art deco style coffee shop charmed me so much that I was inspired to do a little research.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Here's what I gathered: Starting as a coffee cart in 2006 on SW 9th and Alder, opening a flagship in 2010, closing in 2020 during that crazy pandemic, opened for a second, then closed again in 2022, this spot was opened in 2023. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The adorable 200 square foot space in the historic Oregon National Building (formerly the Selling Building) was most recently Moonstruck Chocolate and I heard it was a drug store once upon a time.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My friend goes out of her way to buy her beans here (I go out for coffee). Spella roasts their own every Friday in batches under 11 pounds. I don't know a lot about the process, but there's a lot of buzz so here's your chance to do your own research. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice little coffee shop, and I mean little, but cozy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Owned by a renowned coffee maker, specifically the espresso here in Portland. Guess he used to have a stand and the. Opened up this small joint after the COVID pandemic. Great coffee in the lattes taste amazing but I really need to try the espresso and gelato next time as I heard it's amazingly delicious. Coffee is to a T to perfection and I am pivot on coffee. Makes the others look just okay. I highly recommend recommend trying this place out of your coffee lover. read more

I got a creamy delicious latte from Spella, promptly made within 2 minutes (felt like record speed) so I could catch the bus. Thank you! Definitely coming back :) read more

Spella Caffè - Delicious oat milk latte made within 2 minutes!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

a woman i met in line at Olympia coffee roasters who was very adamant about me trying this coffee, she was raving about it and it made me so curious. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I was surprised to find the location was so tiny but I think it kind of adds to it's charm.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The spot was very popular and the wait was kind of long for a weekend day but I was presently surprised with the coffee and other drinks we got. This coffee was memorable it was very strong for what I'm used to but super delicious. Definitely coming back soon read more

Oh My Gosh. I had the best coffee ever at Spella. [[HIGHLIGHT]]My child and I enjoyed our coffee at tiny tables in the adjacent elevator lobby.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The coffee was expertly pulled to eliminate the "legs" which, we learned, is the way to make sure the espresso is not bitter. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Small, cool looking spot with some of the best coffee in town.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We had cappuccinos. They were top notch. They have some of their gelato and some chocolates as well from woodblock. They were out of pastries. read more

Spella Caffè - 2 cap - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

We stayed at a hotel nearby and saw this coffee had high ratings. It's a pretty straightforward menu... pretty sure it's aunthentic italian coffee. I got the iced latte and an almond crossaint and it was so delicious. I'm usually a super sweet coffee girl but the coffee was so rich and tasty without any added sweetener. The barista was alone and was super friendly although it was a bit of a rush in there. read more

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Yikes. Maybe folks aren't used to having good coffee, but this was rather atrocious, medium roast that was boderline burnt. They also offered chai, but oh my goodness, it is the worst cup I have ever had - it's on par with Starbucks, a.k.a. rather terrible. Please avoid. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a cute albeit tiny storefront, and that was attracted me, but I definitely will not be coming back nor recommendting this to anyone.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The prices are affordable, but it is not good coffee or tea (chai). read more

I'm visiting from California and stopped in yesterday since Spella was right around the corner from our hotel. Forgot to get our lovely barista's name, but she was so pleasant and sweet and talked to us about the cafe. The vanilla latte we got was our favorite here during our trip so far. The quality and flavor were on point and it was perfectly sweetened. We had been mentally preparing to return this morning and to also buy some beans since our experience was so wonderful yesterday. We were saddened to walk over and learn that they are closed Sundays. Definitely add Spella to your list. Thank you to the sweet angel that made our coffees yesterday! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]An absolute gem. So small and cute, and right in from of the Trimet 15 line stop.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Not only was coffee great but service was quick. There is no more convenient coffee stop in Portland! read more

Spella Caffè - Interior counter - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]A tiny coffee shop in a historical building.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Probably the best coffee in town if you like espresso drinks. I always get an affogato since they carry pronto gelato. What a treat! read more

I got some gift cards here for Christmas-- my family lives in CO and wanted to gift somewhere I could walk to. Upon getting to the store, they let you know that the gift cards purchased online cannot even be used in store! They only allow you to purchase grounds online. It seems ridiculous to offer gift cards that cannot be used on sight. The staff were very friendly, but I am disappointed and frustrated at this. Too bad. read more

Great little coffee spot with delicious cappuccinos! Friendly staff. (FYI there is unfortunately no public restroom) read more

Spella Caffè - Great cappuccino! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

One of the best coffees! Hand-pulled and carefully made. Great price and quality. [[HIGHLIGHT]]A very small shop, but a must-try if you are a coffee lover.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Excellent service an wonderful coffee. They have really good affogatos--and the gelato is SO GOOD

highly, highly, highly recommend. asked for a dirty chai and they said we have award winning espresso and award winning chai and we don't mix them, i'm sorry. I said thank you for saying that, I respect it very much.. so much so that i got a muffin. 5 stars read more

I have been here twice now and the cappuccino has been outstanding both times. You don't get much better coffee outside of Italy. The right place to go if you need a coffee in downtown Portland. read more

Came in here totally on a whim on my way to pick up a rental car a few blocks away. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Definitely was impressed by how cute it was, but was not expecting it to be staffed by a single person wielding a manual pull espresso machine.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Doing so masterfully I might add. He knew all about the machines, as well as the coffee. Don't be fooled by this small menu. This coffee is the real deal. Every other coffee I tried in Portland was a total letdown. yes, including Stumptown. This one is legit. read more

Oh, at last, Spella is back downtown! My favorite espresso on the planet! My drink is a "Honey Bunches of Oats," a cappuccino with oat milk and honey. Sigh! So wonderful! Try the chai! It has REAL spice and, if you like it milder, just ask them and they will adjust it to your taste, but the balanced, fragrant, and fresh spices will still shine through to brighten your day! Eckish? Try the pastries from Fleur de Lis. My favorite is the almond ring. Chocolates will be coming soon! read more

Spella Caffè - Front entrance, happy customers! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Excellent coffee, will certainly be back when in town! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Reminds me of a small European coffee shop.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Perfect blend of Roma - caffe, minerale, conviviality and charm.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The cappuccino was perfect. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The company of other patrons was exactly what each day needs.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

This was a cute coffee shop. The almond croissant was so so good. The latte was good just pretty small for the price.

incredible espresso. no burnt taste, just rich and creamy. went everyday we stayed in pdx

Fantastic espresso, highly skilled barista, and old world charm. Take-out only but a very special coffee shop.

10/10 would recommend. Espresso is as Italian as it gets - hand pulled with a rich crema, served with sparkling water sidecar. I have few doubts things the best espresso in Portland. read more

Small and unassuming but don't let that fool you, the coffee is excellent. I had an americano. The barista was friendly. I definitely recommend. read more

This was probably the best oat milk latte I've ever had! Wow! I'll definitely be back soon.

Good coffee, wish they made them bigger. I'm not sure it was exceptional but I wasn't disappointed.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice little coffee shop.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Cappuccinos are great and the barista is so nice. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Lots of regulars go in and out.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's consistently good. read more

Spella Caffè - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Spella Caffe on Alder is a hidden gem! Fantastic coffee, cozy atmosphere, and friendly staff. A must-visit in Portland for any coffee lover.

Spent a week in Portland on business. Travel throughout the country for my job. The highlight of my trips is waking up early and trying out the local shops in each major city before I start the work day. This one I was looking forward to because of Portland's reputation for good coffee. Well, I will say I was unimpressed with all (Good coffee, Barista, Stumptown, Case Study) except for Spella Cafe. Very good lever shots. Very tasty and strong traditional Italian espresso. Mark my works: Portlands rep as a go to destination for coffee will hinge on this small cafe. As for the other coffee shops, I pull a much better shot and prepare better milk based drinks on my E61 heat exchanger at home. I'm serious. No exaggeration. read more

Delicious coffee!!! (Not open on the weekends, which is a bummer) I'll just have to come during the week!

Spella Caffe on Alder great coffee, pastries and location. You must try this coffee. New location with great customer service. Best coffee in town. So many different varieties. read more