Caffe Trieste sits just off Columbus Avenue nestled right on the corner of Grant and Vallejo. The café features an outdoor seating area wrapped by a cozy wooden fence-type wall painted in the same lovely green you’ll see on the trim of the exterior. Inside, a mural graces the entirety of the south wall. Crowds of framed photos adorn the rest, creating an eclectic and artistic atmosphere. A stunning vintage jukebox sits near the door to the restroom, softly playing B. B. King classics. The sweet smell of their house espresso fills the air of this cash-only café, and picture frames of stained glass depict tranquil landscapes above the hand-painted window.

I order a hot mocha with oat milk, an egg and sausage breakfast sandwich, and a chocolate-dipped madeleine cake. The man behind the counter scoops a large dollop of whipped cream into the top of my coffee cup from the enormous mixing bowl he had been ferociously whipping it in moments before. 

Having been forced to constantly take refuge from the heat in our hometown, my partner and I excitedly stride out the door to the outdoor seating area on the east side to enjoy the cool air and filtered sunshine. At the table next to us, a trio of young adults around our age chat quietly amongst themselves in French. I note to my partner that they are dressed well (something we rarely have the pleasure of seeing at home on an average weekday). I face north, looking up Grant Avenue, and bring the coffee cup to my lips.

The layer of whipped cream is cool and thick, contrasting beautifully with the hot coffee, a perfect blend of smooth chocolate and bitter espresso flawlessly emulsified with the hot milk. Before I’ve even finished swallowing the first sip, I move as if to stand up, feeling compelled to run back into the shop.

Bewildered, I say to my partner, “this is so good that I want to get up and order a second one right now.”

“Really?” He sips his own mocha. “Oh, wow, that is really good.”

I drink the beverage slowly, savoring it in absolute bliss. After my savory sandwich and tasty treat, we continue our leisurely walk up Columbus Avenue to the Pier, leaving Caffe Trieste behind.

♣

The mocha latte I had at Caffe Trieste was probably the best coffee I’ve ever had. It was really difficult to admit that any shop could make a better drink than my beloved Caffe Ibis, but I just can’t stop thinking about that drink! We only spent one day of our Oakland trip across the bay in San Francisco, but both my partner and I heavily considered taking the BART back into SF just to have that coffee again.

Conclusion: Vibes: 10/10. Service: 10/10. Product: 10/10.