Spectacular, perfect Italian style coffee service, with modern variants and nods to current trends -like cold coffee and French-style pastries, presented with professional ease by a talented staff and managed well by the original family that started the whole Seattle coffee thing, back in the day. Some of you may remember Torrefazione. This is the next generation of that wonderful brand, known for its precise quality roasts and traditional Italian flavor profiles and service format. Their "Perugia" roast was the one I first used when I was training to be a barista, about 20 years ago. Here, you will get a proper spoon and saucer with your cup, and they offer a chocolate wafer to nibble, which brings out the rich cacao and nut nuances in the espresso. Both still and sparkling water are on tap, and self-serve, as it should be. Service is quiet, brisk, efficient but polite, like you might expect in any good European espresso house. Pastries here stray more towards the French, as is fashionable these days in Seatown thanks to top-notch bakeries like Bakery Nouveau, but the quality seems good and they are offering sandwiches and salads now too. I would like to see some rustic sandwiches and more typically Italian sweets, like pizzelles, pignoli, amaretti (the best with espresso!). It would be wonderful to see them offer some of the treats from Pellegrini Italian Market in West Seattle... I can't recommend this place enough. I go here when I want the good stuff- you should too! read more

Caffe Umbria - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

mmmm...happy to have stumbled upon Caffe Umbria in Ballard. Parking is paid parking along the street which can sometimes be tough to find, other times spots are plentiful. Probably just a matter of what time of the day it is.. The space is bright and trendy, moderate noise level with folks working, meeting friends, reading, etc. There are a few tables outside to enjoy as well in the warmer months. My latte was velvety smooth, perfectly poured espresso and milk temperature. I believe the pastries are from Macrina (YUM!) and the almond croissant is out of this world. The employees were smiley and friendly. I'd definitely recommend Caffe Umbria! read more

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*inhales freshly ground beans* Mmmmm. Favorite coffee shop in Ballard. How lucky I am to live near so many great coffee shops, but yet, I think this one is the best. I was invited to visit after meeting the manager in my Italian class, and I was even scolded (and teased) for not having visited sooner since it's literally down the street from where I live. I won't make that mistake again. Open, clean, inviting, and modern space with traditional Italian coffee. I had a breve (served with a chocolate!) and a ham & cheese croissant. Both excellent. Plenty of space to sit and work (and let's face it, write Yelp reviews) with electrical outlets and free wifi. Also ample outdoor seating for gorgeous sunny and crisp days (such as today). Parking is a bit hard to come by in the area since it's located on Ballard Ave., but if you don't mind paying, there are a few pay lots and garages nearby. Buonissimo! read more

Caffe Umbria - Afternoon perfection. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

THE BIG: Another coffee shop in the heart of Ballard. Located next to Miro Tea, so if you're not feeling coffee, there's tea next door! THE BLACK AND WHITE: Came here on a crowded Sunday afternoon when the farmers market was at its peak. The line was surprisingly not bad, with only 4 people in front. Ordering was very quick but then again, I just ordered a drip coffee. Noise level is pretty loud, so be prepared to work in a loud environment. Seating is relatively limited with a five work tables, a couch, and two bars with about 4 seats. THE FINAL BAMBOO: $2.75 solid for a 12oz drip coffee. Pretty standard pricing for a drip coffee that wasn't breathtaking. I think next time I'll purchase a specialty coffee (cappuccino, espresso, etc) read more

It is one of mediocre coffee shops in seattle. Coffee tasted better than average. I recommend thus place though. read more

Caffe Umbria - Dry cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

There was no line to order and it did not take long at all to fill our order. There were plenty of free street parking in front of and on around Caffe Umbria. There were small cozy tables to hang for a bit while you finish your drinks. The MOCHA and HOT CHOCOLATE were very very good. Rich and strong, kinda like Batman. read more

5 star coffee, 1 star for any food that needs to be warmed up. I think literally every single time I've ordered food warmed here, it comes out to me either cold or barely heated. Today was the last straw. Got asked 4 times if I wanted my item heated while checking out, then when I got it, it was ICE cold on a plate. And yes I've asked for things to be reheated but for safety reasons (which I understand), they have to make a new one which means just longer waiting. And of course it makes me feel like an ass for asking. Just don't get anything that needs warming. To the management: if it does need heating, please have a piece of paper or something that tells your staff how long to heat each item so it doesn't need to be reheated!! read more

I have the best coffee ever. The teams here are super awesome. They remember your drink & makes it right.

So glad I went to this cute and busy cafe! A lot of people on their laptops. I ordered the iced latte with oat milk and hot matcha latte with oat milk. One of the best iced lattes I've tried in Seattle because it reminds me of Timeless Coffee (vegan cafe) in the Bay Area. Matcha latte was ok -- wouldn't order again. Highly recommend coming during the Sunday Farmers Market. read more

Super cute coffee shop with a cool vibe. I was here on a Sunday and it was quite busy. Parking can be a bit tricky, but it is worth it. There is a farmers market that shares the parking lot and is alot of fun. read more

Caffe Umbria - Coffee bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Wonderful! Amazing! Superb! My new favorite cafe! Caffe Umbria is for real! My wife and I stopped in this great little place this past weekend as we were tootling through downtown Ballard. It's been one of those places that had caught my eye all summer since we moved here, but for whatever reason we never stopped in. Well, that will change here now! Umbria is a hip and classy cafe with wonderful coffee and treats! My wife wasn't too much in the coffee mood, so she got a hot apple cider -- which she said was really good. I had what was the best cafe latte I've ever had! I'm not huge on lattes, but I had a feeling about it and my mouth said, "get it." So I did, and it was like a party explosion of yumminess! Served in real mugs and perfectly blended, this is THE place to go. Food wise, we were satisfied as well. I had an orange and currant scone, while my wife had a biscotti. The scone was super tasty and full of currants (next time I'll ask if they could warm it up though). The biscotti, according to my wife, was good too; but not as crunchy as she would've liked. It also was almond flavor based instead of the usual hazelnut. I was also sucked into the bags of coffee that they offer. They have like 6 different blends of so...anything to meet the needs of any coffee drinker. Thanks Umbria for a great coffee stop . . . we will be back! read more

Very classic European cafe aesthetic and their coffee was fantastic. They're open for sit down and takeout, with plenty of outlets at the tables to work from. I came to get some work done and was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere. They do a lot with the small space and I appreciate it. It's also conveniently located within Ballard, so it was great to walk around the area after. Coffee also came with a delicious chocolate! read more

First off, the customers here are so nice and friendly! Made two friends just in line for the coffee bar. The workers are just as nice and they really have the process down where you'll never be waiting for your drink even if it's peak hour. I ordered a lavender chai latte and it was great! read more

Four star quality of the espresso. Two star on customer service maybe the gal was having a bad day. The machine is worth the non smiles . Top of the line Strada read more

Caffe Umbria - Top of the line Strada machine - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Good coffee! Nice ambiance and very nice staff! Walked in on Sunday morning when we couldn't find good coffee stands at Ballard Farmers market. I've tried numerous coffee place such as blue bottle, intelligentsia in CA and heart coffee in OR. Umbria is my new favorite in Seattle. They also have interesting menu unlike other places that has just cortado, macchiato and flat white ... I will definitely be back! read more

Went in for coffee and a snack last week. WooHoo, they accept cash once again (just bring exact change). Tables are spaced out nicely for social distancing. Coffee tasted great as usual. read more

The coffee is very good, and Umbria is the only coffee shop around that has actual savory food, not just sweets. It's a little silly to have the water labeled in Italian, but it's not a major deal. Rather, my main issue is the absolutely terrible layout. The space isn't tiny, and yet eight (8) customers is enough to fill up the entire seating area, if strategically placed, which they often are. My last few attempts to go here has been (1) walk all the way over (2) realize every single table is taken despite there being very few people there (3) walk home again. Which takes two stars off because what's the point of going if it's full for no good reason? I really wish they'd rearrange to better utilization of the space, but it's been the same for years so I don't see that changing. They could easily up the minimum number of customers required to be full by 50%if they tried, but for now I've mostly given up. read more

Café Umbría always tastes delicious and the service is great. It would definitely get a 5/5 except the internet connection maybe the worst internet on Earth. It's pretty slow and disconnects every few minutes. Pro tip: Go here to get coffee and enjoy the ambiance, but not sure if you want to come here to work... Edit: Staff was super responsive and working on the internet issue read more

Super cute interior! Seems like it'd be a great place to catch up with a friend (may be too busy/loud to get work done). They also have still and sparkling water on tap in the back. My iced latte was sweet in a really weird way both times I went, so docking one star. Otherwise, this place is perfect. read more

Caffee Umbria expanded to Ballard earlier this year and brought this little Italian gem to the neighborhood. After many decades in Seattle and a name change, Caffee Umbria still serves a good Italian style coffee for those who want something different than our normal cup of coffee here in Seattle. You might find an Italian or two sitting in the cafe. If you're into plain coffee they have that. If you want to try something different you have some different choices. From espresso shots mixed with cinnamon, real Italian cioccolato infused mochas, all the way to iced grapefruit. They have a selection of locally baked goods and sandwiches if your in need of a light snack. The cafe itself is very nice inside. There is seating inside, outside, or you could even stand at tables like the Italians do. It's a very bright and open space with chandeliers. There is a loveseat and some arm chairs near the windows for a more comfy seat. The staff is A+ and won't ignore you like some places around the city. Quick service and a smile. Prices are really reasonable for what you get. Like most of Seattle there is parking out front, but you have to pay for it. If you ride a bike there is a place to lock up out front. read more

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I had a cold brew and a sandwich for breakfast. The service was fast and friendly. The sandwich was heated and tasty; the cold brew was really nice! They have free WiFi and ample seating. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and people. read more

Caffe Umbria - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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-Small group chat, coffee to go -$3-5 -Oat milk latte, drip, pour over -One of if not the best Italian style/branded coffee shops in Seattle. Defiantly the best coffee in Downtown Ballard. Coffee tends to be medium roasts. Always enjoy their oat milk lattes which are not made too hot. -The branding/marketing is very solid. They know who they are and what they want. Pretty much everything they sell has a purpose, well designed, aesthetically pleasing. -Never quiet, always with a small crowd. Not meant for intimate one on one coffee dates. Good for 3-4 people or a quick coffee to go before heading out to explore Downtown Ballard. read more

I keep seeing less than 5 star reviews about coffee being too expensive, but guys be fr it's expensive everywhere. At least here it's good and the staff is so nice. I live nearby and this is my regular place to sit and work or chat after work around 4 to closing. The staff is so respectful and kind, they're always up to talk and laugh no matter how busy, and they know what they're doing. Fav place in Ballard because of the vibes and the people (and the drinks) !! read more

How I heard of this place: We were on our way to Hot Cakes, in Ballard, for a Sweet Week treat and found that they were 35-minutes from opening. On our walk to Cafe Miro, we decided coffee sounded better as we stumbled upon Caffe Umbria. Type of cuisine: "Our café in the historic Ballard neighborhood of Seattle is designed to bring the urban European café experience to the neighborhood level where people live and relax. Our brand and aesthetic has always been a blending of rustic and modern elements. That same ideal describes Ballard and our café, where we highlight a variety of brew methods, including traditional stove top Moka espresso. The Ballard café will feature locally baked goods from Le Panier and Macrina, light lunch fare from the Volterra kitchen next door and a selection of Italian wine and beer." Ambiance: "We create spaces where the European café experience and the engaging, intimate feel of the neighborhood intersect. Our brand and aesthetic have always been a blending of rustic and modern elements - these ideas are the cornerstone of our café experience." Chic and rustic in one space, the intricate chandeliers coexist in a beautiful way with the exposed brick walls, simple stencil drawings and organized display shelves. Space to stand at bar-height tables to swiftly yet steadily enjoy a shot (or two) of espresso with an Italian flair, space enough to sit, back to entry and study with a friend, cozy seating for those wishing to spend a little more, leisurely time sipping their beverages or delighting in a snack, and seating at wooden booths along the wall providing a tablespace for work, mingling, deliciousness. A tastefully adorned establishment with the minimalism of a pretentious space without the snobbery, and the ease and peace of a neighborhood café worth returning to time and again. What I ordered: For me, a 12-ounce single ristretto mocha ($3.75), the same (with both shots) for one of my dining companions, and a simple 8-ounce brewed coffee ($2) for my mom, a croissant to share with my little one. For our token adult male, a "surprise me" 16-ounce ($3.75+) flavored latte, gorgeously presented. We decided it most tasted like hazelnut, a great choice by the barista! What I loved: The dark chocolate making up the mocha, the beautiful touch of a small square of dark chocolate at the side of each beverage, and the beautifully presented (and tasting) latte. Why I loved it: Simple pleasures prepared and served with care. Cost: Average ($2.25 - $4.25 per espresso beverage) read more

Just got into Seattle and needed a pick me up! Ordered: almond milk latte with honey Pros: this interior is totally beautiful, chandeliers, variety of seating such as couch, bar, or table, friendly staff, unique dish wear that makes you feel fancy, great lighting and it's on an adorable street, they even give you a small piece chocolate with your drink! Cons: I felt like my latte was small for the price I'd go back! read more

Caffe Umbria - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Somehow this Caffè Umbria location in Ballard hasn't remained consistent. Had to reduce rating from 5 stars to 3, especially with this visit. Same thing with four other visits. The mochas were made in front of me, but were a bit underwhelming. No punch on the punch card or chocolate that I usually associate with Caffè Umbria. A hard working barista all the way to closing. I liked the music and love the overhead chandeliers. I'll just plan my visits to the location in Pioneer Square/Occidental Square instead. read more

Caffe Umbria - Still enjoy four chandeliers at the Ballard site. Sadly, the mochas not so much anymore (10/1/16) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Five stars ALL DAY! My son had a kids vanilla ice cream cone, I had a Vanilla chai latte and my MIL had a cone too! It was so delish! Nice ambiance and just a cozy little spot by the water... love it here! I'll be back!!! read more

Caffe Umbria - OMG Best Chai Latte!!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Nice shop, good atmosphere, the staff seemed nice. The coffee itself was quite good. My new-to-coffee husband really enjoyed it, and the pastry we had was delish. My biggest complaint is the lack of a complete menu, and descriptions of the menu. I never understand why coffee shops have their little "special" drinks, but never feel the need to put descriptions of those drinks on their menu, leaving me to have to ask what they all are. And if I was a customer behind someone having to do the same thing, it would also be annoying - just put it on the menu! I also found a separate "seasonal" menu on the bar far from the register. This would have been nice to see before I ordered- maybe I would have tried something from that menu? I will visit another location next time and see if they have it together there, because the coffee was good. Just a bit annoyed. read more

My husband and I made our way here so excited to try their coffee but that wow factor we were expecting fell incredibly short. We ordered a medium iced chai latte and a small latte to go. I don't know if the cashier was in a rush but when I finished my order, he immediately gave me the total without even asking if that would complete my order which I found odd because my husband was standing right next to me waiting to order too so when the cashier realized that his response was "ohh.." Anyway.. There were plenty of people inside so we waited for our order. It wasn't until I noticed that the people who ordered their drinks after we did were receiving their drinks.. So I looked at their little pick up station only to see that the two drinks that were there were out for here. I told the barista that I was pretty sure those were our drinks and she apologized saying she'd put them in to go cups. First of all, those drinks were sitting there for awhile. I see the barista pour the watered down chai tea latte in a to go container but the drink didn't reach all the way to the top so she splashes milk on top to make up for the extra space and even that didn't make it to the top. Even my husbands tiny latte didn't make it to the top. I get that their to go cups and their for here cups are different but would they have filled them to the top if they had made our order correctly and put them to go in the first place? I was just taken back by the barista and how she had no sincerity when apologizing for making the drinks for here considering she just pushed the to go lids at me and told me I could just take those lids meant for another customer. She completely just shoved the drinks at me. Chai tea latte was watered down completely. It more like water with a hint of chai. My husbands latte was also hot milk with a hint of coffee. We've worked in a coffee shop before so we know how all this is made and it didn't meet any of our expectations. Like really? If a drink has been obviously sitting there, make the customer a new one. Also, what about presentation? You're just going to hand out two drinks that have been sitting on the counter not even caring how they look? We visit the Seattle area very often from San Diego but we won't be back otherwise I would have liked to give this place another chance considering the great reviews and the interior is so stinking cute. Terrible coffee, experience and service! read more

Caffe Umbria - "Medium" chai tea latte.. Really? - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Cute small coffee shop. Trendy vibe. Good solid coffee! I would go back if I'm in the area. Went there after checking out the Sunday market! read more

Caffe Umbria - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Great new café in Ballard next to Miro Tea. I dropped in to pick up an espresso to go this past weekend. The shop is so gorgeous, I'm looking forward to coming back here on a lazy day and actually sitting down to enjoy a coffee and a pastry next time! read more

Espresso is . Not too acidic. Nice and balanced! The service was wonderful. She was quick and even offered a sample for us to taste of the hot chocolate that was churning in the contraption. read more

I ordered an iced latte, and it tasted like muddy water. Super watered down, almost like burnt drip coffee. This is likely a fluke, since Umbria has a reputation of good coffee, but for $7.43 (with oat milk and a flavor shot) this was disappointing. read more

There's lots of coffee shops in Ballard, and Yelp rates this one the best. And for good reason! It's a friendly open and cool vibe inside. Service is very very friendly which is heart-warming. They have a bunch of specialty drinks, and both food and drink are well priced. Coffee comes with a chocolate, and there is a good amount of seating. Id recommend their cinnamon bread which is delicious (get it toasted!) and a two shot caffe marocchino which is one of their specialties. Both great! read more

Consistently a favorite go to! They have amazing coffee and specialty drinks. Try the Bicerin or Nocciola Freddo and you will not regret coming here! My absolute favorite cafe in Ballard by a long run :) read more

This is a shout out to the team working today 2/19/23 . I, a new highly emotional postpartum mother with in-laws in town walking the farmers market... i was verge of a nervous breakdown needed coffee, or wine or anything. First time as a local walking in and I ordered a lavender latte and a glass of wine and found a seat at the end of the barista area. I watched the team behind the counter kindly greet and work with all the crazy Sunday market people while working calmly and smoothly as a team (not easy) and to my surprise was brought out my wine on a tray with some chips and fancy buttery olives by an incredibly kind and patient man. I swear to god I was so grateful I was about to hug this man, I started a release of happy crying while I ate the delicious olives and gave thanks for cafe Umbria. They don't know how much this 15 mins of kindness and attention to detail meant to me/ how much I needed at that moment. I will be back. read more

Cute interior doesn't make up for the grumpy staff who ignored 3 different customers who said "thank you". Rude, stuck up 23 year old baristas aren't cool, they're just ignorant. And my mocha was cold. Never again, better coffee a few doors down. Stuck up Seattle vibe can't die soon enough. read more

Stopped in this morning for a 8oz double americano and was pleased to see a dark pillowy smooth creama on the top of my americano. I was also pleased when I took my first sip with the taste of the espresso, it was not under roasted, but that the beans had a rich full flavor. I cannot stand the trend of under roasted beans that are bright and lemony. This americano was perfect in every way. Oh and they had a tap for sparkling water and still. read more

Caffe Umbria - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Great beverages. Best coffee in Seattle. The service is always friendly and efficient. Thank you!

Love this place. The interior is very cool. The first time I was here, they play Beatles music and I was hooked. Their coffee is goood and such a nice ambience to chat or to get some work done. The staff is great and they offer free sparkling water. A nice spot to take a break in Ballard. I would come here again. read more

Caffe Umbria - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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