Coffee Mantra — Restaurant in Florence

Coffee Mantra is a specialty coffee shop known for its emphasis on high-quality, artisanal coffee and a relaxing ambiance. Here’s a general review:

Positive Aspects:

Excellent Coffee: Coffee Mantra is praised for its commitment to serving high-quality, freshly brewed coffee. Whether you prefer espresso, drip coffee, or specialty brews like pour-over or AeroPress, they take care in crafting each cup to perfection.

Unique Blends and Single-Origin Options: They offer a variety of coffee blends and single-origin beans, allowing coffee lovers to explore different flavors and profiles. This makes it a great spot for those who appreciate artisanal coffee.

Cozy Atmosphere: The café is designed with a cozy and inviting ambiance, making it an ideal place for people looking to relax, read, or get some work done while enjoying their coffee.

Friendly Staff: The baristas are known for their friendliness and expertise. They are often willing to provide recommendations or explain different brewing methods to customers, creating a welcoming environment for both coffee enthusiasts and casual drinkers.

Great Pastry Selection: Along with their coffee, Coffee Mantra often offers a selection of pastries and light snacks that pair well with their drinks, adding to the overall experience.

Eco-Friendly Practices: Many customers appreciate the café's focus on sustainability, including eco-friendly packaging and a focus on ethically sourced coffee beans.

Areas for Improvement:

Limited Seating: Depending on the location and time, seating can sometimes be limited, especially during busy hours. This can make it harder for those looking to sit and stay for a while.

Price Point: Given the focus on high-quality, specialty coffee, some visitors may find the prices a bit higher compared to average coffee shops, though many consider it worth the quality.

Busy During Peak Times: While the café maintains a peaceful vibe, it can get crowded during peak times like weekends or mornings, leading to longer wait times for coffee or finding a seat.

Overall, Coffee Mantra is highly regarded for its artisanal coffee, welcoming atmosphere, and knowledgeable staff. It’s a favorite among coffee aficionados and those looking for a laid-back, high-quality café experience.

Located beside...

I used to manage a pretty famous coffee bar in the states that uses what we always call "bar style service." It takes its inspiration from the sort of neighborhood Italian coffee spot where folx slide up to the bar, order their coffee from the person working and hang out at the counter. It's graceful, democratic, and really freaking hard to do well.

This place was like seeing the origin story for me. The person on the machine dragged everyone that was waiting in a line that had formed out the front door, into the space kindly but with confidence, took all of our orders at once, and made the coffees while continuing to hold control of the space. They were quick, gentle, and observant.

The coffee was the sort that you can only find in a place like this. Crazy ristretto -- loud, punchy, sweet, super bright, but surprisingly easy to drink. I only had an espresso shot, but the milk on the latte served to the person next to me looked good, and the person working bar seemed like a pro.

Honestly I wish I could come back here...

I love the coffee here. And I also love Giovanni, the barista -- super friendly and kind. I was walking home after class one night and I stopped by, wanting to get some coffee. He told me they were closed but he had some cold brew if I wanted it. I took it but I couldn't pay him because he already closed the register (local laws) and I didn't have any cash.

He trusted me with the free coffee. I came back the next day and paid for it and also got an espresso.

Their coffee is really great, so far I tried a latte, iced coffee, doppio (double espresso -- man, is it strong), it was all terrific. Giovanni's friendly, pleasant, jovial nature makes it even better.

Awesome place for coffee and amazing barista! I highly recommend...