A Celebration of Italian Culture and Design at The Caffè by Mr. Espresso

The Caffè by Mr. Espresso, located in downtown Oakland, California, is a testament to the harmonious blend of Italian cultural heritage and modern minimalist design. Designed by the architectural firm jones | haydu, it embodies the elegance of Italian culture, embracing minimalism and contrast to create a space that’s both timeless and meaningful.

Honoring the Italian “Pausa”

In Italy, the act of stepping into a caffè and savoring an espresso is much more than a caffeine fix — it’s a *pausa*, a deliberate pause for reflection, connection, and community. Traditionally, this ritual unfolds at the bar, where patrons order, wait, and even drink their espresso while standing. It’s a communal experience that fosters conversation and connection.

The design of The Caffè pays homage to this cherished Italian tradition by reimagining the espresso ritual as a meaningful and artful experience. The central bar, rather than a linear fixture, is an island that anchors the space. This thoughtful layout invites movement and conversation while accommodating a bustling crowd. To further emphasize the communal spirit, the pastry display is long, low, and reminiscent of a jewelry case, offering a sense of accessibility and inclusivity.

A Design Rooted in Nature and Simplicity

Italian cuisine, known for its mastery in crafting complexity with minimal ingredients, served as a guiding philosophy for the design of The Caffè. By using a restrained palette of materials, the space celebrates their natural beauty and richness.

The primary bar, for instance, is crafted from slabs of a single white oak tree that fell in Sonoma in 2008. This choice frames nature as the centerpiece of the design, highlighting the organic beauty of the wood. Surrounding the space is a Calacatta marble ledge, a nod to one of Italy’s most iconic materials. This combination of natural elements creates a harmonious balance between simplicity and sophistication.

Chiaroscuro: The Art of Contrast

The Italian concept of *chiaroscuro*, the interplay of light and dark, further inspires the design. Behind the bar, hand-polished copper contrasts with the earthy textures of wood and stone, creating a visual dialogue between the materials. Above, a wooden sculptural installation brings a dynamic sense of movement to the space.

This sculpture, designed to emphasize the verticality of the space, is both monumental and intimate. It shifts between light and airy (*chiaro*) and solid and grounded (*oscuro*), depending on the viewer’s perspective. The design evokes the domes and arcades of Renaissance and Baroque architecture while maintaining a modern sensibility.

Crafting the Sculptural Centerpiece

The wooden sculpture, a defining feature of The Caffè, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and sustainability. Composed of 272 slats formed from 528 pieces of birch plywood, the installation was meticulously designed to minimize waste. Each slat, measuring approximately 12 feet in length, was CNC-cut, assembled, and finished by hand.

Even the finishing process was a thoughtful nod to tradition: the slats were stained using Ethiopian Shantawene coffee, brewed strong and applied wet. After drying, they were hand-rubbed with beeswax, adding a natural sheen to the wood. The result is a sculpture that feels both modern and timeless, grounding the space while elevating its aesthetic.

A Space for Community and Connection

At its core, The Caffè is more than a place to grab coffee — it’s a space that fosters community, celebrates heritage, and honors the art of pause. Through its thoughtful design, The Caffè invites patrons to step into an experience that feels authentically Italian, yet uniquely Oakland.

Whether you’re enjoying an espresso at the bar or marveling at the craftsmanship around you, The Caffè offers a space where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony — a reflection of the cultural richness that defines the Bay Area.

Photography: Matthew Millman