Caffè, the Italian Way… Right Here at Mulino

At Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar, caffè (as the Italians say) is more than a beverage—it’s a tradition. A pause in the day. A warm conclusion to a meal or a lively spark to keep the evening going. With espresso sourced from Lavazza, Italy’s most iconic roaster, every sip you enjoy here in downtown Raleigh is a nod to centuries of Italian culture.

What’s on the Menu

Our caffè menu highlights the timeless classics you’d expect in Italy:

• Espresso – Bold and rich, made with Lavazza beans.
• Decaf Espresso – All of the flavor, none of the caffeine.
• Cappuccino – A creamy balance of espresso, milk, and foam.
• Americano – Espresso softened with hot water for a gentler sip.
• Shakerato – Espresso shaken over ice until frothy, a refreshing summer staple.
• Cortado – Smooth espresso mellowed with just a touch of milk.

Espresso even finds its way onto our dessert menu:

• Affogato – Creamy vanilla gelato “drowned” in hot espresso.
• Tiramisu – Our house recipe, with mascarpone, ladyfingers, and espresso at its core.

And if you’ve tried our Espresso Martini, you know why it’s a guest favorite—we make each one with a fresh shot of espresso, never cold brew or concentrate. That’s the secret to its smooth depth and energy.

A Brief History of Italian Caffè

Italy’s relationship with caffè began in the 16th century, when Venetian merchants first introduced beans from the Middle East. By the 18th century, elegant cafés like Venice’s Caffè Florian became gathering places for artists, writers, and locals alike.

In the late 1800s, Turin native Angelo Moriondo patented the first espresso machine, making caffè quicker and bolder than ever before. Later designs perfected the process, and espresso became the hallmark of Italian café culture.

By the 1930s, the invention of the Moka pot brought espresso into every household. Drinks like the frothy cappuccino and refreshing shakerato became beloved daily rituals—traditions that carry on to this day.

Caffè as Culture

In Italy, caffè is woven into everyday life. A cappuccino is a morning treat, rarely ordered after noon. Espresso, on the other hand, is timeless—enjoyed as a quick “pick-me-up” at the bar or as a soothing finish to dinner.

Some rituals add even more charm:

• In Naples, the caffè sospeso (or “suspended coffee”) allows guests to pay for an extra cup so someone in need can enjoy it later.
• In summer, the shakerato reigns supreme: chilled, frothy, and refreshing.
• And after dinner, many Italians indulge in the tradition of the ammazzacaffè—a small glass of liqueur that “kills the coffee” and aids digestion. At Mulino, our menu of digestives offers perfect options: try Sambuca, a classic Roman pairing with espresso; Grappa, strong and traditional; or Limoncello, bright and citrusy. Even amaro favorites like Montenegro and Fernet bring depth to the ritual.

Each tradition speaks to the Italian values of community, generosity, and savoring life’s moments.

Mulino’s Caffè, Mulino’s Way

At Mulino, these traditions live on in Raleigh. Each espresso is pulled with Lavazza beans, every shakerato is shaken to frothy perfection, and every espresso martini is built with a fresh-brewed shot. Because at Mulino, caffè isn’t just a drink—it’s connection, culture, and a little piece of Italy served one cup at a time.