Formerly Splendido, and a variety of other nameless restaurants that have once resided in this location, this is the latest incarnation of the decent food/odd location/often empty restaurant formula. A large space with both extensive indoor and outdoor (Embarcadero Center patio) seating, they recently replaced their espresso machine with a giant, single-group Saeco in the kitchen. Now instead of producing espresso shots from Caffé Roma beans (as still advertised on their dessert menus), they've switched to Lavazza pods. The resulting shot has a mottled light brown crema that's thin on thickness and even thinner on consistency. The shot also doesn't have too much of a flavor beyond boring drip coffee mild pepper and spices. Served in Fortessa Vitraluxe cups. Sometimes it can have more body and flavor, but it's surprisingly erratic for coffee pods.
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