Invita

Inspired by childhood summers spent at her grandparents’ house in Italy, where the café was the center of social life, Sara De Luca wanted to bring Italian coffee culture and hospitality to the States. In 2017 she opened this Carlsbad café, bringing with it high-quality espresso drinks and from-scratch fare. Another location in Rancho Santa Fe was opened shortly after that. The team takes coffee seriously; the menu features a creamy Italian espresso enhanced by premium organic milk and cream from Straus Family Creamery, a fun tiramisu latte, and a series of bouquet lattes in flavors like orange blossom and white rose inspired by the barista’s favorite flowers. Pair those sips with a medley of snacks, such as egg croissants, overnight oats, and berry almond toast, which are all made onsite.