De Mokha Coffee

Reviewers: Phalguni Miraj, Alexis Oh, Lucy Clarke, Wen Chen

De Mokha Coffee, one of the newest coffee shops in Ithaca, opened earlier this year and brings a modern yet cozy ambiance to the heart of Collegetown. Specializing in Yemeni-style coffee, this shop highlights the rich history of Arabica Mokha through its offerings and decor. 

Ambiance (9/10)

We arrived at De Mokha at 6 pm on a Wednesday. The instant we walked in, we were greeted by the inviting aroma of coffee and soothing jazz music. The lighting was warm and dim, creating an intimate atmosphere, although seating is limited due to the small space. Thoughtfully placed wall decor, featuring posters about Yemen coffee’s origins, added a classy and modern touch. The cozy environment, WiFi, and nearby outlets make it ideal for studying, but navigating the tight seating layout can be slightly awkward.

Service (9/10)

The service was great. When we were there, there was only one staff member making and serving the items. She was friendly and accommodating, even offering to change the music for us. Our orders arrived quickly, likely aided by the absence of other customers. A unique perk is the ability to purchase De Mokha coffee beans there directly. The only complaint we had was the lack of a restroom, albeit understandable given the small space.

Food and Drinks (6/10)

We sampled three pastries and three drinks, finding the quality to be hit or miss. The pastries, sourced from local and NYC bakeries, included cheesecake, carrot cake, and a blueberry muffin. The carrot cake was our favorite, with its dense texture, crunchy walnuts, and well-balanced sweetness, though the cream cheese frosting was overly sweet. The cheesecake, while creamy, topped with a tangy cherry compote, and not too sweet, had a thick and hard crust that felt less fresh. The blueberry muffin’s tart blueberries and crumbly top were enjoyable but didn’t stand out.

Among the drinks, the signature Yemen latte (hot) was underwhelming, with its weak cinnamon and ginger flavors lacking the vibrant warmth we had hoped for. The iced pistachio latte disappointed with its faint pistachio flavor and excessive sweetness. The vanilla cappuccino (hot) provided a sweeter alternative with a clear vanilla note but lacked depth. Ultimately, the treats provided visual appeal but fell short of their enticing names.

Value (6/10)

While the presentation was attractive, the high prices didn’t align with the average taste. Pastries ranged from $3.50 to $7.50, and drinks from $5 to $7, placing De Mokha on the pricier side compared to shops like Gimme! Coffee. The flavor and overall value left us wanting more, despite the accessible Collegetown location.

Overall Score (30/40)

De Mokha Coffee’s service and ambiance, along with its niche focus on Yemeni coffee, create a compelling draw. Its long opening hours are convenient for students, though its offerings lack depth to justify a special trip. While the atmosphere remains pleasant, the menu could benefit from further refinements to elevate the culinary experience.