PHOENIX – Dolce Italia by MEKK is a new downtown Phoenix café and has redefined what it means to feel at home. The space feels less like a typical coffee shop and more like a cozy living room where people can stay, relax and reconnect.The cafe opened in May and offers European-style food, pastries, and coffee from morning to night.
Owners Meti and Elvira Pellumbi, originally from Albania, wanted to create a space where people can connect with each other and feel at home. The name MEKK represents the first letters of the couple and their two children’s names, which is a tribute to their family and values that inspired the business.
Inside the cafe, the atmosphere feels cozy and inviting. The smell of espresso and freshly baked pastries fill the air.
“Everyone comes here and they’re automatically our family,” said Elvira Pellumbi. “We don’t really like the term ‘customers,’ they are our family members.”
The Pellumbi’s were inspired by their favorite cafes across Albania, Italy, and France. During their travels, they fell in love with café culture. They loved being in environments where people can spend hours over coffee, pastries and long conversations.
After moving to Arizona in December 2023, they felt there weren’t that many spots that captured the same feeling and wanted to create their own version of it. They wanted to create a cozy space where people can relax, linger for hours, and feel a sense of belonging–mirroring the warm, community-centered culture they missed from Europe and bringing it to downtown Phoenix.
“We are more than happy that we came here,” said Pellumbi. “We are so grateful and thankful for everybody. The people love our concept and they give us so much love and support.”
Pellumbi also highlighted what makes her café unique from others is that they use recipes that have been passed down through generations.
The restaurant's menu includes a mix of savory and sweet dishes inspired by different European regions. Popular items include cannoli, tiramisu, croissants, and rich espresso drinks made with imported beans.
For customers who want something more filling, the café also serves sandwiches, pasta, and light entrees with Mediterranean flavors.
In just a few months, Dolce Italia has built a loyal customer base. For the Pellumbi’s, that loyal support has been deeply meaningful.
That strong sense of community is also felt by the cafés staff. Barista Nancy Rosales, who joined the team earlier this year, emphasizes the cafés environment makes it a joy to work there.
“I really love making coffee because I like messing around with all the flavors and the milk options and seeing what goes together,” said Rosales. “But also seeing them everyday, because they’re very loving and they treat you like family here.”
While Dolce Italia is known for their European lattes and desserts they’re already making a lasting impression in the community. It’s a piece of home for everyone who walks through the door.
The Pellumbi’s hope Dolce Italia continues to grow and become a place for all kinds of people, from early morning coffee lovers to those looking for a nice and cozy late night spot. They plan to introduce more traditional foods and host special events that celebrate European culture.