It might not be the place you’d expect to find one of the most innovative coffee houses in San Diego County, but there, 20 miles north of Downtown San Diego, 10 miles south of Escondido, and smack dab in the suburban epicenter of Carmel Mountain Ranch, you’ll find Mostra Coffee.
Just 400 yards across the street from their current location, Mostra opened in 2013 with a one-pound San Franciscan roaster nicknamed “Frannie,” and since then has become a destination for local coffee-beer collaborations, community initiatives, and, of course, amazing beans.
Coffee with a Mission
Mostra’s story began with high school friends, Jelynn Malone and Beverly Magtanong. After traveling for charity work in the Philippines, the pair decided to start a business that would make a difference in their community in San Diego, and abroad.
Together with Mike Arquines, Sam Magtanong, and RJ Ocubillo, Mostra Coffee was founded on the ideals of quality, sustainability, innovation, and community.
They source high-quality beans from the Philippines to shine a light on this lesser-known coffee belt region, and to give back to the community that inspired them years earlier. And locally, Mostra focuses on empowering their employees through educational opportunities and training that can transform jobs into longterm careers. While early in the in the planning stages, Mostra is taking this effort one step further by working with a local educational institution to design coursework and an internship program that will concentrate on creating access to careers in the coffee industry.
The owners behind Mostra come from backgrounds ranging from fine dining to opera to acting, and are united in their dedication to finding and sourcing the best coffees in the world.
This explains, in part, the name, which is the Italian word for “performance”, but beyond being a nod to their pasts, the name also references their collective passion for being active and visible parts of their community, and experts in their craft.
The pursuit of this shared vision has earned Mostra a dedicated fan base and an expertise that has fueled over 400 collaborations in the craft beer community, most notably with Stone Brewery for their Xocoveza Mocha Stout.
The Space
The “English Industrial” inspired design brings warmth and charm to the shopping plaza’s shops. Carved wood-paneled nooks with soft green tufted banquettes line the wall, offering prime views of the low counters where drinks are prepared.
An ornate chandelier illuminates the space as it hangs above the large marble-topped communal table.
A bold graphic wall featuring Mostra’s mission and logo adds a theatrical touch to the space.
The Drinks
Mostra’s coffee selections have something for everyone. Enjoy batch brewed or pour over selections of single origin beans like the Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, which is prized for its delicate, floral and tea-like qualities. Go for the Indonesian Sumatra if you prefer earthy chocolate and tobacco notes.
Classic espresso options are available along with unique signature drinks like the Campfire Latte, which is made with a double shot of caramel and brandy-forward Mostra Fortissimo Espresso, steamed milk, raw honey, graham cracker, and chocolate from local chocolatier Chuao.
The Cappuchiyo, a unique team member creation, surprises with a blueberry and vanilla-noted Ethiopia Hambela espresso, nutty almond milk, ribbons of raw honey and a sprinkle of floral bee pollen.
Care for creme brûlée? Try it as a latte as a variation on the Filipino dessert bibingka, made with a double shot of espresso, coconut-steeped milk, housemade vanilla syrup, and a caramelized turbinado sugar top that’s torched to order.
Looking for something to cool off with? Try the Choconana cold brew, which captures the flavors of chocolate-covered frozen banana.
Pair any of Mosta’s drinks with breakfast and pastries brought in from local favorites Nutmeg Bakery and Nina Marie Designs.
12045 Carmel Mountain Rd #302
Carmel Mountain Ranch, San Diego
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 6am-5pm; Sunday, 7am-5pm
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