Since 1996 · Seattle, WA
The Espresso Behind 29 Years of Craft.
Espresso Paladino is the medium roast blend used in every latte, cappuccino, and espresso at Zoka's four Seattle-area cafés. Bold chocolate notes, a hint of citrus, and never bitter. Roasted fresh and shipped fast.
Why Paladino
Why Paladino Works
Built for espresso machines at home. Works with your setup, whether you're pulling shots on a Breville, a La Marzocco, or a super-automatic.
Built for Espresso
Designed for espresso extraction, the same blend our baristas pull daily in all four Seattle-area cafés. Paladino has been our house espresso for nearly three decades.
Medium Roast. Never Bitter.
Rich chocolate notes with a hint of citrus. Smooth enough for straight shots, bold enough to cut through milk. No burnt or bitter aftertaste.
Perfect for Milk Drinks
Lattes, cappuccinos, cortados. Paladino's bold body and chocolate finish shine through any steamed milk.
Works With Any Setup
Semi-automatic, super-automatic, Breville, Gaggia, La Marzocco, or Nespresso-compatible pods. For espresso, choose Fine grind at checkout and we're happy to grind it for you.
Consistent & Forgiving
Every bag tastes the same — that's harder than it sounds, and it's where a lot of roasters fall short. Still dialing in your technique? Paladino gives you room. Small grind adjustments won't ruin your shot.
Great as Drip Too
Built for espresso, but plenty of customers brew Paladino as drip or pour-over. The balanced profile works across all brewing methods.
Proven Track Record
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Nearly 29 years in Seattle. Still doing things the right way.
National Barista
Champion2002 & 2005 — brewing Paladino
Star RatingFrom hundreds of verified reviews
Would RecommendTo a friend
Years RoastingIn Seattle since 1996
"We started Zoka 29 years ago because we thought Seattle deserved better coffee. We're still here, still roasting on the same Probat®, still trying to get every bag right."
The Zoka Difference
Still Founder-Owned.
Still Roasting the Right Way.
Zoka was part of Seattle's third-wave coffee movement nearly 29 years ago. We're still founder-owned, still roasting on our original PROBAT® drum roaster, and still obsessed with quality over shortcuts.
- ✓ PROBAT® Drum Roasting — Traditional cast-iron drum roaster for balanced, complex, consistent flavor
- ✓ Roasted Fresh. Hand Packed. — We don't keep inventory. It's all fresh roasted and shipped out.
- ✓ Ethically Sourced — From farmers we've built long-term relationships with. Everybody wins in that model.
- ✓ Cup of Excellence® Judge & Founder — Jeff doesn't just own Zoka — he's a Cup of Excellence® judge. What ends up in your cup is a wow, not a miss.
- ✓ 4 Cafés in the Seattle Area — Where we pour Paladino every single day. We also supply Paladino to multiple other cafes all across the country.
- ✓ Real Customer Service — Humans answer our phones. If something's not right, we'll fix it.
Inside the Roastery
Where Paladino Comes to Life
Getting Started
Pull Café-Quality Shots at Home
Your machine's manual knows best. Start there and refine as needed with our tips below.
Start With Fresh Coffee
Recently roasted coffee is best. It's ideal to grind just before brewing. Grind texture should feel like fine table salt.
Dose and Tamp
Dose 18 to 20 grams for a Ristretto double shot. Distribute evenly in the portafilter. Tamp evenly with moderate pressure. Paladino is forgiving, so small adjustments won't ruin your shot.
Pull and Enjoy
Brew immediately. Aim for 24 to 30 seconds. You'll see rich crema and taste chocolate with a hint of citrus. When you weigh the shot (minus the weight of the shot glass itself), it should weigh between 24 and 30 grams. Add any steamed milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
Reviews
What Home Baristas Are Saying
4.8 stars from hundreds of verified reviews
"Zoka Espresso Paladino is the most consistently delicious and forgiving espresso product I've found. With Paladino I was able to make minor adjustments to grind and still develop good shots every time."
Peter C. · Verified Buyer
"I get 2 Paladino bags a month and it's the exclusive bean used in our house. The roast is really fresh, the taste is smooth, warm, and luxurious."
Josh C. · Verified Buyer
"I tried this coffee at a brunch spot in Redondo Beach, CA - and I HAD to ask the server what this coffee was. I enjoyed the cup entirely black. It was that good."
Alexandra B. · Verified Buyer
"This is by far the most delicious espresso I've tried during my trips to WA, and probably one of the best I've had in the country. Extremely balanced, smooth and delicious."
Craig A. · Verified Buyer
"100% the best coffee I've ever had. It is smoother than any other coffee, and has an almost creamy, velvety texture that is amazing."
Greg B. · Verified Buyer
"When I started my home espresso journey more than ten years ago Espresso Paladino was my first choice. Over the years I have experimented but keep coming back."
Neven H. · Verified Buyer
Ready to Taste the Difference?
Espresso Paladino
Medium Roast Espresso Blend
$20.25 /
Bold, balanced, never bitter. Rich chocolate notes with a hint of citrus. The espresso blend behind every drink at Zoka's four Seattle-area cafés.
Prefer Decaf?
Same Paladino flavor, no caffeine. 19 five-star reviews. Perfect for evening espresso.
Shop Decaf Paladino →
New to Zoka? Try Our Top Selling Coffees.
Paladino + Fitzroy — two of our most-loved roasts in one box. Save 15%.
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