There’s a little-known legend that comes into focus at La Luna Caffé: the man in the moon apparently consumes a lot of coffee in order to maintain his noble perch each night. At least, that’s the message that’s expressed when you sit down at one of La Luna’s 10 small tables, their tops adorned with mini-frescoes of a half-moon beaming confidently while sipping from a mug. At that point, you’ll be roused to order your own caffeinated indulgence from La Luna’s selection, which is prepared with fine Italian coffee beans. It’s only fitting. After all, it was that iconic Italian crooner, Dean Martin, who originally proclaimed what happens when the moon hits your eye.

But what about when Italy-kissed, Luna-readied cuisine hits your mouth? Indeed, everything offered here is prepared on the premises, and whether you choose one of the croissants ($1.85) lining the display cases, the silky spinach quiche ($4.75 with salad), or a sandwich like the fresh mozzarella, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomato, and basil ($5.25) on recently baked focaccia, it’s apparent that it’s all been made with amore.

The essence of Italy is also evident in the homemade gelato ($1.85–$3.25) — in tempting flavors like tiramisu and cookies and cream — and in the Italian soda ($1.85), for washing it all down. The tiled interior is a soothing study in shades of sienna and amber. Moreover, if you nab a table by the giant front windows, which, weather permitting, are wide open, you have a picturesque perspective of the street. With the breeze whipping off Mass Ave (work with us here) and the smell of warm herbed sandwiches assailing your senses, it’s hard to resist closing your eyes and envisioning yourself on a terrace overlooking a piazza specked with spires and cupolas.

La Luna Caffé, located at 403 Mass Ave, in Cambridge, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Call (617) 576-3400.