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Authentic tea in Downtown LA

Tea that is treated with actual care rather than being served as an afterthought to a coffee-focused menu.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Banh Mii Sandwiches & Food Togo image 1
Banh Mii Sandwiches & Food Togo image 2
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Small, clean space with bar-style seating and to-go focus offers a chic atmosphere. Energy stays calm with a steady flow of people seeking authentic banh mi made in-house. Frequent shortages of key ingredients create a unique rhythm to visits.

Carefully curated ingredients and sauces create an authentic taste of the classic Vietnamese sandwich. The presence of Knorr liquid seasoning and black coffee with condensed milk adds to the genuine Vietnamese vibe.

Fresh squeezed kumquat iced tea stands out as a refreshing and delicious option. It is sometimes offered for free and pairs well with savory dishes like chicken banh mi.

People are saying

"The pรขtรฉ here is made in-house and tastes so authentic."

"The kumquat iced tea is super refreshing."

"This authentic banh mi tastes just like Vietnam."

Good to know

1

The place is primarily for takeout, but they have a small table for dining.

2

Parking was hard to find, so I circled for 20 minutes before paying for parking.

3

They frequently run out of baguettes and drinks, so check availability.

02
Jalsah Yemeni Coffee image 1

Coffee shop offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with ambient Yemeni music and comfortable seating. Space includes board games and books, creating a cozy spot for relaxing or working quietly. Clean, stylish interior blends cultural elements with a calm, welcoming vibe.

Rich, earthy coffee with hints of cardamom delivers an authentic Yemeni flavor. The seating area offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that complements the genuine taste of Yemeni coffee and tea.

Adeni tea offers a strong, perfectly sweetened flavor that stands out. The tea blends authentic spices like cardamom and delivers a taste reminiscent of chai from Mumbai or Ugandan tea.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be absolutely amazing."

"I found the Adeni tea to be delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The authentic Yemeni coffee here is rich and comforting."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky; expect to pay $20 at a nearby lot.

2

The coffee shop is open late, making it a good spot for night owls.

3

Prices for drinks start at $3.50 for a double shot of espresso.

03
Guzzu Bento-ya image 1
Restaurant

Spacious, modern interior combines Japanese retro pop music, anime projections, and local artwork for a cozy, welcoming vibe. Calm atmosphere suits peaceful meals, casual catch-ups, and board games. Unique blend of warehouse setting and intentional design creates a hidden gem feel.

Attention to detail creates an authentic Japanese bento experience with a California twist. Communal tables and modern Japanese design add to the midday escape vibe.

Matcha yuzu tea stands out with its unique flavor. The Kuro Yuzu Ice Green Tea offers a refreshingly sweet taste. Both coffee and tea options are solid here.

People are saying

"The Japanese food's presentation is amazing and the sides are just as good."

"The authentic salmon bento is edible art, juicy and fresh."

"I'd come back just for their refreshingly sweet matcha yuzu tea."

Good to know

1

Street parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

2

The food is made to order, ensuring freshness.

3

The online ordering system is seamless and very convenient.

04
Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe DTLA image 1

Small bakery inside a hotel lobby offers a cozy, calm atmosphere with limited seating and free wifi. The space feels cute and sophisticated, attracting a steady flow of people who appreciate its quiet vibe during weekdays.

Buns and drinks showcase authentic Japanese flavors with a focus on exquisite breads. The matcha latte offers a genuine taste of Japan.

Offers a jasmine ice tea that hits just right. Features a roasted green tea latte preferred over matcha and a notable matcha cold brew.

People are saying

"I loved their banana matcha; it was shockingly good."

"I loved the authentic Japanese flavors in these soft, delicious buns."

"You have to try the matcha sea salt cold brew; it's a 10/10."

Good to know

1

The bakery opens at 7am.

2

Parking is very difficult, which is expected for DTLA.

3

There was usually a wait time at Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe DTLA.

05
Mrs knafeh image 1
Dessert shop

Food truck offers authentic Middle Eastern desserts with freshly made kunafeh and atayef. Atmosphere stays cozy and welcoming with no music playing, creating a relaxed vibe. Small seating area invites guests to enjoy rich, buttery treats in a friendly setting.

Knafeh here is freshly made to order and stays true to Palestinian and Middle Eastern roots. The sweets deliver authentic flavors that closely match traditional homemade versions.

Karak tea offers a calming, homey flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet treats. The homemade tea and Arabic coffee provide authentic, rich tastes that complement the menu well.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best Kunafa I had in California."

"I thought the Karak tea was the most delicious I've had."

"I found the knafeh here to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Mrs. Knafeh accepts cash only or Zelle for payments.

2

The last call for orders is 15 minutes before closing time.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes.

06
Izakaya Gazen image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Corner space with a cool triangle table creates a unique seating arrangement. Atmosphere blends relaxed charm with a peaceful jazz vibe, evoking an authentic Japanese izakaya feel. Menu offers innovative yet authentic Japanese dishes with generous portions and fair prices.

Dishes feature authentic Japanese ingredients and maintain high quality throughout. The menu offers genuine flavors that closely match traditional Japanese cuisine.

Green tea appears as a classic choice and also in flavored variations like mango. Tea accompanies dishes like edamame and Ponzu Salmon, offering a refreshing complement to meals.

People are saying

"You have to try the housemade tofu sampler; it's effortlessly tasty."

"I found the food to be very authentic and high quality."

"I started with green tea and it was great."

Good to know

1

They validate parking for two hours with a restaurant receipt.

2

Expect a 15-minute wait even with a reservation during peak hours.

3

Lunch deals are available and offer great value.

07
Azay image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, cozy Japanese restaurant with wabi-sabi aesthetics and a laid-back vibe. The space feels intimate and authentic, offering a unique blend of Japanese and French-influenced dishes. Energy shifts noticeably when the chef appears, adding to the homey atmosphere.

Japanese meals here offer authentic breakfast sets and daily bento boxes with a variety of pickled vegetables. The food delivers authentic Japanese vibes in a cozy setting, prepared by a Japanese chef.

Sencha tea comes in teabag form and allows for multiple steepings with extra hot water offered freely. It adds a solid finish to the tea experience here.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is authentic and delicious."

"I found the Japanese food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I loved the sencha tea with my delicious bento lunch."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating.

2

Expect long wait times if you don't reserve ahead.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

08
Baar Baar - LA image 1
Indian restaurant

Modern Indian restaurant with stylish decor and a Gatsby-inspired bar creates an elegant atmosphere. Bollywood-inspired DJ music adds lively energy and encourages dancing. The space feels open and vibrant, attracting groups for social dining and celebrations.

Dishes serve authentic flavors with a modern twist, like the Jackfruit Cutlet. Decor blends contemporary Indian flair with stylish, modern elements.

Masala chai comes with a high price tag but lacks strong flavor. Iced tea is not available; hot tea with ice is offered instead. Other dishes outshine the tea options.

People are saying

"The food here was absolutely amazing and delicious."

"The food here is authentic Indian with a flavorful, modern twist."

"I enjoyed the delicious masala chai here."

Good to know

1

Brunch on Sundays features live music, with dancing starting around 1:30pm.

2

A special prix fixe menu is available during brunch and special events.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure accommodation.

09
Ramen Maruya image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small restaurant with traditional Japanese decor creates a cozy, authentic atmosphere that feels like being in Japan. Outdoor seating offers a beautiful Little Tokyo vibe with a chill music playlist that keeps the mood relaxed. The space suits smaller groups and draws a welcoming community.

Tonkotsu ramen offers a rich, authentic flavor true to Japanese tradition. Traditional decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels cozy and genuine.

Green tea comes with free refills and costs $3. Tea options include lemonades, which also have refillable servings.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, has rich, flavorful broth."

"I found the tonkatsu ramen to taste authentic, just like in Japan."

"I loved their Thai Iced tea; it was strong and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking validation is available for customers who park at the nearby mall garage.

2

Expect a mandatory 18% gratuity for parties of six or more.

3

All menu items are accessible via QR codes, requiring online ordering during dining.

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Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

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