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Top picks in Downtown LA

Espresso and pastry spots

A quick espresso that is paired with a pastry worth eating, rather than a dry afterthought.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated June 2026
01
Dalian's Café image 1
Dalian's Café image 2
Dalian's Café image 3
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Coffee shop

Small café with European style ambiance offers cozy indoor and outdoor seating featuring real orchids on tables and lilac decor. Warm, welcoming vibe combines with freshly baked pastries and good music to create a relaxing spot amid city noise. Outdoor area serves as a quiet oasis despite surrounding urban bustle.

Silky smooth extraction defines the espresso here, delivering a great cup every time. This spot serves excellent coffee with consistent quality.

Pastries here are consistently fresh and high-quality, with flavors like apricot standing out. The spot offers a cozy vibe perfect for a quick breakfast alongside coffee or chai.

People are saying

"The pastries here are delicious and fresh."

"The cafe staff are always friendly and welcoming."

"I enjoyed the great espresso here."

Good to know

1

There is almost no seating inside, so expect to sit outside on the sidewalk.

2

Finding a street parking spot is challenging; parking is about 1 3/4 blocks away.

3

Dalian's Cafe offers a wide selection of milk substitutes for your coffee.

02
Aquarela Coffee - DTLA image 1

Historic building with art deco architecture creates a stunning interior and royal vibe. Atmosphere is cool and relaxing, suitable for work or meetings with plenty of space and plug outlets. Noise levels vary, but the setting remains visually captivating and professional.

Espresso here has a special Brazilian menu with drinks like cortado and Gibraltar. The shots have a hint of sweetness and come in real coffee cups for a grownup feel.

Brazilian pastries and croquettes stand out with a savory, on point flavor. Pastries pair well with smooth coffee, making for a tasty combo.

People are saying

"I thought the espresso here was amazing and top-notch."

"The latte here is in a truly beautiful building."

"The pastry here is top notch, just like the friendly service."

Good to know

1

Parking around The CalEdison building is difficult and expensive, costing $40 for more than a couple of hours.

2

Metered parking across the street is rare and has a 2-hour maximum.

3

Seating and outlets are limited, making it less ideal for long work sessions.

03
Kumquat Coffee DTLA image 1

Minimalist interior blends with leafy outdoor seating to create a clean, sophisticated vibe. Coffee aroma fills the space, reflecting a serious focus on high-quality coffee. Seating varies from spacious and comfortable to more casual, supporting both study and conversation.

Espresso here features multiple single origin options with a full third-wave setup including an EG-1 and EK43. Drinks use organic Clover whole milk and include creative choices like a Cloudy espresso with peanut butter cold foam and chocolate flakes.

A cinnamon roll pastry pairs well with their cloudy coffee. Hazelnut pastries and walnut chocolate chip cookies add variety to the breakfast selection.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be excellent and seriously good."

"The pastry here is friendly and skilled."

"I found the espresso here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Free valet parking is available.

2

Parking is limited to street or paid garage.

3

Kumquat Coffee DTLA offers multiple single origin options for espresso, pour over, and cold brew.

04
Maru Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Minimalist design with natural lighting creates a calming, modern vibe. The space feels open yet crowded, attracting those who appreciate quality coffee and stylish surroundings. Comfortable seating and good music add to the relaxed atmosphere.

Espresso here delivers a smooth and fruity profile with tropical notes like pineapple. Signature drinks include a cream top iced espresso blending acidity, creaminess, and spices, plus a cold, foamy espresso option.

Pastries come flaky and light with a strawberry jam filling that looks beautiful and tastes special. The matcha pairs well with the great coffee, making the pastries super delightful.

People are saying

"I loved the smooth and fruity espresso here."

"The espresso here is amazing and addictive."

"I found the pastries here to be super delightful."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult; there is no free parking nearby.

2

Expect long lines on weekends, especially Saturday afternoons.

3

Maru Coffee has a cashless policy, so bring a card.

05
Civil Coffee DTLA image 1

Open space with big windows and plenty of natural light creates an airy, spacious atmosphere. Music plays at a balanced volume, supporting a relaxed vibe ideal for working or reading. Friendly faces and fast WiFi contribute to a welcoming, productive environment.

Espresso here stands out for its excellent quality and perfect balance. Shots come consistently well-made, pairing nicely with breakfast options.

Pastries come from Sugar No Bloom Bakery and pair with coffee here. The overall pastry quality is mid without standout flavors.

People are saying

"Their creative coffee has balanced flavors and sweet notes."

"I enjoyed one of the best espressos I've ever had."

"You have to try the ham and cheese croissant pastry."

Good to know

1

Civil Coffee DTLA does not allow customers to sit at the bar seating.

2

Civil Coffee DTLA did not have a bathroom available for patrons.

3

Civil Coffee serves pastries from Sugar No Bloom Bakery.

06
Tilt Coffee Bar image 1
Coffee shop

Kiosk sits in a hidden courtyard with spacious outdoor seating under a giant neon flower. Atmosphere blends minimalist futurism with a relaxing, tucked-away vibe despite downtown surroundings. Space attracts those seeking calm, trendy spots for work or socializing.

Strong espressos deliver a rich flavor without being too bold. Drinks like the Cloud Mocha and Cloud Latte mix bright espresso with sweet cream, while the ETC espresso tonic adds a citrus twist.

Freshly baked croissants and a great selection of pastries complement the coffee offerings. Pastries are modest in size but consistently delicious.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was delicious and smooth."

"The espresso here is rich with unique, fruity flavors."

"I found this place to be a hidden gem for coffee and pastries."

Good to know

1

There was a very long line on weekends, so plan accordingly.

2

Parking is difficult; metered street parking is available nearby.

3

The outdoor area is suitable for kids and provides a nice place to relax.

07
Go Get Em Tiger image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop inside a bustling market offers a cozy atmosphere with warm decor and a purple La Marzocco espresso machine that stands out. The vibe balances calm, relaxing mornings with lively market energy, making it ideal for people-watching and enjoying quality coffee.

Espresso offers a rich, nuanced flavor with smooth texture and well-textured milk. Signature drinks include espresso served with tonic water, though acidity levels vary.

Pastries come with good quality and delicious flavor. Occasional order mistakes happen but are met with apologies and free pastries.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was great, especially the lattes."

"The espresso here is smooth, rich, and amazing."

"I found the pastry here to be delicious and very good."

Good to know

1

There is a parking garage attached to the building, making parking very convenient.

2

The coffee shop does not take payment until after you finish, which I found to be a nice feature.

3

Go Get Em Tiger is run by former barista champions.

08
Boxx Coffee Roasters Co. image 1

Modern Turkish cafe with bright spacious design and open view of roasting process creates a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Seating includes indoor and outdoor options with plentiful outlets, supporting laptop use and casual hangouts. The vibe blends industrial elements from roasting with cozy, intimate community energy.

Espresso comes with a small glass of water. Shots have a velvety texture and smooth, complex flavor. Three single origin espressos offer unique profiles.

Ham and Cheese croissant stands out as a delicious option. Pastries overall look great and offer good variety.

People are saying

"I found their coffee to be full of flavor and fresh."

"The espresso here is smooth, complex, and velvety."

"I loved the croissant with the strong, traditionally prepared Turkey Coffee."

Good to know

1

Parking is available, but it can be challenging during peak hours.

2

The coffee shop does not accept cash payments.

3

You can get a free coffee drink for every bag of beans purchased.

09
Concierge Coffee image 1
Coffee store

Warehouse loft space offers a spacious, arts district vibe with unique decor and pleasant electronic music. Seating includes uncomfortable wooden stools inside and more relaxing metal patio furniture outside. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and peaceful to lively depending on the area.

Espresso here tastes delicately balanced when made by the owners and offers unique drinks unlike typical hipster spots. The einspänner blends double espresso, cold brew, dark chocolate, salt, and cream for a distinct flavor.

Unique pastries include banana bread, apple pie pastry, and options with beef and bacon. They taste good and warming them up enhances flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee drinks here were delicious and great."

"The banana bread pastry was light, moist, and flavorful."

"The interior's modern, laid-back style makes for a great vibe."

Good to know

1

The coffee shop offers free 3-hour street parking nearby.

2

Indoor seating is available but may not be comfortable for long work sessions.

3

The menu is hard to read due to small typeface and poor organization.

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Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

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