The Top 10 Cafés & Coffee in Los Angeles

Sqirl built its reputation on exceptional jam-topped ricotta toast and inventive grain bowls, but the coffee program from Stumptown is solid and the full experience is worth it. The line can be long but moves efficiently, and the food genuinely justifies the wait. Note that it's more of a full cafe-restaurant than a pure coffee stop.

Alcove is a beloved Los Feliz brunch and lunch spot with an eclectic, tree-shaded patio and full bar. Order at the counter and expect generous portions of standout dishes like eggs benedict, avocado toast, lemon ricotta pancakes, and lamb burger, plus a bakery case for takeaway sweets. Note that chai tea comes sweetened by default—specify unsweetened if you prefer it that way.

A Venice staple that has served the beach community for years with honest, well-pulled espresso and a relaxed surfer-adjacent vibe. The outdoor seating on Windward Avenue is perfect for people-watching in one of LA's most eclectic neighborhoods. It can get overwhelmed with tourists on summer weekends, but locals know to come early.

A hidden gem tucked inside a Koreatown building that serves some of the most technically precise specialty coffee in the city to a devoted local following. The rotating single-origin offerings and careful brewing methods make it a destination for true coffee enthusiasts. The location is not obvious from the street, so first-timers should look up directions carefully.

Proof is primarily celebrated as one of LA's best bakeries, but its coffee program is equally serious, making it a destination for both. The morning bun and any seasonal tart paired with a well-made latte is one of the best breakfast combinations in the city. Arrive early because the best pastries sell out by mid-morning.

A cozy neighborhood cafe on South Central Avenue that roasts its own coffee and makes house-made syrups, pastries, and light food. Order the Spanish latte, gingerbread latte, avocado toast with egg, or their seasonal specials—reviewers rave about the quality and care in preparation. The main caveat: it's easy to miss from the street, so look carefully for the storefront.

A second-floor matcha and coffee café in Downtown LA's Chinatown with a gallery-like, minimalist vibe and curated vinyl soundtrack. The matcha is the standout—reviewers consistently praise its rich flavor and quality—though the coffee is solid too. The main catch: it's tucked away on the second floor of a nondescript building, so you'll need to find parking in the complex and take the elevator up to discover it.

Palm Grove Social is a welcoming café and community hub that blends excellent house-made coffee drinks with art, greenery, and a thoughtful atmosphere. Try the miso butternut scotch latte or ask the friendly baristas for recommendations—they know their regulars well. Note that construction work has occasionally made the space loud, so check ahead if you're seeking a quiet spot.

A small, plant-filled coffee shop in downtown LA specializing in Ethiopian and Eritrean jebena roasts, chai, and creative drinks like Spanish lattes and date-seed chai. The thoughtfully crafted coffee and spiced tea drinks are the main draw, with a relaxing, vintage library aesthetic that feels worlds apart from the surrounding neighborhood. Note that it's located in a shady part of DTLA, though the interior vibe is welcoming and calm.

Maru is a Korean-founded specialty coffee brand with a beautifully minimal Arts District location that takes its craft seriously without being precious about it. The single-origin pour-overs and espresso drinks are consistently excellent, and the space has a calm, gallery-like quality. Parking in the Arts District can be a genuine hassle.

A music-focused community café in an industrial-chic space with excellent matcha and creative signature drinks. Get the matcha latte with matcha cream or the turkey and provolone croissant—both are standouts. Note that the matcha is premade, and the space is tucked away and easy to miss from the street.

Tilt Coffee Bar is a small, highly-regarded specialty coffee shop hidden inside an apartment building in Little Tokyo, Downtown LA. Order their signature peanut cloudy latte, cortado, or flat white—all expertly steamed—along with pastries like the almond danish or quiches. The main caveat: it's tiny and somewhat hard to find, though they offer complimentary one-hour parking validation in the building garage.

Korean-inspired coffee and food shop on Sunset Boulevard with an eclectic, art-filled interior that feels euphoric and trendy. Reviewers rave about specialty lattes (honey comb, butter, cilantro, mango, corn coffee), excellent decaf, and dishes like crème brûlée brioche French toast. Service can be inconsistent—one reviewer reported long waits and dismissive staff despite others arriving after them being served first.

Granada is a cozy cafe tucked inside a residence in Echo Park, serving excellent coffee, matcha, and fresh pastries like shortbread in a charming space with both indoor and outdoor seating. The vibe is peaceful and spring-like with friendly service, though expect a line during busy times and note that seating is somewhat limited.

A chic, vibrant brunch spot on Sunset Boulevard with a white and blue aesthetic and convenient parking lot. Order the Butcher or Parisian Benedict, salmon benedict, California cornbread, and sweet potato fries—servers like Cam are genuinely knowledgeable and enthusiastic. One note: service can be inconsistent depending on when you visit and who's working.

A minimalist Korean-style cafe in Koreatown serving excellent specialty drinks and pastries. Get the black sesame mochi latte, strawberry matcha, or sesame latte—reviewers rave about the quality espresso and creative beverages. Note that it can get loud with people working and studying, and parking in back can be tight despite the lot.

A small, high-quality coffee shop tucked inside the historic Jonathan Club building in DTLA, run by a Korean cafe operator who takes their craft seriously. Order the latte (known for velvety foam and smooth texture) or cappuccino—reviewers consistently praise the quality and care in every cup. Expect a morning line of 10+ people, so arrive early if you want to avoid the rush.

A Russian-owned café in West Hollywood serving excellent coffee, wine, and Russian-inspired breakfast in a beautifully designed space with warm wood and cozy seating. The matcha and syrniki pancakes are standouts, service is attentive and welcoming, and there are plenty of outlets for working. One caveat: quality control on some dishes like syrniki can be inconsistent—at least one reviewer received an undercooked version.

A matcha and coffee-focused cafe in Koreatown with high-quality drinks and French-style pastries, open late with free wifi and parking. Get their ceremonial matcha (reviewers rave about the cream top), coconut spice oat latte, or coffee banana bread. One note: they don't offer larger drink sizes beyond their standard options.

A peaceful matcha-focused cafe in WeHo with an unexpected hidden garden patio that feels like a resort escape. Order the matcha (reviewers rave it's the best they've had) or try the iced strawberry matcha and boba—both are standouts. One note: the food is less consistent than the drinks, so stick with beverages and skip items like the banana bread if you're not adventurous.