Aquarela Coffee - DTLA
Los Angeles
Aquarela Coffee is a Brazilian specialty coffee shop set within the grand 1930s Art Deco lobby of the historic CalEdison building in Downtown Los Angeles. Creators frequently praise the space as one of the prettiest coffee spots in the city, showcasing ornate ceilings, marble columns, and a dramatic vintage aesthetic. The menu highlights single-origin, farm-direct Brazilian coffees, signature espresso tonics, matcha, and traditional baked treats like pão de queijo.
Commenters are captivated by the cinematic, historic architecture, often comparing the grand lobby interior to Union Station or a film set. While feedback highlights great coffee quality, friendly service, and standout items like the banana batida, some patrons point out that the space can get crowded with laptop users. A few viewers also express general hesitation regarding downtown transit and neighborhood navigation.
- Order traditional Brazilian treats like pão de queijo paired with an espresso tonic or banana batida.
- Visit early in the day to enjoy a quiet morning brew before lobby foot traffic picks up.
- Expect a lobby grab-and-go setup with limited seating that frequently fills with laptop users.
- Take time to admire the historic CalEdison building's 1930s marble columns and ornate ceilings.
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