Top 10 Best Los Angeles Specialty Coffee Shops & Cafés (California)

If you’re hoping to find some excellent specialty coffee (and coffee roasters) on the West Coast, then you’ve come other the right place! Here are some of what I consider the most divine picks from the City of Angels itself.

If you have a favourite LA café, let me know in the comments!

Note: The order of the list is arbitrary.

destroyer la

Unsurprisingly, a café with a Michelin mention makes some great drinks!

Destroyer LA - who self-reference as a “cafe atelier” - uses Verve coffee beans in their espresso-based sips. Every drink I’ve tried has been expertly brewed, and is worthy of the high praise.

On top of incredible caffeinated bevs, Destroyer has some of my favourite coffee cakes. With gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options, it’s really no surprise why this café has such high accolades! If you’re hankering for heartier fare, they have a phenomenal rotating menu of unique picks. There is a sun-soaked patio, where humans and pets alike can enjoy their sips.

Definitely a must!

Location:
3578 Hayden Ave, Culver City

andante coffee roasters

Andante is one of my favourite coffee roasters in the city. I’ve self-brewed a number of their beans, and I’ve always thought they made for a great cup.

When it comes to interiors, I tend to favour the WeHo location! Airy, spacious, and modern (without being cold), this café makes for a satisfying outing. It doesn’t hurt that they brew terrific drinks with their own beans!

Definitely check out one of their locations, especially if you’re in need of some coffee beans!

Location:
7623 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles
2201 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles
816 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles

Olive and James Cafe

If you love great coffee paired with a dreamy interior, then Olive and James is a wonderful choice!

Large sun-attiring windows, mixed with an almost European patio-esque interior (look at those tiles), make this feel like a hybrid indoor/ outdoor space. I always feel so relaxed when I go in, and it doesn’t hurt that the service has always been stellar.

For a sweet choice, this is a safe bet.

Location:
7473 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles

Coffee for sasquatch

Turns out Coffee for Sasquatch makes great Coffee for Human!

This quirky Melrose Avenue café serves up flavourful cups of coffee in a breezy and plant-filled space. There are tons of fun seasonal drinks available year-round, and their merch is next-level. I’m also appreciative of their gluten free offerings!

A fun place to check out!

Locations:
7020 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles

menotti’s coffee stop

What do Tokyo, Culver City, and Venice Beach have in common…?

If you guessed Menotti’s, then congrats! You read the title correctly.

Menotti’s Coffee Shop, named after Cesar Menotti (who founded the first Venice Beach speakeasy during the prohibition era), is a café and coffee roaster with international acclaim. The baristas always serve up excellent caffeinated beverages, that you can enjoy alongside curated spaces blasting curated music.

A symphony for your tastebuds and earbuds!

Location:
12430 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles
56 Windward Ave, Venice

house roots COFFEE

If I find myself in San Fernando Valley, I always check out House Roots.

On a hot day, there is nothing I crave more than one of their cold drinks. Look at the head on that Nitro Cold Brew! So, so flavourful!

Location:
16155 San Fernando Mission Blvd, Granada Hills

be bright coffee

Another Melrose Avenue coffee roaster and café I adore is Be Bright Coffee!

The owner Frank La, who began Be Bright in 2020, is a highly acclaimed barista and business owner. Some of his awards include the 2024 US Barista Champion, the 2025 US Brewers Cup, and the 2021 US Cold Brew Champions.

La’s LA spot (sorry, had to) is a clear testament to his award-winning skills. The coffee is tasty, and the beans are worth picking up.

An absolute must-visit spot in the city!

Location:
7311 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles

federal coffee

Known as “the pink coffee shop” (I wonder why?), this café is a wonderful take-out spot in Sawtelle.

Federal makes a point to craft fantastic drinks with some of the best service in LA! There are also many organic and vegan friendly options for your bevy or your sweet tooth. If you need a moment to rest, there is a small patio with the most adorable pink chairs and tables.

When it comes to coffee, think pink!

Location:
11600 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles

little lunch coffee + snacks

For an excellent cup of coffee with an excellent little lunch, Little Lunch is your spot!

With ample seating and ample choices on the menu, this café is a great spot to meet friends on a day out in Venice Beach!

Location:
50 Brooks Ave, Venice

Location:
50 Brooks Ave, Venice

civil coffee

Studio City’s Civil Coffee is the best place to plop down after an Erewhon and Vuori haul.

Refresh your body with a beverage made from single-origin beans sourced straight from Mexico (specifically Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Guerrero, Puebla, and Guerrero). The way they brew their coffee beans really brings out the best of their speciality beans.

This artistic spot is great for a midday reset!

Location:
5629 N Figueroa Street, Los Angeles
12833 Ventura Blvd, Studio City
120 E 8th St, Los Angeles