Best coffee city in the world? Los Angeles

L.A. might not boast the world’s most legendary micro-roasters, bleeding-edge brewing techniques or centuries of coffee tradition. But it is home to countless vibrant coffee shops that are the pulse of our neighborhoods and the foundation of a burgeoning community of cafe owners, roasters and baristas dedicated to excellent brews and service. You can find a great cup of coffee — maybe it’s a perfect pour-over at Endorffeine or a rose-cardamom latte named after Cardi B. at Sip & Sonder — around just about every corner.

In Copenhagen, I visited roasters who are coaxing every nuance of terroir from coffee. In Tokyo, the shops are pristine and the obsession with brewing methods might be unmatched. Seoul’s cafe scene is exploding. Is there a more sublime espresso experience than at a fourth-generation cafe in Rome? In Los Angeles, you can tap into all of this. Buzzy Koreatown coffee bars, Australian-style cafes, expertly pulled espressos, heady café de olla, Vietnames ca phe sua, Turkish coffee service, the Ethiopian jebena buna ritual. Not to mention our espresso martinis (served at a different kind of bar) and even instant coffee made with beans from local roasters.

A renaissance of Black-owned coffee shops in L.A. is pushing to reclaim the origins of coffee, rooted in Black, brown and Indigenous cultures. Our coffee shops are reflections of our communities, sprawling and diverse. And they’re our neighborhood hubs — a place to start our day, park our laptops or geek out over roasting styles. Drink it all in.

Here are essential L.A. coffee stories from The Times Food staff:

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19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination

Head to these coffee shops in L.A., Hollywood, Culver City, Santa Monica and beyond, for great espresso drinks, lattes and pour-overs and options for remote work.

A Black-owned coffee shop renaissance is brewing in L.A. 25 cafes with all the vibes

A cup of Cardi, a sip of Saweetie: Try inspired lattes at Black-owned coffee shops

California

Watch: The best Black-owned coffee shops to visit in Los Angeles

A community-led renaissance is brewing at Black-owned coffee shops.

May 11, 2023

Why the espresso martini won’t go away — and never should

You should be drinking more coffee from China, according to this new Pasadena cafe

There is more to coffee culture in L.A. than you can ever imagine

What should we expect from a cup of coffee in Los Angeles? Almost anything, our critic learns.

Instant coffee that tastes as good as a fresh brew? These L.A. brands have the best

Why I gave instant coffee another shot. And you should too

Where to find the best café de olla in Los Angeles

Mexican café de olla is black coffee infused with cinnamon, piloncillo and orange peel. Here are some of the best spots in Los Angeles to enjoy it.

June 28, 2022

The best Vietnamese coffee in Little Saigon? Try these new cafes

Jan. 9, 2022

The best Vietnamese coffees to try in L.A. and O.C. right now.

Feb. 23, 2023

Starbucks, Dunkin’ and more: Who has the best frozen coffee drink?

Jan. 5, 2023

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Ask your barista! These tips will help you score the perfect beans to brew at home

Light, medium or dark roast? Notes of apricot, chocolate, pecan? Arabica or robusta? What’s the ‘L.A.’ style? All your coffee bean questions answered.