The spot is a must have if you live here, don't live here, doesn't matter, you must come!! Amazing service right off the bat - we were greeted by one of the owners, AKA one of the kuyas. I like that the menu isn't too extensive, but somehow it was still hard to decide. We landed on the pork tocino sandwich and breakfast burrito, and both were amazing! I'm still dreaming about it as I write this review. The pork tocino was tender, egg was perfectly runny, and I loved the amount of vinegar flavor. The breakfast burrito had that "'mushy" quality which I love, everything super cheesy and moist, and nothing dry about it. The salsa and calamansi on the side was perfect. We also ordered two drinks. The drink menu isn't too long, and we were a little surprised they didn't have anything ube on the menu! But I like that they didn't go too typical on the flavor profiles. I chose their Kuya-Thai which is their scratch Thai tea and I added a shot of espresso. So fragrant, and pretty! My husband's Kuya-Kape was also a great hot drink to enjoy with our meal. They have seating inside and outside, and even some handmade goods, merch, and coffee beans for purchase. I have already started telling people they must come here and I will continue to spread the word until I can come back again myself! read more

See all

When I heard there was a Filipino cafe opening in the Highland Park area, I immediately needed to show up for my own culture! As someone who grew up in Eagle Rock, this was huge news knowing Philippine culture is being represented in the community. The family who owns this spot (Sean & his family) are extremely welcoming and nice. Right when I walked in, I was greeted with warm kindness, making me feel just right at home. Pork Tocino Sandwich (5/5) They weren't kidding when they said this was one of their best items on the menu. The pork was juicy and extremely savory. The cucumbers added a nice hint of sweetness - all while being topped off with an egg and wrapped up in a pan de sal bun! Each bite was addictive and I'm sad to say I finished the sandwich in under 5 minutes. I wanted more of it! Kuya's Kassava (5/5) For my fellow Filipinos, each bite felt like I was back home in the Philippines. Something like my grandmother used to make (and probably biased to this review because the batch I had was fresh out the oven). It had a butter mochi consistency, all while tasting the flavors of the cassava and macapuno. The caramel glaze on top was just the perfect touch to this dessert. Kuya Kape (5/5) Couldn't leave without getting some coffee! This coffee has notes of vanilla and cinnamon - all which I love. Basically, it was like tasting a churro ice cream in a cup. The sweetness didn't overpower the coffee though. Just the right balance between the coffee and the vanilla profile. Please give this place some love. The owners put their heart and soul into this establishment and you can tell with their interactions with their customers. Highly recommend and would definitely go back again! read more

See all

This place is so cool! Filipino-owned cafe right off Figueroa. I came in around noon and unfortunately the matcha and hojicha were already sold out. I got a different drink, and the best part is that there's no additional fee when ordering alternative milk. We also ordered the Kuyas breakfast burrito and pork tocino sandwich. They both tasted great! Loved the vibe overall. Definitely would come back for their hojicha and matcha. read more

See all

Beautiful coffee shop with great drinks and a warm atmosphere. I didn't get a chance to try the food this time, but I'd definitely come back for it. The owner was incredibly kind and attentive, which made the experience even better. They also had a beautiful selection of plants , there was one in particular I absolutely loved and still regret not buying. Only thing to note: the coffee was good, but definitely on the pricier side. read more

See all

When the owner of Kindness & Mischief (Mo Maravilla) decided to leave to pursue her passion of coffee roasting, two of her employees Sian Balauag & Arnold Basingat took over and transformed it into a Filipino-American café & community space called Kuyas. Kuyas means big brother in Filipino, so perhaps it's a representation of their friendship. I stopped in on a Sunday morning. I was immediately greeted when I walked in. The place is so cozy and adorned with plants from Urban Tropicals that add to the charm. The plants are for purchase along with merchandise, coffee accessories, and other neat items that would be great for gifts. There are plenty of places to sit & soak in the tranquility. Turns out the sweet man that greeted me was one of the owners, Sian. He grew up in HLP, which is fantastic! Arnold is the chef in charge of the tasty food creations & desserts. I decided to try one of their signature drinks, so I requested the Kuya-Kapé - a latte with sweet vanilla & cinnamon. Sian mentioned that the drink is a bit sweet & asked if I wanted to adjust the level of sweetness. I told him that I wanted to try it the way it was intended to be served. He asked what type of milk I wanted and mentioned that there is no extra charge for substitutes, which I appreciate. They also make all their syrups in house and proudly feature Mo's Studio Tigre as the signature roast. Sian & I had a delightful conversation while he prepared my beverage. He has a warm & friendly personality. The Kuya-Kapé was delicious! I could taste the quality of the beans. The milk to coffee ratio was perfect. I typically drink my coffee black so the sweetness level didn't bother me. In fact, it was just right. If you're looking for some superior quality coffee and tasty Filipino eats then stop by Kuyas and show them some love. Wishing you guys lots of success. *Metered street parking. read more

See all

Taking over a former Filipino cafe, Kuyas recently opened its door offering Filipino bites and drinks. We stopped by right after brunch so we didn't get to try their burritos or other heavy meals but tempted to get our hands on their Cassava, chewy sweet butter mochi that's decently sweetened with condensed milk and caramel topping. Some people knew it as bibingka. The owner was extremely friendly, making genuine effort to get to know the customers and personally thank everyone for coming and supporting the business. We got their Kuya Cafe - their version of Vanilla Cinnamon Latte and Manilla Vanilla Latte. Plus plus points for not charging for alternative milk, which became more and more rare to find in LA nowadays. Coffees were well-made, giving us enjoyable weekend caffeine kick amidst the green refreshing cafe setting. read more

See all

Kuyas is a hidden gem and such a great addition to the neighborhood! We went for lunch and got the breakfast burrito, the bistapa bowl, the kuya kape latte (cinnamon vanilla) & the cassava cake. The latte was a 10/10 and the food was great too. All super fresh and made to order - we could tell it was going to be good by how amazing it smelled when we walked in the door. And the salsa that came with the breakfast burrito was delicious, I would straight up drink a cup of it by itself. The cafe is beautiful inside with tons of plants and a good amount of places to sit, and the folks working there were so lovely and welcoming. It feels like such a rarity nowadays to go to a cafe that clearly cares so much about their customers and the quality of their food. Go support this Filipino small business, it's truly such a special place! read more

See all

Come here for the hospitality, stay for the drinks. I came in with my dog, they were so nice about it. Then I was having trouble with my Apple Pay and they helped with that. Just extremely kind humans. And the music, fire. Plants everywhere, just a great environment. 10 out of 10. :) read more

Kuyas is such a great spot for flavorful coffee, delicious food and catching up with friends. First time at this cafe and eatery, thanks to the recommendation of a dear friend. Kuyas is nicely located in Highland Park where all these new eateries, bakeries and retail shops are established. Plenty of parking available both on the streets and public parking lots with meters. Visited on a Friday afternoon. As soon as we walked in Kuyas the sweet aroma of coffee welcomes you. The cafe is very modern, open, spacious and welcoming. Plenty of tables and chairs for seating and dining. Love the ambiance. During this visit we ordered the House Drip Latte with oatmilk, Cinammon Latte with oatmilk, Lavender Herbal Tea and Kuyas Kassava. The House Drip Latte was perfect. It was flavorful. You can taste the coffee and espresso. It's rich yet well balanced with the oatmilk. Found out that their coffee beans are hand picked, sourced and imported directly from the Philippines. My husband and I are coffee fanatics. We love all kinds of coffee. Lavender Herbal Tea is also on point for all the tea lovers. Kuyas Kassava is a desert made of starchy root vegetable known as Yuca with coconut and coconut milk. It's so good! We plan to come back in a couple of days to try other items on their menu like the Bistapa Bowl and Pork Tocino Sandwich. They also have a vegan item on the menu which is one of our friend's favorite meal. Kuyas provide flavorful coffee, delicious meals and excellent customer service. We look forward to our next visit this weekend. read more

See all

Went into K&M and was surprised to see it rebranded as Kuyas but loved the tropical vibe and I zeroed in on the cassava cake on display. So glad I got it! It was so good and not too sweet. The drinks are great too. Very creative. read more

Bistapa Bowl is what I had ordered! It looks so delicious AND tastes delicious!! The environment is really cozy & feels welcoming. When taking my order, the cashier was really nice and energetic! read more

Kuyas - Bistapa Bowl - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Always excited to see a new Filipino restaurant, of course, we had to come check it out. The breakfast burrito was just okay, nothing special about it, felt it needed salt/seasoning, didn't really taste the garlic fried rice and didn't feel the spicy salsa helped it out. The pork breakfast sandwich, on the other hand, was outstanding, flavorful, and wall seasoned! We will definitely come back just for the burrito! Customer service is welcoming and friendly. Restaurant is small with limited seating. Only street parking available. read more

See all

A true diamond in the community! Awesome Filipino coffee shop in the area! We were visiting villa tacos a block over and saw Kuyas within walking distance. Had to come and check it out so glad we did. Warm welcoming service, taking time for personable and genuine care for each of their guests. Coffee tea and food items sweet or savory. Tried the hoji drink. They were able to adapt and provide a perfect drink. It was a great balance of flavor without being overly sweet. Iced without being watered down. Just right! Bibingka cassava cake were so scrumptious. That coconutty sweet note leaves a smile on ur face. Merch, Whole bean coffees and teas, ceremonial matcha accessories. The plants throughout the cafe brings that fresh life to the space with tasteful tropical flair. High or low top tables inside with patio area along sidewalk. Parking is available within a block. Will definitely make it a priority to stop by when in the area. read more

See all

Really good bistapa bowls! Tastes great and hits the spot! Great atmosphere and really nice staff! read more

So so so good! Everything we had today was so delicious - breakfast burrito, bowl, and Thai tea were all 10/10. Also the cassava cake is a must. We are thrilled Kuyas is in the neighborhood and are filling in the gap left by K&M. The inviting atmosphere and vibe is still so wonderful here. Plus they have the friendliness service! read more

See all

Dropped by and ordered the Bistapa Bowl and Kuya Breakfast Burrito with a Kuya Kape. The bowl was savory with a little tang to it. Very good! The burrito was really good and crunchy with every bite. Loved the crispy bits of meat. It comes with salsa which is sweet and a nice compliment to the burrito. The Kuya Kape was perfect. Not too sweet and unlike other coffee drinks, the sweetness does not overtake so you can still taste the coffee. As before it was a great time and the owners really make sure everyone is taken care of. Thank you! read more

See all

I had the cold brew, the pork tocino sandwich, and the cassava. Cold brew was solid. Pork tocino sandwich is really craveable. The cassava was delicious too. Service was really friendly, I highly recommend everything. The cafe looks cool too read more

The food tasted AMAZING and freshly cooked -- I loved all the toppings! Everything tasted really fresh and flavorful. The inside of the restaurant is also super cute. They have lots of plants throughout the space, and the lighting makes the whole place feel really warm and relaxing. They're dog-friendly which I loved seeing! I also tried their drink, the Kuya's Cape, and it was sooo good -- really smooth, milky, and refreshing. Definitely a spot I'd come back to. read more

Kuyas - Bistek Bowl and Kuya's Cape - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This has become one of my most recent favorite experiences thus far. Saw them on Yelp and noticed they only had 7 reviews so I wanted to come check them out and show my support. All the reviews were good. I love the whole interior design and ambiance this unique coffee shop offers. It is very welcoming. Beautiful plants decorated around the shop giving it a tropical feel and vibe. Ran and operated by locals who grew up in the community. I had the pleasure of meeting both; Sean the barista and Arnold the cook during my visit. The service was phenomenal. Everyone is invited. All ethnic groups and backgrounds. Community and unity are highly embraced. Found my self networking. Customers are approachable and friendly. The shop is also dog friendly. Definitely a great space to meet up or chill. Great spot to grab some coffee to go. Great spot to sit and enjoy your coffee and food alone. I can see myself pulling up to grab some coffee and chill for a min. Or Interact with different customers and people of the community. They do give discounts so that's dope. Not sure if it requires signing up tho. If so, it's worth it. I asked Sean what was poplar and he recommended the "Kuya Kape". When he told me what was in it or how it was made I said that sounds really good lol. I'll take it. Being warm outside, i decided to go with the iced version. Which also happened to be most popular. Man it was good !!! and just what I needed for this current weather. A signature latte with notes of sweet vanilla and cinnamon, the perfect mixture. Make sure you stir it up real good so you can taste all of the flavors mixed together. With several different options of milk, I chose oat milk. Next time I will try something different. Found myself almost finishing my drink while having an awesome conversation with Sean. I also ordered a breakfast burrito. Surprisingly it was way better than I imagined it to be. Hot and fresh just the way I love it. Cooked to order. The beef was amazing. Juicy and tender. The cucumbers were something new and different. Glad I kept em'. Don't know what type of cheese it was but it was also good. Good sized portions. A nice size for a burrito. I mean everything in it was good. I would definitely buy it again. He also confirmed that it was really good. Prices are reasonable giving the atmosphere, service and experience you're bound to receive, I'd say it's all worth it. read more

See all

Homemade Cassava Cake - yummy coconut Filipino dessery. Dense and chewy in a really satisfying way - like mochi but more delicate. I could live on this treat. Kuyas Breakfast burrito - delicious! Hard to separate all the flavors but the combo was stellar. Loved the mildly flavored garlic rice. Cucumbers added a tasty freshness and crunch. I was greeted and served warmly. read more

See all

Full of plants and cute designed made merch. First time trying this dessert and it went perfectly with coffee. I remember how friendly the barista was and that remains the same. Very welcoming place and they don't charge you extra for non-cow milk. Why isn't everyone doing this?! read more

Kuyas - A perfect cortado and this Filipino dessert was outstanding. - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great service, friendly people, cute interior! The bowl was absolutely incredible. Every single ingredient tasted amazing and the portion was exactly right. The thai tea wasn't overly sweet or syrupy which was definitely a plus for me. I'm looking forward to coming here many times in the future. read more

Kuyas - Bistapa bowl and a their thai tea - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Very delicious very fresh, explosion of flavors. The staff was super nice, warm welcoming as well. We did the bowl, burrito and some coffees everything hit. 10/10 should try. read more

Amazing service, Sian made me a delicious Kuyas Thai Tea (non- dairy) and tried the Pork Tocino sandwich, Kudos to the chef! Cassava cake dessert is yummy. The plants all over the cafe are beautiful and made the cafe feels like home. read more

Been here 3 times already, 2x of those are either their closed or not serving food and the first time was we literally waited 40mins to get our food. I love supporting local businesses specially kababayan but it has been so disappointing having to travel to come here and finding out they don't serve food. Maybe you guys can update your social media and post if there is no food being served so we're not wasting time going there just to be disappointed. read more

Went for the first time and had the Bistapa Bowl and a Thai Iced Tea. The Bowl was delicious and refreshing with the various seasoned/pickled veg to cut the richness of the egg and beef. I got the Thai Tea after the worker told me it was an inhouse blend of teas and spices and sweetened with an inhouse vanilla syrup rather than the bright orange pre-made stuff you often see. Don't get me wrong, I love a bright orange Thai tea, but this was on another level! The workers were also super nice and attentive without being weird or annoying. We're spoiled with coffee shops in HP, but I will still definitely be coming back to try their other food and drink. So glad to see another great shop take over this space after losing K&M last fall. read more

We were looking for breakfast and found this coffee place in Highland Park. I was excited to see a Filipino word in the business so we checked it out. I love the cassava cake and their Thai Iced tea coffee. read more

Amazing food! It was so good that I was tempted to go back the next day just to have it again. The staff is super friendly!

This place is amazing. So much care put into the recipes and execution. Definitely try the Thai tea, I've never had one like it.

Absolutely love Kuyas Boutique & Cafe! The vegan jackfruit tocino sandwich is so good, and the Thai tea is spot on. Sian, the manager, is fantastic--so friendly and makes the best lattes. Arnold, the chef, is incredible and his bistapa bowl is a must! Amazing food, amazing people, and such a welcoming vibe. A true gem! read more

Stopped by on the first day open of 2026 and I am so happy I did. Excellent coffee, very friendly service, and the bistapa bowl was so good without being too heavy. Will definitely be back! read more

Kuyas - Bistapa bowl - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The service is amazing, the menu is so fun and introduces you to different flavors of the Philippines. The vibe inside of the space is so cool and it is really comfortable to sit in on a hot day since the air-conditioning is great! read more

Please come check this place out! I happened to walk in and had the best customer service. Everyone is smiling and so sweet. Coffee is a great! Blessings to this new local spot! Thank you May for your help and kindness! read more

former employees took previous concept (kindness & mischief) and created kuyas. learned that kuyas means 'big brother/ elder brother' in filipino. great guys there. the owner i spoke to grew up in highland park! breakfast burrito is on point. offers something new compared to the general fare in highland park/ LA breakfast. paid 19$ after tax and tip. very filling. worth read more