Had heard about this place forever ago and finally got to try it, and I really liked it! The vibe is minimalist Japanese aesthetic: clean, peaceful, calming. The workers were super kind and not pretentious at all (which honestly matters, iykyk). Got an espresso and a matcha with almond milk and both were SO good. High quality, balanced, delicious. Definitely a spot I'd come back to. read more

Maru Coffee - almond milk matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Wow... literally the smoothest coffee I've ever had. Cannot wait to come back again to try more!! The storefront was so aesthetic and clean. Seemed like there was a mix of people working and other groups of people that were talking. Definitely recommend! read more

Maru Coffee - Iced macchiato - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

BEST COFFEE IN LA?! Cream Top Americano If you're a coffee lover in LA, you NEED to try Maru Coffee -- this spot seriously does not miss. They offer multiple bean options depending on your taste, plus amazing non-coffee drinks (their matcha is perfect ). But let's talk about the star: Cream Top Americano The cream is insanely thick, smooth, and just the right amount of sweet... and it balances the bold coffee flavor perfectly. Honestly might be my favorite coffee in Los Angeles. The space itself? Minimal, calm, aesthetic -- perfect for chilling, clearing your head, or just enjoying the vibe. Heads up: weekends get BUSY, finding a seat can be tough. If you love coffee and matcha... this is your spot. read more

See all

Trendy crowd .. I've been to both locations and they both hold a good long line and wait time is reasonable .. with the wait . Ordered the bon bon and matcha americano .. also selection of pastries and gluten free donuts .. I had the ham and cheese croissant. Atmosphere has some good music playing and people just hanging in the seating area chatting. read more

Maru Coffee - Matcha Americano and bon bon - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Coffee was very good I ordered a vanilla latte. The coffee shop is gorgeous and spacious. Service was fast and professional. I would definitely recommend read more

Maru Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This was my first visit to Maru, and it definitely won't be my last. I ordered an iced chai latte, and it was hands down the best I've ever had. The flavor was bold and well-balanced without being overpowering, and I loved the subtle touch of star anise--it added a unique and elevated twist. The service was friendly and efficient, which made the experience even better. The space itself is beautiful, its very modern, clean, and inviting, making it a great spot to sit and unwind. And I can't forget the chocolate chunk cookie, it was absolutely delicious. It had the perfect balance of chocolate chunks in every bite, giving it a rich flavor. The cookie itself was on the thinner side, which allowed it to bake evenly throughout. It had a crisp exterior with a soft, tender interior that wasn't underbaked at all. Honestly, one of the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever had. read more

Maru Coffee - Iced Chai Latte $6.75 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

I've been to Maru Coffee in New York before and really enjoyed it, so I wanted to check out the LA location since it's closer to home. We ordered their cream top coffee, and it didn't quite hit the same. The cream itself is actually really good.. rich, smooth, and flavorful but the coffee underneath was noticeably sour. On its own, it threw off the balance quite a bit. Once we mixed it thoroughly, it became more tolerable, but it still wasn't something we would order again. read more

Maru Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I visited Maru Coffee in Downtown LA on 1/19/2025 and 10/19/2022. In 2022, I came here with my friends, and on January 10th, 2025, I came with my family. As famous as this place is for its coffee, really good. I especially love their Cream Top coffee. All of the staff here are friendly, the coffee is delicious, and overall it's a good coffee shop. The only downside is that parking can be difficult to find. But somehow I always seem to have amazing parking luck. Whenever I go anywhere, a parking spot magically opens right in front of me. Even during the Christmas shopping season, when people say they drive around for over an hour looking for parking spaces, I somehow always get a spot right away. Another small downside is that the seating area is a bit limited, so it feels crowded. read more

Maru Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Love the vanilla beans Latte! The vanilla bean latte was aromatic with a rich vanilla flavor, and the coffee itself was well-balanced, not bland at all. - but hard to find parking spot and seat. Better jusy grab and go read more

Maru Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I came to Maru after hearing a lot of buzz about how good the matcha is. I know it's a very popular spot in LA and I'm not local so I wanted to give it a try. I ordered a matcha latte with oat milk. I also got the premium ceremonial grade matcha they had on the menu which was an extra charge. I knew the drink price would be steep but I wanted to try the best quality matcha they had. The latte itself I was surprised by. Upon tasting the drink I thought it was not sweetened. I asked one of the employees if I could have sweetener added, to which they said the latte was sweetened with a little bit of agave. I am not someone who likes my drinks overly sweet but this matcha latte fully tasted unsweetened. The matcha itself was good quality however the flavor notes were leaning grassy/astringent. It's just not a flavor profile I gravitate towards. Lastly, I will say the atmosphere/vibe felt a bit unwelcoming. I don't think that was anyone's intention. I just think that is kind of the culture in LA. If I did go back I would try the coffee as the matcha was a miss for me. read more

Maru Coffee - Inside cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Maru's espresso tonic is one of my favorites at the moment. It's on the lower end of sweetness, which I prefer and is just simple and very "straightforward and to the point." Espresso quality is also good. And they also carry a handful of vegan pastries - my go-to is their pumpkin spice donut, which is lightly dusted with powdered sugar, and very moist. Parking: street parking is always an easy find around here :) read more

Maru Coffee - Espresso tonic - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

We came on the 1st and when we walked in there were so many people just standing around. We were helped and then we waited for our coffee. This place is popular so be ready to chill and enjoy the vibes. Each drink is made carefully and deliberately. read more

Maru Coffee - Ham & Cheese Croissant was delish! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Met up with a few friends here, got black coffee and Matcha latte. Excellent coffee from Ethiopia, this place can get packed so seating can be limited. Plenty of parking on the street nearby. read more

Maru Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Finally had the opportunity to try Maru Coffee for their matcha after hearing so many good things! Didn't have to wait very long in line and the drinks came out fairly quickly. Love the vibe inside, appreciate the clean modern feel. read more

See all

2nd time here & it's busier than ever... I came on a Wednesday morning thinking there would be less people but it was packed with quite a line. Parking is street or $4 for 30 min at a lot 1 block away. Super fast paced ordering with the barista up front, you better know what to get asap or they get kind of upset lol. The shop is cute with wooden inside seating and an open bar concept. The creamtop is the best thing here. They are NOT doing the matcha latte cream top anymore if anyone is wondering. The matcha is premade but the latte color is still there. Great coffee, busy work space, with limited parking. It's giving peak LA :) read more

See all

I think it really depends on what you order. The cream-top drinks are pretty good, and the coffee itself is decent. It falls into the sweet coffee category, but I do think the coffee quality here is better than a lot of similar spots. Service was very friendly, and the cafe itself is cute and inviting. Usually has a long wait. Service: Friendly and welcoming Food/Drinks: Good cream-top drinks, solid coffee, sweeter style but better quality than most Ambiance: Cute and comfortable cafe space 8/10 A reliable sweet coffee spot with better-than-average coffee quality read more

Maru Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Maru Coffee is one of my favorite coffee spots in the Art District. It's a cozy yet busy café with low-key jazz playing in the background, giving it a relaxed but creative vibe. Seating and street parking are limited, but that just adds to its charm. I usually order the bonbon, a warmed croissant, and a sweet top latte--everything is consistently delicious and well crafted. The service is always friendly and efficient, even during the rush. I also love the artsy crowd that gathers here; it really fits the neighborhood. Maru Coffee is the perfect place to grab a quality cup, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy a moment in the Arts District. Definitely a spot worth trying at least once--and probably more after that. read more

See all

One way to get me out of the house is to invite me to coffee or matcha. We went on Memorial Day which is probably why there was a line outside the door. It moved fairly quickly though and we were still able to snag a seat inside (at the bar too). My boyfriend ordered the espresso bon bon which is a single shot of espresso topped with cream. The signature cream was incredibly good and I will be coming back here just to try the creamtop. They used to offer a side of cream but they stopped it as of May 1 (see photo). The matcha latte was not bad, but I wish they still offered that side of cream because the sweetness from the cream would have complemented it perfectly. The ceremonial grade matcha was astringent and had strong umami notes, so it needed more sweetener to balance it out. We loved sitting at the counter because we got to see a lot of the coffee being made. There were also plenty of tables where people were working or chatting. The drinks came out relatively quickly despite how busy it was, which we appreciated. read more

See all

This place is awesome. Coffee offerings here are worth every sip. The matcha also yielded great flavors to the touch. When walking in, you'll get a modern industrial vibe with a hit of Japanese decor. So fitting for the art district. As we approached the counter, the cashier was welcoming and helped us understand what their offering is and provided recommendations base on our preference. Super helpful. If you are looking for the perfect cup, this is the place to be. ***caution: Parking is quite taxing here. Be prepared to do a short hike. read more

See all

Hands down, my favorite coffee shop in LA. We make it a point to stop here every time we visit. Must-tries: Creamtop Coffee, Matcha Creamtop, and honestly anything from the espresso bar. I'm a strict, black coffee gal, but their creamtops have won me over -- subtle, just sweet enough, and never overpowering the coffee or matcha base. I've tried to remake it at home but can never seem to get the same taste... Not a coffee lover? No problem -- their matcha is equally as good. Service is quick, interior ambiance is so warm and inviting. I'm longing for the day they open a location in the bay area (fingers crossed). No notes. read more

See all

Nice place, nice staff... but this drink was a no. The spiced cold brew is insanely spicy it literally tastes like Fireball. I couldn't even take a second sip. Would not order again. read more

Maru Coffee - spiced cold brew - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The interior is a minimalistic, modern, industrial space with a Japanese flair. The natural tone of the place made me feel relaxing, though it was quite busy inside. I did like the various types of seatings, from communal benches, to individual stools, and bar seats. It was our first time and the cashier patiently explained the different kinds of drinks to us. We went with their signature Cream Top (coffee) and a matcha latte. Both were good, but I wish they would bring back the option to add cream top to the matcha. I ended up drinking more of my husband's coffee (as usual). There is not a dedicated parking area for this place (please correct me if I'm wrong), and street parking could be tricky, so be ready to walk a little bit. Walking around this area was not the most pleasant thing, but I think Maru was worth that walk. ;) Overall, 4.5 ! read more

Maru Coffee in Downtown LA was... okay. The shop itself has a very classic LA aesthetic minimal, cute, a little chaotic, and definitely leaning into that modern, curated vibe. It's photogenic for sure, and you can tell they're going for that "cool without trying too hard" energy. As for the coffee, it was fine, but I honestly think Maru Espresso Bar delivers better if you're a real coffee drinker looking for depth and flavor. Maru felt more like style first, coffee second. Not bad, just not mind-blowing. Customer service could've been better. The line felt a little unorganized and the energy from staff wasn't super welcoming. It had that stereotypical LA coffee shop vibe where you don't really feel like you're encouraged to sit, relax, or enjoy your drink. More of a "grab your coffee and go" situation rather than a spot you want to stay in and unwind. Overall, it's a solid 3/5 stars for me. Would I go out of my way to come back? Probably not. Would I stop in if I happened to be nearby and needed a quick coffee? Maybe. Cute spot, okay coffee, aesthetic for the vibes but not somewhere I'd choose as a go-to. read more

See all

I walked into Maru coffee on my way to meet up with a friend. Compared to the Los Feliz location, the atmosphere here is very spacious, with lots of seating and natural lighting coming in from their windows and skylight. The decor was Scandinavian minimalist (?) - it felt welcoming. The barista I encountered was very friendly as I glanced at their menu, trying to quickly order as more people suddenly gathered behind me. He was very patient and nice. I decided to give their iced matcha latte another shot. This time, I added the cream top as other yelpers suggested which compliments the matcha. The total for the matcha was $9.50 ( matcha $6.50, cream top $3) . "This better be the best matcha I ever had." I thought to myself as I sat down on the wooden bench. Upon receiving it I tried it with and without the cream top. - without creamtop: Better, much better than last time. The matcha was dark green, with an earthy, umami taste. I don't know if its worth paying $9.50. But it was really good, I'm not mad at it. - with cream top: I like how the cream top comes on the side. Note that the sweetness level depends on how much cream top you add. I added the entire thing. It tasted like sweet vanilla heavy whipping cream. But had I'd known it was really sweet, I'd only add maybe half. Something to note for next time. I want to come back the next time I'm on this side of downtown LA. It's a nice place to catch up with a friend or get some work done. While they have wi-fi, I didn't see any outlets so I recommend bringing all laptops and phones fully charged. And its better than the Los Feliz location (I'm still salty about that location). read more

Maru Coffee - Iced matcha with cream top - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

They make good espresso drinks, but honestly the line was so long that I don't think it was worth the wait. This impacts the ambience not feeling chill. You can get good coffee in Arts District without the wait...so maybe go if you really want to try this Korean coffee shop...it's similar to Komquat in taste but different esthetic. read more

Maru Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

We found this place on yelp and decided to try it. The decor inside is minimal and clean. We got 2 small vanilla lattes and a croissant. This place didn't have a lot of flavors just the basic ones. The croissant was very good. The coffee was very smooth and delicious. You can tell all the things they use are quality ingredients. The coffee cups are small but they definitely do the job I was not tired all day. Definitely a must try! read more

Maru Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Is very good and very fresh coffee love it It's my third time and every time that I drink coffee it's the same taste so delicious read more

I've been to Maru Coffee's Los Feliz location and now I've conquered this super sleek and chic DTLA Arts District outpost. Chill vibes with all the neutral coolness you expect in LA designed coffee shops and the clientele are all equally as cool. It just feels super LA inside and I love that. Even with all those local vibes, this Korean-American owned shop is named after an old Korean term for mountaintop - San Ma Ru. This minimalistic aesthetic is welcomed with even the door merely melding into the wall without a distinct opening, It's dope. It's trendy and cool, so you'll almost always be met with a line. Welcome to great coffee in LA, you're usually gonna wait a few minutes. But take in the cool interior and equally fashionable crowd while you decide what you'll be ordering when you hit the front of the line. Most importantly, the coffee keeps me coming back to Maru's locations. I love the tiny Bon Bon espresso with the sugared rim, it's pick-me-up perfection. The cold brews never disappoint. I had their Lemonade this weekend and was shocked at how perfect it was. Not too sweet, not too tame, just right in terms of flavoring. And don't sleep on their matcha drinks, they're real and earthy and my friends & I love them. I also always love their baked goods, getting a divine chocolate chip cookie yesterday that took me less than sixty seconds to devour. I've been a Maru Coffee fan for awhile now but am happy I finally popped into the Downtown Los Angeles location of the shop. Consistency is key with local chains and Maru definitely doesn't disappoint! read more

See all

Such a cute and zen coffee shop with a Japanese minimalistic vibe. They offer both coffee and matcha, which are both amazing. I got the Iced Matcha Latte ($6.50) with a side of Cream ($3). To be honest, the cream is a nice touch but not worth $3! It is nice that they provide it on the side for you to add, so you get a full cup of matcha though. As for the matcha itself, the flavor is strong with such good flavor. Definitely would get the matcha by itself next time! read more

Maru Coffee - Iced Matcha Latte with Cream. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Maru went viral for its Matcha with the side cream top, but as of May 1, they no longer allow you to order the cream top on the side. However, the matcha is not bad on its own. It gas a strong umami flavor with some sweet notes. They have a good selection of pastries, and the almond croissant was nice and flaky. I liked the vibe of the cafe, too. There's a decent amount of seating, and there's also some street parking nearby. read more

See all

Love this place!! Their mocha wasn't overly sweet like many coffee shops and actually was more on the bittersweet side - very much like a dark chocolate. It gets very crowded on weekends however, so expect not being able to find seating. read more

Maru Coffee - Mocha and cream top - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great place for a quick to go order. Place itself is small and parking could be a nightmare. Overall though they have a great coffee menu and their drinks are really good. Inside it can get really loud so maybe not the best spot to WFH. Overall my experience was good. Will come back and place a to go order. read more

The coffee here is so good! It's worth coming to when it's not packed but even when it is the line goes by fast. There's a lot of influencer aesthetic here & influencers. Love coming here for the cream top coffee. read more

Maru Coffee - Coffee & matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Cream top + Colombian Espresso + fresh beans! Service is always lovely! I also met a couple that was drinking the breve macchiato I can't wait to try that next time. Energy inside is always peaceful. Great way to start the day. :) read more

Maru Coffee - Creamtop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The matcha is not sweetened. Added simple syrup which is available by the straws. Even with the sweetener the matcha was bitter with a strong after taste. The cream top was delicious but an extra $3. Overall not good, quite expensive, and would not recommend. The workers were very nice! The inside was spacious and a overall great space. Parking is a bit difficult as only street parking is available. read more

Maru Coffee - Matcha Latte with cream top - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I have heard/ read continuous raves about this coffee spot located in the arts district. Hearing about the best cold foam in LA, well of course I had to try it. I got the cold brew with their cold foam, and it was actually really good. The cold foam is what really makes the drink as the rest of it is just our black coffee which I don't mind at all. However paired with the cold foam lessens the blow of bitter & bold coffee. The foam can be described as creamy and light not very sweet with a hint of salty but very very faint nothing that would counteract the sweetness. I did however make the mistake of mixing the two and my combination of both worlds went out the window. With that being said I did really enjoy this coffee, my friend got a matcha and she enjoyed hers as well. Place is as little crowded, minimal seating, definitely not recommended for a place to study. Knocked off a point for parking situation as it is located on a busy street with only street parking and a death wish for street crossing. But I think it's worth the risk. read more

See all

I got the chai and it was great -- very well balanced and not overly sweet, which I really appreciated. You can tell they know how to craft their drinks without overpowering the flavors. Parking could definitely be better, but it's still worth stopping by. The vibe isn't your typical coffee shop feeling -- it has a unique, super chill atmosphere that makes the whole experience enjoyable. I'll definitely be back! read more

In the hearts of arts district and a must try matcha! This place has such nice vibes. Has a nice seating area for those wanting to sit and chat but not much space for studying (limited outfits). Line can be long but it goes fast! Staff I super great and their matcha latte is unbelievable! So creamy and a perfect nutty and sweet hint! Definitely a top matcha spot in LA! read more

Maru Coffee - Matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

I tried all three blends of Espresso and they were all quite good especially if you enjoy espresso higher acidity. 4.5/5 San-to Blend was smooth, full-bodied, and acidic with chocolate notes coming through well. Kemi blend had a good layer of crema and I tasted the citrus notes. San Mi blend was my favorite. It had a creamy mouthfeel and was fruity notes coming through well. read more

Maru Coffee - (Left to right) San-mi, Kemi, and San-to espresso blends - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

When people talk about matcha latte in LA, Maru is always on the must try list. We came on a rainy Sunday, and there was a short line inside, which was not common, and it got pretty busy again after we got in line. The space is minimalist and open, 100% a vibe. But it was so crowded, it negated the calm quiet atmosphere it intended. Espresso bon bon: 8/10 sugar rimmed but not too sweet Matcha latte: 7/10 (Probably shoulda gotten the cream top. Maybe next time) So for me, the matcha latte was just okay. I heard matcha was premade, which is kinda disappointing. My friend liked the beans he bought. I don't think I would go out of my way to return but wouldn't mind getting a cup if I'm in the neighborhood. read more

Maru Coffee - Pastry menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all