Cancel

Open app

Search

Simona cafe

4.1 (59 reviews)
Open • 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Updated 2 months ago

Simona cafe Photos

SIMONA CAFE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Outdoor seating
Good for working
Dogs allowed

Recommended Reviews - Simona cafe

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Natalie M.

Good choice for coffee in NoMa! I was greeted soon after I entered and I quickly settled on a drip coffee with almond milk and an apple caramel pastry. The coffee was strong and smooth. The pastry added the right dose of sweetness. I appreciated the eclectic mix of jazz, funk, and r&b music playing during my visit. The shop has around twenty seats and there were plenty of available seats during my visit on a Saturday afternoon. I look forward to stopping by again for another coffee break.

Shanelle Y.

The baristas and chefs were so kind and accommodating to my dietary needs. They were happy to substitute ingredients for me and when the sandwich came out wrong the first time, they remade it right away. The latte was DELICIOUS and I wanted to order another one on the way out but had to hold myself back. All in all a great coffee shop!

Lauren B.

A great, bright cafe. A nice little spot tucked into Noma. As any city coffee shop, prices are a bit higher than I would like to see but the matcha and sandwich was great. Im a sucker for good foccacia and they had it for everything! It always bustling with activity but the staff is attentive and always ready to help.

Carrot cake matcha
John B.

This used to be Sweet Science, and I liked that aesthetic better. This new cafe similarly offers distinctive beverages, and I tried something called a "carrot cake matcha". Matcha goes well with a lot of things, but it sometimes bombs, and I thought that this combination had the potential to fail. But I have to say, the spices and hint of carrot somehow worked quite well with the distinctively green flavor. It was, however, quite a small beverage for the price. The space is one where most people would be walking to work somewhere in the area, and it's a nice treat along the way but I wouldn't come a long way for that small of a beverage.

Zaria S.

Cozy spot in a Clarendon neighborhood. I had the fancy grilled cheese with their homemade focaccia bread, which was satisfying. A lemon lavender scone, and cupcake they get from local bakeries. It's a lowkey vibe, but worth a visit. Limited seating inside and out. Kind service.

Latte
Karla H.

We walked here for a quick bite and we were very pleased. The coffee was delicious and the breakfast sandwiches were unique but tasty. It's not your usual croissant sandwich. It's more like a homemade french bread square sandwich. It was great! The place is pretty small and there is seating available outside, however BEWARE OF THE MOSQUITOS

Midori G.

Really lovely atmosphere and the taste of the coffee is great! I ordered and oatmilk latte which came to $7.15 pre-tip. I will say it felt a little overpriced and the service was subpar. Overall it is a good place to visit but not my favorite coffee shop experience.

Morning Loaf, Drip Coffee, Cafe au Lait w/ oat milk
Brayden V.

any café that plays Dorothy Ashby's "Afro Harping" is an immediate winner in my book Simona is nothing special (aside from playing some deep cuts now and again, playlist promptly switched to edm...) BF says the Morning Loaf (a lovely combo of carrot, nut, zucchini, and possibly more) was a perfect balance of savory and sweet. They also say the drip was smooth and nutty. I say the Cafe au Lait was also very smooth, perfectly foamy and served in a chic mug. overall good experience, I've been before and I'll def be back since I'm new to the neighborhood

Eisha K.

This is a nice neighborhood café with a decent amount of drink options. I chose to go with my chai tea latte. I wouldn't say it's my favorite, but I love the ambience and just sitting there and journaling/reading.

ELF (Elevated London Fogg)
Chelsea C.

It is one of those places that will make you end up paying for a $8-10 beverage but I will say, it's so good. Nice cafes like this are a nice luxury to yourself, especially if you're coming to do work. Take in the clean design and open seating. It's really made me fall in love with the London Fog, the tea was so aromatic, not too sweet to bring out the floral notes, and the fog had a perfectly creamy and foamed oat milk. Very pleasant to just even lounge and listen to the bustle and coffee sounds.

Strawberry Basil Iced Matcha
Fatu D.

I have been to this place twice now. Once last year for the same exact thing I ordered today (as it is only offered in the summer) -The Strawberry Basil Iced Matcha! It is simply to die for! Not too sweet, the perfect ratio of matcha to syrup, and a variety of milk and milk-alternatives to choose from. The strawberry basil syrup is made in house and I have been on the search to find a comparable replacement for one year! Simona is a small, hole in the wall in NOMA DC which makes it the perfect little café gem of Northeast. Intimate seating and a cute, quick serve station in the middle of the cafe equipped with sugar, to-go utensils, and dish bin. An atmosphere made for to eat in or grab and go. The service is quick being that there is only one person manning the cashier and making the drink orders. I am sure there are staff in the back to cook the made to order breakfast items. You have to check out their seasonal menu!

Meh, the sandwiches are lovely but the coffee is ok... the service can definitely be a bit friendlier. Either way, great spot to come and get some work done

a view of the interior of the restaurant

See all

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jeri S.
0
117
490

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Radhika G.
56
105
161

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Jad B.

Jad B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Yuki H.
4
18
26

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Bread on sandwich was rock hard -- not just stale but inedible and would have been obvious to the person who cut it

Business owner information

Photo of Jad B.

Jad B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jenna J.
170
228
34

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of K. S.
0
26
0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

My favorite coffee shop in DC. Love the ambiance, coffee and breakfast. I will definitely return!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Friendly staff and a clean environment! The Wilson sandwich was a delight first thing in the morning.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Jad B.

Jad B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 2 of 2

Simona cafe Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Simona cafe

Nino's Bakery - Everything croissant

Nino's Bakery

4.8(211 reviews)
1.2 mi•Downtown
•$$

Top marks! Got there right at opening and there was a bit of a line but nothing too bad. We grabbed…read morea pistachio croissant, a savory za'atar gruyere pastry, and a blueberry danish. All the pastry was delightfully flaky and appropriately filled. Pistachio croissant was dancing on the edge of being a bit too sweet but went very well with my latte. Latte and cappuccino were nothing to write home about, potentially underextracted as there wasn't too much flavor coming through. Totally inoffensive and wouldn't hesitate to get another espresso drink if we were grabbing pastries again. Nice quaint limited outdoor seating. Had a nice chat while we demolished our goods right out front. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff that knows how to move the line quickly!

Went around 11 on a Saturday, we were pleasantly surprised that they still have quite a bit of…read moreselection. We got an assortment of pastries, both sweet and savory. all did not disappoint. We also got a mocha and a vanilla latte made with their house vanilla syrup. Both drinks were delicious. The pastries were quite tasty, our favorites were the balsamic, mozzarella and tomato, savory pastry, as well as both the berry and cream cheese pastry, and almond croissant. The housemaid vanilla are up in the vanilla latte had great flavor and was not overly sweet. They didn't have a variety of milk options or your coffee drinks. A small table outside in minimal seating inside makes this bakery best for takeout. Staff was friendly and efficient. When we came, but I could see how there may be a line of times based on how good the pastries were and how small the storefront space. As bonus points, the merch is super cute with the little wiener dog on it!

Photos
Nino's Bakery - Hazelnut Kiss

Hazelnut Kiss

Nino's Bakery - Gluten free Pistachio Sicilian cookie

Gluten free Pistachio Sicilian cookie

Nino's Bakery - Sfogliattele

See all

Sfogliattele

Dolcezza - Amazing gelato.

Dolcezza

4.2(634 reviews)
1.0 mi
•$$

Ultra creamy gelato! Workers encouraged samples, of which my favorites were Pistachio Siciliano,…read moreRoasted Strawberry and Hazelnut Crackle. Service was amazing. I asked for a double to-go that would survive the subway, and they hooked it up in a coffee cup with a lid. An hour later, the gelato still held its shape and texture! During peak hours, finding a seat can be tough due to limited seating and the small space. I wasn't expecting peak hours to be so late at night - I'm impressed! Swing by if you get the chance. The shop has a wide variety of flavors, so there's something for everyone :)

Wow! This is some of the best ice cream I have ever had, and I have enjoyed gelato at the infamous…read moreGelateria Dondoli in Tuscany, Italy, and top rated Leopolds in Savannah, GA. Flavors are truly unique, something you may never find anywhere else. You can get two flavors in a small bowl, and the serving size is NOT small! I enjoyed their popular MASCARPONE AND BERRIES for one flavor. It was really good. Creamy with a slight cream cheese like flavor. The fresh berries are a wonderful mix in. I paired this with ROASTED STRAWBERRY. They literally roast the strawberries before adding to the gelato. It tastes like real strawberries! It was phenominal, and my favorite of the two if I had to pick. My daughter ordered the PISTACHIO falvor, a traditional gelato offering. It was extra dense while creamy delicious. I sampled the OLIVE OIL soft serve. It tasted predominantly like vanilla. I wouldn't order this one. Expect a long line coming out of the storefront. It moves reasonably quick and is worth the wait! The staff made it a fun experience, and were not frazzled over the long line (at least didn't show it).

Photos
Dolcezza - Large with three flavors (Dulce de Leche Cookies, Dark Chocolate Fudge, and Black & White Cookie Batter)

Large with three flavors (Dulce de Leche Cookies, Dark Chocolate Fudge, and Black & White Cookie Batter)

Dolcezza - Vanilla Bean Latte

Vanilla Bean Latte

Dolcezza - Pourover

See all

Pourover

The Royal - I got karats

The Royal

4.2(438 reviews)
0.8 mi
•$$

The Royal is one of my local go-tos! I've been able to walk in successfully on weeknights but…read morerecommend reservations for weekends. Most recently went as a party of 4 and got the crab beignets, beef arepa, masa gnocci, and parillada for two. Crab beignets were our favorite - perfectly crispy and great flavor. Masa gnocci was a little overcooked this time but still yummy. Beef arepa is a classic dish to get at the royal; two people can easily share one arepa. Parillada was a hearty entree and probably best for 2-3 people. This amount of food altogether was just nice. We probably could have ordered one more thing to be extra full. I don't typically get Latin American food but love all the flavors at this restaurant. Next time will try their breakfast menu!

Yummy. This is my favorite burger in dc. It is toooooooo good. & the fries are fire too. Seasoned…read moreso nicely. The burger was cooked to a perfect medium rare. It had a beautiful chew with the classic burger toppings with an amazing pairing of their slaw with a garlicy aioli. The bun was very pillowy and soft with a nice crust. They also never lack on their specialty lattes. I got their carrot cake latte and it was just so fabulous. Extremely smooth espresso and perfectly steamed milk. Syrups made in house of course and you can tell. Just a perfect latte. I usually am an iced latte person but I recommend getting their lattes hot. Hits different.

Photos
The Royal - Beautiful bar area

Beautiful bar area

The Royal - Masa Gnoochi

Masa Gnoochi

The Royal

See all

Simona cafe - coffee - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...