I live this place. Im glad they didnt have to close through the pandemic and have come back strong. Previously branded as SPLA, its now Aquarela by SPLA. Theres outdoor seating and ordering. The team is super friendly and helpful. Their Brazilian coffee and food are delicious. Stop by and enjoy a nice break

Coffee first. Shenanigans later. Lol. It’s time to have a great coffee adventure that makes life better. Aquarela Coffee is a cool unpretentious small corner coffee shop and a rare farm-direct Brazilian coffees, micro-roasted in Los Angeles. They were conceived in the specialty coffee culture of São Paulo, Brazil. Cool! They’re located on Figueroa and Alpine street of DTLA. I arrived on a foggy Tuesday morning and ordered a simple drip coffee. The front patio seats has a relaxing atmosphere with a good street view where customers can ogle at DTLA skyline. Coffee was perfectly blended and has a good aroma. Moreover, they offer a very limited pastries. Staff was obsequious, amiable and followed health protocol. Coffee prices were reasonable and highly competitive. Street metered parking only. Overall, I had a good brazilian coffee. I highly recommend this nice little coffee shop.

Our morning ritual used to involve bludgeoning ourselves into a semblance of consciousness with the heavy-hand of a generic dark roast. It was an effective if inelegant solution to parenthood. Aqaurelas beans provide a different experience. We are by no means coffee experts, but my wife and I were surprised by the nuances in smell and taste when we tried their Deus Me Livre for our morning espresso. Its a lighter feel; almost refreshing. The morning cup feels a bit indulgent, yet not so rich as to make your mouth feel overwhelmed. We could see this pairing very well as an after-dinner treat with any manner of desserts. The best part is that this is simply a fantastic company to work with. Quick, fast delivery. Prompt follow-up to make sure we were completely satisfied. And all questions answered - when we noted that we typically prefer darker roasts, one of the owners explained that their goal was to make a medium-roast whose flavors would still hold up to a coordination with cream and sugar. Its a throwback to days where customer service and the personal touch were still important. This is a small business whose goal of promoting independent farmers is admirable and worthy of our support. Thank you!

Such a great, quick stop coffee spot. There is some outdoor seating which is shaded in the morning. But I love that you can drive right up, get out of the car, and theyll take your order outside so you dont have to worry about waiting inside the business. Convenience.

A charming Brazilian coffee shop located next to Kim Sing in DTLA with special coffee offerings and fresh baked goods.Parking is plentiful and the outside seating is comfortable and relaxing.The owner is great and has the best personality, warm and inviting.Ask for off the menu items or simply tell them what youre in the mood for. Theyll be sure to create a bespoke experience just for you.Support local Entrepreneurs.

Coffee is always on point. The guys here have a great eye for excellent coffee you cant always get so easily. They bring amazing Brazilian coffees to the forefront. Coffee aficionado friends and coworkers brought me to one of the best hidden gems to my attention. Check them out before they run out of your favorite coffee roast.

Great coffee and pastries and always with a smile and excellent customer service.

This small coffee shop opened my eyes to the BIG range of modern Brazilian coffee! The owners know their coffee and source directly from Brazil. Modern techniques: natural process, honey process, fermented, neo-fermentation. The results are stunning! Juicy coffees with elegant profiles and outstanding aroma.The baristas are excellent. Pulling great espresso shots and expertly-foamed milk drinks. And dont sleep on their batch brew!Such a great café run by wonderful people!

Such delicious coffee, and wonderful and interesting stories behind the beans as well! Wonderful unique varieties of beans, the coffee is incredible. Highly recommend

SPLA is one of my favorite haunts in Chinatown, servicing the Bunker Hill/Figueroa side of the neighborhood. Everyone is super friendly and informative and they offer everything from specialty Brazilian drinks--hot and cold--croissants and baked goods, cool merch and SUPER UNIQUE bags of small family fair-farmed beans from Brazil to go! Love the little chairs and tables outside for chilling on sunny days as well.

My second time coming to this coffee shop. This second time around I brought my kids and I enjoyed the iced coffee today. Next time I want to try the matcha. My kids got a hot chocolate and a red bean latte. They loved their foam art. The cashier was very friendly and we got to talking about the French pastries and the coffee for sale. The coffee they have is straight from the farms of Brazil. Each bag has the story of the farmer who grew the coffee beans. I bought a bag and Alex was kind enough to grind my beans for me. ( I need to get my own grinder haha) I cant wait to go home and brew my first cup!

I have been here twice and the customer service is fantastic. The staff are very nice and very knowledgeable about the drinks they offer. On top of that the coffee is great!

Ive tried a lot of Caffe lattes in LA. SPLA is the best Ive tried so far. Also, try their new special coffee blends at home. Ill be using their Fruit Bomb at home in my espresso maker. So excited to try it.

Charming coffee shop near Chinatown/DTLA. Simple elegant interior with delicious coffee. Friendly and knowledgeable owner make my coffee stop a pleasant experience today.San Paulo to Los Angeles, SPLA, another great coffee shop marked on my list.

This place is really good! The wait wasnt too long despite there being only one worker and it went by even faster because of how kind and passionate the barista was. My friend and I were given a quick overview of the menu to help us make a better informed choice. I am so glad I went with the (bachita? Pronounced bah-cheetah, I believe). So delicious! One of the most unique and delightful ice blended coffee drinks Ive ever had. Definitely try this place out if youre able to!👍🏼😊

Went back for some more coffee....this time to take some beans home !!

Love this place. The owners are passionate about coffee, welcoming, and always excited to serve a great cup. Lots of incredible coffee beans sourced from farms across Brazil, too. Best coffee shop in the area hands down!

It’s not just the coffee;I walked in to a petite slice of heaven, the first thing I noticed was the pearly tray of pastries. It was recommended that I try the cheese the bread that is a favorite In Brazil, but with a Eastside fusion. My favorite part about food is that it is never stagnant; the cheese bread was warm and puffy, served with a dollop of marmalade, honey and cream cheese (on the side of course).I surrendered to Alex the dreamy barista and he poured a delicious cup of Brazilian coffee. “It’s a Brazilian, americano” he said. I think it was better than that.Overall I would highly recommend this place, conveniently located if you’re heading to or coming from a Dodger game or to the Dorothy Chandler pavilion, The Music Center or need caffeine for jury duty.I’ll keep you posted on the other heavenly drinks and pastries.

Alex, Vincent, And Samira here at SPLA are super kind and very fun! Not only did I try a delicious cafezinho one of their signature drinks but I got to practice my Portuguese. Try their “Batida” with Grape!!

Service was exceptional and their coffee... Im speechless!! I had the Pimenta Latte- it was one of the most well balanced lattes Ive ever had. Will definitely be back!!

The barista who made my coffee did a great latte art! I was totally impressed because my orders are made fast and thanks to their staff for making it happen. This coffee shop is certainly one of the best, and I would like to commend them for providing me great service and a delicious coffee. Thanks, everyone! Keep it up!

I just recently tried their Sabotage which is described as a “spiced & sweet” mocha and it was really good; not overly sweet! 👌🏽Will be back for more 👍🏽

Finally found a Brazilian coffee shop that serves and sell Brazilian coffee straight from the source. I brought a bag of coffee home. Customers were also buying jackets and hats or buying the cheese bread waffle to go. Picture: cafezinho and expresso

Try one of the smoothies

Incredibly friendly service with delicious and innovative treats. Fast too, great for a stop before work or on a lunch break. The idea of blending traditional São Paulo tradition with trendy LA sleek and shine makes for something other than the cold hipster gentrified coffee places youve probably grown accustomed too. An americano will run you about $3.50 here, much cheaper than most other places in the area.A coffee shop I highly reccomend if youre here in the area and need a kick.

Top tier coffee shop in all of Los Angeles. If youre looking for an incredible cup of coffee, look no further.

Great neighborhood feel. Awesome coffee. Ive become a regular since my son wakes up super early and I stroll him for morning caffeination: for me, not him. Hes got plenty of energy. Meeting lots of the morning regulars has been fun.

M Street should encourage more customers, esp. regulars, to have coffee For Here. The place was packed full of people who had stayed long enough to enjoy and finish their drinks, but everyone was drinking from future-landfill To-Go cups with lids.

Delicious drink and filled with passion. Cheers!

Small little corner spot with delicious lattes and food! Tiramisu latte and Mocha didnt disappoint.All for a good price and excellent customer service.

I guess I should start with I am not a coffee drinker lol. And I didnt have coffee here, neither did I buy ground coffee. But I had tea and a bear claw. Both were great and the service was super nice. My friend had coffee and a scone and was ecstatic. That alone should be 5-star-worthy, because he is very hard to please :-)

I love this place. The food is okay (thus four stars) but the outdoor working environment, staff, and atmosphere make this place a gem. :) I love the art as well as the work environment

Although appearing small and unassuming from the outside, this coffee shop has a lot to offer in its small space. Specializing in Brazilian coffee, this spot had some offerings that looked delicious, concoctions that I have never heard of (cant wait to go back and try). Everything I did have, including some yummy Brazilian snacks, were delicious. Attention to detail was evident here - its the small stuff that matters!

This place impressed. The espresso was rich and buttery, the shot was pulled perfectly (Alex knows his stuff). The drip was smooth, mellow. The turkey and brie (make sure you get it toasted!) was creamy and delicious. I bought some beans also and made some smooth as hell espresso at home. Only downside was the wait, as its a small spot. Def recommend

This high calorie sugar bomb is a MUST TRY! Maybe dont get it every day but on occasion its absolutely amazing. Frothy, creamy, organismically delicious. Not places to sit inside, and seating area outside is kind of uncomfortable (theyre all high bar stool type chairs) but the drink is sooooo good it doesnt even matter. Plenty of parking in the crummy strip mall parking lot.

A place that inspires great conversation. A place thought for the people. Healthy and delicious food to make your day shine!

Delicious cold brew and a very kind staff!

This place is fantastic. The owners are passionate about coffee, welcoming, and always excited to serve a great cup. Lots of incredible coffee beans sourced from farms across Brazil, too.

Saw the reviews and still pleasantly surprised by our upscale diner experience. Sort of pricey for the drinks; entrée prices seemed on target for downtown. Had the pork chop with succotash and sweet potato tater tots. Got seated right away even though it was DTLA Art Walk night! Will definitely recommend.

Cute spot with great cold brew.

It was so appetizing. Service is consistently good. The bill was appropriate for the quality.

My best friend and her fiancé from CA took me here while I was visiting, and I must say - its quite amazing. Comparable to Philz Coffee and Blue Bottle, without the annoying tourist hype.

Great services friendly people, Healthy and delicious food to make your day shine!

Ok this place is AMAZING! I’ve never wrote a review for a coffee place but I have to say, Best espresso shot I’ve ever had in the US!They also have oat milk for the latte which is dope.Good Wifi, cozy kinda vibe, not overpriced, and great costumer service.Do yourself a favor, whatever you are ordering, get that espresso shot💯

Love the coffee and love the staff. Alex was really personable and knowledgeable about the coffee process and the Brazilian coffee community. Will definitely be back to support their business. :)

Best coffee in United States. We as European are used to great coffee. This is the place to go if you had enough of this watery brown liquid they serve in hotels, bars and restaurants...

Friendly vibe, great coffee

One of LA’s best. Brazilian themed. Super cool atmosphere and amazing customer service.

This place is the bomb! Great service, great food, and great coffee; Brazilian-Style w that Familial feeling that makes you come back for more. And then you have Alex, the owner of the establishment whos always a willing ear participant if you like company to talk. Hes a good dude that Ive, personally, watched during and after SPLAs debut. Hes a hard worker which makes his business that much successful. You gotta come and see and taste this brew; you wont be sorry.I am working w Alex to try and bring a little L.A. flavor to his shop, in terms of Artistic Advertisements, both outside and inside of thisn eautiful shop.

Great coffee. Good vibes. Like the uniqueness of the space and Brazilian culture. Coming back.

Fabulous coffee, great staff, quick and attentive. Above and beyond. Small place but perfect for the right cup of Joe

I had to wait on a Sunday for an Iced Americano because they didn’t have any iced coffee or cold brew for 20 minutes. Only one staff member. Was not efficient .

Staff was amazing and very friendly. He made us special drink not on menu, it was delicious

Great owner/managing staff, fresh pastry, and the absolutely best, organic, Brazilian coffee, imaginable.

The best coffee shop in LA, I loved it!

The best coffee in LA! Super creative and AMAZING!!!

Great coffee and service

Coffee

Must try Latte Branco!

Good coffee!

Great coffee