Maru Coffee

A small but hip and delicious coffee spot in the Arts District just east of DTLA. There are multiple locations around the city, but this was my first time trying this location. It was quite crowded when we arrived around 11AM on Saturday, but the line moves pretty fast. Inside has a lot of tables and had a lot of people sitting working on computers and reading books and had a great coffee shop vibe. They don't have a parking lot, but free street parking is easy to find in this part of town. The barista at the counter was very polite and also gave some good recommendations.The menu is fairly small with limited options, especially flavor options, but everything that we ordered was very good. For this visit I ordered a Vanilla Bean Latte and really enjoyed it. I wish they would have larger sizes available because I drank it very fast and enjoyed every sip. I also got a shot of espresso on the side and that was a great pick me up for my midday. I would definitely recommend to anyone searching for a great coffee shop and I will be back next time I'm in the area.

The matcha was really good! I would say it's medium bodied, and more umami than sweet. They don't add sweetener unless you ask, but even with the agave it's not overbearingly sweet. If you get the cream top and mix it in, that adds enough sweetness! Line could get pretty long, but it goes by fairly quickly. A very clean and contemporary coffee shop with seats inside; I saw that some people bring laptops to study/do some work, although the environment isn't too quiet.

I've been wanting to try this for so long Tbh, just okay. It was nothing phenomenal and the most notable thing was the cost of the cream top if you want to add it to the matcha ($3 and you have to do it yourself) which drives the price of your matcha latte up to $10. Their pastries were decent but not my favorite, though it would've helped if they were toasted perhaps. Just alright. Cute space but not many places to sit and it's not in a wonderful area with things to do or walk to afterwards.

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.

I have been seen this place trending all over social media for their Matcha Latte and side of cream. First off, why was it $9-10 that is actually insane. The matcha is super high quality and I did not see a single grain of matcha separate...kind crazy. The side of cream was $3, rip my bank account. There is free street parking, the area is a little sketchy but that's LA for you. The worker was very knowledgable and patient. We went on a Friday morning and the wait was very short. The store is very minimal and little seating, more of a grab and go spot. ig: @cravingswithcat

$9.50 for the matcha latte with cream top. They premake their matcha and leave it in a giant bowl. I thought to myself that couldn't be true so I watched them make my drink. To my surprise this is exactly what they did. They also don't measure their ratio of milk, syrup nor amount of the premade matcha they are scooping. So disappointing, and the flavor wasn't even good. Parking is a hassle as well. Tip to the owners, maybe whisk fresh matcha for the drinks like most shops do to have a more fresh taste. Interior is nice. Service was fine as well.

Been wanting to try Maru's ceremonial matcha latte and I must say, you definitely get your money's worth here for high quality, non-diluted matcha. I actually think they have one of the best matcha lattes in LA. There was a line when we went around ~9/10ish on a Saturday but it moves quickly. Staff were patient in answering my questions about their drink selection, as well as informing me that a side of their renowned cream top would've been an additional $3 (no thank you). I really like the minimal, open and bright atmosphere of this location. Compared to its newer sister branch in Beverly Hills, this one in DTLA actually has available seating and better parking options (we found free stall parking a block down). I don't think I would come here to study/work though, esp since outlets aren't super accessible nor plentiful. Overall, until I discover an even better option, this is now my go-to for matcha if I ever find myself in the area(:

Popped in this morning because I've heard a lot about this coffee shop. I ordered the spiced cold brew off the signature drinks menu and it was fantastic. The ambience is minimalist and peaceful. A mellow laid-back vibe. Because it was early on a weekday when I stopped by, I wasn't faced with any lines and ordered instantly !! I know on the weekends Maru can get busy. I'll definitely go back though.

Wow. The cream top definitely lives up to its hype. A local recommended this to us in line and we're so glad we listened!I got it as an add-on to my vanilla bean latte and it made my drink so rich and creamy. Almost like a dessert coffee that isn't overly sweet. It paired really well together and I'm looking forward to the day I come back for this again.Ambiance is very calming. I love the neutral decor and incorporation of live plants. Wonderful place to study or work, but absolutely packed on the weekends. Make sure to come early to secure a spot and bring some headphones!

Love, love, love this coffee shop! Not only is the coffee peak quality (you MUST get the cream top), but the plentiful seating makes this place the third place you love to venture to for catch-ups with friends. Who doesn't love the monochrome aesthetics with fresh brewed coffee? Add friendly staff and tasty pastries (Sugarbloom is such a solid pastry distributor in LA), you have a coffee shop that stands out from the rest.