Amara Cafe & Restaurant

Venezuelan restaurant · Downtown

Amara Cafe & Restaurant

Venezuelan restaurant · Downtown

55 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

Highlights

Venezuelan cafe with rich hot chocolate, arepas, & churros

55 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105 Get directions

amaracafe.com

@amarachocolate

$10–20 · Menu

@infatuation

The Best Arepas In Los Angeles - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"Amara Chocolate & Coffee is a laid-back spot perfect for entertaining the kids, taking grandma out for a coffee, or having a quiet lunch with a coworker who equally needs to decompress. As the name suggests, this tranquil Pasadena coffee/chocolate shop makes an award-winning bittersweet hot chocolate, very good Spanish churros, and some Venezuelan-style arepas with plant-based options. The Vegana arepa is a Mediterranean twist on the dish with hummus, chickpeas, roasted eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers tightly packed inside the dough. The Orinoco also deserves special recognition for its overnight-cooked pork that’s very tender and pulls apart the moment you sink your teeth into it. The meat pairs nicely with its fried plantains and creamy queso de mano - a soft white cheese that melts beautifully and is good enough to stand on its own, minus the meat or extra fixings." - sylvio martins

https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/best-arepas-los-angeles

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@afar

"Amara's is a cozy cafe, perfect for a chocolate-lover's outing, or a romantic date night. Amara offers a bakery-style breakfast, fondue, a lovely assortment of chocolate truffles, and, my personal favorite, churros with dark dipping chocolate. The Venezuelan sipping chocolates are exquisite, and Amara uses Pasadena's best coffee, Jones Coffee, to prepare unique espresso drinks, such as their Cacao Latte (you pick the type of chocolate for your latte) and the Aztec Xoco-Latte."

L.A. Day Trip: Pasadena

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@eater

LA’s Newest Restaurant Week Features Latino-Owned Businesses - Eater LA

"Part of the Latino Restaurant Association’s Dine Latino Restaurant Week, offering a prix fixe meal at a reasonable price to drive awareness and customers toward Latino-owned businesses." - Mona Holmes

https://la.eater.com/2021/9/27/22691772/dine-latino-restaurant-week-los-angeles-am-intel

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@infatuation

Amara Chocolate & Coffee Review - Pasadena - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"Amara Chocolate & Coffee is one of those laid-back places perfect for entertaining the kids, taking grandma out for a coffee, or having a quiet lunch with a coworker who equally needs to decompress. As the name suggests, the Pasadena spot is a tranquil coffee/chocolate shop that makes an award-winning bittersweet hot chocolate, very good Spanish churros, and some Venezuelan-style arepas with plant-based options. The Vegana arepa is a Mediterranean twist on the dish with hummus, chickpeas, roasted eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers tightly packed inside the dough. The Orinoco also deserves special recognition for its overnight-cooked pork that’s very tender and pulls apart the moment you sink your teeth into it. The meat pairs nicely with its fried plantains and creamy queso de mano - a soft white cheese that melts beautifully and is good enough to stand on its own, minus the meat or extra fixings." - Sylvio Martins

https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/reviews/amara-chocolate-coffee

View Postcard for Amara Cafe & Restaurant

@postcardnews

Venezuelan-style breakfasts—arepas, cachapas, and churros—plus a drinking chocolate beloved by LAist. Brunch here feels like a quick Caracas trip, with gluten‑free options and daytime hours ideal before strolling Old Pasadena.

https://laist.com/news/food/best-hot-chocolate-la

Best Brunch in Pasadena CA (2025)

View Postcard for Amara Cafe & Restaurant

Erick Garcia

Google

Amara’s Cafe is a Venezuelan cafe that makes mornings feel special. I stopped by around 8 a.m. and immediately loved the calm, relaxed atmosphere with no crowds and no wait. It was the perfect time to enjoy breakfast with good coffee. I ordered the Galipan cachapa, a traditional Venezuelan dish that is basically a sweet corn pancake cooked until golden and folded over with salty cheese. The plate came with flavorful black beans, fluffy scrambled eggs, tangy sour cream, a bright green salsa, and tender shredded meat. It was a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy in every bite. For a seasonal touch, I had the pumpkin latte which was smooth, spiced just right, and not too sweet. As an added surprise, they brought out a complimentary plate of churros with chocolate. The churros were crisp and warm and the chocolate sauce was rich and glossy, a perfect way to end the meal. The service was just as good as the food. The cashier was welcoming and gave excellent recommendations that made it easy to choose dishes worth trying. Overall Amara’s Cafe delivers authentic Venezuelan flavors with a relaxed modern cafe setting. The food is thoughtful, the service is warm, and the morning ambiance is calm and inviting. It is definitely a place worth visiting again.

Marianela Dutra Africano

Google

I was sooo happy to find this Venezuelan cafe one day before starting work. The arepas are authentic, the “Caracas” latte is delicious with a little bit of cinnamon, and the rich Venezuelan hot chocolate transports me back to enjoying a mug with my abuelita. The staff are so friendly and everything I’ve tried has been delicious. They have forever gained a customer when I am in Pasadena or anywhere nearby. You just have to try this place!!!!

Zarah Arcilla

Google

Drinks we had were good. Food is ok. Dessert was very good! Small space inside. Some outside seating by the walkway. Structure parking. Elevators were not working. Had to use a few flights of stairs.

Matthew David

Google

Cute little shop in the heart of Old Town Pasadena. Super walkable area. The coffee and food is amazing. Their chocolate is the star. The service is always warm and welcoming. They have lots of patio seating great for dogs.

Franchesca Francisco

Google

We tried the trio plate and the Llanera Cachapas with pork and Madrid style churros. 5/5 on everything. Guava lemonade is nice and tart and cuts right through the richness of our dishes. Just the comfort food I needed this weekend. Trust the hype on this one. Also, the lovely woman working the register this morning is amazing.

Ishita Singhal

Google

First time here, and this was such a delightful place! The owners were WONDERFUL, so warm and welcoming, elevated the entire experience for me. We had the arepas, morning bun, coffee, and churros. The churros were so warm and tasty, highly recommend getting a spicy kick in your coffee, arepas were good too (slightly small for the price, but decently filling).

Josiah Haworth

Google

Always a pleasure eating or just getting coffee at Amara. A great staff, super tasty food, and a great location. Can’t be beat. One of my family’s favorite places in Pasadena.

hannahkip

Google

The food is delicious! I highly recommend their guava and cheese pastry and their lavender matcha latte. It actually tasted like lavender! If you want a quick breakfast or a chill place to get some work done then this is the place. The employees are also very nice!

Randy G.

Yelp

I've seen this place so many times when driving by or being at another place that I told my friends to meet me there on a Saturday... I had a latte waiting for them and the lattes are pretty good there...I had a 2nd when they got there..... I've never heard of an Arepa before and I thoroughly enjoyed it....it is a bit messy eating but honestly good.... I got there at 9:30AM and we basically had a brunch there....we contemplated having some churros to end our meal and after some arm bending we ordered churros... The place was starting to get busy towards 12PM (Lunch rush).... Somehow I forgot to take pics of the CHURROS!?!??!?!? Anyhow the churros were good and fresh...I don't use sauces for them so I can't say much about that but if you like churros...you'll like them here!

Zoe T.

Yelp

My husband and I tried Amara for the first time a few weeks ago for weekend brunch, despite having passed by it multiple times while going through Old Town Pasadena. It was busy and full of people and families as usual, and you line up inside to order at the counter before finding a seat either indoors or outdoors. We got an iced drinking chocolate, a cachapa with beef and cheese (corn pancake), and churros with guava dip. The food took a bit of time to come out, so we know it was made fresh to order. Everything was absolutely delicious, and my husband said he couldn't wait to return again for brunch on another weekend. The staff were nice and welcomed us warmly to their restaurant after we had finished most of our food. We will definitely be back to try more of the menu (all the yummy Venezuelan food)!

Milani L.

Yelp

I never had Venezuelan food before and this was really yummy! We were visiting my Aunt in the area and she suggested this place for brunch! She said she always comes for the coffee and churros but hadn't had a chance to try the food, so it was a pleasant experience for all of us. Located in Pasadena, Amara Chocolate and Coffee is a pretty good brunch spot! There was a decent amount of street parking for a Sunday Morning. They're also right next to a parking garage, so realistically I don't think parking should be a struggle. The restaurant has a small amount of indoor seating, but a good amount of outdoor seating! The outdoor area was dog friendly too. The service was good. I wasn't sure if the lady we were talking to was the owner, but it seemed like she was doing a really good job at trying to get to know the customers. She also was constantly moving around and taking care of lots of things. From cleaning and bussing, to making sure everyone has everything that they need she was everywhere working really hard. The food was really really yummy! I had a matcha latte and my mom had the strawberry matcha latte and we were surprised. I'm pretty critical on my matcha, but this made the cut and it was pleasantly surprising! My mom never finishes a drink but she finished this one. My dad got the Venezuelan chocolate and that was DELICIOUS. She was right though, it's strong. But the churros were also delicious, with the guava dip as well as dipping it in the Venezuelan chocolate! I forgot what they were called but we also had these little cheese appetizers and they were good! Not to salty and very delicious! I had the avocado toast and that was good. I was glad that it wasn't some small slice of toast, they packed it on good. I highly recommend this place if you're in the area! Whether it's breakfast, brunch or just coffee, I think this place is worth it! Service and food are great!

Michael C.

Yelp

One-of-a-kind experience. Yes, it's that good! In addition to the amazing food and drink, the exceptional customer service sets it apart from bigger, more corporate cafes. I recommend showing up early as the line can be long. Give yourself time to savor the unique Venezuelan approach to breakfast. Then go back the next day!

Lily M.

Yelp

Stumbled upon this cute Venezuelan cafe! The service was super friendly. We were able to ask question about the menu, considering it was our first time having Venezuelan food :) I was recommended the chicken "catira" arepa as well as their seasonal coconut dulce de leche latte. Both items were 10/10! I would definitely love to come back & dine here once again! They have both indoor & outdoor seating which is great.

Scott K.

Yelp

Stopped at a park and was hanging out watching homeless people get fed by a church and I had a hankering for some coffee iced starting to get hot out here in Cali so this place popped up on the maps and I walked over. Smelled delicious coffee. Went inside and got a coconut dolce de Leche iced latte it hit the spot was very smooth. Creamy had a delicious coconut flavor and the lady behind the counter is beautiful and kind probably won't be back since I'm leaving LA soon but had a great time there and I would go back as they have a ton of food. They all looks delicious pastries their own blends of hot chocolate coffee. I'm sure you should try it out if you're in Pasadena.

Brian V.

Yelp

A cafe located in Old Town Pasadena in Venezuelan food. Based on the name, I was half expecting that this place is only pastries and beverages like a patisserie or something. But the spot has pretty an extensive menu and the place is very popular. The service style of this place is that you wait in line to either order items to go or food where you can enjoy there, where you then find a table and they bring it to you. I was just passing through and wanted to possible pick up some items to bring home and try their hot chocolate. This hot chocolate is decadent and thick. I haven't had hot chocolate this decadent since I've had some at a small cafe in Paris and that was over a decade ago. It was delicious. You could also purchase bags of this to go. I also got some empanadas that I enjoyed later when I got home. I got one chicken and one beef. Both were delicious and came with some great sauce. The vibe here of the day I visited was frenetic. You can tell that this place is really popular and the space itself is not that large. So as you can imagine getting a table and eating here could be a little hectic Items I want to try on my next trip: definitely the arepas. I wasn't too hungry on this past trip, so I didn't want to order anything too large. I also want to try the churros.

Franklin M.

Yelp

I came here for my late afternoon caffeine fix and ordered a large iced mocha and also tried the hot chili flavored chocolate, churros, and some plantains. Everything I tasted was very good and I was highly satisfied with my iced mocha which wasn't overly sweetened. There are tables both inside and along the sidewalk to sit and enjoy your drink and food.

Leilani M.

Yelp

I enjoy the sound of the city waking up. The calm streets and sounds of footsteps on pavement with a pitter patter of their fur baby in tow. Taking it all in just before the bustle of the day went into fifth gear. As I walked in I was warmly welcomed. The sound of espresso beans being extracted into a magical transformation with the smell of something delicious baking filled my senses. Finally able to stop in and try these famous Madrid churros! Comes with a shot of warm chocolate dipping sauce & cool whipped cream. The combination is decedent! This quaint shop has the perfect mix of sweet and savory items to enjoy but you gotta try at least one style of their churros. Ham & cheese croissant was a perfect breakfast with that tomato & aioli addition. Service was outstanding! You feel at home here with a sense of community. Other regulars stopped in to order and share the latest updates of family and friends with the staff. Metered street parking & tap to pay available. A must try! Can't wait to go back and enjoy more of their menu.

forest l.

Yelp

My partner and I love it here! Amazing service from the friendliest staff behind the counter & delivering food + drinks to our table every time, delicious and unique lattes, and great pastries and sandwiches. It can get a bit busy, try to come in on a weekday morning and the vibes are perfect. Cute interior too. I'm so sad I'm moving away just because I can't come here as often. Check it out!! PS get the mocha if you like a bittersweet drink -- it's amazing.

Ben F.

Yelp

Amara's Venezuelan-inspired menu is full of amazing options. I always go for the arepas and one of their specialty chocolate drinks. The authentic, rich, thick, drinking chocolate is such a treat. The service is friendly and I always feel welcomed and appreciated. It's a bit popular and can get pretty packed. But with public parking right next door it's easy to come and go. Make sure to try the churros! I used to enjoy them regularly but I went gluten free, I wish they'd whip up a gluten free option. (Please Amara's, take the hint!)

Kara S.

Yelp

One of my favorite brunch places in Pasadena and I love how she remembers me every time. The owners are so kind and so nice. My favorite is the coffee with condensed milk and their churros. Yum!

Ashley R.

Yelp

Great spot for breakfast or lunch. The quality of the food and portions are excellent for the price. I try something new every time I visit. I've never not liked something here. The customer service is great, they will make suggestions if you are not sure what to try. This spot is a great treat!

Steve C.

Yelp

I stopped by Amara Café and everything I tried really hit the spot. The hot chocolate was smooth and rich, probably the fanciest I've ever had. I ordered the Pal Pana arepa with Spanish chorizo, black beans, and Gouda cheese. The flavors worked so well together. I also tried the spinach and mozzarella empanada. The crust was super flavorful, which isn't something you always get with restaurant empanadas. But the highlight for me was the tequeños with guava dipping sauce. Warm, cheesy, and that sweet dip took it to another level. I ended the meal with churros and Nutella. So good. The vibes were great, the staff was friendly, and the food made me want to come back again.

Johana H.

Yelp

Wow! I had a such a great experience here. The food felt so authentic like if I was eating at someone's house. I got their breakfast plate the Galipan Cachapa which was so delicious and fresh. I also ordered their mocha latte but the spiced Aztec version which I really enjoyed. I didn't know what to expect with the spice but it worked out. My friend ordered the churros which I have to say they were a little dry but the chocolate and caramel made it taste good. I was so impressed with how quick the service was considering how crowded it was. We thought we were gonna wait a while to get our food but we waited in line, ordered and waited about 15 min. We also found a spot really fast and the restaurant is pretty small. There's a parking garage right next door so that's convenient. I would love to come back. I had a great time!

Juan G.

Yelp

Nice place to calm your venezuelan food cravings. Croissant was good and coffee was ok but attention was underwhelming even when i spoke spanish to them. Cachito was mushy on the bottom as it had been sitting in water, likely not going back due to the attention

Lisa V.

Yelp

A must visit when in Pasadena! Park in the schoolhouse parking structure (Same building). We tried the drinking chocolate, chicken and beef empanadas, and churros with dulce de leche and dark chocolate dipping sauces. SO yummy! This restaurant was on the Melting Pot walking food tour and we visited afterwards as well.

Roxanne D.

Yelp

This cafe deserves its high ratings. We stopped in because we were in town for the night. The woman at the front treated us like long, lost family, and recommended amazing dishes. The food, service, ambience were exceptional.

Doreen T.

Yelp

I haven't been here in years and did not know they are now a brunch restaurant. We were hungry after a 5K at the Rose Bowl and needed to refuel. Churros for breakfast? Why not?! I got the Pasadena set which is 2 churros, dulce de leche dip, and a small cappuccino. Since hubby was hungry I let him order the rest. We shared: 2 empanadas - 1 spinach and 1 chicken Spanish burrito - which has cheese, eggs, chorizo, and I love the roasted veggies. This burrito felt really light, it was not heavy at all considering all the ingredients. Queso y Nata arepa - which has gouda cheese and tomato and we added turkey and avocados. I thought we couldn't finish but it was so delicious and all the plates were cleaned. Thanks so much to the kind waiter who seated us at an outdoor table, brought us our food, and refilled our water. He was the most kind and happy worker and we will definitely visit again soon.

Andreas K.

Yelp

Return for a quick late lunch bite, and once again was not disappointed lol. The Aztec mocha coffee was a wonderful blend of spaces, flavorful, chocolate and strong coffee. In addition, a chicken pesto mozzarella sandwich provided a well-rounded, juicy and at the same time crunchy, very delicious afternoon lunch PREVIOUS REVIEW One of the best, if not the bestest coffee I had in a long time. There is too much starbucky mediocrity taking over where everything across each respective store across the globe tastes precisely the same. But fasten your seatbelts for Amara - such a full aroma and smooth texture ... that with closed eyes, you'll be carried into other senses and travel to far countries, until reality catches up when the cup is empty!! Aztec and Amara Latte are splendid. BTW there are - not to mention - also wonderful bites (eg empanadas) to eat, too many to list

Renee T.

Yelp

Wonderful amazing place for a delicious Venezuelan brunch. This causal sit-down spot (with lots of outdoor and indoor seating!) was bustling on a weekend morning, but staff was still so attentive and friendly. We started with a beef and olive empanada that was sooo flavorful and crispy.. as a wise man once said, "I could eat a hundred of these." I also had their 65% dark chocolate mocha latte, which was so rich and chocolately--absolutely delicious for a dark chocolate lover! The Chicken Pesto sandwich is a generous size and super delicious, exactly as I expected. The Pulled Pork "Orinoco" arepa was unlike anything we've had before. With a delicate balance from the sweet plantains and spiced pork, we couldn't put it down. Whether you're dropping in for a warm cup of coffee or for a hearty meal, this place is an absolute gem to check out!

Angela C.

Yelp

This rating is only for their pastries, as it's the only thing I tried here. Amara is a full service restaurant, but my friend and I stopped in because I walked by and saw their pastry case through the window. I was in the mood for some baked goods and their croissants looked good. This is a Venezuelan restaurant and their menu looked amazing. Too bad my friend and I already had lunch, because there are a lot of things here that I want to try! They even offer churros! I did chat with a couple of patrons in the restaurant who were proud to tell me they were Venezuelan and that everything in the restaurant is good. I asked one table what they were eating and they said cheese sticks, and that Venezuelan cheese sticks are the best I will ever try. I didn't see it on their menu, but perhaps it's called something that I didn't recognize on the board. If their pastries are an indication of their food, then it's 5 stars, because the pastries I got were delish! The croissants & the guava & cheese pastelito were flaky and buttery (the almond croissant had a yummy sweet cream filling inside), and the morning roll is basically a sticky bun and the employee suggested I get it with cheese on top (there's an extra charge for the cheese), which made it sweet and savory. The chicken empanada was also delicious! Can't wait to come back to try their entrees and churros!!

Soraya C.

Yelp

Amara has a great selection for every taste. The people that frequent it are just as international as our family, which makes for a great ambiance. The young short waiter with a baseball hat that no longer works there and Maggie make the service amazing though. They are the stars of this café!

Mrs. T.

Yelp

Unassuming Venezuelan cafe. Highly recommend On "treat yourself to a carb" day. Crispy buttery, melt in your mouth croissant, flavourful avocado egg white arepas, delicately spiced cold brew confection, completed by hot, sugary, crunch fresh churros! Yum S of Colorado on Raymond. (I mention this as I confidenly marched northward for ten minutes before realizing I was headed in the wrong direction !

Elena C.

Yelp

I'm here just for the venezuelan iced chocolate, so this probably not a full review of everything they have. The place is a small cafe so seats are limited. They have outside seating as well. Service was pretty fast, and if you order takeout you don't have to crowd the room waiting for your order as they will come out and yell for your name. Iced chocolate though, is amazing. It felt like if you jab a straw on a quality chocolate bar: tastes fully chocolatey, like drinking a literal chocolate bar. Usually when you ordered an iced chocolate, you'd push your straw deep to the bottom to taste the chocolate BEFORE the ice diluted it. This one's the opposite. I actually had to pull the straw towards the top to acclimate myself through the slightly ice-diluted part then, while stirring a bit, work my way down. First world problem, indeed. But it was an absolute delight. An iced chocolate drink that you can literally chew (this is an exaggeration, there's nothing to chew here. It's all just thick, creamy, rich chocolate goodness). And all at the price of normal boba! Yeah I know i've seen bobas cost more than this. I need to come again for some croissant and hot chocolate.

Christine L.

Yelp

Churros for Breakfast? Head to Amara! If you're craving churros for breakfast, Amara Chocolate & Coffee is the place to go. I ordered a set of three churros, and they were pretty darn good. They came with a side of whipped cream and a rich, decadently thick dark chocolate dip--so good I regretted not ordering more. But hey, there's always next time. The churros here are on the smaller side, not like the oversized ones from Costco or Disneyland, so I'd recommend ordering a few extra. I'm all about perfect proportions, and I had way too much chocolate dip left over--which, to me, is a bit of a crime. Ideally, I would've had 4-6 more churros to balance it out, but my parking meter was running out, so I had to cut my losses. Lesson learned for next time! Beyond churros, Amara has a tempting menu with empanadas, sandwiches, and other baked goods. While I'd love to try them, I know I'll be adding churros to my order no matter what. Amara Chocolate & Coffee isn't a place I would have thought to visit on my own, but I'm so glad I did. I originally went to meet a friend, and now I have another great spot to come back to. Next time, I'm going all in on the churros!

Lauren S.

Yelp

Amara chocolate and coffee has to be my new favorite coffee shop in the old town Pasadena area now! The food is really amazing authentic Venezuelan food and the place is a small, woman owned business. Not only can you walk in and take your coffee to go but you can also order a whole brunch here! The seating is very limited so if you plan to sit in, I'd come earlier. ( we came around 10am on a week day and it was packed with a line out the door) Our waiter was really friendly and the food was also amazing! Even if if don't come back for a full sit down meal, I'll be back to pop in and get a coffee!

Marie P.

Yelp

This place is so cute! I love how intimate this place is. Been dying to try this place and finally got to! The empanadas were really good! Tried both, beef and chicken Empanadas. Both Delicious ! But my ultimate favorite was the churro and latte! perfect combination!! The churro was plated so beautifully! The service was good. You order at the counter and they bring you the food. will keep coming back!

Liza G.

Yelp

A new fav!! The restaurant we were originally going to eat at was closed and as a result we found this gem. My husband and I both enjoy Venezuelan cuisine, but were excited to try some new dishes. I read an article in the Los Angeles Times that sold me on trying Cachapa (Venezuelan corn pancake with cheese inside). I paired it with a side of plantains, eggs and tall glass of Iced Venezuelan Chocolate, which was deliciously rich and like nothing I have ever had! The staff is friendly and the food comes out quickly. There are not a lot of tables, but we found the seating comfortable and the restaurant was decorated with plants. On the way out I spotted the huge tubs of Nutella in the window and I can't wait to go back and try their Nutella filled croissants. This is THE hot spot for breakfast in Pasadena. Try their Iced Venezuelan Chocolate, for sure. There is nothing like it. Perfect!

Lina F.

Yelp

The staff is RUDE, I was excited to show my aunt this place and one of the staff member asked her to stand up stating "you cannot just sit down if you have not ordered yet" while I was ordering at the cashier, I am disappointed this used to be one of my favorite spot in Pasadena, they apologized after they realized that I am also Venezuelan, but well, it is what it is, save your trip and go somewhere else!

Aminah M.

Yelp

This food was BOMB, the reina y gouda arepa was so soft and was packed with avocado. I also got the Venezuelan mocha which was so rich and worked so well without being sweet. Workers were also very nice!

Chris M.

Yelp

So my wife saw some Tik Toks with their churros, Cups of hot chocolate more churros and more cups of chocolate so of course she wanted to try both especially since we are freshly back from Paris and she misses the Chaud de Chocolat. Our order 2 cups of Hot Chocolate rich with milk, 1 Iced Chocolate Edgar style with milk, 1 Churros with Chocolate and 1 Churros with Ice Cream. Quick note: 2 people can share 1 cup of Hot or Iced Chocolate it was good but so rich and sweet that we didn't finish 1 order between us all nor did the other 2 tables next to us. Definitely not cheap we paid about $68.00 for our initial order, I did add a guave bread and a cup for my niece since they share the same name (Amara) added another $35.00 for a total of $103.00 The Chocolate was good but we didn't finish one of our drinks if that tells you anything. I think that they should have someone there to assist you with choosing the right Hot or Iced Chocolate only because when I tried they seemed more open to the order not really explaining the types they offer. Customer service was a 2 as some people received numbers for there tables we didn't, the wait staff bringing food weren't sure where to go so keep your receipt so you can prove what you ordered. Chocolate drinking experience 2 could have been a 5 but kind of lost ordering with no one really to help with questions or recommendations again there were plenty of people behind the counter but know one that wanted to help on recommendations. The Chocolate itself was a 5 but that's because I couldn't give less than what it was... Overall they probably could have been a 5 but with no one really to step up and assist especially when your paying higher than most places.... We would like to try it again only if we could get someone that could assist with making the visit more of a pleasant experience.

Diana H.

Yelp

If you love empanadas and traditional Venezuelan food you will love Amara Chocolate and Coffee try their Arepas and of course their empanadas. My favorite are their chicken empanadas. They have both outdoor and indoor seating but it is a pretty small location and it can get packed fairly quickly. They have a parking garage which makes it easily accessible. The churros are also a great sweet treat for those with a sweet tooth. It can be pretty loud, but everything is worth a try. There are also shops nearby where you can walk around once you're done eating. Their coffee is also amazing.

L. W.

Yelp

Delicious and never lets you down! I ordered their breakfast burrito on a hurry and didn't stay to eat, but if I could've I would have. I've been here many times and their churros are always number one on my list. The restaurant is both inside and outside, so dog friendly! And the staff are kind and sweet and always helpful!

Vicki C.

Yelp

We tried a cachapa which is a sweet corn pancake which came with pulled pork and beans (recommend). I also ordered the spicy pork arepa which is stuffed with cheese inside a maize dough flatbread. And of course the churros with the guava dipping sauce (delicious! Churros are doughy and crispy on the outside). I also enjoyed the Amara Dulce de Leche latte.

Malia C.

Yelp

Can't go wrong with a Venezuelan breakfast of Galipan Cachapa with Perico eggs, shredded beef and Mano cheese! With a Caracas latte AND a side of Spanish Churros with guava and chocolate dipping sauce!

Vy D.

Yelp

Such a cute spot for coffee and lunch. They have good sandwiches, croissant, and coffee. Indoor and outdoor seatings available. I ordered: 1. Matcha latte with oatmilk 2. Chicken pesto sandwich 3. El doe sotelo - egg whites, roasted and fresh tomatoes, fresh cilantro, avocado and olive oil. Black beans on the side. This is arepas for breakfast with the choice of scramble egg Paid street parking is available for this Pasadena downtown area.

Maggie S.

Yelp

Never been to this coffee shop because it's very far But I do wish they expand and open a location near me. La verne or claremont. It will be received very well I have not rated any food but totally love the combination Please open near me !!!!!

Bing W.

Yelp

One my favorite places in LA for breakfast. Everything is good here. The Arepas and the super thick Venezuelan hot chocolate and simply awesome. The service is simple and behind the counter. The ambiance is nice and cozy for breakfast. My go to place for breakfast in Pasadena

Alizul Z.

Yelp

Cozy little Arepa, churro and coffe spot in the heart of Old Town Pasadena! I arrived with friends during a break from our Anime Pasadena convention down the street. Our host behind the register was very helpful in making suggestions if what to order as one of my friends had never had an Arepa before. It's like an extra doughy tortilla grilled on a hot stove top that's stuffed inside with hredded cheese, chicken, Avocados, beef, beans and plantain bananas if desired. Served with creamy sauces on the side. I hot the spinach and cheese empanadas, this flaky buttery savory pastry. So delicious!!! They also had fresh Lemonade which was so refreshing. They had alfajores a sweet Carmel cookie ryats common in latin America. As well as jared dulce de leche Carmel! Definitely a cool place to check out.

Nikki B.

Yelp

Every time I pass by Amara there is a line out the door. As luck would have it, I was meeting my darling friend Brooke here in the afternoon and we were fortunate enough to find seating inside. (Outdoor seating also available.) Amara is named after the owner Amara B. Brooke had the pleasure of meeting her and said she was lovely and very passionate about her business and customers. During our visit Chef Maggie came out to talk to us. She was also darling. In fact, all the staff here were very friendly and take pride in their work. Amara features authentic Venezuelan cuisine. The menu is extensive - offering a little something for everyone (even vegans) and they proudly serve Jones Coffee. Their most popular items are the Venezuelan Hot Chocolate & Churros and they also have some delicious lattes. I ordered an Americano, and we shared the Venezuelan Hot Chocolate. It was velvety smooth, creamy, thick & rich. This beverage is meant to be sipped slowly and savored because it was quite decadent. The churros came with two dipping sauces - dark chocolate & guava (both vegan). The churros, which are also vegan, had a different texture than the ones you'd get at a Mexican restaurant. These were crispy outside, soft inside, and dusted with granulated sugar. It was delicious. You can purchase their famous Venezuelan Hot Chocolate to take home in addition to a variety of other specialty items including frozen empanadas & cachitos to bake at home. I'm looking forward to a return visit.

Brooke M.

Yelp

We were just in time before the crazy rain to enjoy some home made Venezuelan cuisine. Like it's from your mamas kitchen this little cafe is full of surprises! From chocolate to plantains, burritos to churros the menu here is extensive and delightful! Luckily there is a parking lot right beside the restaurant because the rain came down hard! Such an incredible service and love from the entire staff. Amara is so kind and proud of her beautiful cafe and she emanates love to all her customers and the chef Maggie was amazing, so talented! Will definitely come back soon! The food is absolutely delicious!!

Cassidy I.

Yelp

The food at Amara is delicious and the chocolate is very rich. This is a restaurant is a counter order style, where they give you a number for your table, then bring your food out to you. Amara is located very close to the schoolhouse garage in Pasadena for parking. I tried the galipan cachapa and it was very good! The meat was mildly spicy, and the cheese was rich. I wasn't the biggest fan of the beans, but they were fine. It was very filling!

Jisel K.

Yelp

What a phenomenal experience!! The food here was superb! Makes me want to travel to Venezuela! The arepas were juicy and made to perfection. We also tried the churros with the caramel and it was definitely an excellent way to end our experience. If you're in Pasadena, Amara is a must stop location for breakfast/lunch. Their papelon vanilla coffee will have you wanting another one tomorrow! We will be back to try more of their amazing dishes. Staff was also friendly and lovely. They made the experience top-notch.

Magaly J.

Yelp

This review is specifically with respect to the iced Venezuelan chocolate with milk (although, I think you can ask for the base to be with water, but I didn't get a choice when I ordered). If you're considering whether you should order this drink, here is your sign to do it! The chocolate flavor has depth. It's rich, decadent and the level of sweetness almost teeters on the side of too sweet, but actually the sugar portion is just right. The price is high for what you get, but I think it's worth the experience. It's $6.10 (see receipt attached). Also, this cage is located in a hot spot in Pasadena. It's near so many other businesses that you can easily go to this place for dessert or choose to eat Amara's savory food (since they serve a variety of items).

Paola J.

Yelp

Longtime fans turned away-deeply disappointed. My cousin and I stopped by this morning, excited for a coffee date, she's been loyal to Amara for years. Unfortunately, that loyalty didn't seem to matter to the man working today-the same guy, oddly enough, who was super friendly the last time we came in together. This time? Completely different vibe. Don't remember his name but he's usually in all black and wears acrylic clear glasses. I went to grab a table while my cousin waited in line to order, and he came over and very rudely told me that tables were for customers only-as if we weren't literally in the middle of becoming customers. There was no courtesy, no patience, just this aggressive energy that made us feel completely unwelcome. We were honestly shocked. Flabbergasted, even. He had no intention of letting me explain myself kindly. My cousin even asked him their policy on selecting a table and he didn't have an answer! It's such a shame because we loved this place. But after being treated like that, it's hard to imagine ever coming back. A little kindness goes a long way-and so does the lack of it.

Bella S.

Yelp

This place is typically packed, especially on weekends. They are closed on Mondays. Weekdays are still busy, but lines are not typically out the door. I prefer to order online and just drop by for a quick pickup. They are very prompt on their orders - food will not be ready earlier than your scheduled pick-up time as their kitchen and staff are bust prepping in-house orders. Street parking around the blocks or in the Schoolhouse Parking garage attached to the same building the restaurant is located, which has reasonable prices. The atmosphere is cozy, yet city-like with the busy hustle of the adjacent street. Staff here is friendly. Now as for food and drinks... I do love their extensive menu. It makes selection process tedious, but it ensures you and your party will not get tired of eating the same thing. A sure way to keep fans coming back. 1. Dulce de Leche Latte (4/5) Surprisingly not too sweet despite the name. I personally did not taste any caramel flavor at all. It's a cup of rich, chocolatey, and milky drink. 2. Ginger Mocha Latte (3/5) It's a very thick and rich hot chocolate with a strong spice from the ginger and chili powder. The spice part was overwhelming for me, but it was my mistake for adding more spicy chile cocoa to and already gingery drink. It's good for those who like the spice. 3. Asado Negro (Signature) Arepas (3/5) Arepa with their 12 hours smoked & roasted prime beef with cheese and tomato. The corn wrap had a good crispy crunch to it and had a strong flavor of corn. It's very filling though, so I ended up eating only half of the wrap. The beef was very tender and had a good roasted flavor to it. It comes with a very thick slice of Mano cheese, which I initially thought was egg. The cheese was strong in creamy flavor and it seems to be of good quality. 4. Tekes (Tequenos) with Guava sauce (5/5) Venezuelan cheese sticks. On it's own, it's mild in cheese flavor with a doughy coating, which I like better than the bread-crumb coating on the American cheese sticks. Pair it with their house-special guava sauce and it's a dancing party on your tastebuds. 5. Empanada - Beef (5/5) The outside was nice and crispy! The beef was seasoned well with their aromatic herbs and spices. Can't say no -- I devoured this in less than 1 minute.

Rosa B.

Yelp

Delicious, fresh, fantastic service, indoor seating as well as shaded outdoor seating that is protected from sun and the street traffic. Highly recommend. Had a great huge coffee

Christiana T.

Yelp

This is a small cafe serving coffee and Venezuelan food. There are outdoor seatings by the sidewalk. Service: You order at the register and food/drinks will be brought out to you. The cashier was very warm and friendly. You can also self order on a tablet. Seating is first come, first serve. Drinks: Hot Cacao Latte Amara makes one of the best mochas. They use 70% dark chocolate, espresso, and steamed milk. I like how it has a chocolate taste and a hint of sweetness. I do not like sweet drinks, for context I usually have to ask baristas at other places to adjust sweetness levels to 0-25%, but no adjustment is necessary here. Choco espresso If you like European hot chocolate (rich and thick) with espresso, then you will enjoy this drink! Bakery: For a quick bite, they have a variety of bakery items that are heated up for you. Empanadas (beef and spinach/cheese) I like how they have baked and fried options. I also like the avocado sauce that you can get on the side. Tekes These are cheese sticks wrapped in pastry. These are great for picky toddler/kids. Breakfast: Cachapa with Pork and Plantain I really enjoyed this dish and it was quite filling! This is a savory pancake made with corn, filled with oozing gouda cheese, spicy pork, and topped with Plantain. Arepa El Doe Sotelo This is a nice vegetarian and healthier option made with egg whites, tomatoes, avocados and a side of beans. Nutritious and filling. Dessert: Churros I like how they have many churro options. I usually opt for churros and a side of sauce. I have tried chocolate, Nutella, and guava sauces.

@infatuation

Erick Garcia

Google

Marianela Dutra Africano

Google

Zarah Arcilla

Google

Drinks we had were good. Food is ok. Dessert was very good! Small space inside. Some outside seating by the walkway. Structure parking. Elevators were not working. Had to use a few flights of stairs.

Matthew David

Google

Franchesca Francisco

Google

Ishita Singhal

Google

Josiah Haworth

Google

Always a pleasure eating or just getting coffee at Amara. A great staff, super tasty food, and a great location. Can’t be beat. One of my family’s favorite places in Pasadena.

hannahkip

Google

Randy G.

Yelp

Zoe T.

Yelp

Milani L.

Yelp

Michael C.

Yelp

Lily M.

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Scott K.

Yelp

Brian V.

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Franklin M.

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Leilani M.

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forest l.

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Ben F.

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Kara S.

Yelp

One of my favorite brunch places in Pasadena and I love how she remembers me every time. The owners are so kind and so nice. My favorite is the coffee with condensed milk and their churros. Yum!

Ashley R.

Yelp

Steve C.

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Johana H.

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Juan G.

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Lisa V.

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Roxanne D.

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Doreen T.

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Andreas K.

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Renee T.

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Angela C.

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Soraya C.

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Mrs. T.

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Elena C.

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Christine L.

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Lauren S.

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Marie P.

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Liza G.

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Lina F.

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Aminah M.

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Chris M.

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Diana H.

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L. W.

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Vicki C.

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Malia C.

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Vy D.

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Maggie S.

Yelp

Bing W.

Yelp

Alizul Z.

Yelp

Nikki B.

Yelp

Brooke M.

Yelp

Cassidy I.

Yelp

Jisel K.

Yelp

Magaly J.

Yelp

Paola J.

Yelp

Bella S.

Yelp

Rosa B.

Yelp

Delicious, fresh, fantastic service, indoor seating as well as shaded outdoor seating that is protected from sun and the street traffic. Highly recommend. Had a great huge coffee

Christiana T.

Yelp

Amara Cafe & Restaurant

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The Best Arepas In Los Angeles - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

LA’s Newest Restaurant Week Features Latino-Owned Businesses - Eater LA

Amara Chocolate & Coffee Review - Pasadena - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

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The Best Arepas In Los Angeles - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

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Amara Chocolate & Coffee Review - Pasadena - Los Angeles - The Infatuation