Amara Cafe & Restaurant

Venezuelan restaurant · Downtown

Amara Cafe & Restaurant

Venezuelan restaurant · Downtown

55 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

Highlights

Amara Chocolate & Coffee is a cozy Pasadena gem boasting Venezuelan delights like scrumptious arepas, rich sipping chocolates, and indulgent churros.

55 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105 Get directions

amaracafe.com

@amarachocolate

$$ · Menu

@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

The Best Arepas In 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

"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

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

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@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

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

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Monica Matute

Google

This place is DELICIOUS! Lives up to all of the hype. We tried the tequeños and the guava sauce is amazing and a great mix of salty and sweet. We also tried La Reina and this was my favorite meal we had because it tasted so fresh. Also highly recommend the empanadas and cachapa with pork, beans, and plantains. And ofcourse you can’t leave without trying the churros. Valeria and the staff were so incredible, the place has a great ambience AND it’s pet friendly which is a huge plus. Couldn’t recommend it more!

DM Ramirez

Google

You have to give this place a try! The food is fresh, tasty and filling. The empanadas are a must!! One of my favorite dishes is the beef Pabellón, a delicious arepa with cheese, beans and plantains. They also have a variety of coffees and desserts.

J. V. Rychman

Google

We were Talking with a visitor to Cleveland, who said Amara Cafe is a must. So we put it in our list of must do restaurants. Got on Spirit Airlines and flew to LAX and drove to Amara. What a delight. Great service, street seating, many choices. Best recommendation from our clerk. She even checked up on us to see if we loved her recommendation. When you stop in tell them Joe sent you, they will say Joe Who? That's me 😄

Benjamin Franke (Solstice Son)

Google

Amara Cafe in Pasadena has a relaxed, inviting vibe that makes it easy to settle in. Their Venezuelan-inspired menu is full of amazing options. I always go for the arepas, no matter if it’s breakfast or lunch, and they never disappoint. Their hot chocolate is something else—truly authentic, rich, thick, and exactly what you want on a cooler day. Get sipping chocolate iced on the hot ones. I always find myself feeling a little high on life after drinking their chocolate options. Little science insight: pure cacao contains compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine, which can stimulate endorphin and serotonin release, improving mood and giving a mild euphoria. No wonder every amara’s visit is the start to a magical day. The service is friendly and I always feel welcomed and appreciated. It’s a bit popular and can get pretty packed. But even when there’s a crowd, I’ve never felt rushed. If you’re in the area, it’s worth stopping by just for the sipping chocolates alone. The churros are another story. I once enjoyed them regularly but now I avoid gluten, I wish they’d whip up a gluten free option. *wink wink, nudge nudge*

Bree Panuco

Google

Amara cafe has authentic Venezuelan food. The arepa breakfast plate was delicious. The arepa sandwiches were also so good, paired with the berry orange smoothie. Maggie was also very nice!

Evan Di Gerolamo Toth

Google

Eating brunch here was such a lovely experience. I try to eat gluten-free and it is a gluten-free paradise. Cachapas were delicious and the cocoa was the perfect finish. Thank you Maggie for your recommendations and contagious enthusiasm.

Becca Eldridge

Google

We are from out of town and we were looking for a spot that had Gluten-Free breakfast options and Amara cafe popped up in our search. Our breakfast was so good that we decided to come back the next day. The staff is very friendly and gave great recommendations from the menu!

Spencer Miller

Google

Food was amazing. Service was so amazing. I'm so happy we came by and enjoyed a lovely breakfast. Such flavorful gluten free options that are healthy and satisfying is so nice. We came for the coffee, which was outstanding and left filled with lovely food and kind service. Thanks for the beautiful morning. 😍 Didn't get a picture of the corn pancakes because they were so good the disappeared before I remembered to take a pic.

Monica Matute

Google

DM Ramirez

Google

J. V. Rychman

Google

Benjamin Franke (Solstice Son)

Google

Bree Panuco

Google

Amara cafe has authentic Venezuelan food. The arepa breakfast plate was delicious. The arepa sandwiches were also so good, paired with the berry orange smoothie. Maggie was also very nice!

Evan Di Gerolamo Toth

Google

Becca Eldridge

Google

Spencer Miller

Google

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!

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

Lakita H.

Yelp

Service excellent everyone was very nice Food magnificent and everything fresh baked Ambience spectacular Very clean and fresh My husband and I will be back. It was my first time my husband had been telling me about it and I finally got the opportunity to try it. All I have to say is we will definitely be back

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.

Aaron O.

Yelp

I had the beef & olive empanada, argentinian beef empanadas, and fried plantains which were all delicious. Would definitely go again!

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.

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 !

Dorina R.

Yelp

The food was delicious. Churros were yummy! The service was great! The ambiance was relaxing.

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!!

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.

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!

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!

Cisca W.

Yelp

Great breakfast/brunch and snack hang out place - located in the heart of old town Pasadena on Raymond st. Got to find out about this place long time ago through Bachelor episode of Juan Pablo season when one of his dates took place at this cafe and was featured on air. Wish their churro were gluten free friendly (since I have gluten allergy). It looks so good and ... Me...just salivating every time I see the churro order is being delivered to the tables... But they have few items that are gluten free and able to be modified as dairy free by taking out the cheese. Their yellow corn Venezuelan pancake, Arepa, and Venezuelan empanadas are some of the gluten free items they have in their menu. Venezuelan empanadas are deep fried and the Argentinian empanadas are baked but not gluten free. The Pabellon arepa is juicy and the corn taste of the arepa is savory and tasty. Arepa is a must-try in this cafe. Sign up for their mailing list as they sometimes offer free drink with purchase or other announcements such as live music on Fridays or other promotions. Staff is friendly and helpful with anything such as cleaning tables, checking with orders or other questions. Parking is just around the corner in the lot - Schoolhouse Parking Facility on 33 E. Green Street (corner of Green and Raymond) It's $1 for the first 2 hour.

Helen C R.

Yelp

Oh my gosh, the only problem with this place is they close on Mondays and I discovered them on Sunday!!! I will dream about their avocado toast. It's reason to come to Pasadena just for that. I do have to say I'm a little glad I'm far away because otherwise I would have Churros every day. Great people great food.

Kunous K.

Yelp

No wonder this place is packed!! Service is pretty good, although for a full house of people they still show patience. It is a small dining room, decor is simple but practical. The mocha latte is very good... Very smooth cocoa favour... Avocado toast was good too ..

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.

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!!

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).

Zee P.

Yelp

Amara Chocolate & Coffee is my ultimate haven for warmth and comfort, a charming Venezuelan cafe that embodies the essence of home. Every sip and bite is a masterclass in flavor and love, with the staff's genuine warmth mirroring the richness of their velvety mochas. The welcoming atmosphere invites you to linger, savoring the experience like a warm hug. But what truly sets Amara apart is its incredible food menu, a culinary journey through Venezuela's vibrant flavors. From classic favorites to innovative twists, each dish is a testament to the onsite team's skill and passion, showcasing the perfect blend of tradition and creativity. Whether you're in the mood for something familiar or adventurous, Amara's menu has something for everyone, making it a true treasure trove of deliciousness.

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.

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.

Gavin J.

Yelp

Great little locals spot serving up Venezuelan food for breaky brunch and lunch You order and pay at the counter, find your table and the food is delivered to you Casual vibe dining inside and out , we chose to sit in the morning sun outside and it was perfect on a cool day Food is fresh delicious looks great on the plate and you can see the care and attention that has gone into preparing each plate Apparently as I learned today Venezuelan's don't cook with spice so ask for the hot sauce if you like a little fire to kickstart the morning They nailed the coffee as well !! Great spot worth a visit if in the area

Jesus G.

Yelp

This place is a small, cute restaurant where you order at a booth and then wait to be seated and served. Waiters and staff were all friendly and we were lucky to be seated as soon as we went through the line to order -- it was a bit of a wait but not too bad. Most of their seating is outdoor -- they still have sidewalk service at this location but it's in a comfortable area, not too much vehicular traffic. The food was delicious Venezuelan food. The arepas were delicious, especially with the plantains inside. So many pastry/ starchy options so leave the diet at home! I loved their churros and their chocolate sauce was delicious. Their corn cakes were soft and sweet. Their cortado espresso drink was so good, infused with chocolate. Overall, a great place to indulge in a variety of Venezuelan food.

Kelly C.

Yelp

My friend and I stopped here on a weekday and were surprised to see how busy it was! It's an order first and then find your table kind of place (indoor and outdoor seating) - if the line is long, you can use the self serve kiosk in your right when you walk in! I ordered the galipan gachapa with scrambled eggs, beans, and avocado and a Dulce de leche latte which came with the cutest bear art (shout out to the server who made it!). For food, the portions look small but dang I was full after eating 50% of the corn pancake. I really loved the cheese inside - I thought it would be overwhelming but it was nice and light. The black beans were also a perfect complement to balance the meal. Overall, pretty good though slightly on the expensive side in terms of food. My plate was close to $20 but the latte was fairly priced as $6.60. Will definitely be back for drinks and maybe some churros because they looked bomb! Parking: lot nearby for $1 first two hours and then $3 every additional hour (tbt to when it used to be 90 min free rip)

E=mc² E.

Yelp

We have been coming here for at least 5 years or more. This morning we picked up a to go order. Their customer service has been consistently excellent. You are always greeted and asked how you are doing by almost every person working there. And it is genuine and not that contrived corporate forced greeting that you might get at some of the chain franchises. They actually acknowledge your presence as a real person and not because they have been made to. The food is very good. Their almond croissant is so delicious with the filling inside. Their coffee is the best in my opinion, beating Jamisom Brown, Starbuck, and Intelligensia. The place decor is cute and it can get crowded on the weekend because this place is so good. Amara is one of my favorite because they are consistently good on all points.

Hannah S.

Yelp

Best meal in LA hands down. If you ever come to LA/Pasadena, THIS PLACE is the ONE AND ONLY you should visit!! Try an Arepa (I got the Pabellpm with chicken) and a Cachapa (the breakfast one is amazing). The flavors literally sing in perfect harmony in my mouth. My mind (and taste buds) were BLOWN. This is also a great introduction to Venezuelan cuisine. Coffee and pastry here are also top tier! Must try the guava cheese and the cubanito cortado is perfection in a cup. Service here is amazing! They did a great job walking us through the menu. Such a cute vibe and lots of seating. This place is incredible and a true gem of Pasadena.

Jaime R.

Yelp

Amara Cafe & Restaurant in Pasadena, CA, is a culinary haven for lovers of Venezuelan delights or great pastries and drinks. The pork and plantain arepa at Amara was delicious. I savored every bite. The flavors meld together to create a delicious masterpiece. A must-try! The apple turnover alongside a cup of hot chocolate was a delightful experience. Amara excels not only in savory dishes but also in crafting sweet treats and drinks that satisfy every craving. Amara Cafe & Restaurant is a must-visit when visiting Pasadena. From savory delights to sweet indulgences, the culinary journey at Amara Chocolate & Coffee is truly a treat for all the senses.

Jimmy S.

Yelp

Had the Reina & Gouda arepa along with a guava & mango juice. It was good and the staff was very friendly and helpful with explaining their menu details.

Kislev A.

Yelp

It's been years since I've visited AMARA'S CHOCOLATE & COFFEE and I'm glad I was able to share this experience with my girl. I'm super glad to report that they are as awesome as ever. Their DRINKING CHOCOLATE was as decadent and delicious as I remember.. The CROISSANT may not be the best ever croissant ever made, but it was perfect with the drinking chocolate. The CAFE CON LECHE was strong and creamy and delicious. The pasty on the SPINACH EMPANADA is flaky and the filling was cheesy with the perfect spinach proportions. The people are warm and welcoming. The space is cozy, clean and welcoming. Yes, I meant to repeat that word.

Patys R.

Yelp

Everything was absolutely excellent and delicious! This was not the same old lunch. The Venezuelan menu had so many amazing options and the plate I had was amazing. The people are so nice and gave great recommendations when I couldn't make up my mind on what to choose. Cant wait to finish the main course and get to the churros and sipping chocolate!!

Mercedes L.

Yelp

If you'd like to experience a heart warming meal, this the place . It tastes like home . Never experienced something as close to home as this .

Grace J.

Yelp

Went here after being told russel's had a 40 min wait time and i'm SO glad!! Incredible food, the servers were so kind and attentive and even brought out this special garlic sauce just bc he said it was his favorite and omg it's my favorite too now. we sat outside and it was perfect. i miss it already and can't wait to go back :))

Natalia Q.

Yelp

I am a Miami girl and I could shed a tear over this place. Everything is authentic and absolutely freaking DELICIOUS. I ordered the arepa with avo instead of the plantains- the arepa is so crispy and the fillings are amazing. Very savory! The tequeños are made to perfection and the guava is the best. Churros were great. Not pictured, but I also ordered a Leche con Chocolate iced. Arepa, 2 tequeños, and a Large iced leche con chocolate was around $35 with tip. I've had worse food for more money and this had me STUFFED. My friend had the sweet pancake, churros, and the darker chocolate drink- all amazing. Be warned!!! The chocolate is traditional- it will not be sweet like Hershey or Nesquick. It is amazing, bitter goodness. Chocolate that probably takes 5 years off your life. Maybe I'm biased because this place reminds me of home, but I told my friend I wish I could travel in time so I could eat everything all over again. I'm Colombian so this is probably as close as I'll get to having my traditional food in LA. Service was AMAZING. Fast and everyone was so sweet- bilingual as well. Ambiance was fantastic and they have some covered outdoor seating that kept us safe from the heat. If you are near Pasadena and are hungry- RUN, do not walk. I will not shut up about this place and I WILL be back!

Airi G.

Yelp

Sometimes I want a piece of toast for breakfast and sometimes I want a full-on meal. For the days that I'm super hungry, you can find me here. I tried the Asado Negro which had 12-hour smoked and sweetened roasted prime beef, plantains, rice, and a side salad. The meat was incredible. It was tender yet had a good bite to it and the flavors marinated all the way in. It's tough making me choose because I also tried the pabellón criollo with pork and man was it hard to stop eating. The pork is on the salty side but if you eat it with rice or black beans, it's a good balance of flavors. I was also surprised by how much I like the plantains. They were sweet but not overly sweet and almost served as a palate cleanser because I took bites every so often to balance out the savory meal. Of course, it's not a breakfast if coffee isn't involved. I got the cortado cubanito with homemade panela which was strong but a good wake-up call for the morning. I also tried some of my friend's iced chocolate drink which was super creamy and rich, almost like a dessert. I'm also a huge burrito lover so I couldn't resist the Spanish burrito which came with chorizo, bacon, eggs, cheese, avocado, cabbage, and sauteed veggies. I was not the biggest fan of bell peppers in my burrito so I avoided it at first but I came to see how it was supposed to contrast the really salty meats. I would not venture to say it was my favorite but it was fun trying a new take on a breakfast burrito. We ended our meal with guava and cheese churros which came with housemade guava sauce on the side and a load of queso fresco on the top. I personally liked it with just the cheese because the guava sauce was insanely sweet and the churro itself already had enough sugar. The waitress who helped us was so kind and we even got to meet Amara herself who truly cares about her customers and giving them the best experience and food possible. I would highly recommend visiting if you're looking for Venezuelan brunch.

Lucille M.

Yelp

This is a place where you should go if you crave for a delicious, thick and authentic Venezuelan choco drink. Place is small but they have an outdoor tables to accommodate people. Price is just right for the food and service offered. Their crews are nice, tables are getting soon as you leave the table . We tried the chocolate and the churros. Next time we will try their other pastries / bread / coffee. It's ok if you don't finish you venezuelan choco, you can ask for a cup to go. And here is the good thing, you can add cold water on it and you will enjoy it too! I give this place a 10!

Katherine S.

Yelp

Got here around 8:30am on a Sunday and ordered the asado negra and added a side of plantains. You can choose between Venezuelan cheese (HIGHLY recommend) or Gouda cheese and for the side you can choose between beets or coleslaw. FOOD IS AMAZING!!! The beef is super tender and juicy and the Venezuelan cheese is sooooo delicious!!! The Venezuelan cheese is like mozzarella but a little bit more airy in terms of texture? Sooooo good overall! Don't get fooled by the picture! The portion is HUGE and very filling! There are both indoor and outdoor seating! The inside is super cozy and cute! There's a parking structure right nearby and I believe $1 for the first two hours. The menu selection is huge too so will definitely be back!

Abigail D.

Yelp

Was walking around hungry and so glad my friend and I stopped by! I ordered the Orinoco (spicy pork with plantains) Arepa which was so delicious! I ordered mine without cheese and asked for some hot sauce on the side- delish! The side of beets complimented the heaviness of the savory pork and sweet plantains. I washed it all down with a mango lemonade. Service was very friendly and attentive. I can see why it's a popular spot. Highly recommend this spot! Indoor and outdoor seating available and plenty of parking nearby.

Katrina S.

Yelp

Magdalena is super welcoming and knowledgeable and she recommended a lot of good items to try. She gave us an amazing tour of the menu and the various type of combinations we can make with the arepas and sandwiches. They also place good music, perfect for dates, quick bites and good coffee. Drinks we ordered: hot Amara (Dulce de Leche) latte and an iced Condensed Milk latte Food we ordered: Cubano in LA and Asado Steak sandwiches And thank you again to Magdalena for the churro treat.

Kaylin N.

Yelp

This place is the perfect little neighborhood cafe and I can't wait to go back and try something different next time. I had the breakfast burrito and it was so flavorful. The iced Amara latte was perfect as is- just the right flavor and sweetness in my opinion. My friend had the corn pancakes and they were SO good! The eggs were super fluffy and however they make them, they're on point!! I'd be willing to bet that everything on the menu is delicious. Some places just have "it", and this place is one of them!! The service was also good (even though it was very busy on a Saturday morning) and the ambience inside is cozy and comfortable. Outside dog friendly seating as well is a plus! Add this to your laid back weekend brunch plans after yoga. You won't be disappointed!

Joyce M.

Yelp

Mom and I checked out this beautiful café and it was such a treat. So delicious. Service was friendly and fast. This is what we ordered. Amara ice Dulce Leche latte Hot Cacao Latte Mocha Baked empanadas beef and spinach sauces avocado and garlic sauce Galipan Cachapa Plate with pork creamy black beans with queso fresco Venezuelan scramble egg nata criolla Pork and Plantains Arepa with mana Gofiado I definitely am obsessed with their empanadas. They were so flaky and delicious.

Young N.

Yelp

First time trying Venezuelan breakfast! It's so much lighter and healthier feeling than American breakfast. Their pancakes are made of corn and very light, not overly sweet at all. I got the dulce de luche (?) pancake plate with the plantains and added bacon. Everything paired so well together. My boyfriend got the blueberry pancakes plate. I'm glad I added the bacon because the portion sizes were small. I also got their guava cheese pastry to try and it was so delicious. Highly recommended if you love guava like me. The cold brew and coffee we got were very good. I liked sitting outside! The service was great, very informative, friendly and polite. The reason for 4/5 stars is because the portions are extremely small, even for me, someone who doesn't eat very large portions. I felt their pictures of their food on the menus make it seem like a bigger portion than it is. Price point is on the higher end, just fyi. Our two plates of breakfast, a small coffee, a small cold brew and one guava pastry came out to almost $60? Especially for how expensive it is.... The portions are too small. I'd come back though because it is very good food... just wish it was either less expensive or bigger portions lol

Lisa L.

Yelp

This place is a real gem. The food is Venezuelan and absolutely delicious. We came for brunch and had the doctor sotelo and the avocado and cheese arepa, plus the mozzarella and spinach empanada (which was amazing!), they make very good espresso coffee drinks too. Don't forget to try their churros. Everything is freshly made, they have a cute patio which is dog friendly. The staff were very kind and the owners chatted with us. Highly recommend! This photo is after mid-eating hehe but still sharing!

Keira D.

Yelp

Wow! I've definitely found a place to become a regular at. Huge menu, everything is fresh, hot, and pretty quick, especially as we came on a pretty busy Saturday around 1:00 PM. Good amount of seating considering the space inside, outside seating also available. Good music, killer coffee, the empanadas are so good. I had a spinach and mozzarella and a beef, both 10/10. The asada negro arepa was also so good and the avocado dip... amazing. I can't say enough good things!! They also have things you can take and bake at home. Great idea for get togethers or parties (or just to stock my house with killer empanadas). Definitely will be back to make my way through the menu.

Jen B.

Yelp

Double macchiato, churros, Cubano and I'm waiting on my el vegano. Charming little spot with great food, excellent vibe, casual. Limited hours. Get the coffee and the churros, fools. Amazing.

Anonymous P.

Yelp

I've had Amara Cafe on my list of places to go to in LA area for years, and finally made it out today. The food is absolutely outstanding, and the place was packed, with a non-stop line out the door. I had the Dr. Sotelo Arepa and it is by far one of the best breakfasts I've had in LA. This is the kind of brunch or breakfast sandwich that I've craved for so long, especially being that I've been gluten-free for a while. The arepas are all gluten-free, the arepa shell is perfectly crisp and very light, and the ingredients were all fresh and nicely seasoned. There are lots of other options for GF eaters too. The plantains were perfect - not too greasy, perfectly carmelized. I also bought some of their hot chocolate for holiday gifts. I don't drink coffee, but apparently their coffee drinks are amazing well. Can't wait to bring my family back to try this place out, and would recommend Amara Cafe to anyone visiting LA.

Rick S.

Yelp

Delicious churro with ice cream plus delicious, sweet dipping sauce. Service was fast and the cafe is located in the heart of Pasadena. Cozy, comfortable ambiance with relaxing music. Highly recommended! Meter or street parking.

Amanda K.

Yelp

We came on a Saturday afternoon, this was my first time trying Amara. The cashier was friendly and was able to help out all the patrons even with it being very hectic. I ordered the chicken pesto sandwich with a side of coleslaw and my friends ordered the galipan and pabellon arepa with beets for the side. The chicken pesto was tender and flavorful and the beef in the arepa was juicy and tender as well. We ordered guava lemonade and it was the perfect amount of tartiness and sweetness. There is limited seating so if you have a large group, it may be a bit of a challenge to find a table that can accommodate everyone. Overall, a great experience at Amara!

Wendy F.

Yelp

Came here for breakfast and it wasn't too busy. Both the burrito and empanada was stuffed and had a ton of flavor. Even better with the salsa that came with it! You order at the counter first and then the staff will bring the food to you. Cute little causal place to eat and have coffee.

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Monica Matute

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DM Ramirez

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J. V. Rychman

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Benjamin Franke (Solstice Son)

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Bree Panuco

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Amara cafe has authentic Venezuelan food. The arepa breakfast plate was delicious. The arepa sandwiches were also so good, paired with the berry orange smoothie. Maggie was also very nice!

Evan Di Gerolamo Toth

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Becca Eldridge

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Spencer Miller

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Monica Matute

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DM Ramirez

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J. V. Rychman

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Benjamin Franke (Solstice Son)

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Bree Panuco

Google

Amara cafe has authentic Venezuelan food. The arepa breakfast plate was delicious. The arepa sandwiches were also so good, paired with the berry orange smoothie. Maggie was also very nice!

Evan Di Gerolamo Toth

Google

Becca Eldridge

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Spencer Miller

Google

Cassidy I.

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Andreas K.

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Lakita H.

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Doreen T.

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Aaron O.

Yelp

I had the beef & olive empanada, argentinian beef empanadas, and fried plantains which were all delicious. Would definitely go again!

Alizul Z.

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Mrs. T.

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Dorina R.

Yelp

The food was delicious. Churros were yummy! The service was great! The ambiance was relaxing.

Angela C.

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Jisel K.

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Marie P.

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Lauren S.

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Cisca W.

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Helen C R.

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Kunous K.

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Vy D.

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Nikki B.

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Brooke M.

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Magaly J.

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Zee P.

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Bella S.

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Christiana T.

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Jesus G.

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Kelly C.

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E=mc² E.

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Hannah S.

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Jaime R.

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Jimmy S.

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Had the Reina & Gouda arepa along with a guava & mango juice. It was good and the staff was very friendly and helpful with explaining their menu details.

Kislev A.

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Patys R.

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Mercedes L.

Yelp

If you'd like to experience a heart warming meal, this the place . It tastes like home . Never experienced something as close to home as this .

Grace J.

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Natalia Q.

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Airi G.

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Lucille M.

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Katherine S.

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Abigail D.

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Katrina S.

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Kaylin N.

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Joyce M.

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Young N.

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Lisa L.

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Keira D.

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Jen B.

Yelp

Double macchiato, churros, Cubano and I'm waiting on my el vegano. Charming little spot with great food, excellent vibe, casual. Limited hours. Get the coffee and the churros, fools. Amazing.

Anonymous P.

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Rick S.

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Amanda K.

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Wendy F.

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