Maru Espresso Bar — Restaurant in Beverly Hills

Maru Espresso Bar is a standout specialty coffee shop in Beverly Hills, offering a minimalist yet refined coffee experience.

Coffee Highlights:

Signature Drinks: The "cream top" drinks are the must-try here. They feature Maru's exclusive half-and-half cream, creating a unique flavor experience.

Ethiopian Espresso: Only served as a double shot. While decent, it leaned earthy over fruity and felt slightly under-extracted--solid but not extraordinary.

Breve (Star of the Show): A double espresso shot over their signature cream served in an 8oz cup. It's intentionally cool, though I'd prefer it warmer. Cream sweetness can be adjusted, offering a blend of cappuccino richness and mocha-like indulgence. Unforgettable and unlike any other drink.

Any coffee shop that serves you sparking water as a shot in crystal glassware and has a simple one-page menu, is legit.

Atmosphere & Service:

Decor is minimalist Japanese, with mellow Muzak-like chill ambient music. Being a tiny shoe-box sized, it's better for takeout than sitting in. However, it's a pleasant experience if you can find a seat - seating for around 4 people with side tables. Great for people watching the spillover tourists from rodeo drive mixing with locals in various garbs of ath-leisure meets haute couture.

Service: There were 4 baristas working non-stop, one doubling up as the cashier. They seem to have mastered the efficiency of keeping the relentless line flowing. Drinks are attractively priced for the location.

Practical Tips: Best for: Cream/milk-based drinks rather than straight espresso or drip coffee.

Parking: Street parking only, with metered spots available nearby.

Seating: Limited seating for four; lines are constant, as a zombie-like horde of de-caffeinated patrons jostle in the late November cold for a caffeine drip. While takeout was the norm for 99% of patrons, try the sit-down experience.

Summary: Maru Espresso Bar combines excellent service, distinctive drinks, and sleek design in a tiny, charming space. Their milk-based espresso drinks--particularly the Breve--are the real highlights. Perfect for a quick coffee stop or an indulgent sit-down treat if you're lucky to grab a seat.

TL;DR: A hidden gem for milk-based espresso drinks with a minimalist aesthetic and friendly,...

Coffee Shop Review

I found this little coffee shop on my way home from a doctor's appointment in Beverly Hills. It is a cute little shop on a hotel property, located on a corner street. I tried the Vanilla Latte light sweet, which was just great. The coffee flavor was bold enough for me to taste it, but not overwhelming. The vanilla syrup was just sweet enough at half sweet, with enough vanilla flavor. It was very well made, with lots of love. The froth was great. I didn't try the pastry, but it looked good. I would definitely go back if I am in the area. The staff were very friendly. The only downside is that there is no sitting. At $6 for a small 6 oz cup, the price is on the higher end of the spectrum, but you are in Beverly Hills.

Overall, I would give this coffee shop a 4.5 star rating. The coffee and service were excellent, but the lack of seating and the high price point brought it down a bit. I would still recommend it to anyone looking for a great cup of coffee in Beverly Hills.

Coffee: 5 stars Service: 5 stars Pastry: ? (I didn't try it) Ambiance: 5 stars Value: 3 stars Overall...

If you're looking for exceptional coffee, look no further. I recently stumbled upon this hidden gem nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills. Without a doubt, this place boasts the best coffee I've ever had, and I've explored countless coffee shops. In a sea of mediocre options, this coffee shop shines like a beacon of excellence. You can taste the meticulous attention to detail that goes into every cup.

The baristas here are not just ordinary coffee enthusiasts; they're true experts in their craft. Their passion for coffee is evident in every cup they meticulously prepare. What truly sets this place apart, however, is the unparalleled level of friendliness and knowledge displayed by the baristas.

So, if you're craving an extraordinary cup of coffee, don't miss out on this hidden treasure. Trust me, once you've experienced the magic of this place, you'll find it hard to settle for...