Parousia Coffee — Restaurant in Richmond

Parousia has become my go-to Richmond coffee spot for one simple reason: the espresso drinks are consistently excellent. Shots come out viscous and sweet, with a rounded crema and none of the shrill, lemon-pith brightness that a lot of local shops lean on. Milk drinks show real craft: tight microfoam, proper texture, and temperature discipline so the sweetness of the milk meets the syrup or espresso instead of flattening it. The result is a cup with contour and carry, not just a quick acid pop.

Service and vibe seal it. The team is friendly in a way that reads as genuine rather than performative; regulars' names and preferences are remembered, questions get thoughtful answers, and the atmosphere is warm and easy to settle into. The space in Scott's Addition is inviting, with the kind of steady hum that makes it a pleasant place to post up without feeling like you're camping at a library table.

Quality here isn't accidental. Parousia roasts its own coffees and keeps a concise, purposeful lineup. Their internal control over roast style helps explain why the espresso lands rich and balanced rather than high-acid and raspy.

For context, I've been loyal for years to Woodfire Roasted in Reno, a tiny operation where the owner hand-roasts over a wood-stoked fire. Switching my daily beans is not something I do lightly, and Parousia is the outfit that got me to do it. Their profiles give me clarity, sweetness, and aromatics without the palate fatigue that comes from chasing brightness for its own sake.

If you care about provenance and roast intent, they're happy to talk through what's on bar that day, and their site and socials make it easy to track what they're roasting and when.

Great espresso, fantastic service, and a room that makes you want to stay for a second cup. Parousia is the rare shop that nails craft and hospitality at the same time, and it does so with flavor profiles that privilege richness and balance over high...

I absolutely LOVE Parousia’s whole bean coffee! My brew method of choice is cold brew - year round. I really appreciate Parousia’s line-up of single origins and blends. My two favorite whole bean coffees are: Mexican Chiapas and Pillar of Smoke.

Mexican Chiapas: At first sip, I’m greeted by the brightness of tangerine notes, which evolves into a medium/round body. A malty-ness lingers on my pallet giving each sip a smooth finish.

Pillar of Smoke: Robust, earthy, dark chocolate flavor profile. This coffee delivers on the Smokey promise in its name without being overly intense. There’s zero acidity or tartness in this blend and I appreciate how each sip ends with a smooth earthy finish.

I really enjoy how these whole bean coffees epitomize the diversity of flavors achieved through different origins, processing, and roast levels.

Can’t wait to see what coffees they...

Richmond has no shortage of coffee shops, but in my opinion, Parousia stands apart for its exceptional quality and genuine love for coffee. The care and precision put into every cup—from the hand-grinding of beans to the meticulously executed V60 pour-over—reflect an almost obsessive passion that few, if any, other local cafés can match. Jimmy, one of the owners, is constantly pushing boundaries, experimenting with different beans and roast temperatures to achieve the perfect balance. That dedication isn’t limited to black coffee either—their strawberry matcha latte is one of the best we’ve ever had, even surpassing the matcha lattes we enjoyed in Japan with matcha sourced from Japan. The ambiance is equally impressive, with an intimate coffee bar and stylish table seating that make Parousia a truly standout spot.

10/10 for service,...