Larema Coffee House — Restaurant in Rocky Mount

I (Barney Goldstein) left a glowing 5 star review 3 weeks ago. I returned today and had a very different experience. I wasn't able to leave a new review on my phone so I'm using my partner's phone to do so. I was joined today by my brother and niece, neither of whom had ever been here even though my brother is local. I had raved about it and was excited about sharing it with them. What a disappointment. I first ordered a medium drip coffee with one shot of housemade hazelnut syrup. The counterperson rang me up for $5.62. I was surprised, explaining that I had only ordered a medium drip coffee (2.75), plus a shot ($1). She said it had to be ordered as a "Red Eye", which has expresso in it. I never asked for expresso, just drip coffee, but decided not to argue with her so I reluctantly paid the $5.62. In hindsight, I should have been more insistent. When the "Red Eye" arrived, it wasn't even hot. It was lukewarm. By that time, my family arrived so I decided not to complain. I wish I had as it wasn't at all appealing. We then ordered food. I had had a breakfast sandwich twice before (once on a bun; once on a croissant) and absolutely loved them. I ordered another one (on the bun, not a croissant, this time). When it arrived, it was on a croissant. I said I had ordered it on a bun. The server said we have no buns, only croissants (despite what the menu noted). She didn't even mention this when it was ordered. Compared to the last breakfast sandwich I had ordered (in a croissant), this one was like a pale imitation. The croissant was very small, compared to the last one, and the fillings were very skimpy and thin. The last one had been chock full of the same ingredients and was scrumptous. Such a letdown. My niece ordered a certain wrap that was supposed to include microgreens and avocado. It contained neither but she said it was good regardless. My brother enjoyed his southwest salad. All in all, it was so disappointing on almost every level that I doubt I'll return. Talk about a fall from grace. I still loved the interior at least. I missed seeing...

I really really wanted to love Larema Coffee House. I love Counter Culture coffee and local coffee shops. I placed a mobile order about 10 minutes away. Side note, the website is a little confusing and I found in a description link that mobile ordering was available, and that could probably be more easily accessed. The menu had confusing menu items, such as golden and swirligig lattes, and though I didn't know what a golden latte was I ordered one iced, as named drinks tend to be house specialities and worth trying as well as a Big Spoon Bar. When I arrived in downtown Rocky Mount and headed inside the ladies behind the counter informed me that big spoon bars aren't available at that location (so, change that on your Square website to reflect items only available at each location) and that "a lot of people have ordered banana bread today". I took that as a recommendation and ordered one of those instead. I received my latte and and headed on my way. The shop is very clean and appealing; trendy. I sipped the latte once in the car and realized it was hot with ice added on top. Much of the ice had melted, which led to a warm, watery latte-which I guess is turmeric flavored. This is interesting, and I enjoy turmeric tea, though I imagine most would be turned off by the taste, especially as this is not in the description. Hoping to salvage by placing in the fridge and revisit, I move on to the bana bread. Truthfully, it is the dryest banana bread I have ever tasted in my life. My 2 boys wouldn't even eat it, which is uncommon. The pastries are stored in a plastic display cabinet, which I suspect is the reason, though I doubt it was placed in the cabinet this morning. By the time I was home, about 30 minutes later, the ice had melted and hours later when I pulled it from the fridge I realize it's watered down and not appealing enough to drink, and decide to make coffee at home. It was an hour's drive total and $12 for a latte and banana bread that were thrown out. So...

Larema Coffee Shop is an absolute gem tucked away in a gorgeously renovated bank building in Rocky Mount. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sight of pine hardwood floors and lush greenery adorning the space.

The café latte I had was nothing short of fantastic, perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness from their house sweetener. Equally delightful was the chai tea latte, bursting with warm spices and creamy goodness. Pairing these delightful beverages with the two eggs and cheese nestled in a crispy, buttery croissant made for a truly satisfying breakfast experience.

The atmosphere at Larema is simply delightful, with natural light streaming in through the huge windows and the soothing sounds of excellent pop music in the background. What truly sets this place apart, though, is the infectious vibe created by the happy and welcoming workers who greet you with genuine smiles as you enter. Their warmth and enthusiasm make every visit feel like coming home to a cozy gathering of friends.

Overall, Larema Coffee Shop offers more than just great coffee and food—it offers an experience that invigorates the senses and leaves you feeling refreshed and uplifted. Whether you're stopping by for a quick pick-me-up or lingering over a leisurely brunch, Larema is sure to delight all who...