Zaruma Gold Coffee — Restaurant in Somerville

So i just left Zaruma (8:20 am Thursday) bc the guy working there was ridiculously rude, I said Hi, he literally didn't respond and no one else was in the shop so I'm pretty sure he didn't miss the door opening, a woman entering, and then walking up, and then saying hi. No reply, no acknowledgement of my presence. Looks at me, I'm black btw, and just continues what he's doing. So then I'm just patiently waiting. Finally after a while of ignoring me, he comes to the register. I say Hi again, no response, so this time I know something is off with this guy because we're face to face and he's still acting like he can't greet me. Then i say "can i have a latte", he doesn't respond...just starts pressing stuff on the device for the order. Then i ask "can it be with oat milk?" He does huge sigh, rolls his eyes, and still doesn't say a word...so then i ask, "do you not have oat milk?", He just looks at me without speaking. So at that point i just say "nevermind you're obviously having some kind of problem today" and then i just walked out. I don't understand how someone like that is working in a customer service job..idk if he was having a bad day, isn't used to seeing black people, or is just a generally rude person but i imagine based on the great reviews of this place that usually there is someone much friendlier working. I was genuinely excited to try this...

This little café is one of the new gems in the Boston area, in every aspect. It is clean, it is well decorated, it has a happy environment, it makes you relax, it makes you feel home. This is a place to enjoy a good coffee with an empanada, they also have pastries, desserts and a variety of fruits, and drinks. Did you like the coffee? Take it home! They sell the Ecuadorian coffee (whole beans and ground) and different souvenirs. I personally tried their coffee, two different empanadas, and I took a crepe cake prepared by the owners, I like them all. The cake was low in added sugar, which I love! I could taste the actual flavors. I stayed there for over an hour to feel the environment. Rocio and Vlad are great hosts; visit them and enjoy a moment at their lovely coffee place. Parking was a little tricky. I had to leave my car on Highland avenue and walk three blocks since all parking around the coffee are for residents only. Disclaimer: I know Rocio and Vlad for several years, however, that does not affect the honesty...

First impression is, looks like an awesome place to work from! Very cozy, clean, and warm vibes—though maybe the barista wasn't having a good day, or maybe it's a cultural difference where you don't really greet the client and just wait from them to state their order. 🤷🏻 Not the end of the world, but was a bit awkward for me to stand there.

Anyway, latte wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. Looking to try other drinks maybe a straight up black coffee to determine.

Got two empanadas (beef and pork) which look amazing so I'm excited to try them out!

Parking is a bit tough, there's some non-residential parking if you park two blocks away on an adjacent street, but it's very very limited.

Noise level at least for a Thursday was not loud at all. Music was kept at a super reasonable level where you can hear yourself think given the amount of people—other cafes tend to go a little wild with music selection and volume.

I'd give a 4.5 if I could and not a 4...