Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. — Restaurant in Temple Terrace

I’ve been admiring the Middle Eastern growth of new restaurants in the Temple Terrace area since the beginning of the year😃. As a world traveler I LOVE not only supporting small local businesses but trying new foods and drinks from other parts of the world 🌍

Today I decided to arrive at Qamaria around 9 am, an hour after they opened. It felt like a quiet library as there were people propped against the wall with headphones on studying or reading. When I arrived I had planned on just getting a small hot coffee to go. But when I walked in, I immediately noticed a man drinking what appeared to be a kettle of tea. I politely asked him what the drink was ? He was pretty standoffish and I could barely hear his response, but figured it out and also asked the woman who took my order what it was? She advised me it was Juban kettle coffee , I looked at the menu and saw a list of drinks which caught my eye! However , many of them had the same spices listed with just the name of each drink? Nothing described the drinks in detail which would have been helpful as each drink is unique and complex with flavors! The coffee shop is beautiful! Even the staff are stunningly beautiful 🤩 But proper customer service would help open the eyes of people not familiar with Yemeni culture, drinks and food! The potential is there so as long as the customer service matches?

I was hoping the woman helping me could give me an a better insight but she was very vague in her response. 🤔 I ended up ordering the Jubon and a pastry. I’m so glad it was warmed up 🙏🏽. Very yummy! Once my kettle was made it sat on the counter. I wasn’t alerted and had to go up and get it? I noticed another patrons drink sitting on the counter as well. I alerted him that his drink was ready too? He thanked me. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Before I took my photos I had to wipe out the small glass which came with the kettle as it had residual white powder and smears in it? 😫

I would absolutely return but really wished the staff were friendlier more engaged and more knowledgeable about what they are serving. I didn’t feel super comfortable or welcomed in the shop. After spending almost $20 I would expect just little more effort and customer service. There wasn’t even any music playing? Traditional music playing in a restaurant, not only creates an ambiance , but it becomes an experience. When you walk through the doors of a restaurant and feel like you are whisked way to another country, anywhere but here! Lol it becomes more than just another restaurant. Because it was so quiet I could easily hear the staff talking and joking with each other but as far as their interaction with customers just seemed cold and dry. 😩

Call me old fashioned but as a local small business owner who also owned a coffee shop and was even a barista in my youth during late 90’s I seek out welcoming places to enjoy my coffee or tea, and as cliché as it may sound “where everybody knows your name” and customers are treated like family! 🫶🏽 Food brings and unites cultures and people together. This is what keeps small businesses thriving! When you’re passionate about what you’re doing it shows! 😃 And when you’re not .. it shows too 😫 I honestly don’t intentionally try to bash small businesses and wanted to leave a genuine constructive review. The coffee was amazing, I will be back but ….

Hoping on my next visit is a less somber one...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting a new coffee shop that just opened up, and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the amazing vibes this place exudes. The ambiance is warm and inviting. The seating is comfortable, and there are plenty of cozy corners where you can relax with a good book or catch up with friends.

One of the highlights of this coffee shop is undoubtedly their Yemeni coffee. As a coffee enthusiast, I can confidently say that this is some of the best coffee I have ever tasted. The rich, aromatic flavors are truly something special, and you can tell that a lot of care and expertise goes into every cup. Whether you prefer a strong, bold brew or something a bit more mellow, they have something to suit every palate. The baristas are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their craft, and they are always happy to recommend something new or answer any questions you might have.

But the delights don't stop at the coffee. The desserts here are equally impressive. From viral dubai sweets to more contemporary options, there is a wide variety to choose from, and each one is more delicious than the last. The pastries are fresh and beautifully presented, and the flavors are perfectly balanced. Whether you're in the mood for something rich and indulgent or light and refreshing, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Overall, this new coffee shop is a fantastic addition to the neighborhood. The combination of great coffee, delicious desserts, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy some quality time. I highly recommend giving it a try – you won't be...

I used to visit this coffee shop frequently, but a recent incident completely changed how I see the place. I forgot my wallet here for about 15 minutes, and when I came back ome of the manager (Reda) had not only opened it but also gone through my personal documents. He even mentioned information from one of my foreign IDs that was tucked in the back of the wallet, something he had no reason to see. That kind of intrusion into my privacy is unacceptable. Out of caution, I ended up replacing all of my bank cards in case any information had been copied.

This is especially disappointing because I was a loyal customer by choice. I own a high-end espresso machine that makes much better drinks at home for under $1, using fresh beans and almond milk. Even with that option, I still chose to come here regularly for a change of pace and to support a local business. Unfortunately, their coffee has always been average, yet they charge $7.50 per cup — a price I never paid even while living 15 years in New York City, one of the most expensive cities in the U.S.

Between the lack of respect for customer privacy and the poor value of the product, I can no longer recommend this shop. A coffee place should offer quality drinks and respect for its patrons — here, I...