30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Sandwiches in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Café Persona
7.9
A quiet DTLA café tucked behind Disney Concert Hall, brewing Stereoscope Coffee beans and pairing them with housemade sourdough toasts and a standout saffron iced latte. The low-lit, couch-filled space draws remote workers and solo visitors who want a calm retreat from the downtown grid. Expect a focused menu built around quality coffee and a handful of well-executed toast and pastry options rather than a full kitchen.
Must-Try Dishes:
Saffron Iced Latte, Avocado Egg Salad Toast, Ricotta Toast
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Intimate café tucked behind Disney Concert Hall, brewing Stereoscope Coffee beans and pairing them with housemade sourdough toasts and distinctive drinks like the saffron iced latte.
Who should go: Remote workers and creatives seeking a calm DTLA café
When to visit: Weekday mornings before the lunch rush; closes at 5pm
What to order: Start with the Saffron Iced Latte, pair it with the Ricotta Toast for sweet or Avocado Egg Salad Toast for savory; grab a Chocolate Hazelnut Croissant on the way out
Insider tip: Ask for honey in the matcha latte — regulars swear by it for balancing the earthiness
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot—metered street parking available directly in front of the plaza; easy to find a spot on weekdays
Noise level: Quiet and chill—soft music playing, low lighting, couch seating; great for conversation or working
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including Avocado Egg Toast, Ricotta Toast, Acai Bowl, and fruit smoothies
Vegan options: Fruit smoothies (Avocado Apple Spinach, Strawberry Peach Banana, Berry Blend) and Acai Bowl available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual daytime date — cozy, modern space with relaxing background music and comfortable seating that makes conversation easy. Well-spaced enough for a quiet coffee meetup. Keep in mind this is a daytime café (closes by 5pm, closed Sundays), so it works best as an afternoon first date over specialty coffee rather than an evening out.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is a casual coffee shop where walk-ins are the norm. The plaza location offers plenty of seating, so finding a spot is usually not an issue. No formal reservation system appears to be in place. Weekday mornings and lunch may be busiest given the downtown office crowd.
Is it kid-friendly? Manageable for older kids — the menu includes smoothies, banana milk, and strawberry milk that appeal to children, and the relaxed atmosphere is forgiving. However, there is no dedicated kids menu, and high chair availability is not confirmed. Best suited for kids who are happy with a sandwich and a flavored milk drink. Call ahead at (213) 265-7697 to confirm high chair availability.
Is it good for groups? Works for small groups of 3-5 for a casual coffee meetup. Reviewers describe it as a good spot for catching up with friends. However, this is a compact café — not configured for large parties, private dining, or formal group events. For groups over 5, seating together may be difficult. No private room available.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — the café sits in a plaza behind the Disney Concert Hall with spacious outdoor seating. Dog-friendly in the outdoor area. Whether the seating is covered or heated is not confirmed — call ahead if weather is a concern. Ground-level plaza setting, not rooftop.
Best For
Hours
Monday8am - 5pm
Tuesday8am - 5pm
Wednesday8am - 5pm
Thursday8am - 5pm
Friday8am - 5pm
Saturday9am - 4pm
SundayClosed