Espresso Profeta isn’t like the typical coffee shops in college towns. While Westwood has 4 Starbucks, 2 Coffee Beans and a Peet’s within a stone’s throw from campus (not to mention all the coffee shops on campus), Espresso Profeta maintains a special place in the heart of Westwood Village. The quaint cafe occupies the most charming brick and ivy street in the neighborhood, one that makes you feel like you’re not right next to a public university campus. One that, while usually filled with students studying, manages to maintain a different atmosphere for a more grown up Westwood, for the old timers and regulars.

Espresso Profeta is a gem of a café that feels cozy and homey, whether you’re in the indoor seating area surrounded by local art on display or out in the courtyard shaded under umbrellas. Even though it’s only been a part of the neighborhood since 2006, it captures a feeling of old LA. Of course, between 2006 and 2020, UCLA has churned out tens of thousands of students, and if the apartments are any indication, this ages a place much faster. All in all, Espresso Profeta is your best bet for quality espresso and pastries in the neighborhood.