The best coffee shops in Westwood

As with most coffee shops within a stone's throw from UCLA, you'll find plenty of Bruins hitting the books at Espresso Profeta. You'll also find a really amazing cup of coffee and a pleasant ivy-overgrown patio. Don't miss the Caffe Nico: a shot of espresso with orange and vanilla. There are usually a few pastries in the case, but we recommend ordering a toasted baguette and jam—simple, yet delicious. If you become a regular at Espresso Profeta, ask to be added in their client system—10 cups of coffee get you one for free. Wi-Fi is also free, but be warned: there are no outlets for extended laptop time.

Part UCLA student study haven, part young couple crowd, this Westwood Village cafe standby serves all kinds of coffee, confections and pastries in a cozy atmosphere. We know, the pastries are really distracting, but the espresso menu is extensive. You'll find traditional offerings, plus frozen coffee drinks and smoothies too. But back to the pastries. Flakey butter croissants, decadent chocolate cheesecake and fruit tarts are baked from scratch daily. There's Wi-Fi too, and you're more likely to find a seat here than at any of the Village's other coffee shops. If you happen to be there at the end of the day, be extra courteous to the staff—they give away their surplus of fresh pastries (score!).