Pomarosa Coffee Shop & Kitchen is a lively Venezuelan café specialising in coffee and arepas. Located on the Danforth at 1504 Danforth Ave, a short walk away from Coxwell station, the café is open daily from Monday-Wednesday 8am-6pm, Thursday-Saturday 8am-9pm, and Sunday 9am-5pm*.
ATMOSPHERE
Cheery, bright, cute, fun... these are just a few words I’d use to describe Pomarosa.
With baby pink walls, colourful murals (such as the beautiful cockatoo shown below), and eye-catching graphics – the coffee shop & kitchen is full of life.
What makes the space even more lively is the people. Not only is the café frequented by locals vying to get their hands on the incredible food and drinks (I’ll talk more about this later), but Pomarosa’s staff are also incredibly kind – both in-person and online (just take a look at their reviews & Instagram).
MENU – DRINKS
There are tons of options at Pomarosa Coffee Shop & Kitchen. Let’s start with my favourite: coffee.
The café serves everyone’s favourite coffee shop fares, such as drip coffee, americanos, cappuccinos, cortados, macchiatos, flat whites, and mochas. All coffee is made with beans from Toronto roaster, Pilot.
The shop also boasts an impressive latte menu, with speciality and seasonal beverages. Two you shouldn’t miss are their house-named Rosa Latte and Horchata Latte. The Rosa Latte is made with rose syrup; the latte is flowery with a strong rose flavour, but it’s well-balanced with the caffeine. The Horchata Latte is a play on the famous Latin drink, but Pomarosa’s is made with house-made sesame milk, making the drink very nutty & creamy.
P.S. Their lattes are very aesthetically pleasing and incredibly ‘gram-worthy.
Coffee at the café ranges from $2.50-$5.25. This is very reasonably priced given its quality, size, and taste.
If you’re not in the mood for coffee, the café also serve a selection of Sloane tea, fresh fruit juices, and smoothies. For the smoothies, you can also add protein or other adds-on (ex. MCT oil, hemp seeds, chia seeds, MACA) for an additional $1-$2.75.
Pomarosa also serves a selection of cocktails and beers, available to enjoy out on their patio or to-go (with purchase of a food item).
MENU – FOOD & OTHERS
The coffee isn’t the only thing great at Pomarosa, so is their food menu!
Made fresh in house are modern twists of traditional Latin recipes, including the most incredible arepas.
There are a small variety to choose from, including options for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. On my visit, I ordered the Carnitas - pork loin marinated in orange and espresso, topped with pickled watermelon. The citrus really shines through in the dish, and the crema & slaw on the side were really great additions (I usually hate slaw, so this a big compliment from me).
Beware: there is no clean way to eat one of Pomarosa’s stuffed arepas, so have napkins ready! If you’re looking for another tasty (and tidier) food option, try the café’s empanadas.
Pomarosa Coffee Shop & Kitchen’s full menu can be found here.
Along with these eats, the café also boasts a selection of baked goods, including scones, cookies, brownies, muffins, loaf slices, and Alfajores. The shop also sells cute mason jars of Tres Leche cake and Quesillo (caramel flan).
Pomarosa also sells their homemade spreads in shop ($6.50-$8.25). Looking for your next addiction? Try their Garlicky Glory sauce.
CHANGES DUE TO PANDEMIC & HOW TO SUPPORT THEM
Due to the pandemic, there is currently no seating offered inside the café. However, all of Pomarosa’s items can be enjoyed to-go or out on their makeshift patio on the sidewalk/street outside the café. There is enough seating for 14 people (6-7 tables).
To minimize high-touch surfaces (and for the sake of convenience), along with physical menus, guests can access the café’s menu online through scanning a QR code. Once you place your order inside the café, you can wait outside, and its staff will happily bring your order out to you.
You can also order from Pomarosa Coffee Shop & Kitchen online or on Uber Eats.
In addition to ordering from the business, another way you can support Pomarosa is by purchasing a gift card for a future visit or to give as a gift. This can be done in-store or online.
SUMMARY
Pomarosa Coffee Shop & Kitchen is a lively Latin café with incredibly sweet staff. Located on the Danforth not far from Coxwell station, the café is open daily serving coffee, smoothies, alcohol, arepas, baked goods, and more. For coffee lovers, the café has an impressive and very aesthetically pleasing latte menu. Along with beverages, you shouldn’t miss out on the café’s food, namely their arepas. Stuffed to the brim with fillings, Pomarosa’s arepas are messy and oh so delicious. You can also get baked goods and treats at the café, like scones, Alfajores, and Tres Leche cake. There is no indoor seating at the café, but they do have a small patio on the Danforth. As for takeout options, Pomarosa can be ordered online at their website or through Uber Eats. Consider the café on your next coffee date, or support the business now through purchasing a gift card. I have no doubt you’ll fall in love with this café as much as I have.
*Given the COVID-19 pandemic, hours depicted in this post may be skewed as businesses adapt to better serve its staff, customers, and community.