Los Angeles Times – 12/27/06 By Linda Burum, Special to The Times
“The distinguishing feature of Coupa Cafe's arepas is their delicacy. Thin, almost fragile disks about the diameter of a coffee cup are cut open clam shell-style to accommodate fillings (think of a small, filled pita sandwich). The refined shells, redolent of corn, pair perfectly with even the most elegant fillings.
But Coupa Cafe's menu is ambitious, including hearty yet delicately crusted and amply filled meal-size empanadas, and pabellon, a flavorful, rustic stew of shredded beef surrounded by black beans, fried ripe plantains and arepitas (mini unfilled arepas). A traditional Venezuelan breakfast of eggs scrambled with tomato and sweet red pepper naturally comes with arepas too.
And the kitchen's choice of ingredients reflects the sensibilities of the neighborhood: The roast chicken is Rocky Jr., the croissants are all-butter, the oatmeal is Irish and the fresh mozzarella on salads and panini is locally produced.”
A Whole New Culinary Culture by crazy4sushi
February 02, 2009
Being an avid sushi goer, I tend to only stick with food I know about. I also tend to dine in the valley not posh Beverly Hills so when a friend mentioned Coupa Cafe I reluctantly allowed myself to be dragged along. When coming into the resturant you are greeted by all the staff and quickly seated. Once you sit down you are able to take in the beauty of the restuarant, the amazing architecture, the brillant fireplace, the desserts and chocolates in the showcase. If you love coffee this is your new mecca, forget starbucks, you are about to fall in love with the aroma, taste, and quality of true Veneszuelan coffee.
Excellence! Hands Down, the best place in Beverly HIlls
by favila1982
March 17, 2008
Talk about OVERALL EXCELLENCE... from the food, to the decor, to the drinks, to the service. I recently visited LA, and as I found myself in the heart of Beverley Hills I stopped by a small cafe for a quick cup of coffee. Little did I know that I had found one of the most well kept secrets of the city. This small restaurant/cafe, totally took me by surprise when I first looked at the menu. What a variety!, so many great choices! I decided to be bold and try some of their typical Venezuelan dishes... tried one of their "arepas", recommended by one VERY friendly waitress. I could have not made a better choice, to put it in humble terms, it was an explosion of flavor in my mouth!
The Best Venezuelan Cuisine and Coffee in California
by The Review Connection
Coupa Café is the lively Venezuelan restaurant and the only one in Los Angeles that offers a new style of international dining which combines the best and most authentic Venezuelan dishes with “a philosophy of the modern slow food movement and the use of super fair trade ingredients.” Located in the heart of Beverly Hills on Canon Drive, Coupa Café is a full-service restaurant and has been attracting attention since it opened in 2006. Frequented by a long list of celebrities, including Lindsay Lohan, Michelle Pfeiffer, Leonardo DiCaprio, Janet Jackson, Bruce Willis, Tyra Banks and more, Coupa Café is a dining experience unlike any other. This urban oasis is owned and managed by Camelia Coupal. While most would not expect to find such a gem serving affordable and authentic Venezuelan cuisine in Beverly Hills, this full service restaurant undoubtedly deserves more recognition. Read full article
City of Beverly Hills Promotional Video
A Taste of Venezuela - video by The Partners Trust
A Taste of Venezuela in Beverly Hills
by Tanaz Akhlaghi
November 12, 2009
Walk into the Coupa Cafe on Canon Drive and the aroma of Venezuelan coffee is sure to intoxicate your senses! Since its grand opening in August of 2006, this coffee lovers mecca has been serving a slice of Venezuelan heaven right in the heart of Beverly Hills. With mouthwatering food, delectable coffee and musical entertainment a few days a week, Coupa cafe has become a favorite local spot.
Venezuelan coffee is considered to be among the best in the world and Coupa Cafe prides itself on following tradition. The coffee is hand collected and sundried on patios, then roasted at the original Coupa Cafe in Venezuela before it is shipped off to Beverly Hills. Although the menu is international, their Venezuelan specialties include Arepas, Cachapa, Venezuelan Pabellon and Polvorosa de Pollo. On Sunday mornings Coupa Cafe patrons can even enjoy breakfast in the tropical outdoor patio while being serenaded by a Venezuelan guitarist!
So, stop by the Coupa Cafe for a cup of Venezuelan Latte or the Queso Amarillo Arepa! The friendly staff and inviting ambiance await you! In the video below, owner Camelia Coupal gives us a brief history of Coupa Cafe and her favorite dish at the restaurant. Please feel free to share your thoughts and let us know if there’s a great place in your neighborhood worth discovering!
A welcoming window into the heart of Venezuelan cuisine. by ianfe
November 03, 2007
I moved to Los Angeles from Venezuela in July of 2006, and it wasn't too long before I heard about Coupa Cafe. I admit I was a little wary at first, since Venezuelan food is not an easy thing to replicate outside the country... the ingredients have to be just so, and the preparation has to be a peculiar way - it looks quite simple but it's anything but.
My fears were soon allayed, however. The food is top-notch, it's almost as if I never left home. The service is friendly and warm and the menu is varied, giving you a choice of not only Venezuelan stuff, but other top fare as well. I've been a regular fixture at that place since I came here and have tried almost every item on the menu. The Pabellon? Exquisite. My personal favorite: the goat cheese salad (I could live off it, it's so good)
My favorite restaurant in Beverly Hills.
Best venezuelan food and great service by ponchaloncha
June 16, 2008
The first time I ate at Coupa Cafe, it was an amazing experience. I had the best cachapa and I really enjoyed the tres leches. It was the best tres leches I have ever had. Then I had to go back to try their famous pabellon. I was so glad I went back because it was so delicious. After that second great experience, I started going back to Coupa Cafe at least once a week. They always have fabulous specials. It makes my week just to have lunch or dinner at Coupa
Over the Top Food, Ambience and Service! by anagil
June 16, 2008
Coupa is a must if you want to have an amazing dining experience in a delightful restaurant!
Recently I went in for dinner and had the Venezuelan Pabellon. All my friend's had recommended this international dish and it was like and explosion of unknown flavors in my mouth! I shortly came back for the Way Wild Salmon for I am a fan of fish, specially salmon, and this one definitely topped my expectations! Plus, I was able to accompany my salmon with a fine white wine. I must say, they do have a wide variety of wines and desserts! I'm planning to come in for brunch soon, for the breakfast menu looks absolutely divine!
Service is friendly, expedient, and follow all dietary requests with ease and a smile.
Best Coffee Spot In LA!
by vamoschavez
June 14, 2008
Wow. The best coffee I have ever had! From the moment I entered Coupa Cafe until I left, I was treated very warmly by the staff. Both the level of attention that I received and the quality of the food exceeded all of my expectation. My only problem now is that I found the coffee to be so good that anything else that I drink elsewhere seems poor.
If you are looking for a trendy, high quality coffee spot in LA: this place is it. Enjoy!
Best home-made Venezuelan food in town!
by mljc
July 25, 2007
Coupa Cafe is a place I like to call my "second home." I always know that I will get a great meal, whether it's a simple salad or one of their specialty Venzuelan dishes! Alongside this delicious food comes excellent service. Coupa Cafe's staff is very accomodating and very friendly. No matter how large or small my party is, they always cater to our every need. What I love most about Coupa Cafe is that they have a little bit of everything to eat...pizzas, salads, panini sandwiches, Venzuelan dishes, and most importantly delicious Venezuelan chocolate desserts!
Review From Yelp Spencer P. March 15, 2007 I love Coupa Cafe. There, I said it. I have really enjoyed every meal I've had here - from the reina pepiada arepas (arepas are the Venezuelan sandwiches with buns of corn meal and meat/vegetable/combo filling) to the paninis to the salads and especially the desserts, I have yet to find something I dislike. It's surprisingly laid back for Beverly Hills, there are no stuck up servers or annoyingly loud baristas or any of that. It's really nice for an afternoon with friends or a sit-down meal or really whatever you want. Also, free wireless internet, which is awesome...
