Since 2018, A.J. Kim and Scott Sohn have built a caffeinated command across Los Angeles. In 2018, the duo opened Kumquat in Highland Park, converting a compact space into a captivating cafe that still fields a line every day. Regulars queue up for a consistent
and full-bodied brew that Kumquat has come to be known for. In 2023, Kim and Sohn opened a second Kumquat in Downtown Los Angeles, following its Cypress Park sister cafe, Loquat, in 2022. Eight years ago, Kim shared with me that he wanted to create a central coffee-roasting operation with a retail space, an outdoor seating area, a coffee service area, and a coffee omakase tasting room. That dream was realized in 2025 with Quat, which has an expansive outdoor patio for lingering over a cup right under the California sky.
It’s safe to say that no matter the location you choose, the Quat empire has a specialty latte or cold brew to fit your mood. Pastry lovers have not been forgotten: the group’s Fondry bakery slings a spiced lamb and yogurt Danish, buttery financier, and a triple pain au chocolat, among other pastries, just blocks away from Kumquat’s original home.
What to order
- At the Quat compound, find two entrances with multiple tables and chairs. On the north side, visitors can purchase pour-overs, espresso, and one of the creamiest matcha lattes around. Before leaving, head to the retail area to pick up a bag of tea or coffee, which were curated during Kim’s 50 trips abroad, where he developed relationships with farmers in countries like Ethiopia, Ecuador, Panama, and Colombia. Quat is an impactful addition to the South Korean coffee culture wave throughout Southern California.
- When available, an omakase coffee tasting course at Quat’s Atelier Q should not be missed. The hour will provide four different cups, including sips from pricey limited-edition beans, with instruction from Esther Kim, Quat’s master brewer and the winner of the 2026 U.S. Brewers Cup Champion.
- When I visit the original Kumquat, I usually order the hojicha latte or New England latte with a strong dose of espresso, whole milk, and a lightly sweet maple syrup infused with vanilla beans. Sip your latte iced or hot on the covered patio for maximum enjoyment.
- Fondry requires an early visit. Sweet and savory pastries here remain equally impressive with blueberry tea scones, almond blossom almond croissants, mushroom bechamel Danishes, or the black sesame Parisian flan that has me entranced. The buttery, flaky puff pastry uses a Taiwanese black sesame praline and black sesame custard that I haven’t found anywhere else in Los Angeles.
- I go to the Loquat location in the early morning hours or late afternoon when I can hang out. It’s also where I go to indulge in one of their creamier coffee creations, the Mascarpone. Inspired by the classic Italian tiramisu, the drink has two shots of espresso, mascarpone cheese foam, and muscovado milk that will inevitably create a milky mustache.
The vibe
Each Quat is unique from the next, with neighborhood vibes at both Kumquats and Fondry, while the modern Loquat feels hip but never sceney. Quat, the compound, is the most beautiful of the collective with neutral colors, expansive spaces, and more seating to unwind.
Insider tip
Always check Quat’s Instagram to see what special events, tastings, and programming may be underway; the team constantly tries new things and wants the public to participate. Parking at the Downtown location includes 45 minutes with validation.
