Right in the heart of Madison Park, Seattle, next to the sprawling Washington Arboretum, is a hidden gem, Arosa Cafe. The cafe was founded in the early 90s by a European gentleman who named it after the scenic alpine village of Arosa in Switzerland. However, for the past eight years, Arosa Cafe has been owned and run by Cesar and Adriana Santangelo, a super foodie couple who moved from Venezuela to Seattle in 2003. They are genuinely passionate about creating connections, good food, and community, and it comes through very vividly at the cafe.
What’s so special about this place?
Arosa is known in the area for the best mocha and waffles. But, what many don’t know is they serve delicious paninis and hot soups. They craft their mocha using coffee micro-roasted locally by Fonte roasters, with generous portions of the finest chocolate imported straight from Europe, making this truly the best mocha we have had! The rich, velvety flavor of the chocolate pairs perfectly with the smooth and creamy coffee, creating a truly indulgent treat.
What to eat at Arosa Cafe
Besides the mocha, we tried the Belgian Liege Waffle. You can choose from a whole bunch of toppings like banana, fresh strawberries, and Nutella, but we had it plain, as recommended by Cesar. The waffle was crunchy on the outside and had a textured flaky, soft interior. Not overly sweet, this was the perfect accompaniment to the heavenly mug of mocha.
Next, we got the Chicken Avocado Panini and the Chicken Coconut Curry Soup. The panini was bursting at the seams with a delicious filling of chicken and avocado that Adriana made fresh to order. It was perfectly toasted, leaving a crunchy, lightly browned crust on the outside and flaky goodness on the inside. The coconut curry soup had hearty but delicate flavors, with the perfect balance of spice, veggies, and chicken.
Ambiance at Arosa Cafe
With such great food, one would think the Santangelos have a winner already, but what sets this place apart is the cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Cesar and Adriana go out of their way to create a charming and homely vibe, and dining here felt like relaxing in a close friend’s living room. The cafe is popular among regular loyal customers and tourists visiting the Arboretum. And, of course, the owners know most of them by name and their favorite orders.
Every Saturday, the cafe turns into a meeting spot for groups and families, and the menu gets a makeover too. Cesar told us they would have a Venezuelan specialty, arepas, one of these weekends!
Overall experience
Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to enjoy a cup of coffee with your favorite book or you want to catch up with friends over a leisurely brunch, this little cafe has something for everyone. And despite the high-quality ingredients and delicious food, the prices are surprisingly affordable. So if you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and give Arosa Cafe a try – we highly recommend it!
Rating:
- Food: 5/5
- Value for money: 5/5
- Ambiance: 5/5
- Kid/ Pet Friendly: 5/5
How to reach Arosa Cafe:
The cafe is at the Arboretum Court opposite Seattle Japanese Garden. You can reach here easily using public transit, E Madison St & Lake Washington Blvd being the closest bus stop to the cafe.
- Payment methods accepted: Card, Cash, NFC & Crypto
- Location: 3121 E Madison St, Seattle, WA 98112
- Website | Instagram
- Cost for two: $20-$25
- Hours: Mon to Fri (6:30 AM – 4:30 PM) | Sat (7:30 AM – 4:30 PM) | Sunday (closed)
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