La Prima Espresso
La Prima Espresso — photo 2
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La Prima Espresso

1100 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA

★★★★★4.5(226 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

La Prima Espresso brings a clean, welcoming vibe to Pittsburgh's coffee scene with expertly crafted lattes and creative seasonal specials like their orange chocolate with clove that keep regulars coming back. The baristas clearly care about their craft, serving thoughtfully made drinks from a focused menu of traditional and signature creations, though fair warning—their pastry game doesn't quite match the coffee quality. It's the kind of spot that makes you skip the chains nearby and settle in with a smooth macchiato and some genuine local character.

What to expect

Traditional drinksSignature drinksSpecialty drinksEspresso focused

Google Reviews

Teresa Alvarez
★★★★2 months ago

It's a cool shop. I will agree with someone else, the croissants/food could be better. They lack there and thats why the 4 stars. First impression walking in, looked clean, chill, plenty seating. Service was fine but lacking a welcoming vibe. Unlike Starbucks across the street. Comparing the 2, I had a better welcome at Starbucks and they were by far busier each time I went there too bc of several conventions at the hotel. Overall experience was fine at this La Prima location. Nothing to write home about. Cool to visit. I do also like that it is right down the street from the Heinz museum. So grab a coffee on your way there.

Emily Willen
★★★★★5 months ago

Delicious lattes and scones! Probably one of the better scones I've had in a long time-- buttery and fresh. The special coffees are amazing as well (just got the orange chocolate with clove which was a unique and pleasant taste). Staff is incredibly helpful as well in selection choices. Highly recommend!

Cameron
★★★★6 months ago

Great location if you’re at convention and want a quick, good coffee that’s a little more local! The latte was great, with a small but very good list of syrups and options. It is definitely a little pricier, but quality is there. The chocolate croissant was okay, a little hard but overall not bad. They didn’t have a lot of food options, but for their drinks, it’s pretty worth it!

Paige Freshwater
★★★★★2 years ago

This coffee brand is literally my favorite so far. I've been to many chains and small businesses, and when they serve La Prima, I go there. The barista was amazing and fun, he answered all my annoying questions with a smile. The latte art was ON POINT. I usually add cinnamon and honey to my vanilla latte but there was no need with this one. It was perfect.

Keefe Valladares
★★★★★2 years ago

Skip the chain coffee stop around the corner and come here instead! Great quality coffee that is carefully made. The macchiato is smooth and a perfect pick me up in the morning. I really enjoyed the breakfast sandwich and I'm glad I tried the ham and cheese croissant as well. Can't recommend this place enough.

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