Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Kitanda Espresso & Acai – Seattle
Kitanda Espresso & Acai - Seattle
Photo from Kitanda Espresso & Acai
Kitanda Espresso & Acai at a glance
Seattle Roosevelt
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 52 of the guests
#747 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#76 Café out of 84 in Seattle
Average
6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
378
Reviews
54.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality food
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Uncomfortable space
The cafe Kitanda Espresso & Acai in Seattle’s vibrant Roosevelt neighborhood offers you a delightful escape. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot known for its great coffee, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed lunch.
With a trendy yet quiet atmosphere, it’s an ideal place to enjoy organic dishes, vegan options, or simply a fantastic cup of tea. This welcoming cafe provides a perfect setting for you to unwind.
Overview: Introducting Kitanda Espresso & Acai
Kitanda Espresso & Acai offers a taste of Brazil, particularly celebrated for its authentic açaí bowl and delicious cheese bread . Many customers appreciate the generally friendly atmosphere, making it a pleasant spot for a quick treat.
However, experiences can vary, with some patrons noting inconsistent service and occasional discomfort from the chairs . While the food often shines, these operational aspects sometimes detract from an otherwise enjoyable visit.
Average
6
out of 10
378
Reviews
54.8%
Satisfaction
149
negative
22
neutral
207
positive
Kitanda Espresso & Acai holds an overall 6 score, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 54.8%, indicating a noticeable split in experiences.
This assessment is drawn from 378 customer opinions, with 207 positive remarks balancing against 149 negative ones. The Food (7.2) is a clear strength, frequently praised for its quality and authenticity.
Ambience (6) and Value (6) are average, suggesting they meet expectations but don’t particularly stand out. The Service (3.9) score, however, falls into the poor range, indicating significant room for improvement in customer interactions.
What people like
- Quality açaí bowls
- Delicious cheese bread
- Affordable pricing
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Uncomfortable seating
- Order handling issues
Kitanda Espresso & Acai offers a compelling selection of Brazilian-inspired food, particularly their popular açaí bowls and cheese bread. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and comfort, which can detract from the overall experience.
With a recommendation score of 6.3, it’s a place worth considering if you prioritize good food and value over flawless service. It could be a solid choice for a quick, tasty bite, but perhaps not for a leisurely, comfortable stay.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kitanda Espresso & Acai
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark, with a score of 7.2 indicating a good experience for many. Out of 206 comments, 144 were positive, frequently praising the delicious acai bowls, great Brazilian coffee, and tasty cheese bread. Many also enjoyed the variety of sandwiches and small bites, highlighting fresh ingredients and good flavor.
However, with customer satisfaction at 69.9%, theres a bit of a mixed bag. About 46 comments pointed to issues like inconsistency in food quality, small portion sizes, or an overly sweet açaí base. Some also mentioned dry food or bland coffee, suggesting theres room for improvement in certain areas.
Food
206
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
46
negative
16
neutral
144
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious acai bowls
- Great Brazilian coffee
- Tasty cheese bread
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small portion sizes
- Overly sweet acai
Often praised
- coffeeMy experience at this cafe was a mixed bag. I enjoyed the great pão de queijo and good coffee. However, I was disappointed to find only one power outlet in the entire cafe.
- foodand the food also received a 5/5.
- açaí bowlthe only place worth getting an açaí bowl from…‘tis THE best
- cheese breadMy favorite gf snack place for cheese bread!
- acai bowlRegularly buy an acai bowl
- açaíTheir açaí is one of the few that actually tastes like the ones we have back in Brazil
- Acai bowlsAcai bowls are fantastic
- Brazilian coffeeMy experience was with really good Brazilian coffee ☕ and snacks. I haven't tried their açaí yet, but I will definitely do so in the future.
- acai bowlsMy experience at Kitanda Acai was mostly positive, especially for their yummy acai bowls. The service was generally okay, though it could be a bit spotty at times.
- açai bowlsThat was so yummy and delicious. Highly highly recommend to anybody looking for açai bowls and the coffee drinks. This place really deserves 5000 stars!
Frequently criticized
- coffeeThe coffee was bland as well, making it difficult to understand the shop's value beyond its location. Overall, it was a no for me due to rude baristas and bad coffee.
- acaithe acai was very much in liquid form
- acai bowlMy experience at this restaurant was quite negative. Despite arriving before closing and rushing to get there, they refused to make an acai bowl. The reason given was that their utensils were already clean, even though they were still open.
- drinkrefused to make my drink in my reusable cup
- smoothiewanted a smoothie but they dont make one hour before closing time
- TeaTea (hot water in a cup) took longer than it did to make my food
- Ziba Acai bowlscooped most of the coconut out instead of remaking the bowl
- added sugarconcerned about the amount of added sugar in one bowl's serving
- allergiesallergies, mild or severe should be taken seriously
- avocado smoothieI got an avocado smoothie from this place which I cost 10$ and the drink is so small
If you're looking for a good acai bowl or some authentic Brazilian coffee and snacks, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences mention inconsistencies or smaller portions, so manage your expectations for certain items.
Service (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a bit of a mixed bag, with some customers highlighting truly positive experiences. Many have praised the amazing staff for being friendly and professional, offering great customer service, and making the order ahead process smooth. These bright spots were noted in 33 positive opinions, suggesting that when service is good, its really good!
However, the overall picture shows room for significant improvement, with a score of 3.9 (placing it on the lower end of average) and customer satisfaction at a poor 27.7%. A substantial 82 negative opinions out of 119 total point to frequent issues like very slow service, frustrating waiting time, and sometimes rude staff or managers. The cash only tipping policy also frequently drew criticism, contributing to the less-than-stellar experience for many.
Service
119
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
82
negative
4
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, professional staff
- Good customer service
- Quick order ahead
What people don't like
- Very slow service
- Rude staff/managers
- Cash-only tipping
Often praised
- servicethe service was excellent. Luana was super attentive
- peoplepeople love this place -- people I trust
- staffA nice touch was the small section of Portuguese groceries, including frozen bread to make at home. The staff were very friendly, but the service was a little slow. The space offers plenty of small group seating, fitting 2-4 per table, and it's conveniently located near Greenlake Park, making it a good spot for a snack.
- Brazilian womanserved by a super friendly Brazilian woman
- Kirkland location staffIt seems the owners no longer value or consider the feedback generously offered. On the other hand, the Kirkland location is quite different: the staff there tend to be friendlier and more pleasant, creating a more welcoming environment. The only note is that they often speak too loudly, which sometimes affects the calm atmosphere expected from a café.
- ServiceService:5
- amazing staffthe amazing staff
- app for pick up orderingRegularly buy an acai bowl when making breakfast isn't happening in the morning. It's reasonably priced and I like that they have an app for pick up ordering.
- customer serviceThe customer service eas good
- employeesI love the employees. They’re super cute and friendly.
Frequently criticized
- servicepossibly the worst service I have ever experienced
- waiting timeShe was unfriendly and rude. When I asked to speak to the manager, I was left waiting for 30 minutes. Manager Michael was also rude and unhelpful.
- staffthey should change staff in the morning, what bad attention.
- customer serviceI genuinely hope this review serves as constructive feedback. Customer service should reflect the warmth and care that Brazilian culture is known for. Personally, I don’t plan to return to any of the locations and cannot recommend Kitanda as a standout café; it has sadly become just another average coffee spot.
- orderMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing due to the poor service. The green-haired barista messed up my order and required multiple requests to fix it. She was unfriendly and rude.
- baristasNeither baristas acknowledged me
- employeeWhat shocked us the most was the staff’s reaction. One employee, sitting in the same area and witnessing everything, didn’t move or show any concern. When my husband asked her something, she completely ignored him.
- employeesThis place is always super busy but doesn't have enough employees to run the place. At 11 am on a Saturday, as soon as I got to the front of the line, they said they were stopping taking orders until noon to restock.
- managerbad attention of the manager and an employee
- workersworkers here not taking orders until noon
If youre planning a visit, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent service experience. While you might encounter friendly staff, theres a notable chance of slow service and long waits. Its worth trying if youre not in a rush, but manage your expectations regarding speed and attentiveness.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot has some definite upsides! With 24 positive remarks out of 43 total observations, many customers appreciate the plenty of seating options, often finding it a quiet lil spot thats clean and organized. Theres a generally pleasant atmosphere that makes people want to come back, contributing to a decent vibe.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows, as the ambience score sits at an average 6 with customer satisfaction at a mixed 55.8%. Some of the 17 negative comments point to uncomfortable chairs and dirty tables, with a few finding the atmosphere a bit cold or the music too loud, making it less ideal for working.
Ambience
43
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
17
negative
2
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Plenty of seating
- Clean and organized
- Quiet atmosphere
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable chairs
- Dirty tables
- Cold atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere and service were both rated a 5/5
- placeThe place is very clean and organized.
- seatingMy experience at this coffee shop was great. It's an actually affordable option in Seattle with plenty of seating and some interesting and delightful food options. I've also visited the location in Southcenter and enjoyed it as well.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- appeal of coming backappeal of coming back to work or study from the café is there
- interior spaceGood interior space, though!
- parking garageParking options:Paid parking garage
- parking lotthere’s a parking lot just beneath it
- parking spacePlenty of parking
- plenty of tablesthere are plenty of tables
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was not ideal. The atmosphere was a bit cold, and the chairs and tables were not comfortable enough. It's not a great place to work at.
- chairDisappointment after disappointment. This past Saturday, while my husband and I were having coffee at the Green Lake location, his chair suddenly broke. It was already extremely uncomfortable for a café setting.
- chairsThe chairs are hard metal
- chairs and tableschairs and tables aren’t comfortable enough
- cleaning the placethey clean the place with customers inside
- dirty tablesthere are often dirty tables when I’m there
- environmentHowever, the service was incredibly slow and bordered on rude. The workers seemed very frustrated, which created a fairly unwelcoming environment. I'm unsure if they were short-staffed or if it was an unusually busy day, but it impacted the overall atmosphere.
- feeling unwelcomingWe are felling unwelcoming
- musicThe Chai was great, and my friends raved about their coconut bun (omg!) and Brazilian coffee, all of which were delicious. The only downside was that the music was a bit loud, which slightly impacted the atmosphere.
- parking lotEverything was excellent. The only thing to review is the parking lot, which is complicated to park in at this location. Therefore, it's a great option if you're just passing through or walking around the area.
If you're looking for a casual spot with ample seating and a generally quiet vibe, you might enjoy the atmosphere here. However, be prepared for potentially uncomfortable seating or occasional cleanliness issues, especially if you plan to stay a while or work.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
Looking at value, there's a decent buzz with 6 positive comments out of 10 total. Many guests appreciate the affordability and great pricing, often finding items to be reasonably priced and well worth it. While the overall score sits at an average 6, customer satisfaction is a mixed 60%, showing a somewhat positive experience for many.
However, not everyone agrees, with 4 negative comments highlighting concerns. Some guests feel the prices are quite high, noting that certain items can be overpriced for the quantity. There are also mentions of perceived discrepancies in portion sizes, leading to frustration over the overall value.
Value
10
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced
- Great affordability
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Small portions
- Portion discrepancy
Often praised
- affordabilityactually affordable coffee shop
- priceThe combination is a wrap for me! For the pair, it comes out to $13, which is more than worth it in my opinion. The energy bowls are always made fresh to order, and they always use quality ingredients.
- price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- pricesgreat prices
- pricingGreat pricing for delicious small bites
- reasonably pricedIt's reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- priceLast time I was here, I was charged for a 10oz acai bowl, but it seemed to be a 6oz acai bowl. It's very frustrating because they are very overpriced. Getting charged for one thing and receiving another is disappointing.
- pricesprices are ridiculously expensive
If youre looking for an affordable spot, you might find some great deals here, especially for small bites. However, be mindful that some items are considered overpriced for their quantity. Its a mixed bag, so choose wisely to ensure you get good value.
How are the prices at Kitanda Espresso & Acai?
You’re looking at roughly 15 $ per person – reported by 52 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most folks spend right around this average, with a good chunk finding options in the $1–$10 range, and just a few venturing into the higher price points.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 52 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Cafe in Seattle. It offers a good balance, so you can enjoy a nice meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kitanda Espresso & Acai
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Coffee and Pleasant Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I enjoyed a cup of great coffee with a rich, smooth flavor that truly hit the spot. It served as a perfect pick-me-up, and the pleasant place made it an enjoyable experience.
- coffee9
- flavor9
- pick-me-up9
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great spot for bites and coffee!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I found the pricing to be great for the delicious small bites and good coffee. It's a quiet lil spot with nice workers.
The restaurant also offers non-dairy options like oatmilk and soymilk, and their brazillian bread is naturally gluten-free.
- pricing9
- small bites9
- coffee8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Great food, tricky parking
Everything was excellent. The only thing to review is the parking lot, which is complicated to park in at this location. Therefore, it's a great option if you're just passing through or walking around the area.
- everything9
- parking lot3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
6
Frustrating Ordering Experience
I stopped in after a long run because I was craving something with protein. The bread for the sandwich I wanted had run out, and I was told it would be ready in about 10 minutes. I didn’t mind waiting, but I wasn’t allowed to place or pay for the order ahead of time.
I was told to come back only when the bread was visible in the case, which felt unnecessary and meant I’d have to get back in line again. I ended up ordering something I didn’t really want. The food was fine, but the ordering experience was frustrating.
I’m hoping the process can be a little more flexible for customers who are willing to wait.
- bread5
- food6
- ordering experience3
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Buns and Rolls, Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The coconut bun and cheese roll were absolutely delicious. I also found the customer service to be good, and the atmosphere was nice, quiet, and relaxing.
- coconut bun9
- cheese roll9
- customer service8
What Kitanda Espresso & Acai offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Kitanda Espresso & Acai?
You’ll find a cozy, casual, and quiet atmosphere at Kitanda Espresso & Acai, perfect for a relaxed visit. It also has a trendy vibe, making it a great spot to unwind or catch up with friends in Seattle’s Roosevelt neighborhood. You can enjoy your time in a comfortable setting.
Does Kitanda Espresso & Acai offer options for specific dietary needs?
Yes, Kitanda Espresso & Acai caters to various dietary preferences. You can find delicious vegan options, vegetarian options, and organic dishes on their menu. They also offer small plates and quick bites, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
How does Kitanda Espresso & Acai generally perform?
Kitanda Espresso & Acai receives an overall score of **6**, indicating an average experience. While **Food** (7.2) is a strong point, **Service** (3.9) often falls short, with **Ambience** (6) and **Value** (6) being average.
What are the standout food items at Kitanda Espresso & Acai?
Customers frequently praise the authentic **açaí bowls** and delicious **cheese bread**. Many find the quality of these items to be a significant draw, often comparing the açaí favorably to those found in Brazil.
What are common concerns regarding service and comfort at Kitanda Espresso & Acai?
Service can be inconsistent, with some experiences described as poor or rude, leading to long **waiting times**. Additionally, some find the **chairs** and tables uncomfortable, impacting the overall **ambience**.