KANELA
About This Spot
Stepping into KANELA on Orange Street, you’re greeted by a gentle hum of easy conversations and the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It’s the kind of place where time slows just enough for you to settle into a calm rhythm, whether you’re swinging by for a quick pick-me-up or lingering with a book or a friend. The atmosphere strikes a warm, relaxed chord — an inviting retreat amid Newark’s steady beat.
The space feels airy yet intimate, where soft light filters through windows, and the subtle clink of cups blends with friendly smiles behind the counter. Behind the warmth of the service is a genuine care, one that makes locals and newcomers alike feel like regulars from the moment they arrive. KANELA has crafted a subtle balance between quiet moments of reflection and the gentle buzz of community connection.
Food and drink here invite a sensory pause — buttery croissants with flaky layers that melt in your mouth, or a vibrant avocado toast topped just right, each bite offering a simple but satisfying joy. Their coffee, whether a steamed hot chocolate or an iced concoction with delicate fruity notes, complements the easygoing vibe while fueling your day in a kind, steady way.
It’s not just a place to grab a bite or a cup; it’s a neighborhood nook where the sense of welcome lingers long after you leave. Whether your visit is to catch your breath between errands or to gather your thoughts over a long afternoon, KANELA’s gentle energy and genuine warmth quietly invite you to stay a little longer.
What’s Available Here
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Identifies as women-owned
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Delivery
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Great coffee
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Great tea selection
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Breakfast
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Solo dining
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Good for working on laptop
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Coffee
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Quick bite
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Vegetarian options
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Breakfast
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Brunch
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Lunch
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Catering
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Dessert
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Seating
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Gender-neutral toilets
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Toilet
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Casual
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Cosy
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Trendy
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Tourists
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Credit cards
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Good for kids
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Free of charge street parking
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Parking
Alejandra Gatica 06 Jan 2026
I really like Kanela! The staff is super friendly and make you feel comfortable every time. My go-to orders are the spanakopita and the avocado toast — so good! The vibe is always nice and relaxed. It’s one of my favorite spots.
J C 28 Dec 2025
What a cozy, welcoming place. Had a simple avocado toast and drip coffee and that really started my day right! The only 2 staff behind the counter were super efficient and genuinely friendly. Gets busy from 11am.
Kimia Butler 25 Nov 2025
NOLY IS THE BEST!!!! Her customer service and Love she gives to each customer that comes in is AMAZING the atmosphere is light and welcoming perfect for work or just to reset . Best cafe near our school
Kendra Scott 21 Nov 2025
I love this place!! Kanela is a great little cafe with an awesome vibe. The staff here are super friendly and really know how to make you feel welcome. Clean space, comfortable seating, and a relaxed atmosphere where you can actually hear yourself think and catch up with friends. So far i have enjoyed everything on the menu, but i really love their spinach pies. Perfectly baked, great flavor, not too heavy. Paired with a solid matcha, its a nice little brunch to start the day. Service is quick, prices are fair, and it’s the kind of place you’ll want to become a regular at. Staff is welcoming and attentive. Definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a reliable cafe with great food and a chill environment.
Amanda Alvarez 16 Nov 2025
I didn’t get any food but I did get an iced caramel latte and a cup of fruit. The coffee was good however, I would request less of the caramel drizzle and 2 shots of espresso instead of 3 for a large cup. However, this is a personal opinion since I don’t really like coffee and I also don’t like too much sugar. Overall the fruit was fresh and the coffee was delicious. The price was okay. For both items using a card, I spent $10.43. I spent almost my entire day here. 11 am-4 pm and worked the entire time. The aesthetic was nice. The atmosphere was also pretty cool. Very calm and collected. The music wasn’t too loud and the playlist was to my liking. The staff were also very welcoming and very communicative. I would recommend this café. Definitely.
Bethzaida Seguinot-Jackson 30 Oct 2025
Kanela & Co is such a gem! The coffee is always fresh, smooth, and full of flavor — truly some of the best around. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the kind of place that makes you want to stay a little longer. A special shout-out to Noly — absolutely amazing! Friendly, attentive, and always makes you feel at home. Service like that keeps me coming back again and again. Highly recommend Kanela & Co if you’re looking for great coffee and even better people!
Debisree Ray 17 Oct 2025
We stopped by this café for a Saturday morning breakfast. The exterior was charming, which drew us in. Parking is street-only, so it can be tricky on busier days, but we lucked out. I ordered a cortado—decent, nothing remarkable. I went with the avocado toast, which they’re apparently known for. It was as minimalist as it gets: a slice of ciabatta, olive oil, a generous amount of fresh avocado, salt, and pepper. No frills, but solid and satisfying. My friend had a multigrain croissant with sausage and egg—basic and hearty. The café is mostly self-service, and while the vibe was relaxed, the service was quite slow. We even cleared our own table from the previous guests. It seemed a bit understaffed, but the food was fresh and filling. A cute local spot, though don’t expect speed or polish.
Rea S. 03 Oct 2025
Very atmospheric and friendly cafe! This place seems super new, and I've started stopping by after my classes at NJIT since it's nearby and opens early enough. The baristas/workers have great customer service and are very kind and welcoming! The space is quite small as there's only 4-5 tables, but considering the location, it's good for grab-n-go customers. The food I've had so far are the blueberry danish, almond croissants, and the classic sandwich. Everything tastes fresh and it's great that the pastries are toasted/hot when they serve it. The drink selection is amazing, and the drinks I've had so far are the best in the area! The drinks seem pretty consistent-tasting too! This place is my new favorite breakfast spot near campus and I'll be showing all of my friends this place