Colombian café culture is beloved worldwide for its strong, aromatic coffee and indulgent pastries. In East Orlando, you don’t have to travel far to experience the comfort of a hot tinto (black Colombian coffee) alongside freshly baked treats like pandebono, buñuelos, and roscones de guava. Whether you’re a student at UCF, a professional working nearby, or a local resident craving authentic flavors, East Orlando has some fantastic spots to satisfy your cravings.
Here’s a list of the best places for Colombian coffee and pastries in East Orlando for you to visit.
1. Mecatos Bakery & Cafe Waterford Lakes
If you’re in East Orlando, the Waterford Lakes branch of Mecatos Bakery & Cafe, located at 12400 Lake Underhill Rd, Unit 103, Orlando, FL 32828, is the perfect place to begin your Colombian food adventure. Located in the bustling Waterford Lakes Town Center, this café seamlessly blends convenience with authenticity, making it a popular destination for shoppers, families, students, and visitors alike.
The moment you step inside Mecatos Bakery & Cafe, you’re greeted with the aroma of freshly brewed Colombian coffee and a colorful display of pastries. Favorites include the pandebono (cheese bread made with cassava flour), golden buñuelos, tequeños, and stuffed roscones de guava. If you’re hungry for something savory, their empanadas and arepas rellenas are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon snack. The coffee menu is equally impressive, ranging from a traditional Colombian tinto to cappuccinos and specialty lattes crafted with beans sourced from Colombia’s finest growing regions.
The Waterford Lakes location is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, modern décor, and comfortable seating, making it an ideal spot for relaxation or meeting friends. It’s also a favorite for families who want to enjoy a taste of home, as Mecatos has built its reputation as Orlando’s premier Colombian café chain.
Beyond Waterford Lakes, Mecatos Bakery & Cafe has expanded across Orlando to serve the growing demand for Colombian food. Locations include;
- Lake Underhill – 7790 Lake Underhill Rd, Unit 101
- Lake Nona -10783 Narcoossee Rd, Suites 125–129
- Downtown Orlando – 20 N Orange Ave Ste 102A
- W. Colonial (Ocoee) – 10151 W. Colonial Dr
- Metrowest – 2900 S. Kirkman Rd
- Hoffner/Edgewood – 5645 Hansel Ave
- Curry Ford West – Orlando, FL
- Apopka – 1725 Ocoee Apopka Rd
Each café offers the same signature mix of Colombian pastries, savory items, and strong coffee, ensuring that no matter which neighborhood you’re in, a Mecatos is nearby.
Another highlight is Mecatos Bakery & Cafe Catering, which provides trays of pastries, cakes, and savory platters for offices, events, and family gatherings. This service is especially popular for breakfast meetings and social events, as Mecatos delivers the authentic Colombian café experience right to your door.
This bakery & cafe chain has become a cultural landmark for Colombians in Orlando, offering a space where tradition meets modern café culture. Whether you stop by for a quick café con leche or order catering for a family celebration, Mecatos has cemented itself as the go-to spot for Colombian coffee and pastries in Central Florida.
2. Pan Pa’ Ya!
With multiple locations in Orlando, Pan Pa’ Ya! is another popular name in Colombian baked goods. Originally founded in Colombia, this bakery chain is famous for its wide variety of pastries, savory items, and breads. Customers flock here for almojábanas, pandebonos, and crunchy empanadas, all of which pair beautifully with Colombian coffee.
Pan Pa’ Ya! is also known for its extensive menu of frozen products that can be taken home and baked later. This makes it a convenient option for families who want to keep authentic Colombian snacks on hand. For East Orlando residents who can’t always make it to Mecatos, Pan Pa’ Ya! offers a reliable alternative with plenty of variety.
3. Café de Colombia Bakery
If you’re looking for a smaller, more intimate bakery, Café de Colombia Bakery is a local gem. This family-owned café has earned its reputation for delivering authentic Colombian flavors with a personal touch. Their menu includes everything from buñuelos and almojábanas to tres leches cake and flan, making it a great spot for both savory snacks and indulgent desserts.
The atmosphere here is warm and inviting, with many locals treating it as their neighborhood coffee stop. Unlike some of the larger chains, Café de Colombia feels homey and traditional, giving customers the sense that they’re enjoying a meal straight from a Colombian kitchen.
4. The Bakery Colombian Cafe
Tucked away in Orlando, The Bakery Colombian Cafe is a modest café that focuses on authenticity. While the space is smaller, its menu more than makes up for it. Customers rave about the freshness of the pastries, particularly the roscones and pandebonos, which are baked daily.
Their coffee is rich and aromatic, brewed to highlight the bold flavors of Colombian beans. This café is perfect for those who want a quieter experience without the buzz of a larger chain. For East Orlando residents seeking a calm atmosphere with quality food, this bakery is worth a visit.
5. La Fuente Bakery & Restaurant
Though not exclusively Colombian, La Fuente Bakery & Restaurant is a Latin American bakery that includes Colombian-inspired items on its menu. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of pastries, cakes, and breads, along with savory dishes. Items like arepas, pastelitos, and pan de queso bring Colombian flavors to the table, while their cakes and desserts make it a great stop for celebrations.
For East Orlando residents, La Fuente is a convenient choice for enjoying Colombian-style baked goods while exploring broader Latin American cuisine. Its variety ensures that there’s something for everyone, making it a favorite for families with diverse tastes.
6. CFS Coffee (Lake Nona & Nearby)
Another strong contender is CFS Coffee, a café brand that highlights Colombian roots in its menu. Their slogan, “Coffee For The Soul,” reflects their commitment to quality coffee sourced from Colombia. Alongside their drinks, they serve arepas, pandebonos, and other light bites inspired by Colombian tradition.
With locations in Lake Nona and surrounding areas, CFS Coffee offers a modern, Instagram-friendly café vibe that appeals to younger customers and coffee enthusiasts. It’s a great spot if you want a more contemporary take on Colombian café culture in East Orlando.
Conclusion: Savoring the True Taste of Colombia in East Orlando
East Orlando is a treasure trove for anyone craving Colombian coffee and pastries. From the ever-popular Mecatos Bakery & Cafe Waterford Lakes to cozy neighborhood spots like Café de Colombia Bakery, the area offers a blend of traditional flavors and modern café experiences. Pan Pa’ Ya! and The Bakery Colombian Cafe deliver authentic pastries, while La Fuente and CFS Coffee add variety and fresh perspectives to Colombian food culture.
No matter which you choose, each of these cafés serves as a reminder of why Colombian coffee and pastries are celebrated worldwide: they bring people together, offering comfort, community, and the unmistakable taste of tradition.
