GiorgiPorgi is a surreal oasis. The coffee bar is nestled in the middle of Downtown LA and from the outside, it is hard to tell what is behind the chrome shield and matching bench. There is no sign except for a chalk board that says,”I feel like coffee.”

I stepped in to find a living plant wall that sprouts from the floor to the ceiling and back down to the ground again. Past the doorway, bare cement is only interrupted by an abstract, squiggly lighting fixture. Special knick knacks and cone espresso cups are behind the bar, courtesy of Korean artist Eunbi Cho.

When I sat at the bar, with Otis Redding blasting, I was greeted by an amazing Italian woman—also known as the bar’s enthusiastic owner, Giorgia Nasuti. She first asked if I would like flat or sparkling water, then came the question of what I usually drink at my local coffee shop. I told her I’m addicted to iced lattes, so she shook up something called a Shakerato.

“I don’t only do Italian drinks, but I try to do a touch of Italian in every drink,” the barista said.

Other items on the menu include freshly cold pressed juice, rose lemonade, donuts and really thoughtfully treated water. Giorgia dubs the great water—which she personally filters and checks every three hours—is the secret to especially tasty coffee.

What really sets GiorgiPorgi apart, besides the service and aesthetic, is how long the patrons linger even though there is no wi-fi. On a whim, Giorgia moved from Italy to the States two years ago with the knowledge that American coffee is just not as great as it could be. She wants to create an atmosphere that focuses on the experience of coffee making, a lovable experience similar to how she grew up with her teacher, her grandmother.

“I try to keep it low key. I tell everyone to get their first cup of coffee somewhere else, but there last here, ” she said. “I have to-go cups, but no one wants to leave so quickly.”

As for what’s next for the new hang out? Giorgia promised, “When I have the coffee down, I will make sure the kitchen makes the best old school Italian, grandma-style food.” We can’t wait.