Crema

I was downtown for the New Year's celebration and stopped by Crema for a cup of decaf. The place wasn't crowded and had a nice atmosphere. The coffee was pre-made in self-service cannisters. I was pretty disappointed, as my coffee was VERY weak and slightly bitter. The service was fine and I didn't try anything else, but I doubt I'll be going back for coffee. more

Great Ice Cream and super friendly staff. Love to go there for a frozen treat every once in a while! more

Although LocoPops would win my vote for best frozen dessert in the Triangle, this is downtown Raleigh's place for a nice cool treat! The mix-your-own concept is fun, even if I do always get the same thing (chocolate ice cream + coconut + almonds = YUM!). The best part of Crema is the customer service. They set the standard for warm, friendly, welcoming service. I love being greeted like an old friend (even if that means maybe I eat too much ice cream). I wish they stayed open later during the week, but hopefully they'll expand hours once all the new condos and hotels open up. Pros: service, downtown location more

This is a great place. Coffeehouse, Ice Cream and cafe all in one. Nice surroundings, good location, great service. Very delicious. The ice cream mixers are great...I had oreos and cheesecake in chocolate yogurt. Best frozen dessert I've had in months! Pros: Delicious, good service, nice clean restaurant, good hours more

The full espresso bar allows for many delicious items to be created. Even if their menu does not contain a coffee drink you want you can ask the staff to make it for you. If you need help deciding they do a great job of explaining each of the types of drinks and items to you. The staff and owners are extremely knowledgeable about coffee and the products available, which is extremely satisfying after visiting large corporate coffee shops such as Port City Java, or Starbucks. I went for the coffee, however they also custom blend there ice creams, you can choose from fresh nuts, fruits, and candies to place inside your ice cream, and even though you can only put them inside Vanilla or Chocolate, the machine they use whips the fruits and other ingredients in so well that it becomes that flavor. For example I got peach mango, so they took peaches and mangos, and added it to vanilla ice cream and when I got it it was orange in color and had little to no big chunks of peach and mango, but you could easily taste it throughout, it was silky smooth and fantastic. The ice cream is a reasonable price, and items do not cost extra. They also now offer soups, salads and sandwiches, which I have not yet have but sure hope to try them sometime. I highly recommend Crema for great staff and great food. Pros: Fantastic food, Staff friendly and knowledgeable about their products. Cons: None. more

Crema on Fayetteville is a relaxing, friendly coffee shop that also serves amazingly delicious ice cream and lunch (soups, salads, sandwiches). The owner has some really terrific ideas about innovative latte flavors. My current favorite is coconut-almond. The lunch menu changes everyday so you will never get bored with the selection. And, it is only a short walk away from many downtown Raleigh offices. It's perfectly located on Fayetteville St. to park in the parking garage and then grab coffee and a muffin or bagel on your way to work. The coffee will definitely keep you coming back for that morning/afternoon/evening pick-me-up. The lively jazz music that is almost always playing adds to the ambience as does the artwork by local artists displayed throughout the store. I never go downtown without stopping at Crema! Pros: relaxing atmosphere, friendly owners/staff, comfy chairs, everchanging artwork more

I have been to Crema a few times and have come to look forward to the brie and tomato sandwich that they offer. The environment is very friendly and relaxing-a great place to spend your lunchbreak. I have yet to try their coffee and ice cream but look forward to after reading other raving reviews! Pros: great atmosphere, fresh food, resonable prices more

I have now visited Crema on Fayetteville Street three times and so far this new business has made three excellent impressions on me. Pros: Family and Business Friendly Cons: Not a one more

Went there for the espresso, but found that they have a huge assortment of ""blended"" ice creams, something like a million flavors to choose from (different mix-ins). No charge for up to three ingredients and they use real fruits and stuff. Homemade soups and salad dressings go great with their lunch menu as well. No outdoor seating yet, but they told me that was coming soon... spring or sometime like that. more