It was a rainy day in Orlando when we decided to stop by But First, Coffee, a charming little café near The Florida Mall. I had been craving a visit to a beautiful café, something with an aesthetic touch, and while aesthetic cafés in Orlando aren’t as common to find as places like New York City, Montreal, or Toronto, I was excited to explore what the city had to offer.

Unlike those walkable cities, Orlando is spread out, making it harder to stumble upon hidden gems. But when I found But First, Coffee, I knew I had to check it out.

First impressions: a beautiful café with a message

As soon as I stepped inside, I admired how thoughtfully designed the space was. The combination of soft beige walls, lush greenery, and elegant black lettering on the walls made for a cozy yet modern atmosphere. The menu posters featured enticing images of their drinks and pastries, making it even harder to decide what to order.

One thing that truly stood out was the presence of messages about Jesus and the gospel displayed throughout the café. This was a first for me—seeing faith so openly woven into a café’s identity. While I wasn’t surprised to find this in the U.S., it did feel different from what I typically experience in Canada, where expressions of faith in public spaces often come with unspoken social boundaries. Here, it felt natural, like an extension of the owners’ values and beliefs.

The drink that caught my eye: taro matcha latte

Before even arriving, I had already looked at the menu online and knew exactly what I wanted: a taro matcha latte. I’ve developed a habit of seeking out unique drink options at cafés, and this combination intrigued me.

Alongside their drinks, But First, Coffee offered an impressive selection of baked goods. The red velvet Oreo cookies, triple chocolate chunk cookies, and guava and cheese pastries all sounded amazing. If I had more time (or more stomach space), I would have loved to try them all.

The perfect blend of taro and matcha

When my drink arrived, I took a sip and immediately loved it. The balance was just right—sweet, but not overly sweet. The taro and matcha complemented each other beautifully, neither overpowering the other. It was smooth, creamy, and comforting—exactly what I needed on a rainy day.

A playful moment in the café

While I was enjoying my latte, my husband and nephew found a small toy coffee machine in the café. Watching them playfully “brew” pretend coffees was such a sweet moment. It reminded me that aesthetic cafés in Orlando aren’t just about the drinks—they’re about the little experiences and connections you make while you’re there.

Ending the day at The Florida Mall

With my taro matcha latte in hand, we headed to The Florida Mall for a relaxed afternoon. The rain continued to pour outside, but inside, it was a perfect day—cozy, slow, and filled with simple joys.

Visiting But First, Coffee was a reminder that even in a city where café culture isn’t as prominent, there are still gems waiting to be discovered. Aesthetic cafés in Orlando may not be as widespread as in other cities, but when you find the right one, it makes all the difference. And sometimes, all you need is a good drink and good company to turn a rainy day into something special.