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Santa Barbara's best

Pastry spots

A croissant that honors the craft of the pastry instead of settling for a dry, mass-produced imitation.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Bree'Osh Bakery Café Santa Barbara image 1
Bree'Osh Bakery Café Santa Barbara image 2
Bree'Osh Bakery Café Santa Barbara image 3
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French-inspired café offers cozy indoor and shaded outdoor seating with a laid-back, charming atmosphere. The space feels modern and bright, welcoming both dogs and children. Fresh, high-quality pastries and breads complement the calm, comfortable vibe.

Almond croissants stand out with their balance of crispiness and softness and a subtle sweetness. Ham and cheese croissants offer a great filling and taste, often served warm for best flavor.

Pastries come with beautiful appearance and high quality that elevate any meal. Options include fruit, egg and bacon croissants, muffins, and scones, all consistently delicious.

People are saying

"I thought the bread here was fresh and good."

"The pastries here are buttery and crispy."

"The ham and cheese croissant here is amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited to street parking, which can be tough.

2

The café serves lunch until 1:30 pm, making it a good early stop.

3

Outdoor seating is available, but it can be noisy due to traffic.

02
Drift Santa Barbara image 1

Hotel combines upscale casual rooms with loud live music from an on-site bar that plays until early morning. Location places guests in the heart of downtown with easy access to local attractions. Amenities include a cocktail and oyster bar and complimentary bike rentals for exploring the city.

Warm, flaky ham and cheese croissants pair well with iced vanilla lattes or drip coffee. The croissants have a European-style feel that fits a relaxed breakfast vibe.

The coffee shops serve yummy pastries alongside great coffee drinks. Pastries from Helena Ave. Bakery stand out as unbeatable.

People are saying

"This Hotel's location on State Street is perfect for walking to the beach and restaurants."

"The croissants here are so flaky and delicious, I'm going back for more."

"The pastries here are amazing."

Good to know

1

The hotel has a partnership with Buttonwood Vineyard, offering a buy-one-get-one-free wine tasting.

2

The hotel is located within walking distance to the beach and downtown attractions.

3

Expect noise from weddings and events that may last until 1:00am.

03
Renaud's Bakery image 1

Patio seating and quiet atmosphere create a relaxed setting. French-style pastries like croissants and Danish stand out for quality. Indoor space features decorative touches but can get uncomfortably warm.

Croissants here have a flaky texture and a buttery flavor that stands out. They cost a bit more than in New York but pair well with coffee for a solid morning treat.

Rich pastries and desserts fill the bakery with a wonderful collection of cakes, breads, and more. Each pastry can be warmed, cut in half, and bagged, with a small sale on some items after 3:30.

People are saying

"I found the pastries here to be out of this world."

"This lunch spot's selection and quality were just mediocre."

"I found their croissants to be mediocre."

Good to know

1

They do a small sale after 3:30 for some of their pastries.

2

Renaud's Bakery offers outdoor and indoor dining options.

3

Self-ordering stations are available for convenience.

04
Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro image 1

Bakery offers cozy indoor and outdoor seating under blooming trees and red tile roofs. Atmosphere stays relaxed and intimate, with a view of nearby shops and art galleries. Known for excellent French-style pastries and croissants, it provides a quiet spot for breakfast and brunch.

Croissants come out flaky and buttery with a perfectly rich texture. Almond and chocolate versions stand out, and croissant sandwiches with eggs and Gruyère add a savory twist.

French pastries and croissants stand out with excellent flakiness and delicate layers. The apple pie features a balanced sweet and tart filling inside a terrific pastry shell.

People are saying

"Their croissants are flaky, buttery, and just like France."

"I enjoyed my cappuccino on the nice patio with my dog."

"The croissants here are rich, flaky, and some of the best on earth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but expect busy times during weekends.

2

The outdoor seating area is available for customers with well-behaved dogs.

3

A drip coffee and croissant combo costs around ten dollars.

05
D'Angelo Bread image 1

European-style bakery with handmade products and visible real ovens creates a cozy atmosphere. Counter order setup includes relaxed outdoor seating in an alley patio. Locals frequent the spot for its quality bread and coffee.

Croissants come out light and flaky, never greasy or overly buttery. Almond and chocolate varieties stand out as delicious and fresh, with options both filled and plain.

Freshly baked pretzels stand out alongside flaky pastries and delicious breads. Pastries and muffins come out fresh and full of flavor, making breakfast a tasty experience.

People are saying

"The bread here is so fresh and delicious."

"I found the croissants here to be delicious and fresh."

"The pastries here are delicious and flaky."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy at the nearby public lot.

2

You can sit inside or outside.

3

Expect no wait times during weekday mornings.

06
Handlebar Coffee Roasters image 1

Converted Safeway building offers a spacious warehouse feel with industrial coffee roaster and historic brick and wooden beams. Atmosphere is loud and lively, filled with natural light and a mix of people working, reading, and socializing with kids and dogs. Outdoor patio provides pet-friendly seating and views of local scenery.

Almond croissants stand out for their rich flavor and flaky texture. Croissants pair well with coffee and offer a delicious, buttery experience.

Excellent pastries come with delicious coffee and many outdoor seating options to enjoy both.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the truly excellent coffee here."

"The coffee and pastries here are so delicious."

"I really enjoyed the almond croissant; it was one of the best."

Good to know

1

Handlebar Coffee Roasters is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

2

The coffee is roasted on-site, ensuring freshness with every cup.

3

Seating can be limited, especially during peak hours due to laptop users.

07
Dawn Cafe Santa Barbara image 1

Chic industrial design shapes a cozy yet spacious coffee shop with comfortable seating and a laid-back vibe. Quiet mornings invite relaxed sipping, while outdoor seating offers a pleasant spot for small groups. WiFi availability supports casual work or conversation in a friendly atmosphere.

Croissants here are buttery and flaky, with options like cheese and ham that add a savory touch. They pair well with strong coffee or matcha lattes for a solid breakfast combo.

Freshly baked pastries come from a local bakery with a small selection. Drinks pair well, though some pastries can be lackluster.

People are saying

"I loved the creative lattes and coffee here."

"The croissant was light, flaky, and just what I needed."

"The pastry here is always friendly and quick."

Good to know

1

Dawn Cafe transforms into a bar in the evening, offering a different vibe.

2

Limited seating is available, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

No extra charge for alternative milk options like oat milk.

08
La Playa Inn image 1

Spanish-style boutique hotel features stylish modern furnishings and intimate outdoor areas with lush gardens and a pool. Quiet rooms with king-size beds and private patios create a cozy, tranquil atmosphere ideal for relaxing or working. Amenities include complimentary breakfast, free parking, and EV charging stations.

Breakfast includes a variety of croissants, such as chocolate croissants and ham-and-cheese croissant sandwiches. Some come with white powdered sugar from a local bakery.

Breakfast includes a small selection of pastries alongside fruit and yogurt. Pastries come with a basic setup of tea and coffee in the lobby.

People are saying

"I found the parking available here to be convenient and ample."

"The breakfast included a decent variety, like croissants and yogurt."

"I thought the pastries offered for breakfast were good."

Good to know

1

The hotel offers free parking and free breakfast for all guests.

2

Rooms are clean and beautifully maintained, ensuring a comfortable stay.

3

The hotel is just two short blocks from the harbor and a quick walk to the pier.

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