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Cafes with croissants in Santa Monica

Made for those who refuse to drink coffee unless it is accompanied by a buttery, flaky croissant.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Coffee shop

Small space with eclectic decor creates a cozy, authentic vibe that feels like a family kitchen. Quiet and inviting atmosphere suits relaxing or catching up with friends. Known for excellent specialty coffee and unique Turkish-inspired dishes.

Egg and cheese on a croissant stands out as a perfect breakfast choice. The croissant itself is a delightful treat with a flaky, buttery texture.

Menu features high-quality ingredients and unique elements in each dish. Coffee stands out as authentic and cultured compared to many other cafes.

People are saying

"I loved the rich, distinct flavor of the Turkish coffee."

"The coffee at this cafe is truly excellent."

"The egg and cheese croissant was just perfect."

Good to know

1

Parking is metered and only allows 20 minutes on the same side of the coffee shop.

2

They serve breakfast and drinks only, with an expanded menu on weekends.

3

Seating is limited, so expect a small space if visiting during busy hours.

02
Little Bean Coffee image 1

Small coffee shop with cozy, welcoming decor featuring family photos and a maximalist style. Atmosphere stays quiet and pleasant, inviting conversation and relaxation with board games and chess available. Friendly, owner-operated spot known for passionate coffee craft and a family-friendly vibe.

Chocolate croissant offers a great taste. The ham and cheese croissant and banana loaf also stand out as must-try items.

Roasts own beans and focuses on cold brew with solid quality. Offers a unique coffee shop vibe without the usual watered-down drinks.

People are saying

"I thought the cold brew was awesome and perfectly balanced."

"This cafe's cold brew is perfectly balanced and delicious."

"I found the croissants to be the best part of my breakfast."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the side alley.

2

They don't charge extra for vegan milk.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

03
blossom and friends image 1

Cafe offers an artsy decor with community art and vinyl records playing quiet tunes. Atmosphere stays calm and peaceful, ideal for working or relaxing. Seating spreads across indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an open, inviting vibe.

Pastries feature really nice croissants with a strawberry almond variety standing out. Croissants pair well with other items like banh mis and deliver delicious flavors.

Bright and art-vibey with community art and a record player for music. Offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating and has a friendly, upbeat atmosphere.

People are saying

"The baristas here are super friendly and make great coffee."

"The cafe staff here are so friendly and welcoming."

"I found their croissants to be amazing."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers a limited selection of food items, especially later in the day.

2

Adding avocado to your meal costs $2.50.

3

The cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating available.

04
Monica Cafe image 1

Cozy space with lofted seating and unique wall art creates an inviting atmosphere. Soft jazz music plays quietly, supporting a calm, work-friendly vibe. The environment blends Midwest/East Coast big city classiness with a welcoming neighborhood feel.

Egg and cheese croissants come with fresh greens and are well prepared. The breakfast croissant stands out for its incredible taste while the croissant sandwich is more average.

Offers delicious coffee and pastries with a cozy, welcoming vibe that blends Midwest and East Coast big city class. Serves quality espresso, lattes, and matcha alongside reliable lunch options in a friendly atmosphere.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is so fresh and delicious."

"The coffee and breakfast at this cafe are fresh and delicious."

"The breakfast croissant here is incredible."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Expect a wait during weekend brunch hours, especially after 10am.

3

The cafe accepts credit cards and mobile payments, but not personal checks.

05
Le Cafe de la Plage Malibu image 1

Outdoor patio with spacious seating and pink-hued decor creates a chic, relaxed vibe. Live music on weekends adds to the friendly, warm atmosphere. The place draws a crowd looking for a casual spot to enjoy coffee and pastries in a sunny, inviting setting.

Warm croissants come in chocolate, almond, and raspberry flavors. They taste just like in Europe and pair well with coffee outside.

Offers delectable French treats and a friendly, welcoming team that creates a warm vibe. The ambiance pairs well with exceptional service and carefully brewed coffee like Cafe Americano.

People are saying

"The cafe staff are so friendly and warm, it's like they trained at a secret boot camp."

"The staff here is so friendly, making outdoor seating a joy."

"I loved their warm, buttery croissants; they tasted just like Europe."

Good to know

1

The cafรฉ is very popular on weekends, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

2

They offer gluten-free options for baked goods and sandwiches.

3

Card payments are accepted, but refills on coffee are charged as new cups.

06
Amai coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Minimalistic coffee shop with cozy, chill atmosphere and warm, inviting interior. Space is small with limited seating, often crowded, attracting mainly college students. Offers free Wi-Fi and a creative menu focused on sweet treats rather than specialty coffee.

Almond croissants stand out with their rich flavor and pair well with items like banana matcha. Croissants here have a notable quality that complements hojicha offerings.

Cozy interior creates a welcoming vibe. Vietnamese style coffee and matcha stand out as distinctive drinks. The cafe stays clean and well-kept.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese coffee here is amazing and very good."

"This cafe's unique matcha and coffee drinks are amazing."

"I thought the almond croissant tasted amazing."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available in the strip mall lot.

2

The place is small and doesn't have much seating.

3

The pastries are sold out pretty fast, especially by noon.

07
Caffe Luxxe - Santa Monica image 1

Spacious indoor and outdoor seating supports a communal atmosphere that encourages conversation among a trendy crowd. The vibe stays relaxed and modern with minimal noise and great music. Pastries and coffee offer authentic Parisian flavors with a focus on quality and variety.

Chocolate croissants stand out with rich flavor and are often preferred over plain ones. Croissants come warm sometimes, but not always, and almond croissants may be unavailable at times.

Offers an exquisite cafe experience with premiere coffee roasting. The Cafe Nico drink delivers a perfect mix of flavors, and the croissant stands out as much better than typical coffee shop fare.

People are saying

"I found the coffee drinks here to be very good."

"I thought the croissant was much better than I'd expect."

"The coffee here is exceptional, with a perfect mix of flavors."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; street meter parking is available nearby.

2

The cafe can get busy during lunch time, expect a line.

3

There is plenty of seating available both inside and outside.

08
Gnarwhal Coffee Co. image 1

Cozy coffee shop with beach vibe and modern design offers outdoor seating near the shore. Music plays loudly, creating an energetic atmosphere suited for casual hangouts or light work. Unique features include a disposable camera project and a dog-friendly environment.

Pistachio croissants stand out as a rare find here, offered alongside vegan and chocolate options. They warm croissants on request, enhancing the freshness and flavor.

Cozy corner cafe with outdoor seating near the beach offers a comfortable and welcoming vibe. It serves as a joyful neighborhood spot with highly rated coffee.

People are saying

"The coffee here is amazing, truly art in a cup."

"I found the pastries here to be flaky and delicious."

"I usually only get pistachio croissants at the farmers market."

Good to know

1

The coffee shop is often busy, so expect a line out the door.

2

Non-dairy milks incur an extra charge of $1.

3

Dogs are allowed to sit in the human chairs.

09
Caffe Luxxe image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop features heated patio and both indoor and outdoor seating, creating a busy atmosphere with loud music that energizes the space. It attracts a crowd that appreciates high-quality coffee and a variety of options, often resulting in lines extending out the door during peak times.

Almond banana and turkey Gruyere croissants stand out with their unique fillings. Butter and chocolate croissants taste good but are more standard.

Cute atmosphere and positive vibes make the cafe inviting. The specialty coffees like Nico latte and Nikko brews stand out, though parking can be tricky due to the busy location.

People are saying

"The croissants here looked small batch with slight variations."

"My dry cappuccino was perfect, with just the right amount of foam."

"The cafe's lattes are delicious, especially with oat milk."

Good to know

1

Parking is free with validation, but it fills up quickly on weekends.

2

Expect a 10-15 minute wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

10
goodboybob coffee roasters image 1

Cozy cafe with stylish decor and both indoor and outdoor seating, including dog-friendly spaces. Atmosphere blends creative energy with a welcoming vibe, though noise levels can vary. Frequented by a diverse crowd, often accompanied by beautiful cars parked outside.

Croissants come in several varieties like almond, chocolate, and breakfast sandwiches with eggs, cheese, and avocado. Almond croissants get a light toast to enhance flavor, while chocolate croissants can be cold inside after toasting. Crumbs from croissant sandwiches can scatter due to small plates.

Coffee here stands out with great flavor and consistent quality. The space offers a comfortable atmosphere where working on laptops for long stretches feels welcome.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really delicious."

"The cafe's coffee and espresso drinks are delicious and well-crafted."

"The croissant breakfast sandwich was good, but messy."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky; expect to pay $7 for street parking.

2

The coffee shop has limited indoor seating and some outdoor seating.

3

It takes about 20 minutes to get a cup of coffee.

11
The Place To Be image 1

Small cafe with authentic French bakery style and Parisian vibe inside and out offers a cozy atmosphere with fresh croissants and baguette sandwiches. Quiet compared to nearby spots, it attracts those seeking genuine French flavors and a relaxed setting.

Fresh croissants come in several varieties including vegan, chocolate, and lemon curd. Prices reach around six dollars for vegan options. Ham and cheese croissants resemble those found across Europe.

Small authentic French bakery offers a Parisian vibe inside and out. Croissants and cafe drinks suit a French breakfast setting, though non-French speakers may feel less welcome.

People are saying

"I found the French pastries and baked goods here to be delicious."

"I loved the authentic French pastries and cafe here."

"I found the croissant here to be the best I had."

Good to know

1

Prices for breakfast items are reasonable, with most under $15.

2

The bakery offers a variety of pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee drinks.

3

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

12
Cafe Ruisseau image 1
Coffee shop

Modern coffee shop with high ceilings and large windows creates a bright, inviting space filled with gorgeous plants. Atmosphere stays cozy and relaxed, featuring R&B music that supports both chilling and focused work. Seating options include indoor and outdoor areas with free WiFi, making it suitable for remote work or casual visits.

Sweet and savory croissants come in varied flavors, including a turkey and cheese option. Some croissants arrive without warming, and quality opinions vary, with at least one noting a poor texture.

Meticulously crafted coffee designs add a special touch to the drinks. The atmosphere feels beautiful and inviting, with great people making amazing coffee.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great coffee here."

"It's a great work-friendly spot with a relaxed, cozy atmosphere."

"The croissant here is served with such friendly and efficient service."

Good to know

1

There is no bathroom on-site at Cafe Ruisseau.

2

You can walk a little bit to find a bathroom nearby.

3

There is street parking nearby, including a 3-hour meter across the street.

13
La Monarca Bakery & Cafe image 1

Small bakery with cozy atmosphere and lovely decor featuring Mexican-style treats. Music plays loudly in the morning, creating a lively vibe. Offers fresh pastries and Mexican coffee, attracting those seeking authentic flavors.

Ham & cheese stands out with its rich, savory filling. Butter, chocolate, and coffee croissants offer flaky layers and balanced flavors.

Mexican-style coffee stands out here, especially the cafe de olla served without cream or sugar. Freshly baked cakes and Mexican pastries complement the friendly cafe atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought their coffee was terrific and better than Starbucks."

"I loved the cafe de olla; it was delicious."

"You have to try the ham & cheese croissant."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find near the bakery.

2

The bakery accepts credit cards but does not accept cash.

3

They offer a rewards program for frequent purchases.

14
Blue Bottle Coffee image 1

Modern space with natural light and upholstered seating offers a relaxing atmosphere despite some noise and echo. Shared tables accommodate groups, but uncomfortable chairs limit long stays. Coffee quality is high, paired with fresh pastries like buttery croissants.

Buttery and fresh croissants stand out here, especially the almond croissant which comes beautifully presented. Some locations often run out of pastry, making availability inconsistent.

Location stands out among coffee shops. Coffee matches specialty coffee quality and work organization raises questions.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the coffee; it tasted amazing."

"The almond croissant here is divine and beautifully presented."

"I thought the coffee at this cafe was great and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 15-25 minutes for orders during peak hours.

2

Online ordering is recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

The cafรฉ only accepts card payments; cash is not accepted.

15
Bluestone Lane Santa Monica Coffee Shop image 1

Small coffee shop with a cozy atmosphere and welcoming vibes. Outdoor seating features an oversized wooden table and benches, creating a relaxed spot near the beach. Quick service includes touchscreen ordering and treats available for dogs.

Croissants come with a chipotle mayo in the bacon, egg, and cheese version that adds a little extra flavor. The espresso and almond croissant offers a different twist worth trying.

Offers great customer service and a cool vibe in an area lacking quality local coffee shops. Serves as a reliable everyday coffee spot with consistently positive experiences.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be the most delicious I had ever tasted."

"The Cafe staff here is super friendly and welcoming."

"I thought the croissants were great."

Good to know

1

Parking is available for free in the back lot shared with nearby restaurants.

2

The cafรฉ offers non-dairy milk options for coffee drinks.

3

Expect the place to get busy early in the morning.

16
Cafe Berlina image 1
Coffee shop

European charm fills the space with classical music and metal chairs alongside cozy couches. The atmosphere stays relaxing and peaceful, inviting quiet socializing rather than work. Pastries and coffee offer a varied, affordable selection in a quaint, clean setting.

European-style pastries include almond croissants that pair well with coffee. Some croissants are less memorable and vary in quality.

Cozy atmosphere with German charm sets this cafe apart. It serves fresh pastries and breakfast biscuits alongside excellent coffee without Wi-Fi or laptop use allowed.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be the best I had in a while."

"The pastries here are delicious and pair perfectly with coffee."

"The cafe's pastries and coffee are excellent."

Good to know

1

Restrooms are available for customers only.

2

Cafe Berlina does not allow laptops in the coffeeshop.

3

There is a discrepancy between online hours and the hours on the door sign.

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