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Top picks in Santa Monica

Cafes and pastries

A flaky pastry and a quiet cup of coffee are the only things needed to start the day on the right foot.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated April 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.

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

Freshly made spinach-filled filo pastry stands out among a good assortment of pastries. Breakfast items complement the great pastries and coffee.

People are saying

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

"The coffee at this cafe is truly excellent."

"You have to try the spinach-filled filo pastry; it's so tasty."

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
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.

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.

French pastries taste very good and come with delicious coffee. Pastries and service are impeccable and include fantastic ficelle sandwiches.

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 found the pastries here to be delicious and amazing."

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.

03
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.

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.

Pastries taste homemade and pair well with great coffee. They fit well for a quick snack or alongside an all-day breakfast.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is so fresh and delicious."

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

"The coffee and pastries here are amazing."

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.

04
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.

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.

Pastries show high quality with great flavor that stays balanced without too much sweetness. They come across as delicious and well made.

People are saying

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

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

"The cafe staff are so friendly and helpful."

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.

05
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.

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.

Authentic Parisian pastries offer both sweet and savory options with a flaky texture. Fruit and cream cheese fillings stand out alongside good looking pastries displayed.

People are saying

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

"I enjoyed some of the best coffee and pastries here."

"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.

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.

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

Sesame pastry stands out among the limited selection of pastries available, especially in the morning. Pastry cases can attract fruit flies in the afternoon, which affects the display.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved their matcha pastry and coffee."

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
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.

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.

Pastries include a strawberry almond croissant and some vegan options. Selection shrinks by afternoon to three items like banana bread slices and almond bites.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved their pastries, especially the strawberry almond croissant."

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.

08
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.

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

Pastries come fresh and fantastic with a great variety to choose from. They pair well with hot coffee or tea.

People are saying

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

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

"The pastries here are super fresh and delicious."

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.

09
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.

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.

Pastries come as art pieces with unique flavors like Zaatar jalapeรฑo Kalamata olive butter. Options include hearty breakfast pastries alongside smooth espresso.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really delicious."

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

"I loved their buttery, flaky pastry case."

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.

10
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.

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.

Pastries here are consistently delicious and include croissants and classic French options. The spot suits grabbing a baguette sandwich or pastry to take to the beach.

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 pastries here to be delicious."

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.

11
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.

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.

Fresh European-style pastries stand out with beautiful presentation and homemade quality. The selection includes croissants and breakfast biscuits that pair well with strong coffee.

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.

12
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.

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.

Traditional Mexican pastries come with authentic flavors like rajas with peppers, corn, and cream. Pastries pair well with Mexican style coffee for a genuine breakfast experience.

People are saying

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

"The pastries here have a unique Mexican flavor."

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

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.

13
Primo Passo Coffee Co image 1

Minimalist design with natural light and outdoor seating creates a calm, trendy atmosphere. Space feels intimate yet casual, attracting many who work on laptops despite limited table size. Frequent presence of neighborhood dogs adds a sense of community to the vibe.

Coffee here has a raw sweet taste that stands out from other shops. The space feels small, intimate, and warm with lighting that blends natural and artificial light nicely.

Breakfast pastries come in a wide selection and pair well with great coffee. The spot also offers teas and merchandise alongside pastries.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee was excellent, not too acidic or bitter."

"This cafe's coffee has a robust, bold flavor."

"I found the coffee and breakfast pastries to be great."

Good to know

1

Primo Passo Coffee Co does not provide wifi for customers.

2

The line can be long, often out the door, taking 20 to 30 minutes for drinks.

3

There are fewer than 10 parking spaces in the back; street parking is common.

14
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf image 1

Coffee shop offers a calm and soothing vibe with a warm atmosphere and ocean view. It operates as a grab and go spot without indoor seating, often busy with lines through the door. Prices are higher than average, and the menu includes options like oat milk and pup cups for dogs.

A calm and soothing vibe defines the cafe, which sits right by the rides on the pier. It stands out as the only coffee shop in that spot but offers service that falls short of expectations.

Pastries come fresh and warm, enhancing their flavor. Snacks and pastries taste consistently delicious.

People are saying

"I highly recommend their rich and bold Vietnamese coffee."

"The Cafe staff were so friendly and accommodating."

"I found the pastries delicious and tasted very fresh."

Good to know

1

This is a grab and go type of place.

2

There's nowhere to sit at this place.

3

Prices are higher than average, with lattes over $7.

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