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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Monica

Lattes and croissants

Made for those who consider a warm latte and a fresh croissant the only way to start their morning.

Based on 727 Opinions
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01
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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.

Blueberry latte stands out with its unique flavor. The French toast latte offers a rich, sweet twist. All lattes here are consistently delicious and flavorful.

People are saying

"I thought the latte here was the best I've ever had."

"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.

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Small bakery with open kitchen and light, airy design featuring white walls and marble counters. Cozy vibe with patio seating under trees invites relaxed enjoyment of freshly baked pastries and excellent coffee. Popular spot often sells out early, drawing a steady crowd seeking top-quality croissants and baked goods.

Croissants have a flaky, crispy exterior and a fluffy, buttery interior made with real European-style butter. The chocolate croissants contain a substantial amount of chocolate and the walnut croissants stand out for their rich flavor.

Oat milk lattes stand out here with a smooth, rich flavor. The coffee quality is strong, making the lattes taste fresh and well-crafted.

People are saying

"I considered these the best croissants I had found in LA."

"I thought the latte was amazing, especially the croissant."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid long lines and ensure popular pastries are available.

2

Most pastries sell out before 10am, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Parking on Melrose Place is tough; metered spots fill quickly.

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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.

Lattes here feature vanilla bean syrup and oat milk options. The no-frills and Turkish-inspired lattes pair well with homemade desserts and smashed egg toast.

People are saying

"The egg and cheese croissant was just perfect."

"I thought the latte here was excellent."

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.

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Small artisan bakery with an open kitchen showcases authentic French pastries and rustic decor. Warm, cozy atmosphere fills the space with intoxicating smells and a joyous, welcoming vibe. Lines form quickly for exceptional croissants that rival those in Paris.

Croissants here have a perfect flakiness that rivals those in Paris and Japan. The almond and ham & cheese varieties come fresh and flaky, with a crisp texture that leaves no mess behind.

Smooth texture stands out in their lattes. The iced oat latte features house-made vanilla syrup for added flavor.

People are saying

"I found the best croissant I've ever tasted here."

"The latte here is divine and pairs well with pastries."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines, especially during weekends and mornings.

2

The croissants sell out quickly, so arrive early.

3

There are no tables available; it's primarily a grab-and-go bakery.

05
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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.

Offers unique latte flavors like Turon banana inspired by Filipino dessert and blueberry matcha. Includes iced options such as banana and Manila Vanilla Latte with balanced taste.

People are saying

"I thought the almond croissant tasted amazing."

"The Manila Vanilla Latte has a great balance of flavor."

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.

06
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Small, cozy restaurant with a family-run feel and casual atmosphere. Outdoor seating includes two small tables, one suitable for dogs. Loud juice machine and blenders near dining area affect the otherwise relaxed vibe.

Egg and bacon croissants stand out with rich flavor and perfectly cooked eggs. Chocolate croissants come warmed but can be less appealing when microwaved.

Big cups of Oaxacan latte come with just the right amount of spice and full flavor. Other options include iced vanilla latte, caramel latte, and turmeric lattes.

People are saying

"I had a tasty breakfast croissant here."

"This Oaxacan latte is full of flavor and just the right amount of spice."

Good to know

1

Yagul Cafe is a family-owned establishment known for its authentic Oaxacan cuisine.

2

The cafe seats around 30 people, making it an intimate dining experience.

3

Expect to pay around $20 for chicken enchiladas, which may be considered small in portion.

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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.

Smooth, rich lattes stand out with a perfect balance of flavors. Options like the iced vanilla latte and dirty chai latte offer consistent quality and depth.

People are saying

"The latte here is served with such warm, friendly hospitality."

"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.

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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.

Strong, creamy vanilla lattes come with just the right sweetness. Hot lattes consistently deliver excellent flavor and great creaminess.

People are saying

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

"This vanilla latte is strong, creamy, and perfectly sweet."

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.

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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.

Lattes here show strong skill in latte art, even with oat milk. The iced oat milk latte rates highly for flavor, but some cold brews and iced lattes have a weak taste and an odd aftertaste. Almond milk lattes come off as average.

People are saying

"I loved my iced oat milk latte, it was a 10/10."

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

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.

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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.

Chai and cardamom lattes stand out with rich spices and cozy flavors. Oat milk lattes consistently deliver smooth, satisfying taste with beautiful latte art.

People are saying

"I waited a long time for my latte here."

"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.

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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.

Cardamom latte stands out as a unique choice, crafted with care and precision. Other options like the Carmel Latte and hot latte also show consistent quality and attention to detail.

People are saying

"I loved their caramel latte; it was the best."

"I couldn't get online because there was no Wi-Fi available."

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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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.

Oatchata latte made with oat milk stands out for its unique flavor but leans a bit sweet. The iced latte from their roast is solid, while hot lattes sometimes arrive warmer than expected or get iced after being heated.

People are saying

"I found the oat milk latte to be 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.

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Small bakery with simple minimalistic design and modern clean ambiance caters mainly to takeout with no indoor seating. Portuguese-style egg tarts and large cookies stand out as signature items, drawing a young, trendy crowd. Free parking and an outdoor seating area add convenience for quick visits.

Croissants here are mostly well-made and flaky. The almond croissant stands out as dry and crusty, not matching typical croissant texture or flavor.

Ube coconut and horchata matcha lattes stand out with their unique flavors and balanced sweetness. Horchata coffee and latte options lean toward a mild, milky taste without being overly sweet.

People are saying

"I thought the croissants here were perfected."

"I enjoyed the horchata latte, it wasn't overly sweet."

Good to know

1

Paderia Bakehouse is strictly takeout with no indoor seating available.

2

A single cookie costs $7, making them relatively expensive.

3

Paderia Bakehouse does not accept cash; only card payments are allowed.

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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.

Iced lattes stand out with their balanced sweetness and mild coffee flavor. Staff explain differences between drinks and deliver lattes directly to tables.

People are saying

"I loved the sweet iced latte; it was perfectly sweet."

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

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 café only accepts card payments; cash is not accepted.

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