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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Monica

Pastries with croissants

Made for those who judge a bakery entirely by the quality of its croissants and assorted pastries.

Based on 776 Opinions
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01
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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.

Fresh baked pastries stand out for being not too sweet and very tasty. Walnut croissants, cherry bombs, and weekend cinnamon rolls show creative flavors that rival European pastry masters.

People are saying

"The buttery, flaky pastry here is like Paris."

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

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.

02
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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.

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

People are saying

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

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

Good to know

1

The café 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.

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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.

Pastries here stand out for their incredible flavor and variety, including savory ham and cheese and sweet pain aux raisins. The cardamom scroll is especially notable for its memorable taste.

People are saying

"I thought the pastries here were outstanding and not overly sweet."

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

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.

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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.

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

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

"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.

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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.

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

People are saying

"The pastries here are super fresh 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.

06
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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.

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 pastries here to be delicious."

"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.

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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.

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 coffee and pastries here are amazing."

"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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Outdoor seating dominates with a cute private garden and plenty of tables creating a calm, cozy atmosphere. Friendly service complements a rustic vibe where bakers work behind a wall of sourdoughs and bagels. Music ranges from Italian jazz to classic rock, enhancing a relaxed, hipster feel.

Croissants show fantastic lamination and lovely pockets, reflecting skilled baking. Chocolate and almond varieties stand out as phenomenal, with a croissant loaf also available.

Pastries feature a light dough and balanced sweetness, making them flavorful without being too sugary. Options include croissants praised for their quality, alongside a variety of breads and bagels.

People are saying

"The bagels here are huge and superior."

"The chocolate and almond croissants here are to die for."

Good to know

1

Finding parking can be a huge challenge, especially on weekends.

2

I suggest going early and on a weekday to avoid long lines.

3

The bakery offers vegan cream cheese, accommodating dietary restrictions.

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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.

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

"The pastries here have a unique Mexican flavor."

"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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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.

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

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

"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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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.

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

"I found their croissants to be amazing."

"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.

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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.

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

"I thought the almond croissant tasted 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.

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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.

Pastries come with amazing presentation and suit gifting occasions like birthdays or hospital visits. Expect a variety beyond Portuguese styles, with egg tarts served at room temperature.

People are saying

"The egg tarts were flaky outside and custardy inside."

"I thought the croissants here were perfected."

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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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.

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

"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.

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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.

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 enjoyed some of the best coffee and pastries here."

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

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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