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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Santa Monica's best

Espresso and latte spots

An espresso or latte that is pulled with actual care instead of being rushed through a machine by someone who clearly doesn't want to be there.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
One Cedar image 1
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Coffee shop

Neighborhood coffeehouse with big windows and lowkey energy offers a welcoming, easygoing vibe. Music hums at just the right frequency with a DJ playing proper house music. Outdoor seating includes bike locks, supporting a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Perfect pulls come from an espresso professional who treats classics like espresso, cortado, flat white, and latte with reverence. The Howโ€™s Nicely offers a fresh, balanced espresso with bright orange zest notes.

Classics like espresso, cortado, flat white, and latte get careful attention without feeling stuck in the past. Options include a vanilla latte and a matcha latte, both well made and flavorful.

People are saying

"The coffee here is superb, made with a lot of love."

"The owner's welcoming attitude made the latte experience better."

"The espresso here is built on proportion, temperature, and timing."

Good to know

1

One Cedar offers unique coffee options that you won't find elsewhere.

2

The coffee is reasonably priced, making it accessible for everyone.

3

The shop is dog friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend.

02
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.

Espresso comes with a glass of sparkling water showing attention to detail. Shots are top-tier and consistently good, served in a clean setting.

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 enjoyed the coffee; it tasted amazing."

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

"I enjoyed the high quality of the espresso here."

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.

03
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.

Cold brew espresso stands out as an absolute diamond and the star of the show. Skillful preparation switches between regular pour over, Turkish style, cold brew, and espresso with ease.

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 cold brew was awesome and perfectly balanced."

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

"I experienced the best espresso of my 20+ years of traveling."

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.

04
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.

Espresso here features single origin beans with clear origin notes and a velvety texture. Drinks work well both straight and with milk, and the espresso tonic offers a unique flavor twist.

Seasonal iced hazelnut latte stands out for its rich flavor. Vanilla lattes use homemade vanilla syrup and almond milk is made in house for hot lattes.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really delicious."

"I found the vanilla latte to be one of the best I've had."

"The espresso here is smooth and velvety."

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.

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.

Espresso here has a perfect pull and exceptional quality. Staff focus on making great espresso, including an Espresso Macchiato served with two shots and foam in a small porcelain cup.

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

People are saying

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

"I enjoyed the great espresso; the flavor was excellent."

"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.

06
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.

Strong, smooth espresso forms the base of rich, flavorful cappuccinos here. Drinks taste fresh and deliver a consistent, delicious coffee experience.

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 breakfast here is so fresh and delicious."

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

"The espresso here is strong and smooth."

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.

07
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.

Espresso lacks aromatic qualities and depth in flavor.

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

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

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

"I believed the espresso here was the best in the city."

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.

08
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.

Espresso here features a medium-dark blend with perfectly roasted beans that balance flavor well. Options range from classic shots to unique drinks like a half espresso, half oat milk combo.

Baristas craft lattes with rich flavor and homemade syrups like hazelnut and honey. Options include iced lattes, vanilla, and oat milk variations, all smooth and creamy.

People are saying

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

"I found the espresso here to be outstanding and very good."

"I found the hazelnut latte to be the best I've had."

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.

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Santa Monica, California

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