Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Santa Monica

Tea and latte spots

A warm mug of tea or a steamed latte provides the necessary pause in a busy day.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Cafe Ruisseau image 1
Cafe Ruisseau image 2
Cafe Ruisseau image 3
View all
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.

Chai here stands out with its perfect spice balance and moderate sweetness. The oat and chai lattes with soy milk deliver phenomenal flavor.

Lattes feature skilled latte art and a variety of unique flavors like vanilla lavender, pumpkin spiced with homemade syrup, and tiramisu. The dirty chai latte stands out as consistently phenomenal.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great coffee here."

"I loved the pumpkin spice latte with their homemade syrup."

"This chai tea is perfectly spiced and not too sweet."

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.

02
Odd One Out Tea Santa Monica image 1

Orange ombrรฉ building with a mixed indoor/outdoor setup creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Small stand-style shop offers high-quality gelato and unique silk boba with vegetarian-friendly ingredients. Seating includes tables and chairs, making it a relaxed spot for casual hangouts on a busy promenade.

Milk teas offer fresh flavors like buckwheat, barley, and Hokkaido soba. Signature drinks include Champion Milk Tea with jasmine boba and Golden Buddha Silk Tea, all without a grainy aftertaste.

Sweet coffee options include a creme brรปlรฉe latte and a Tahiti vanilla latte. The menu also features a Viennese latte (einspanner) and a macha latte.

People are saying

"The milk tea here is really flavorful and has great depth."

"The avocado honey gelato was so refreshing and smooth."

"Their einspanner latte has a nice foam with a pleasant texture."

Good to know

1

They offer 1 drink or a scoop of gelato for $1 today only.

2

The owner confirmed that the silk boba is vegetarian friendly, made with agar and tapioca starch.

3

The outside area is dog friendly.

03
One Cedar image 1
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.

Fun flavored tea drinks come perfectly balanced with options like chai and specialty iced tea. The menu includes a variety of cold brew and latte styles that complement the tea selection.

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."

"I enjoyed the fun flavored tea drinks that were perfectly balanced."

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.

04
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.

Pink Dream tea offers a beautiful color and a delicious, unique flavor crafted for non-coffee drinkers. The cold brew stands out with its smooth, sweet, and refreshing taste, featuring notes of blueberries, honey, and red grape.

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 loved chatting with Chris, he really knows his tea."

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

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.

05
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.

Chai stands out with a rich oatmilk latte and a classic brewed option. The tea menu pairs well with fresh baked treats and offers a solid variety alongside coffee.

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

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

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

"I ordered a chai and it was delicious."

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.

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.

Turkish tea offers a rich, aromatic complement to meals here. It pairs well with dishes like shakshuka and eggs with cheese, enhancing the overall breakfast 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."

"Their dirty chai latte was very good."

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
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.

Chai stands out with its rich flavor and smooth texture. Serving tea in a mug adds a cozy, personal touch to the presentation.

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 thought the chai tea here was the best Iโ€™ve had."

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.

08
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.

Tea includes a ginger mint blend with a perfect balance of flavors. Green tea also appears as a solid choice alongside coffee and pastries.

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 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.

09
Cafe Bolivar image 1

Bright, elegant cafe with natural sunlight and artwork on walls creates a warm, creative vibe. Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating supports both casual dining and focused work despite background noise. Known for authentic, delicious arepas, it blends a cozy atmosphere with quality offerings.

Mauritius tea stands out as a regular choice here, often paired with arepas. The tea menu also includes green tea alongside various pastries, coffee, and juices.

Lattes come out pulled beautifully with smooth texture. Options include vanilla ice latte, matcha latte with honey, and iced cafe latte, all nicely balanced and flavorful.

People are saying

"The coffee here is strong, rich, and exceptionally good."

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

"I missed getting the warm, crispy arepas and Mauritius tea."

Good to know

1

Cafe Bolivar has indoor, outdoor, and counter seating options available.

2

There is 20-minute parking available in front of Cafe Bolivar.

3

The parking meter accepts both card and coins for payment.

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.

Options include chai and matcha lattes for non-coffee drinkers. Unsweetened cold teas like iced hibiscus are available. The chai tea tastes average compared to other spots.

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."

"I loved the unsweetened cold tea and matcha lattes."

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.

Discover more

Santa Monica, California

Area guide
Loading Map...