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Local picks

Bread spots in Downtown, Santa Monica

A loaf of bread pulled straight from the oven is a simple, grounding pleasure.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Monica Cafe image 1
Monica Cafe image 2
Monica Cafe image 3
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Cozy space with lofted seating and unique wall art sets a calm, work-friendly vibe with soft jazz music. Meals feature delicious sourdough bread and standout lemon poppy bread served with clotted cream and orange honey. Midwest/East Coast class meets neighborhood warmth here.

Meals come with delicious sourdough bread and fresh bread options. The lemon poppy bread and bread served with clotted cream and orange infused honey stand out for their flavors.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is so fresh and delicious."

"The staff here are so welcoming, it makes you feel appreciated."

"The staff here are so warm and friendly, always smiling."

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.

02
Ugo Trattoria image 1
Italian restaurant

Quaint Italian spot offers a cozy atmosphere with soft music and a lovely patio. Fresh, overbaked bread comes with a flavorful dip, perfect alongside pizza or chicken parmigiana. Warm, simple setting ensures a relaxed dining experience.

Overbaked bread comes with a side dip of olive oil, parmesan cheese, cracked pepper, and balsamic vinaigrette. Bread is fresh and pairs well with main dishes like pizza and chicken parmigiana.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic Italian, bursting with fresh flavors."

"The Italian food's gnocchi is perfectly soft and delicious."

"The bread dip with olive oil and parmesan was amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features Italian beer like Peroni on tap.

2

An automatic 20% gratuity is added to all bills.

3

The restaurant charges $5 for card payments.

03
Shirubē image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Long, narrow space with intimate bar seating creates a cozy vibe. Garlic bread shines alongside negitoro, while toasted French bread with cheese tofu and honey offers a smooth, addictive combo. Romantic lighting highlights antique sake cups and skilled chefs at work.

Garlic bread pairs well with negitoro, adding a stellar flavor. Toasted French bread slices come with Cheese Tofu, honey, and strawberries for a smooth, addictive combo.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"You have to get the corn ribs; they're amazing."

"You have to try the Cheese Tofu with French bread slices for dessert."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Sunday with food and drink specials.

2

Most happy hour menu items are about $5 cheaper than regular prices.

3

They offer both early and late-night happy hour specials.

04
1212 Santa Monica image 1
New American restaurant

Large space with dog-friendly patio and live DJ music creates a lively vibe. French bread loaf is perfectly textured and ideal for dipping in sauces. House-made bread complements rich dishes like wagyu spaghetti and wild boar papperdelle.

French bread loaf stands out for its perfect texture and is essential for dipping in pasta sauces. House-made bread pairs well with gnocchi and rich dishes like wagyu spaghetti and wild boar papperdelle, enhancing the meal experience.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful, fresh, and delicious."

"Our Brunch server Robert was very attentive and accommodating."

"You have to dip the French bread in the pasta sauce."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

All-night happy hour is available on Mondays, offering great deals.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events like the Super Bowl.

05
Yagul Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Small, cozy spot with a family-run feel and casual vibe. Enjoy poppy bread made from local ingredients, perfect with dishes like Mushroom Omelet. Outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly table, though loud blenders can disrupt the calm.

Poppy bread with butter appears as a staple side, paired well with dishes like the Mushroom Omelet. Ingredients for bread come from local sources, supporting fresh and authentic flavors.

People are saying

"The breakfast burritos here are phenomenal and delicious."

"This Mexican food is so fresh and has amazing flavors."

"The poppy bread with butter complemented the omelet well."

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.

06
Surya Spa image 1
Health spa

Massage rooms offer beautiful design and use products that leave skin rejuvenated. Ayurvedic breads bring unique flavors, especially the fresh, rich banana bread with ghee. Atmosphere is calm and simple, blending ease with quality.

Ayurvedic breads stand out with unique flavors. Banana bread with ghee arrives fresh and rich. Bread and spices are available for purchase, though some bread served can be stale.

People are saying

"I had the best massage ever at this spa."

"I experienced the best massage, it was transformational."

"I dreamt of these ayurvedic breads."

Good to know

1

There is no changing into a robe; guests go straight into a waiting room.

2

In the treatment room, guests change in a bathroom, which may not be comfortable.

3

The massage lacks traditional technique and may feel more like reiki.

07
Orto Santa Monica image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian spot shines with soaring ceilings and soft jazz for a calm vibe. Warm bread with flavorful olive oil starts the meal, though watch for extra charges. Outdoor courtyard adds a charming setting perfect for relaxed dining.

Warm bread arrives at the table with flavorful olive oil. Bread quality is consistently exceptional but note that water and bread charges apply and can be surprising.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The Italian food here feels so authentic and romantic."

"The bread here is wonderful, especially with flavorful olive oil."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

Expect a 20% service charge for large parties of six or more.

08
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery image 1

Traditional Italian deli offers a cozy vibe with authentic Italian grocery and stone picnic tables outside. Fresh bread shines with a crunchy crust and soft inside, perfect for sandwiches. The place blends market and café for a quick, tasty stop.

Bread comes out fresh, with a crunchy outside and soft inside. It stands out as the star in sandwiches and pairs well with sauces like marinara.

People are saying

"The Godmother sandwich with the works is the best choice."

"The bread here is remarkably fresh and enhances every sandwich."

"You have to try the lasagna; it's the best I've had in LA."

Good to know

1

They accept only cash and debit card.

2

You need to grab a ticket with a number and wait until they call out the numbers.

3

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours.

09
XUNTOS image 1
Tapas bar

Spanish tapas bar shines with cozy art deco vibes and lively to intimate seating. Small breads with tomato and sardine or ham offer crispy, flavorful bites. Pair dishes with an extensive vermouth and cocktail menu for a true taste experience.

Small breads come with tomato and sardine or ham and tomato, both crispy and flavorful. Toasted bread topped with anchovies offers a great texture without being too salty. Extra bread is served with garlic shrimp to soak up the sauce.

People are saying

"The garlic shrimp and scallops were perfectly cooked."

"The dinner spots here have amazing taste and fresh ingredients."

"The bread with tomato and sardine is surprisingly tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy evenings.

2

Happy hour is available on weekdays with a limited menu.

3

The restaurant adds a 4% employee benefits fee to the bill.

10
Santa Monica Seafood Market & Cafe image 1

Seafood market buzzes with fresh catches and a lively oyster bar, creating a community hub vibe. Grilled Röckenwagner bread shines in lobster rolls and tuna melts, adding a buttery texture that balances flavors. Atmosphere blends energy with quiet spots for easy conversation.

Grilled bread features prominently, especially in the lobster roll and tuna melt. The café uses Röckenwagner bread known for its thick, buttery texture that balances the fillings well.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The market has an excellent selection of fresh seafood."

"The clam chowder is perfectly seasoned and fantastic."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the back of the market.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

3

Prices for fresh seafood are comparable to upscale restaurants.

11
Solidarity image 1
Polish restaurant

Polish restaurant feels like a friend's home with cozy seating and private patios. Bread is warm and good, especially the baton bread which is larger than usual. Bar offers unique drinks like the Warsaw Mule, making it a lively spot to relax.

Warm bread often comes with meals but is not complimentary. The baton bread stands out as a larger portion compared to other small dishes. Bread quality is generally good across the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, homestyle, and elevated comfort food."

"The outdoor seating feels like a beautiful secret garden."

"I thought the bread here was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Parking is tough in that area; street parking is available.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The outdoor courtyard hosts Yappy Hour on alternate Thursdays, and dogs are always welcome.

12
The Curious Palate image 1
New American restaurant

Open-air seating creates a calm atmosphere perfect for families. House-made breads are fresh and soft, made with ingredients from the farmers market. Bright, spacious interior invites guests to relax and enjoy a homey, curated space.

House-made breads come fresh and soft, crafted in-house alongside pasta and sauces. All breads use fresh ingredients sourced directly from the farmers market.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, healthy, and delicious."

"This Local Spot's fresh, from-scratch cooking uses local ingredients."

"The bread here is made from scratch with fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of the Santa Monica Place Mall.

2

The menu offers a variety of dishes at reasonable prices.

3

There are many vegetarian options available.

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Downtown, Santa Monica

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