Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Bakeries in Downtown Santa Monica

Fresh bread that is baked with actual intention rather than just serving as a filler for the table.

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

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.

Food features locally sourced, farm-to-table comfort dishes that are fresh and beautifully presented. The menu offers delicious selections with a family-like atmosphere enhancing the overall experience.

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 food here is delicious and fresh."

"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 restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and lovely patio. Music plays softly, creating a calm, inviting vibe without loud noise or crowds. The setting feels warm and simple, offering a relaxed dining experience.

Food features authentic Italian flavors with dishes that taste exactly like traditional recipes. Meals offer great value for money in an area known for higher prices.

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 food, especially the gnocchi, is simple, comforting, and executed flawlessly."

"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
Yagul Cafe image 1
Restaurant

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.

Food comes fresh to order with authentic Mexican flavors and affordable prices. The menu features delicious breakfast options and dishes made with clear passion and care.

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."

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious."

"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.

04
1212 Santa Monica image 1
New American restaurant

Large space with dog-friendly patio and live DJ music creates a loud, fun atmosphere that energizes the evening. Outdoor seating features fire pits enhancing the vibe. Music volume often challenges conversation but adds to the lively environment.

Food here stands out for its excellent quality and fantastic flavors. Service complements the meals well, creating a solid dining experience.

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
Shirubē image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Long, narrow space with open kitchen and intimate bar seating offers a cozy, authentic vibe. Lighting creates a romantic atmosphere that highlights the antique sake cups and skilled chefs at work. The setting feels distinct from typical izakayas, blending minimal decor with thoughtful design.

Japanese style bar food features authentic flavors and dishes mostly under $25. The Saba stands out for its quality and careful preparation, paired with warm, thoughtful service.

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."

"The food here is so fresh and full of flavor."

"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.

06
Orto Santa Monica image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a smallish space with soaring ceilings and lots of windows, creating a bright and pleasant atmosphere. Soft jazz music keeps noise levels low, making it easy to have conversations. The outdoor courtyard adds a charming setting that complements the elegant interior.

Authentic Italian flavors shine through every dish. The food shows high quality and is consistently well executed.

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.

07
The Curious Palate image 1
New American restaurant

Restaurant offers open-air seating with a calm, relaxing atmosphere that contrasts with nearby noisy spots. Space feels homey and curated, encouraging guests to unwind in a bright, spacious interior suitable for families.

Food features homemade dishes crafted from local produce including beer. Quality consistently rates as outstanding with delicious flavors and excellent service.

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.

08
Solidarity image 1
Polish restaurant

Polish restaurant offers authentic homestyle decor with private outdoor patios featuring firepits and cozy seating. Atmosphere feels like a friend's home, combining cozy vibes with an elevated dining experience. Bar serves unique cocktails like the Warsaw Mule, creating a lively spot to meet and relax.

Central European dishes offer super tasty small plates that satisfy without being too heavy. Polish cuisine features delicious spätzle and comfort food that feels like a secret garden experience on the outdoor patio.

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.

09
Santa Monica Seafood Market & Cafe image 1

Seafood market combines fresh seafood displays with a lively oyster bar and casual dining space. Atmosphere balances bustling market energy with enough quiet for conversation. Offers a community hub vibe where people shop and eat in one place.

Food features exceptional freshness and high quality with flavors that stand out as extremely delicious. Staff provide helpful guidance on ordering both dine-in and takeaway options.

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 food here is exceptionally high quality and delicious."

"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.

10
XUNTOS image 1
Tapas bar

Spanish tapas bar offers a cozy art deco interior with soft warm lighting and a down-to-earth yet elegant vibe. The atmosphere ranges from loud and lively to more intimate upstairs seating, attracting those seeking authentic Spanish flavors paired with an extensive vermouth and cocktail selection.

Spanish dishes arrive quickly and showcase authentic flavors that match dining in Spain. The menu offers a quality tapas experience that stands out among local options.

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 food here is delicious, flavorful, and authentically Spanish."

"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.

11
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery image 1

Traditional Italian deli combines market, café, and quick-stop in a bustling, cozy atmosphere with authentic Italian grocery offerings. Outdoor seating includes stone picnic tables for enjoying sandwiches. The vibe recalls Little Italy in Manhattan with a quaint, small-town charm.

Fresh ingredients and a wide variety of authentic Italian foods stand out here. Hot food options are reasonably priced and draw people from far away.

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 Godmother sandwich; it's wicked good food."

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.

12
La Monarca Bakery & Cafe image 1

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.

Traditional Mexican dishes come fresh and offer some unfamiliar flavors. The food is consistently good and often described as delicious with great coffee alongside.

Corn bread stands out as delicious here. Rosca de Reyes shaped like a concha exists but lacks flavor and tastes worse than a bolillo, making it disappointing.

People are saying

"I thought their coffee was terrific and better than Starbucks."

"I found the food here to be delicious and great."

"I bought the Rosca de Reyes bread here last year."

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.

Discover more

Downtown, Santa Monica

Area guide
Loading Map...