The 23 best bakeries in Monterey

Overall: ⭐️☆☆☆☆ Food: Horrific Avoid this place if you have any sense of taste whatsoever. The words Paris and Bakery should not be used in the name of this shop. There is genuinely nothing at all authentic or good to report here. They serve the poor people of Monterey bland, limp excuses for croissants in the misguided belief customers have no taste and will just put up with it. If you want a croissant which is light, crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside with layers of flaky pastry served with a little butter and jam as it should be do not go here. Let’s not even start about their interpretation of a baguette. It’s a total disservice to the local community and disrespect to the French. No wonder it was easy to walk straight into as opposed to other local places which had lines. They may have been here a while but I can tell you their days are numbered. People are wiser and standards have been raised. This place is shockingly bad and I really, sincerely mean that. As readers know, I always give credit where it’s due. I wonder if the owners can stand up with hand on heart and look their customers in the eye whilst telling them they are being served delicious, carefully made, authentic French baked goods. I doubt it very much. What I liked: • Absolutely nothing What I didn’t like: • Dirty • Over priced • Not authentic • The ‘croissant’ • Cheap watery coffee Do I recommend going? NO Will I go again? NO Was it good value? NO Price Point: $

What a gem! This spot is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious pastries and a satisfying lunch. Their Croque Monsieur and French onion soup are absolute winners for a quick and tasty meal. I also really appreciate the recent updates with the new tables and cash registers – it makes for an even better experience!

Corner neighborhood bakery, with some nice looking pastry cases. There was a 2 person line when I arrived, but it took a while for it to move. Unfortunately they were sold out of breakfast sandwiches at 10:30, so I got an Almond Croissant which was served warm and a bit greasier than I was expecting.

This is a cute little bakery/cafe, very enjoyable to be in with a great variety of baked goods to try. The food is good, but surprisingly underwhelming -- closer to what you'd expect from a spudnut shop than a fancy French bakery. The croissant is soft and quite buttery, more of an American style. The croque monsieur was a bit forgettable. The capuccino was very nice though, mellow in flavor with a well-bodied foam. I'd definitely like to try their bread and quiches next.

The best quiche I have ever tasted, and a heavenly chocolate almond croissant. Highly recommend.

Been a regular here for over 10 years. The quality and consistency is on point. Easily one of the most iconic breakfast spots in Monterey, and a must stop spot for any friends or family that comes to town!

You can feel the European authenticity…. Wide variety, flavorful options…. A great place to start your day!!!!

Good selection of sandwiches and pastries and drinks. Yummy food and deserts. Spacious and beautiful outdoor seating. Cons: no spoon and forks available. Even though I asked for them, they didn’t fill up the canisters and just gave me two. watermelon drink was so sweet.

I thought this place was overpriced and just okay. I got the “obligatory avocado toast” and it looked better than it tasted. The avocado component tasted like guacamole on a piece of toast—heavy on the salt and lime, with almost a whipped consistency. I believe that avocado toast should be slightly chunky, with olive oil instead of lime. The best part about it was the sourdough, followed by the kumquats which were a nice touch. However $16 for a small toast I expect to be impressed, and I can’t say I was here. I also tried an orange cardamom coffee. It tasted like a regular latte—flavor was pleasant but almost nonexistent. Lastly I tried the ginger cake. It lacked flavor, but was coated in a sugar crust that made it extremely sweet. I did like the pomegranate seeds on top. Overall, I would not return. The outdoor seating area is nice.

Absolutely loved everything we tried here! We got a scone, a pastry and two different toasts. The smoked salmon toast was the winner. The avocado toast was good too. Highly recommend! We got here at 8am on a holiday weekend and hardly had to wait in line, but by the time we left there was a line down the block.

Was actually trying to go to Ad Astra this morning but they had a sign said that deep cleaning in progress so they were unexpectedly closed. Walked down to Alta instead and got 6 different croissants, a few sweet pastries and a small loaf of bread with tomatoes, cheeses and herbs. 2 chai lattes both with double espressos added to them. We ended up eating a few of the croissants and sipping coffee in the courtyard in the back. Plenty of space and tables, even dog friendly Sure all of that was fairly expensive but did we enjoy everything we got? Hell ya. Would come back again.

I absolutely loved this place! All of their toasts, muffins, and desserts were excellent: fresh, flavorful, and beautifully made. The house chai was outstanding, and the coffee of the month was delicious as well. The atmosphere is charming and relaxed, perfect for enjoying a slow morning. Definitely a spot I’ll be coming back to!

This cute little bakery was recommended to us and it did not disappoint! We were there right after 11 so they were starting to bring out lunch items too and WOW! The selection, the quality and presentation was splendid and made we wish we were getting both breakfast amd lunch. We tried the maple bacon roll, cinnamon pull part, chocolate croissant and blue corn cookies. My personal faves were the maple bacon with the sage on it and blue corn cookie. So interesting and different, and delicious. We also got a variety of hor beverages and my cousin highly recommended the orange cardamom syrup in her latte. We ate outside on the patio and the space was lovely. Will visit again!

So yummy ! Line was long but worth it ! I had an orange cardamom latte, chocolate chip cookie, carrot cake cookie sandwich, avocado toast (wish there was an option to add egg) and cinnamon bites. All delicious! Love my coffee so much definitely want to go back for lunch ! The sourdough from avocado toast was phenomenal ! Would like to purchase a loaf next time ! A bit pricy tho for no egg.

UPDATE: I’ve gone back to this bakery once more and we tried the apple pizza, the passion fruit white chocolate mini cake, and one more pastry and we were once again blown away with the balanced sweetness of the fruit and soft pastry. We have tried multiple bakeries around this area, multiple times, and I will say this is THE BEST bakery in Monterey. Some bakeries may have a long line out the store, but don’t get fooled. This will be the best one you taste in town. We went here during our stay in the morning (right before a line formed) we shared a table with a local who lives in the area. He stated this was his favorite place in the state. We got three different pastries, cherry and peach croissant, a regular croissant, and a lemon tart. We also got a chai latte and a regular coffee. We absolutely loved it. The tart was our favorite, the atmosphere is lovely and the pastries made fresh taste amazing.

Once upon a time, a love affair began with almond croissants. Specifically Parker’s almond croissants, and you’ll understand once you sample those, but— things moved forward past small pastries in our relationship. We elevated to birthday cake last year (The Experience) and this year “The Tropique”. We’re at a celebration point where I feel that if I were to get cake from another place for my Aunt’s birthday, we’d have some unhappy people (myself included). Also, try their quiche. Roasted tomato goat cheese is superb.

Friendly customer service despite how busy it was. The quiches were amazing, got the mushroom and spinach ones. Noticed some of the sandwiches weren’t made in house but delivered from somewhere else. Their almond croissants 🥐 and morning roll was pretty tasty. I just wish the inside was fluffier and not so dense. Overall a small clean ambience inside and about 4 tables to eat outside. I noticed everyone was grabbing and going the entire morning..

We ordered our lemon raspberry wedding cake with buttercream frosting from Parker-Lusseau Pastries, and it was everything we dreamed of — absolutely delicious and beautifully made! From the start, working with Anne was a wonderful experience. She was extremely responsive via email and made sure all of our requests were fulfilled. The team was so accommodating and ensured our cake would be ready and perfect for our special day, which gave us such peace of mind. Our guests couldn’t stop raving about how good the cake tasted — light, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweetness. Side note: Their almond croissants are incredible — we’re obsessed. We’ve already decided to come back on our one-year anniversary to pick up a mini version of our wedding cake and relive the magic of that day. Huge thanks to Anne and the whole Parker-Lusseau team for making our celebration so special!

Very cute pastry and bread shop in a historic building. Friendly staff. Outside sitting. We had a brioche, a croissant and a peach and blackberry tart, and a latte with oat milk. All tasted vey good.

OMG....the almond croissant was to die for. It rivals those that I've tried in France...hell, this one is probably better than most I've tried in France. Yummy yummy in my tummy!!!! Enjoy!!

Hands down the best pastries I've ever had till now. Surprisingly amazing latte too. We tried a lot of french pastries and loved all of them - both savory and sweet ones. One pastry with puff layers and vanilla cream filling, I forget the name - it was so delicious, it blew my mind. You can get the limited seating if you arrive early. During long weekends, holidays, it's hard to get any seating at all. Definitely a must visit.

Their manager named Leonard keeps canceling my prepared food orders. I guess they don't want my money anymore. The last time I was there picking up a big catering order, Leonard told me that he would help me load it into y car but he doesn't want to break his back. I thought he was joking because each tray waited no more than 15 lb, I should have returned my catering order to the store right then and there

The salad bar and the hot food bar are just awful. It seems like the people who prepare the food never even taste it. The sesame chicken cole slaw today was terrible! About ten years ago their food was good. Now, it tastes like they pay minimum wage to the chef, who then gets their revenge by making disgusting food. Update...their reply is meaningless. I have been telling them for years that the food is bad. They do not care.

We love our Whole Foods. Fantastic customer service.. I'm blessed to have such a high-end store with top shelf products that is matched by truly exceptional customer service.

The produce is the best in Monterey. I can’t shop there for everything but that is ok. I looked for another contact on website and could not find one so my only criticism of the experience at this store is associates on floor never greet you. All the checkers are great except my experiences with Matt who seems to hate his job. Lat visit I said hi hoping to someday get a friendly response. As usual this last visit I asked if he was having a good day and he said no. Not saying he could be going through stuff but for the last three years?

Clean, well stocked, friendly staff. Hard to find a Whole Foods that is not quality shopping. This one doesnt disappoint and decent parking options.

I don't usually right reviews but I wanted to point out how unprofessional supervisor Leonard was when I was trying to talk to him about my issues with prepared foods department. He was more paying attention to my daughter who didn't even say a word.... As if I wasn't even there. I know she's Young and pretty but u makes it too obvious .

Good quality products. Fairly quick checkout. Our 1st choice for organic fruits for our kids. Seafood and meat products are high quality. I also love their deli products, often get turkey and roast beef for delicious sandwiches.

Some of the best fresh bread I’ve had in a while ! My friend swears by their loafs, so we went by and got a fresh loaf- the seeded sourdough. And it was truly amazing. The place was super cute and small. They have a few fresh pastry’s you can purchase, as welll as, coffee and tea products. I really liked the glass/viewing of them baking. I thought that was pretty cool to watch the process of them making the dough and moving things around. Overall great little place !

Clean, modern, yes, but the proof is in the bread! Excellent bread, pastries and coffee. It is not cheap, but younger a higher quality product. We had a baguette first and came back a different day for a whole (olive) loaf as it was so good. I added an flat white which was also very good. Funky atmosphere with a space theme. Service was friendly and efficient. You can see through a large window the bakers doing their magic. I didn't see any place to sit down, so assume this is a take out only.

Stored in just after opening in a Sunday to try this bakery. Firstly, the service and ambience are super cool. If you sit there, you get a direct view into the bakery itself. Secondly, the service and coffee are excellent. Finally, the pastries are overall very good. We haven’t tried the bread yet, and I bake bread myself, so I’m not sure we will. We got a couple pastries. My husband enjoyed both of his very much. They do laminated pastry very well. I had the pain suisse, which is high quality but really rich (lots of salty ham and salty cheese) so it overwhelmed me a bit and I couldn’t finish it.

I love Ad Astra, this is a great addition to Monterey. Although they're known for their pastries (amazing BTW) but on my recent visit, a friend recommended me to get a hot matcha latte with macadamia milk When I say they perfected the balance on a matcha latte, I mean it. It was amazing. I'm not a matcha latte person, but this surprised me and I liked it. If you are a matcha lover, try Ad Astras matcha, it's delicious!

Creative pastries with unique flavors, good coffee, yes there’s usually a line but it’s worth it. My highlight was the chocolate dessert with miso caramel, creamy texture and perfect balance between sweet and the saltiness of the miso.

The pastries are SO good here. The coffee is exceptional and their butter croissants are beyond delicious.

Omg… the breakfast sandwich and the chai latte are amazing! The sando has a chimichurri that is to die for and formed so well with the fluffy eggs. They don’t allow modifications, though; it would have been even better for me without the kewpie mayo. The chai was spicy and not too sweet, so highest marks, and they have oat milk, so that’s a plus. I’m going back for a cardamom bun, because… cardamom bun! The inside dining area is a little bar (so not much room, but most people get their items to go) where you can watch the bakers working. It was fascinating! I highly, highly recommend this place!!

We were so happy with the cupcakes from Freedom for our wedding! The tasting box was helpful in nailing down some initial flavors (note for vegetarians: most flavors in the box have mousse, which is not vegetarian - they were very helpful with sorting through all that), and then they graciously gave us a dozen cupcakes later due to a mix-up with picking up our box, where we got a variety of other frosting flavors as well. Every single one looked beautiful and was easy to pick up and drive over to our venue two blocks away. Tania was super easy to work with. The only difficult part of the whole process was deciding on flavors!!! (We ended up with salted caramel, cinnamon chocolate, red velvet, caramel frappe, and raspberry lemon, if you're wondering, but there were plenty more to choose from!)

I ordered a birthday cake for my husband’s birthday, and it was absolutely perfect! The design was beautiful — exactly what I envisioned — and the flavor was even better. It truly made the celebration extra special.

Freedom Bakery made our wedding cake and it was beautiful and delicious. After sampling other places it was clear they had the best tasting cake. They were able to make our cake exactly as we wanted it and delivered it on time with no issues.

Ordered two cakes on short notice for a retirement and graduation event. They did a great job customizing and getting everything done online. Excellent carrot cake and chocolate mousse cake. Perfect job!

Paul and the team at Freedom did an incredible job with our wedding cake. From our first phone call, Paul was committed to bringing our vision to life. He went above and beyond to make sure that we could have a full four-tier cake with transparent layers in between each tier - working through the structure, placement, and decor with me, down to the tiniest detail. Paul really put in the time and effort to bring me into the process so I could understand the constraints and tradeoffs - and the end result was truly amazing! In addition, Paul met my entire family for a tasting, and really made us feel welcome. Finally - Paul worked directly with our venue to coordinate dropoff and setup, which meant I could be completely in the moment on our wedding day. I’m so grateful that I met Paul, and I recommend Freedom to anyone looking for an incredible baker and partner for their event!

Best cake i’ve ever had!!! Picked this bakery due to being close to where i was eloping. If i was a local ai would be buying cake from this shop more often! Thank you for making my wedding day cake AMAZING

We ordered a cake with a photo and it came out amazing. They made the photo such high quality and the cake tasted even better. Highly recommend freedom bakery. We will be ordering cakes from them for every special event!

If you’re looking for a great seafood spot with unbeatable views of Monterey Bay, The Fish Hopper is a solid choice. The restaurant is clean, well-kept, and offers a relaxing, coastal ambiance — perfect for a lunch or dinner with a view of the ocean (you might even spot sea lions or otters while you eat). The food is fresh and flavorful, with a nice variety of seafood options. From clam chowder to fresh-caught fish, everything is well-prepared and presented nicely. Service is generally attentive and professional. That said, the prices are on the higher side — you’re definitely paying a bit extra for the location. But if you’re okay with that, it’s worth it for the overall experience. Pros: • Beautiful ocean views • Clean and welcoming environment • High-quality, tasty food Cons: – A bit pricey

This restaurant offers stunning ocean views and a pleasant dining atmosphere. Some dishes, such as the cheeseburger and pasta, were well-prepared, while others, including the clam chowder, calamari, and fish and chips, could benefit from additional seasoning. Our waiter, Valencia, could smile a little more and not seem rushed when attending to us. Overall, an excellent spot for the scenery, with room for improvement on certain dishes.

It’s no surprise to learn that The Fish Hopper was recently voted Best Restaurant on Cannery Row — it’s absolutely well-deserved! I went for a late lunch on a beautiful day, and the views were simply breathtaking both inside and out. Watching the ocean waves crash over the rocks while spotting sea life and sail boats and more made the entire dining experience even more special. We ordered the grilled salmon and the halibut with macadamia nut crust with tangy mango sauce— both were outstanding with generous portions! The seafood was super fresh, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor, complemented by fresh vegetables and sweet potatoes. Our server, Jeff, was friendly, attentive, and offered great menu suggestions that really made the meal even better. We ended with a creamy café latte, though I have to admit, the dessert tray looked incredibly tempting… next time for sure! We sat in the east section at table 9 and if that's available, it has a 180 degree view of the gorgeous Monterey Bay! If you love spectacular ocean views, top-notch seafood, and excellent service, The Fish Hopper is a must-visit on Cannery Row!

Came here for lunch on a weekday with family while on an overnight trip to Carmel and Monterey. We did not do much research and simply looked for a restaurant with good reviews. The Fish Hopper did not disappoint. the view was great and the food fantastic. We were seated in the section which projects out into the bay and the view was fabulous - we could see fishes and sea lions in the afternoon sun. We had the seafood pasta and mixed medley dish and both were really well done good. The place was large and yet there was a long line outside and I can see why. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Cannery Row.

I'm always wary of dockside restaurants like The Fish Hopper: so many of these places squander the fresh bounty of seafood almost literally flinging itself upon their doorstep. I've been burned a few too many times by terrible restaurants in prime locations, with incredible views. Thankfully, The Fish Hopper is the real meal deal. Everything they served us was fresh, local, and delicious, prepared by skilled hands, and conceived in the minds of a gourmand with a talent for pairing and accentuating different flavors: A slab of swordfish that was thick and meaty like a steak, atop a vinaigrette salad; my wife's Taste of Monterey, blending myriad types of seafood together in an incredible sauce; bacon-wrapped scallops atop a bed of beans and sauce. Incredible, all of it! About the only thing that wasn't up to par was the strangely disappointing Bloody Mary I ordered; it wasn't bad...it just wasn't great. Our server was quiet and a bit aloof, but at least he was efficient and attentive, when needed. The interior décor was a little hammy, in my opinion, but my wife thought it was pretty. The views, though, are almost worth the price of admission, all on their own! Be sure to grab a window table, in order to enjoy the roiling, tumultuous waves churning all around you; I imagine during a storm, this would be one hell of a place to be! Nitpicks aside, our meal at The Fish Hopper was the best meal we had anywhere during our impromptu trip to California, and we would absolutely return here in the future. Unlike a lot of other oceanfront restaurants, who hide their mediocrity behind an unbeatable location, The Fish Hopper absolutely deserves the premier real estate that it occupies. Very recommended!

Went here with a big group of people. Overall, the food was OK. The clam chowder was a bit rich, so getting the small bowl was perfect for me. The fish and chips were perfectly fried. And the prawns were solid.

Had an amazing meal at The Fish Hopper! I ordered the whole sea bass, and it was beautifully cooked—crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside. We also shared a steak, which was juicy and perfectly seared. For dessert, the tiramisu was light, creamy, and the perfect sweet ending. I also got the sangria, and it was super refreshing with just the right amount of sweetness. The ocean views made everything even better—definitely a memorable dining experience! What really made the night even better was the service—everyone was super friendly, attentive, and made us feel so welcome. You can’t beat the oceanfront view either. Beautiful atmosphere, delicious food, and great hospitality—this spot is a must-visit!

We've been here a few times and had a different server each time. We've only tried the cakes and pies so far, so this review is mainly about that. The staff are generally very nice. The cakes and pies are delicious and some pieces could even replace a whole meal, they are so rich. We can highly recommend the carrot cake and the (very rich) peanut butter cake. We will definitely be back to try all the different cakes and pies and are already looking forward to their new creations.

I came to Rosine’s for brunch with my mom and aunt, and we absolutely loved it! The food was absolutely delicious, everything tasted so fresh and flavorful, and the portions were generous. The service was excellent too friendly, attentive, and made us feel so welcome. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxing weekend brunch. We’ll definitely be coming back again soon! Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great food and great service.

We absolutely love the food everytime we come here. My favorite is the loaded potato appetizer. I have been here more than 3 times and have never been disappointed, this is our go to spot for lunch whenever we visit Monterey or Big Sur. Most recently we tried their cream cheese chocolate cake for my brother’s birthday and it was amazing. The waiters were so sweet and came together to sing a birthday song and it made my brother’s day.

We had come here before and couldn’t get in because they were packed and had 45 min wait so we had left. We came back to Monterey and wanted to see why it was so popular. The moment you walk in, you have the most gorgeous pies and cakes greeting you. The hosts are quick to answer questions and to sit you or change your seating if you prefer (we wanted a booth). The place has a diner feel, but extra fancy and classy at a super fair price. There’s so many diverse families, couples and even groups that are tourists. I highly recommend their food and desserts. I’m so thrilled to say that their snickers cake wins. We did a sampler and I can’t get enough of it! It’s like eating the actual chocolate bar, but turned into this smooth mousse that you can crunch on! Please order milk or coffee with it, you won’t regret it! It’s a must for anyone in Monterey!

This place was Fantastic the Atmosphere was refreshing and vibrant the food and lasagna was fabulous and Soo delicious and service was reasonably timed well..drinks appetizers and then the hot piping food was out the steak was delicious as well. I grew up in New Port Beach and have tried several different restaurants but this was absolutely Wonderful. 💛🌹

This is nice little restaurant open in 1980. The food is good and flavorful. I had to try their minestrone soup and it did t disappoint. It’s a must try. I had the steak and eggs and my wife had an omelette. Both were very tasty. Nice area for shopping and the weather was great as well. This was my first time in Monterey California. Everything seems nice.

We had the California club sandwich which we shared for two people. Large portion sizes. We also had the chips and guacamole appetizer. Good food all around. We also ordered a cookie to go. Also good. Nice stop with a good variety for your whole crew. It was busy at 2:30 pm on a Monday. That tells you it is a good place to eat. They also have cakes that look delicious.

A relatively small shop that was decently busy, probably because of its location. We spent just over $10 for a chocolate chip cookie and an eclair. The cookie was moist, not in the sense of being a good, soft cookie, but rather in the sense that it absorbed moisture while sitting there. It was still good, however. The eclair was not much to rave about. The filling was light, with a good amount of sweetness. The shell was stale as opposed to crisp and delicate, and the chocolate glaze was tasteless.

Best coffee and bakery in town. My husband tried 3 in one day and we came back here a few times! Line goes by fast! Worth the wait. Lobster tail was my favorite pastry!

Carmel classic finally gave it a try! Every time I’ve been to Carmel (even way back when I was a teen!), there’s always a line outside Carmel Bakery. So this trip, we finally decided to see what the hype was about. The display case looked tasty. Giant pretzels, colorful macarons, tons of pastries, and gelato that totally grabs your attention. I’m a pistachio lover, so I went straight for the pistachio gelato affogato and a pistachio cannoli. Both looked exciting, but the flavor was a little more artificial than I expected. I was hoping for that fresh, nutty, homemade pistachio vibe. Still, I appreciated how nicely presented everything was and how many options they had. I’d definitely come back to try something different next time. Maybe one of their famous everything pretzels or an eclair. The spot itself is iconic, and the staff were friendly even with the line out the door. Overall worth another stop on.

It’s got some good sweet treats but I honestly don’t know what all the fuss is about. Maybe I need to come back and try a breakfast burrito in the morning. I’d come back but it’s not THAT good that I’d wait in a super long line for like we’ve seen before. Small little shop so not really any place to sit. The staff was fine although I sensed a little annoyance from the guy taking our order. He was shoving food in his mouth while taking our order and was rolling his eyes when we asked for stuff they were out of.

We must had come during their busy time. The line was long and wasn’t moving too fast. The staffs were working hard and trying to keep up. After the long wait we feel our pastries were good enough but nothing special.

There is always a long line here. We decided to wait in the line this time and we were pleasantly surprised with the pastries. Almond Horns are our favorite. The pistachio mousse cannoli is very delicious.

Delightful little stop, there was a long lineup to order but the line moves pretty quickly. We got the mango gelato, walnut pastry & shortbread cookie - everything was absolutely delicious. This place is California’s oldest bakery and running for over 120 years.

The French onion soup was about the best we’ve had. The beet salad was delicious too. But the Coquille Saint Jacques (Wild scallops and shrimp, bechamel sauce, baby carrots, basmati rice) was phenomenal. Steak frites were good. Loved the crème brûlée and pear tart. Wish my soda was filled quicker but that’s my only complaint. We’ll be coming back here.

I have yet to get a meal here that wasn't FANTASTIC. My go to is the French Onion Soup and it is always satisfying. The atmosphere is warm and comfortable, and the staff have great personalities and very helpful. Boissiere is my first stop every time I come to Carmel.

Bread served before meals was excellent. Food was good. But our waitress, who may not happy today, did not do her job good.

TLDR: Food sucked and wait staff were rude I’ve never sent back food before… We sent back the beef bourguignon. It was terribly cooked, super dry and the pasta was stale. The chef came out to the other side of the room and glared at my husband for sending it back without talking to us. Then a different waiter came over and lectured us on that’s how “it’s supposed to taste.” No, I’ve had military dining facility beef better than that. I’m not an expert and I’ve never made beef that bad. The middle of my chicken pot pie was frozen. So I asked them to heat it more. This was after we were asked 2x if we had a reservation (they only had 3 tables total the entire time we were there so I’m not sure why that mattered) and I had to call after the waitress because she didn’t even take my drink order. She asked my husband what he wanted and then left us. We had to push to put in our dinner order too. As if we were such an inconvenience and they were about to get 50 guests. After I was finished with the re-heated pot pie, they did send over a complimentary piece of cake. If they weren’t so rude that would’ve been a nice gesture but the beef was objectively terrible and I don’t appreciate being lectured that I’m wrong about it. It was also too warm in the restaurant.

Our expectations might have been too high due to the great reviews. Too many mistakes made for a less than enjoyable anniversary dinner, even though the food was pretty good. First, we were served wine, my husband tasted it and it was very good. Unfortunately, it was not the wine on the wine list. We didn’t notice until we drank half the bottle. It would’ve been absolutely fine if they told us that that particular wine was not available and asked us if they can substitute. But that is not what happened. But, we did enjoy the wine. Second, We ordered the charcuterie and was told that it was no longer available. We then changed to the baked brie and truffle pate for my appetizer. We started eating the baked brie but noticed there was no pate. We called the waitress and let her know. Her response was “there is no pate?“ I am not quite sure how the waitress who brought us the appetizer could not have noticed that half the appetizer was missing. She did bring over a separate plate of pate, but it was obvious that it was not a truffle pate, but just plain liver pate. Once again, the pate was not bad, just not what was represented on the menu. The table next to us had to call their waiter back also. The special that they ordered was a chicken breast dish. He told the waiter he has a chicken thigh and a leg on his plate instead of a breast that was the special and asked what had happened. The waiter shrugged and no real explanation was given. The gentleman was not very happy. If a restaurant asks the table, if they are OK with the substitution beforehand, that would be acceptable to a point. We didn’t like that they left things out or substituted without even asking the diner first. Even the wine. The food tasted perfectly good, but we left feeling a little scammed .

Good food, great desserts! They made sure food is all served at the same time 😎 the interior is really cute but a bit stuffy.

We asked for a table for two + our husky. They were able to sit us all down in welcoming and separate area. All staff were gracious and patient and polite. The French cuisine was quite delicious and both the brunch and regular menu were easy to navigate and order from. Served a full water for the table and some bread to get us started. Full flavors in the chicken pot pie and eggs Benedict were phenomenal. Check this place out.

The place is really cute, with cozy decor. The service is good and efficient. They have two counters where you can order—most people don’t seem to notice the second one. I’ve been here twice. The first time, I got an almond milk cappuccino, an Apple Jack (I love the juice), vegan tofu scramble, and my husband had the veggie sandwich. The second time, I went for a vegan croissant and tiramisu take out. It’d be great if they had more vegan options. I’m giving the food a 3/5 because the flavor is just… bland. No seasoning at all. My tofu scramble was dull, and my husband’s sandwich barely had any taste. They really need to improve the flavor.

I visited this lovely coffee shop in Carmel-by-the-Sea with my friends, and it was such a beautiful experience! ☕🥪🍫 The coffee has an amazing flavor, and they also serve delicious sandwiches, hot chocolate, and a variety of sweet treats. The warm and cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect place to relax, chat, and enjoy good food. A must-visit spot for anyone who loves great coffee and a peaceful vibe in Carmel! 🌿

Found this little cafe restaurant in the interior walkways of Carmel while browsing the shops and looking for a place to stop to eat. Carmel Belle had a large variety menu to choose from. We ordered to very different styles of food, more like a lunch and dinner plates, between my spouse and I. We had the BLT and grilled salmon. I was assured salmon would not disappoint even with a very busy Saturday lunch rush, and not the regular restaurant that would serve salmon. This place was terrific! The owners are wonderful people and waiters are polite and helpful! We look forward to stopping by here again on our travels! Thanks Carmel Belle.

Came because we saw a review about the scone being really moist, and it was true — ginger apricot, maybe the best scone I’ve ever had. Poached eggs done just right, and the sausage was tasty too. Good service and good fireplace ambience.

Quick cafe, crafted sandwich recipes. Philly cheese sandwhich was tiny, Brie and chicken was better sized with half melted cheese. Both meals served with a fresh side salad including cucumbers. Over all this was the quick and cheap deli stop we had planned on in the shopping center.

This was hands down the best coffee I’ve had outside of Italy. They offer an (Italian style) macchiato and I was dubious but I went for it. Whoa! So good. Smooth I love sugar in my espresso but it was unneeded here. Plus, they offered it in a “for here” cup. And we sat outside people watching. Really a wonderful spot to chill in an adorable town.

Carmel Belle is a hidden gem! The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, perfect for a relaxing meal or a coffee break. The menu offers a variety of delicious, fresh, and wholesome options, with something for everyone. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the service is quick without feeling rushed. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal, Carmel Belle is always a great choice. Highly recommend their pastries and freshly squeezed juices

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe is a charming spot with a cozy atmosphere and an incredible selection of freshly baked bread and pastries. Their coffee is delicious, and I love that they offer gluten-free pastry options as well. The staff is always friendly and welcoming, making every visit a pleasant experience. Plus, there’s plenty of parking, which is a huge bonus. Highly recommend stopping by for a treat!

Lafayette Bakery in The Barnyard shopping center is an absolute must-stop if you’re in Carmel Valley and craving a true French bakery experience. We visited in the morning and were instantly greeted by the heavenly scent of fresh-baked bread, buttery pastry, and espresso in the air. We ordered a round of pastries and couldn’t stop smiling with every bite. The butter croissant was textbook perfect—golden, flaky layers with a tender, airy center that practically melted in our mouths. The ham and cheese croissant was equally delicious, with a gooey, savory filling wrapped in that same delicate pastry—comforting and indulgent without being heavy. The standout for me, though, was the lemon-filled pastry. Bright, tangy, and smooth, the lemon curd filling was tucked inside the softest pastry shell and topped with just a dusting of powdered sugar. It struck the perfect balance between sweet and zesty. We paired our pastries with lattes from the coffee bar, which serves rich, well-pulled espresso drinks that make a perfect match for anything in the pastry case. Sitting out on the patio surrounded by blooming flowers and happy customers felt like a little escape to a French village. Whether you’re craving a buttery classic, something sweet and citrusy, or a savory breakfast bite, Lafayette hits every note. They also have a variety of sandwiches made to go. Don’t miss it if you’re in Carmel—you’ll be thinking about that croissant long after your visit. Grab some to go to!

Love their croissant and salmon/spinach quiche! I have yet to try to lemon meringue tart but I'm pretty sure it'll be yummy, too!!! It's a small bakery but they have quality food!!! Ambiance is cozy and cashier was very pleasant!

Ordered the Ham and Swiss croissant, chocolate almond croissant, palmier, and a latte — all excellent quality and beautifully made. Beyond the great pastries, I was happy to support this bakery because they stand for something meaningful and proudly support LGBT+ and Black lives.

Delicious pastries and very friendly people. Hot beverages only but also very tasty! A must stop when in the area.

Ordered a vanilla macchiato, and it was honestly disgusting. It was almost entirely over-aerated foam, more like an extremely dry cappuccino than a macchiato. They also shorted me about an inch of milk, and the espresso tasted burnt, so bad I tossed it after two sips. My husband ordered two pastries — an almond croissant and a blueberry brioche — and both were stale, like they’d been sitting out for days. The photo shows the so-called “macchiato” just seconds after getting to the car. I should’ve gone back in for a refund, but the two female employees working that morning couldn’t have cared less. Save your money and your time.

Stopped in for some baked goods and hot coffee. The bakery is abundant in selections, from sweet baked goods to savory delights and sandwiches. Their breads are quite fantastic and the mini baguette into which they fill with ham and cheese (for example) to make a sandwich is beautifully chewy in texture. Their croissants are a class on laminated dough and their various tarts are on just crisp tart crusts where the fillings are not overly sweet and full of the innate flavors of the fruit filling. One stand out that I discovered (ordered 1 to try, went home with 14) was the bacon and cheese puff! Beautifully gougeres (savory choux pastry) that is airy, eggy, and cheesy... Chunks of bacon dotted through out, and a lovely crispy cheesy skirt that surrounds each puff! Don't miss these awesome puffs! (See photo of x-section)

The service at Café Carmel was excellent and impressively fast compared to most places. Both the breakfast sandwich and burrito were flavorful, and I especially loved the caramel macchiato. Definitely a great spot!

Really nice little cafe on ocean boulevard. Lots of little sandwiches and treats in the coffee is good. We really like this place and we'll go back every time we visit.

This is such a cute place and I loved the otter art! The barista were all super kind and helpful as we were tourist of this area and had several questions. I ordered a peach apple tea that was very good and my siblings got ice cream which they enjoyed. We also ordered a tirimasu. It was okay which is the only reason for the 4 stars

One of the best chai lattes I’ve ever had...no exaggeration. Café Carmel nails the cozy café vibe without feeling pretentious. The fresh-baked goods smell amazing when you walk in, and their breakfast burrito? Total standout. It’s big, flavorful, and will keep you full through an entire morning of exploring. Also love that they’ve got solid salad options if you’re trying to keep things lighter. Definitely worth a stop if you’re in town.

Delicious food made with very fresh and high quality ingredients! 10/10. Perfect if you’re looking for a quick bite.

Best Coffee! It’s funny…I’ve wandered past this shop for years while visiting family. But lousy in room coffee at a local hotel put Cafe Carmel right in my path. I’m so glad that I popped in today and enjoyed the BEST macchiato I’ve had outside of my home. Staff was friendly and fast, and the macchiato was perfect. I will definitely be making this a stop as often as possible when I’m back in town. I can’t wait to try the amazing pastries and the rest of the menu. Thank you so much!

We were first time visitors of Carmel-by-the-Sea and we were brought to this place by the food tour guide. We had the quiche with salad and we were so impressed that we came back on our last day and ordered the quiche and avocado toast. Both were very fresh and tasted amazing. We certainly miss that sort of quality in Illinois. We also came back few hours later for ice cream and cappuccino. Highly recommended place to visit.

Tucked into a corner of Carmel Plaza is Cafe Luna, a cafe that serves an eclectic menu paired with traditional coffee offerings. Since this is in downtown Carmel, parking is a difficult thing to come by so be prepared to lap a few times before you can find something that sticks. When you arrive at Cafe Luna you’re greeted by its many outdoor seats and large menu sign. From ramen to sandwiches and pastries, this place has a very diverse menu, for better or for worse. We arrived with a large party and the ability to find open seating for a group that size was a large plus. However, ordering took a very long time. We understand that we were a large party but even by those standards the process of doing so felt clunky and not efficient. We ordered the grilled chicken sandwich special they were offering, the pastrami panini, a hot chocolate, and a regular latte. Before we touch on the food itself, we have to note that the prices on things here are, quite frankly, ridiculous. Obviously this is Carmel so things are going to be more expensive but for the quality of food that you receive, and also on the principal of the food you’re paying for, around $20 for a panini is criminal. Getting our food also took a while. Admittedly, we were part of a large party so it probably wasn’t easy getting all that food out but just out of transparency, we did wait quite a bit. Forgetting the price and wait and moving onto the food, it was very uninspiring and bland. The grilled chicken was marinated, which was interesting because when I asked if it had anything done to it they said it was seasoned but this was far closer to chipotle chicken than any grilled chicken sandwich I’ve ever seen. It was also supposed to come with cheese and while it technically did, the amount they put on it was skeptical. Normally an average sandwich is okay, but at these prices it’s a major letdown. As for the pastrami panini, more of the same. The quality of the pastrami was okay and the sandwich didn’t taste all that special. The bread was bland and light which didn’t add any quality to the sandwich. We turned to the drinks to hopefully add some balance to things, which it luckily did. The latte was decent, the foam and espresso being good enough. The hot chocolate was good, not amazing, but good enough where we didn’t feel like it took away from things. Ultimately, this was a very big letdown of a meal. We can tell this place tries and that’s better than a lot of other places but the food was just not up to par for what you’re shelling out for it.

I love the location, downstairs in the mall. Both inside and outdoor seating. Easy to get to, right near the main strip. Order at the counter, get a budget and wait for tire food to come out. And wait. And wait. Took quite a long time for the food to arrive and it didn’t seem like it was busy. Some dishes were pretty good, like the ramen. I didn’t expect that. Others were so so, like the breakfast sandwich which came out cold. I’d it work would be much better if it was warmer. I will give them credit for having a huge, wide variety menu. Standard breakfast dishes, plus Asian dishes (ramen, rice plate, potstickers), plus Italian paninis, plus sandwiches (Philly cheesesteak, grilled cheese chicken), Mac n cheese, and Greek salads.

We found this little gem after reading the good reviews and value for the money. The food was delicious! There was outside seating in the courtyard, which we enjoyed.

Spent the weekend out here in Carmel-by-the-Sea and decided to go eat lunch at this café. I was highly satisfied with their service, the lattes are very tasty. The Ramen soups are very good and the atmosphere is lovely. The hosts are very kind and they come and talk to you and ask how you were doing. We spent about an hour in this little restaurant. I will be coming back.

Such amazing food and the service was so good! The owners were so nice and truly cared about us! They gave us this house-made hot sauce that genuinely changed my life (not even being dramatic) we got the ramen which was so comforting and good and the shrimp pasta that was delectable ! My fav was the ramen

Lunas Café was definitely one of my favorite stops during my time here in a Carmel. Ordered the Chicken Ramen, ask for the chili sauce, it compliments the ramen so well. Loved the service and very nice hosts. Also ordered the tropical smoothie and it was delicious as well! Will definitely be coming back my next visit. 🤍

Loved our breakfast at Cafe Luna in Carmel-by-the-Sea! Really appreciate the Asian fusion menu, giving variety to a typically standard breakfast menu. We enjoyed our sweet Mocha and cookie & cream frappucinos. Our food was yummy, we got the wonton ramen, Philly & cheese sandwich, and vegan potstickers. Friendly and quick staff. Recommend!

After covid, I noticed that the restaurant food and service business generally went downhill. But not Jacks Monterey. Wow! We kept coming back time and time again during our trip and left pleasantly surprised each time. Tasty and savoury food. Food presentation is very nice (as it should be). The best benedict I've had in a very long time. Everything we ordered was good. Good portions. Staff is amazing. Seating and vibes are nice. This is where I want to leave a good tip, not just because the checkout screen is forcing me to do so. Make me want to leave a good tip. Jacks is that type of dining experience. I will add that we have only been here for breakfast during all our visits. I generally don't write reviews and no one asked me too. I just had too this time. We will be back...

We found this place last minute on a Saturday night. It was sadly less than half full. The vaulted ceilings are lovely but make it a bit noisy. That being said the food was amazing. Hummus appetizer was huge and the bread warm and more than enough. The quinoa salad was GF with tons of fresh veggies, added grilled to perfection chicken. We were both hungry but couldn't get dessert because the portions were so plentiful. Definitely a hidden gem in the busy restaurant market here in Monterey Bay. We will be back for sure.

Nice restaurant, efficient, friendly service. Ordered drinks, sourdough bread, filet minon and filet minon sandwich. Great Old fashion, and Jacks Mule (their version of Moscow mule). Bread was warm and soft but a little bland. Filet steak was tender, flavorful and side great as well. Filet sandwich was a little tough.

To the management, please replace your manager and two waitresses who served me and did not serve me right. They don’t know what customer service is. They have no manners. I asked to move to another table and the waitress just say oh yeah and was just standing without doing anything. I was crying for what I’ve been going through, one lady asked me if I was okay. I said I’m okay (don’t worry about me). I went to the bathroom to feel better. When I got back to my table to finish my salad, the other waitress went to my table and brought my bill like asking me to pay my bill right away and wanted to kick me out from your restaurant. I asked for the manager, she went to manager right away and explained her side and told him lies. The manager is not a good manager either. You need to have a better employee orientation to all of your employees as it would impact your hotel’s reputation.

Nice place conveniently close to the hotel/conference I'm attending. Atmosphere is very welcoming, calm and classy but still casual. The bar area has TVs, a sitting area with a very fire place to enjoy some chats and eats/drinks. The atrium area gives you an outdoor feel while being indoors. They had a good selection of spirits and beer on tap as well as a fun looking cocktail list. I enjoyed the salmon plate, good all around taste, very satisfying. They otherwise had a wide variety of appetizers, salads, meat plates, pizzas and desserts.

When we looked up this restaurant we didn’t know that it was inside the hotel. But we found it. 🤣🤣 It was really nice inside but we were looking for more of a romantic place. Also the menu we seen on the reviews was not the menu we received, it was like half the options we seen online. The waiter we had was really nice and got everything we asked for. Our food was really good too. In the end we had a really nice time. It was more of us just celebrating of anniversary together. O and the sweet potato tater tots were amazing.

This is our in-laws favorite place to go so we join them when in town & are never disappointed. It’s located in the plaza of the Portola Hotel. The service is fast and friendly. We love the calamari and garlic fries. Last time we came they had cheesy skillet with dinner rolls as an appetizer that were AMAZING! We were so sad to see they are no longer on the menu. We got the bread boule instead but it wasn’t as good. It taste fine but the cheese is hard and dry and it’s difficult to pull apart and eat. BRING BACK the other appetizer!! Other than that we love the atmosphere.

This spot was pretty average. My boyfriend and I stopped by for breakfast, and while it wasn’t terrible, it definitely didn’t meet our expectations. I ordered a bagel with honey butter spread, assuming it would be honey butter cream cheese—but that was my mistake for not clarifying. The bagel was decent, but not what I had in mind, so I was a bit disappointed. The chocolate croissant, however, was a real letdown. It wasn’t flaky at all—just soggy, likely from being heated in the microwave. The chocolate was overly sweet, and we couldn’t even finish it because it was so unappetizing. Honestly, Starbucks does a much better job with croissants. My boyfriend had the ham & cheese croissant, which he said was just okay. Unfortunately, it was also soggy. We paid around $18 for three below-par pastries, which felt steep for the quality we got. That said, I should’ve expected higher prices given the area, but it was disappointing nonetheless. The staff were fine in terms of efficiency—they got the job done—but there were no smiles or warmth to their service. I also wish they’d asked more clarifying questions, especially since the menu descriptions weren’t very detailed. Overall, not a place I’d go out of my way to visit again.

Cute bagel shop with huge variety. I asked for mine toasted, and it was not very toasted or warm. The sandwich toppings were good, but the bagel itself was tough.

Staff was very friendly and the food was so good!! A little pricey for a build your own sandwich but the prices for everything are very clear on the menu. Would come back again for sure! 😍The Vietnamese iced coffee was SO good!!!!

I wasn't expecting a real bagel. It's legitimately close to New York style bagels and very good. Not small. Lots of cheese. I got the New York lox bagel. It was massive. Impressive for a tourist town like Monterey. Coffee's really good too. Also a nice place to sit and watch the street go by, or work on your laptop if you need to.

Nice spot for a quick morning meal. Staff was friendly and efficient. I had a HBO comes with ham, bacon, cheddar cheese and egg on a jalapeño and cheddar bagel. Bagel was fresh and toasted excellently, egg was fluffy, bsckn crispy and the cheese was melted nicely with the ham. Prices are adequate with the portions and the quality was definitely there. 4.5 outta 5 shakers 🧂

These bagels hit the spot! I had the salt bagel and it was fresh, soft, and very tasty. I will come back soon! Steve was very kind to us.

Cute little bagel bakery, fresh and delicious, friendly staff! If you enjoy a good bagel, try this place out 😁

I always get so excited when I find out that one of my couples went to Layers to get their wedding cake or cupcakes. I have photographed a few weddings where the dessert was from Layers and always heard wonderful things about flavor and texture. I even tend to enjoy some dessert myself here and there, and always LOVE the sweets!

Hilary and the Layers team went above and beyond with our wedding cake! 6-inch chocolate cake with fresh strawberries in the middle and the perfect amount of fluffy buttercream. We debated how much we should save for our one-year...and ended up eating the whole thing now and saving a few bites for later. It was that good. If you're looking for a wedding cake baker, look no further!

We worked with Layers for our wedding and we absolutely loved how our cake turned out. Not only was the flavor spot on, but so was the decor! I gave them my inspiration photo and they 1000% delivered! :) We aged the top layer in our freezer to enjoy a year later (today was the day) and the cake tasted JUST as good and as the day of the wedding. We can see why this bakery is on the preferred vendors list for our venue. Thank you to Hilary & team!

Their older employees are always so rude I went in today for some pastries and as I was ordering the most simple cookies the employee told me to slow down in a rude tone… could have said “ can you repeat that again” not “ slow down” … I worked in customer service she needs some more training makes me not wanna come in anymore!!

Our wedding cake was absolutely phenomenal. We went with german chocolate and the carrot cake flavor— the guests still comment how good the cake was. They delivered to our venue with absolutely no problems. Super easy to work with throughout the process. The only downside is that the wedding cake turns out so much better than the cake samples that they provide you, so I wouldn’t judge what your wedding cake will actually taste like from the samples. Would absolutely recommend for your wedding in the local area! Thank you again!

Layers Cakes are Awesomely Delicious!!!! 🍰 The staff is quick and friendly 😁. My family's favorite cupcakes are the lemon baby-cup cakes and the recess-piecess cupcakes. The place is always clean and welcoming. The cakes are freshly made. The variety of flavors in both cupcakes and regular cakes is great! The only downside is that they are close on Sundays which is my cheat day 😂

We ordered our small wedding cake here. It was a destination wedding so everything was done through email. The email correspondence was nice and easy. Everything was clearly explained. We emailed inspiration pictures was was then given a quote. When we picked up the cake I was stunned. It was absolutely perfect and looked better than the pictures I had sent. I brought in my own flowers and they bakers placed them on the cake for me. The cake was so beautiful we were afraid to eat it, but eat it we did. It was a princess vanilla cake with raspberry filling and buttercream frosting in a stucco style design. It was the most delicious cake I've ever had. Moist and soft and sweet. We also ordered a few cupcakes while we were there and they were just as good as the cake. On top of the great cakes we received very friendly and helpful service while we were there. I don't know their names but the two ladies who helped is could not have been nicer. They answered all our questions and alleviated any concerns with a smile. I cannot recommend Layers enough.

The place looked nice inside - there was not too much space inside to consume the coffee but there were tables outside and also a large seating area mainly for eating food. The peanut butter cookie was fine but nothing exceptional at all. The coffee was bad unfortunately - even the iced latte tasted very bitter and cappuccino neither looked nor tasted well. I don’t recommend this place for coffee but they have ice cream, maybe that is better

😮‍💨🍪🥐🔥 I mean C’Mon!!!!!!!! 👏🏼👏🏼 so good!!!! I don’t even know what I got…it was some berry pastry that was lit! I wish I remembered the staff members name that helped me, but she described it as amazing…and I was like…”sure, fine, I’ll try it” 😳😳😳 it was so damn good! Then my wife got their gluten free carrot muffin…10/10. A lot of bakeries have terrible g-free items…well R+R nailed this one. Moist and tasty 🤙🏼 I was bummed that they didn’t have the chip cookie , but I went with the standard chocolate chip cookie and it was legit, 10/10. Do yourself a favor and head to this spot. If I lived close by I’d be about 15lbs heavier and it would be worth it. 🫡🙏🏼🫵🏼🔥

Great little bakery. They had some unique pastries and breakfast items. We wound up getting the Sausage Breakfast Burrito and the Avocado Tartine with hot tea and a Double Espresso. The ladies behind the counter were great; warm and friendly. If you’re looking for a quick bite to go, I highly recommend this place. Wound up coming back for breakfast again. Grabbed the Salmon Tartine and a Gruyère,leek and onion Danish this time. Both were fantastic!

Gr8 food and coffee, especially for those looking for GF baking. Vanilla latte was excellent, americano was mid at best (sour). Longish wait during car week, about 15min on a Saturday afternoon, no biggie if its good. And believe me, it was good. Actually was the best almond croissant I have ever had, largely because the healthy amount of filling. Be warned, very pricey. GF blueberry muffin ($7.5), GF brownie ($8), almond croissant ($6.5). All 3 were delicious but, 2 coffees and 3 pastries came out to +$35 USD+tip, crazy Carmel prices lol.

Stopped by for breakfast and it was delightful. Coffee is coffee, pretty good but not amazing 7/10. The pastry case looked really good. Croissant was 10/10. Crispy on the outside but not dry and not too hollow. The brioche buns looked super soft and pillowy too! Breakfast pizzas was so super good! Egg yolk was perfectly just set but still golden yellow. Lots of seating inside and outside for a chill morning. Would definitely come back.

this is the best bakery in carmel by far! I love the variety of different pastries and the quality of ingredients💕 I also appreciate the gf muffin option:) The coffee is okay BUT do NOT get the matcha.

Good pizza the crust is soft yet has some chewy stretchiness - so good- and they have a good happy hour wine $7. I had the pesto pizza which was vegetarian friendly but the pesto wasn’t traditional or how I thought it would be- it must have been mixed with the sauce? Otherwise everything was good. Pesto pizza not pictured.

We had two quiches, one pecan pie and a blueberry pie. The price was higher than we expected. The quiches and blueberry pie were very good, and the first few bites of pecan pie were too, but it ended up being much too sweet (and I do have a sweet tooth).

It was a beautiful little spot with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu had a good variety of drinks and pastries. My husband who like "sweet" coffee was pleasantly surprised by his very sweet drink. The art of the walls had lots of beautiful scenery from around the valley. I enjoyed my visit and will be going again when im in town!

Hidden gem of a local bakery tucked into an industrial area near the hotel. lots of great choices for breakfast, lunch of brunch options. i went with a savory spinach and swiss quiche and a personal strawberry rhubarb sweet pie/tart for dessert. Both were stellar. A few tables inside as well as a small patio out front which I was able to enjoy on a nice afternoon when I arrived.

I love the decorations of this cafe, love the outdoor seating, the lady was friendly, i got a latte and it was good and quickly. I also got the cheese danish with strawberry, and it was delicious as well, i asked if she could microwave it, but she said the oven is not working! They have a sign that no dogs are allowed except service dogs. They open from 8-4 pm, cameras inside too to keep you feel safe! I am not sure they have a wifi. I didn't ask. The only thing is i wish my food and drinks were served with real plates and cups instead of disposable ones! The only thing it lacks of 1 star. I will go back!

Get the horchata latte. Best latte I've ever had. Smooth, not too sweet. The cookies are really good too, you'll want a box full.

A little gem of a place. Slightly out of the most visited area but it is worth the detour. The savory croissants and quiches were excellent! The bread looked delicious. The carrot muffin was on point ! Highly recommend stopping there or going for breakfast.

One of my favorite local spots! I love their Greek salad and sandwiches. The pies are also super delicious and so are all of the other baked goods I’ve tried so far. I love their coffee and the service is always quick. They have rotating artwork from various local artists, which is also really cool.

We stoped by here for a cinnamon bun just from smelling it down the street. It was $9, now I don’t mind paying that much for a cinnamon bun but the size of it is very small. They just throw it in the microwave in front of you, so who knows how fresh they are. We were hungry for a sweet treat so we ate it, but if you’re looking for a good cinnamon bun this ain’t it. Also water here is like $4 bucks and the store next door sells it for $1

Nice people but the cinnamon rolls are ten bucks each and microwaved to warm. Far too sweet and rolls taste dry despite all the glaze

$9 for an apple cinnamon roll is highway robbery, but I rationalized that it was ok in a tourist trap like Cannery Row where common sense about money goes out the door. It turned it into a bank heist when I added a cup of coffee making the total $16. The attendant microwaved the roll. I thought it was already sweet, she poured more white liquid frosting on top. I bought an apple cinnamon roll expecting to taste tart chunks of apples but instead got a doughy ball surrounded by a moat of liquid frosting. Someone bring me some insulin quick, because I’m not sure my body can produce enough to absorb all the glucose from this sugary baked mess. Worst of all I’m not diabetic…yet.

Very disappointed. For $7.20 for frosted cinnamon roll, It tasted and appeared to be a day old. It was borderline stale. However, The employee was very friendly. While, I was sitting inside there was probably two or three people that walked in looked at the prices and walked out. However, as a business owner, I can sympathize with the cost of doing business in California the $7.20. Might’ve been worth it, if the cinnamon roll was Fresh.

Ok for a quick snack, but the apple cinnamon roll has a lot of bread and dome frosting, not so much apple or cinnamon. It's a tourist spot so I guess rentals are high.

Owners, please consider hiring staff who truly care about your customers and your business. Using a microwave to heat up cinnamon rolls is unacceptable—especially in a beautiful and clean place like Monterey. It completely ruins the quality and freshness of the product. This place could have so much potential, but the lack of care and attention to cleanliness makes it a disappointment. Monterey deserves better—please step up your game and offer cleaner, higher-quality service instead of serving microwave-radiated cinnamon rolls.

Sugar High! This is a place that has a little bit of everything. We stopped here for the gluten free items. They have sweet and savory items here. We specifically got the gluten free cinnamon rolls. You have the option to get any of their cinnamon rolls without icing. The seating is minimal, so it's not a place to plan to sit and sip unless you are lucky and get one of the few seats available.

Apple fritter- Very crisp edges. Thick glaze. Not a lot of apple filling. Very bready. Wouldn't get again. Although not oily. Chocolate glaze- Very run of the mill donut. Chocolate didn't have a great flavor. The donut itself may have had an odd flavor to me. Absolutely nothing wrong with these donuts, we've just had much better.

Great donuts at a good price. Came here after being very disappointed by Monterey Donuts (all of their icings are overly sweet and taste like powdered sugar + water). All of the chocolate and maple glazed options, delicious. Apple fritter left something to be desired, lacked apple/cinnamon flavor. Make sure you go early. They sell out fast and do not seem to restock for the afternoons.

Anytime I'm in the area, and I don't get a donut from Red's, a tear drops from my eyes. 😢

Update: A year later and still does not disappoint. Very fresh and absolutely delicious with great customer service. You can't go wrong. This place never disappoints. They are always friendly and have whatever satisfies our tummies and at fantastic price. Always moist, and cooked just right. We always make Red's donut our morning breakfast stop when we are in town.

The donuts were awful. Rotten. the dough was way over fermented to the point where you can taste the alcohol being released from the yeast. Not fluffy. It was dense I’m convinced I ate a rotten donut. The donuts were also so small that it wasn’t worth the price point. Super disappointed.

I absolutely love Red's Donuts. Not only are their donuts amazingly delicious but their customer service is excellent. My husband and I used to get their donuts when we lived in Monterey. A year later we returned to Monterey to get married and ordered donuts for our wedding dessert table. They advised me when the best time to call and reassured me that my order would be ready the morning of. We picked up the donuts with no trouble and they made an excellent addition to our dessert table that everyone loved. It was a great way to share one of our favorite places with our out of town guest.

Every important little town needs their own donut shop and Red's is Monterey's! Cute little place and good prices. $10 for a regular dozen $21 for specialty. The filled maple bar and cinnamon roll were pretty great!

Kind of a mixed review of this place which is a bit difficult for me to write. We stopped in on Saturday on our way back home. I ordered a few mixed donuts (I chose) and some breakfast items and some drinks from the cooler. The breakfast burrito was good and a decent size for its price. The bagels with cream cheese were delicious ( not a normal store bought bagel). The ham and cheese croissant was mid and wasn’t warmed up even though I said yes when offered. Now the donuts, I failed to receive a few donuts I ordered and I think it’s due to the lady working there rushing to take my order and not really listening to me. Which is a bummer because the donuts I did receive were some of the fluffiest and best tasting donuts I’ve had. My total was $66 with tip which is kinda crazy now that I think about it.

This is a cute and very busy donut shop. When you walk in, it's a very open and inviting space. I really tried my best not to order the whole store because they have such a delicious variety of donuts. The lady who took my order and helped me was very nice. I ordered: 1. Bacon croissantwich - I loved the layers of the croissant. It was moist and not too messy. It was a perfect balance of egg and cheese. 2. Chicken apple sausage breakfast burrito - perfect balance of egg and sausage. It was simple, but oh, so satisfying. 3. Cronut - Crunchy exterior but fluffy on the inside. I loved separating each layer. 4. Apple fritter - a classic done right. Crispy on the outside but moist on the inside. 5. Blueberry twist - you can definitely taste the blueberries even if you don't see it. This was a delicious treat. Everything we tried was amazing. I was hoping to come back the next day to try more stuff. Maybe next time.

Great Apple fritter and breakfast burrito. I came at 830am on a Friday and it was busy. It took 10minutes to get my drink and burrito. The matcha latte is a bit too sweet - possibly the same mix as the bubble tea they serve. I was able to work from one of the tables.

Very tasty and crispy donuts 🍩 The owner is very kind and gave us samples. Will definitely come back.

The donuts are delicious! They are all so soft and fluffy. The sandwiches are amazing as well. Excellent customer service, too. Will come back when I am in the area.

We went in early in the morning looking to order breakfast. There was plenty of parking and the atmosphere itself was very warm and inviting. At first glance, there is a great selection of donuts, sandwiches and drinks! Because it was our first time in Seaside, it took us a minute to order. The two women attending were very kind and made great recommendations. We got a variety of donuts and different types of coffee. I was personally a fan of their Chai Latte and old fashion red velvet! Would definitely visit again.

It's strange that I've been to Monterey donuts many times and this is the first time I've given them a review. They've relocated next door and have a bigger, nicer environment and the food quality is really great. Very friendly staff and the size of the Cinnamon Rolls are almost the size of the paper plate at my house. They have lots of drinks such as coffee and other various ones too.

I'm the sweet tooth donut dude and these fell short in multiple ways. I always get so excited walking into a bakery (yes, I'm almost 60 & still get excited over sweets.... big time). But the excitement dropped here with the first bite. Look great, taste wasn't. That's usually how it goes with over the top fancy sweets. Sometimes too much is too much. We had the Cookie dough & Samoa donuts. The cookie dough was not good and left a bad aftertaste. Samoa was slightly better. At $6 a donut, you had better knock my socks off. Charge $6 and leave a bad taste in my mouth and I won't be back. For $16 I can buy a dozen back home at Heavenly Donuts and they are ALL fantastic. Well worth the money there. If you want something sweet, then waste your money here. You might be satisfied, but more likely, disappointed.

Great customer service. Greeted when we came in. Incedibly friendly. Great atmosphere. They take great pride in their products. The Chef was making sure everything was perfect. I couldn't help but notice he was taking his time and making sure only the best strawberries were going in each donut.This is a must stop. And on top of that the donuts were spectacular. Such a great treat.

Such a great place for a snack. The donuts seem pricey but are huge so I’d say well worth the money. We got a cookie dough, cookies and cream, and brownie crumble. I’d say the only complaint is the store needs to be a bit more clean. Went to try and sit down and the tables were all covered in crumbs. Finally found one clean one, the staff were too busy for us to mention it too. Which happens. I would definitely come back next time I’m In Monterey

Delicious, all-vegan donuts! And for those naysayers, don't let "vegan" turn you off - these tasted just like regular creamy and custardy should, vegan or not. These are definitely over-the-top and indulgent, and well worth as a treat (perhaps better as dessert than breakfast). Plus, the staff was extremely fun and helpful. I wish I lived locally so I could enjoy these regularly. Despite their official open hours, go early for the best selection and to grab a few before they sell out.

This place has the best customer service! We went in on a Saturday and were greeted right away. Very friendly staff and you can really tell they love what they do here. We were able to try the limited edition turkey (shaped) glazed donuts and they did not disappoint. The death by chocolate donut was so good as well! I especially love this shop being that they don’t use nut products which is crucial for my daughter who has a nut allergy. They were nice enough to respond to me when I messaged them directly asking about this. We really appreciate when we feel heard and accommodated. Love how fun these donuts are, we will definitely return when we are back in town!

Had to try it on opening day! What a fun place and delicious variety!! You wouldn’t know it was their first day. They seemed to have a good flow and things were under control. We got a mix to try most of their donuts. All of them were delicious. These are not regular size donuts. They are big. Great location!! The Everything but bagel donut is amazing! Very different, but I loved it! Brilliant! 🎉 Will be back 👍🏼

This place has such a cute ambiance. The donuts were displaced well. There were so many great options that it was very difficult to choose. On average each donut cost 3-5 dollars. The donuts itself was really good, just made sure your eat it right away or the icing will melt. I had the mermaid, which had chocolate and icing, the raspberry filled donut and the marshmallow donuts. The service was okay. She picked the smaller donuts for us which was a bummer and I think she didn't like that we took a while .... But we were the only ones. They also sell beer. We had a great time enjoying the donuts with beer.