Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Alta Bakery and Cafe in Monterey

4.6 (198) 502 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

Categories

Cafe
Bakery

Location on the map

Monterey, Monterey County, California, US

Phone: +1 831-920-1018
Site: http://altamonterey.com/

Opening hours

Monday:7 AM–4 PM
Tuesday:7 AM–4 PM
Wednesday:7 AM–4 PM
Thursday:7 AM–4 PM
Friday:7 AM–4 PM
Saturday:7 AM–4 PM
Sunday:7 AM–4 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.6

198 Reviews for Alta Bakery and Cafe 2024:

Review №1

2024-07-02 06:17:02

The garden eating area in the back is amazing!ParkingEasy street parking then again we came here later afternoonFriendly service no issues place your order they’re bringing out to youGrab the veggie wrap and Tartine which was okay. We definitely missed the morning croissants 🥐 and other breakfast goodies.Was a little disappointing because they didn’t have a bunch of selections, but I understandable since we came later

Review №2

2024-05-16 15:42:38

Been here a few times and must say Ive enjoyed it every time!! Theyre pastries are so good and flaky and always rotating so each time you go back theres almost always something new to try!! Be sure to arrive a bit early as a line often forms but it moves very quickly. Although they have so many options, most of Altas pastries are croissant dough based and are absolutely delish. The crunch and flakiness they get into their pastries is to die for...definitely stop by for a breakfast to go or enjoy it in the patio at the back!

Review №3

2024-06-27 02:20:20

We went here for a quick bite and were surprised. Beautiful looking food and a pretty place to sit outside, as well as servers that took up our plates. Our muffin thing wasnt amazing, but I liked it.

Review №4

2024-07-01 23:16:06

Incredible spot with so much seating. Don’t be impatient with the long lines in the morning, it is worth it. The pastries and coffee were incredible. Highly recommend the cinnamon roll and the focaccia bread.

Review №5

2024-06-29 21:08:19

Great bakery. Lines a little long but I felt it went by fast. The carrot cookie was more than I expected. It was so delicious. My matcha was ok. I felt it was a little watered down. I’ll definitely come back for the carrot cookie!!

Review №6

2024-06-18 18:46:15

Really cute bakery with lovely staff and GREAT coffee. Didn’t eat here but the cakes and snacks looked delightful. Amazing history that you can read about in the bakery and they’ve kept the legacy of that well whilst still being a modern concern.

Review №7

2024-06-16 22:47:20

Cute and popular bakery in Monterey. There was a line out the door when I visited but the ~10min wait was worth it for the delicious pastries.It seems they mix up the baked goods menu regularly, so go in with an open mind and be ready to be pleasantly surprised!I enjoyed the milk buns - one was a savory with tomatoes and ricotta, and the sweet one has a rhubarb jam and cinnamon crumb, the breakfast croissant was delicious and they had large assortment of cookies in interesting flavors including blue corn.

Review №8

2024-05-31 22:23:08

The spring mix salad with bacon added on is simply the BEST salad in all of Monterey. I am expecting and this salad has been my one solid craving the past 13 weeks. Incredibly fresh greens and herbs with peas, fennel, and cheese with the impossibly delicious and flavorful bacon throughout. The best and I will be back for more!

Review №9

2024-05-20 01:43:09

SUCH a cute bakery with the most charming patio. The food was fresh and delicious ; my group all had pizza and salads. I took some baked goods to go for breakfast the next morning and they were all super yummy 😋

Review №10

2024-02-12 00:53:10

Greatest thing about this cafe is that they have lots of gluten free selection. Also, their outdoor seat was our favorite. Must visit when you are in Monterey.Highly recommended their Lavender Latte and Buckwheat chocolate chips cookie.

Review №11

2024-05-03 20:21:28

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Alta Bakery and Cafe, and it was a delightful experience from start to finish. The atmosphere of the bakery is truly breathtaking; it felt like stepping into my grandmas warm and welcoming home. While I initially went there just for the food, I was pleasantly surprised by their enchanting environment and the charming backyard.

Review №12

2023-11-21 17:32:50

Very nice local cafe, great coffee and cappuccino. Pastry is also amazing! The egg sandwich is light and hearty, and just right for us! The courtyard in the back of the historical adobe house is also a lovely surprise despite of cool morning breeze. So cute and acquainted, feels like a grandmother’s backyard. Great place to chill off and enjoy your morning coffee. The line up can get long even it’s just 8am in the morning, which tells how popular this place is for locals. Will definitely come back next time we come here!

Review №13

2023-12-17 19:43:22

We absolutely loved Alta Bakery. We totally recommend for a lazy weekend morning or afternoon, while enjoying a great cup of coffee and your pick of sandwiches and pastries. Our favorite was the Reuben croissant which comes with Sauerkraut inside. We also loved the eclairs.The bakery is not too big, but it has a huge patio that can accommodate large groups.

Review №14

2024-01-09 16:55:59

Fresh, awesome breakfast and lunch choices. From warm blueberry muffins (gluten free) to spinach feta croissants, so many healthy, tasty and not so healthy (passion fruit donut of the day) options. Team will walk you through the menu and share all the daily specials: new quiche and soup each day. It’s worth the line and the extra dollars.

Review №15

2024-06-15 08:06:20

This is a very popular place to visit for pastries in Monterey. They are good. I had a quiche and blueberry scone. I think the real draw is the exquisite beauty of the pastries. Each are truly a work of art. I would suggest a visit just to see them.

Review №16

2024-03-06 17:58:31

Best breakfast in town. Tried it out while we had family in town and we all sampled the 4 breakfast dishes and each one was top notch. Gotta come back and try the lunch. Coffee is good quality too.

Review №17

2024-01-13 15:21:31

Really quaint cafe with great pastries and coffee. Went alone while visiting the area and asked for the most popular options for both sweet and savory pastries and then picked the rose pistachio pastry and the smoked salmon croissant. Had it with a vanilla latte. Both pastries were yummy, but I really liked the smoked salmon, which had cream cheese and reminded me of a lox bagel. Recommend.

Review №18

2023-06-13 18:51:36

Really cute bakery with backyard seating with lots of different flowers. Pet friendly. We got the hot chocolate, latte, cream puff with hazelnut, and chocolate croissant, and everything was delicious. They also have indoor seating. This place was busy when we got there around 10:30 am. Its definitely worth a visit.

Review №19

2024-06-13 22:56:16

Great grounds and top notch bakeries to go with.Back yard and flower gardens are well maintained

Review №20

2024-02-12 13:46:03

Delicious pastries and coffee. Great place to start your morning in Monterrey. Plenty of seating and a tonne of options to choose from.

Review №21

2024-03-04 00:54:51

The food and coffee are good and the staff is awesome! I like the atmosphere and they have some fun options for a morning starter. Definitely worth a try!

Review №22

2023-10-24 03:03:18

Ive passed this place multiple times and decided to try it out one day. Im glad I did.They have a great selection of baked goods, and theyre significant portions! I love carrot cake, so I grabbed a carrot cake cookie along with iced matcha. The staff is super friendly and welcomes you in, and provides recommendations if needed.They have a gorgeous garden in the back where you could take your little furry ones and enjoy the beautiful ambiance.They do get busy in the morning but slow down between lunchtime. Stop by! You wont regret it!

Review №23

2024-06-24 15:11:20

Great pastries… nice people and painfully slow to get your coffee… they need another coffee station. Stay away on weekends unless you’ve got nothing to do… Ad Astra is down the block… 10x faster…. Pastries not as good but good…. And the best breads in town

Review №24

2024-01-28 16:04:31

Pastries are amazing almost like in Paris, service is extremely fast. And the atmosphere is gorgeous they have outdoor seating as well. So my kids were happy too playing and enjoying the garden while we were sipping coffee and eating croissants.

Review №25

2023-08-15 00:11:35

You have to wait in a very long line on weekend mornings, but the egg sandwich was really good. The signature chai tea latte had a strong mint flavor, but was suitable for overcoming a lazy afternoon.There was a sign at the entrance to deny entry to live animals, but during my stay two dogs entered and they barked a lot. I dont like dog hair blowing in the bakery, but everyone cant help but be lenient with the lovable big dog.I was impressed by the friendly staff, especially the girl in charge of ordering and paying. She tried to figure out the taste of the customer in detail and led them to an order that everyone could be satisfied with.Strongly recommended.

Review №26

2023-12-31 18:53:04

Bakery items look incredible. The pavlova looks like a masterpiece. The bakers put care into their delicious confections. 😋

Review №27

2024-03-23 17:52:19

Never in my life have I ever thought Id see the live long day I would eat a raw sweet potato but then I went to Alta Cafe in Monterey and ordered a Grain* Bowl. The menu listed sweet taters in it and Im a sweet tato felon. But to my surprise and eventual delight that sucker RAW. Never have I felt more raw vegan Cali girl Stanley cup life style than then and I fear I may never feel that way again 😢. Also the coffee cold brew had coffee ice cubes that was awesome good job guys .and the ginger scone was yummy. And the salmon toast was yummy too.*Quinoa bowl excuse me

Review №28

2023-11-21 03:55:47

This place pretty nice, has communal tables inside, small tables outside, plenty of room to sit, courtyard is pretty, orchard/gardens are very well kept. Food is outrageously expensive. $8.00 for a bagel that is labeled as “Savory bun of the day”! I ordered a “Croque Monsieur” that was everything but. ONE slice of bread, thick like Texas toast, Some bechamel sauce, a little of ham, and cheese, topped with micro kale, served in a humongous, very scuffed plate that only dwarfs an already meager sandwich extremely disappointing. It really looks like something is missing from the plate. My partner ordered a Reuben croissant, which looked better that my “Croque Monsieur”. My friend ordered a Chia pudding and she said it was awful. I didn’t try it, I can’t say if it was bad or not. My friend, who invited me and my partner to this place, is a chef in a big hotel in this town, she knows about good food and good places to eat. Whoever cooks that “Croque Monster” needs to take a walk to Bonifacio Place and try a real Croque Monsieur at the Paris Bakery, who has better food, more selection, better prices even when is not in a very pretty location like Alta Bakery. Here, you are paying for the nice location, while the food is mediocre (At least what we ordered), and the prices ridiculously high. Don’t recommend and definitely won’t come back.

Review №29

2023-07-24 21:46:10

Really great bakery. Ideal for a relaxed breakfast too.Enjoyed everything we ordered. From the cinnamon bloom to the 9 grain pancakes and the egg sandwich.Not your typical American bakery - much better :)!!!

Review №30

2023-11-13 19:49:58

Great great spot. Pastries and food are amazing. Cant beat the lovely courtyard with trees, flowers, and fresh herbs. Enjoyed our coffees with our kid running around playing

Review №31

2023-09-26 21:59:54

AltaOVERALL: 5/5Food/Drinks: 5/5Service: 5/5Ambiance: 5/5Pit stop enroute to Carmel for a girls weekend. Great selection of pastries and caffeinated drinks. The food was excellent also.The open area in the back is like a private retreat. Be sure to check it out. I did not want to leave.9-22-2023 - Snacks - Table for 6

Review №32

2024-04-28 10:13:48

Lots of pastries selection. Bakery has a nice garden for seating.. great place to grab a quick breakfast

Review №33

2024-02-12 08:24:27

Amazing bakery in Monterey bay.They have a friendly staff and a cozy vibe! I will be back soon!

Review №34

2024-06-07 19:35:37

So fantastic ate breakfast there twice and lunch once. Best avocado toast Ive ever had...with kumquats! Wonderful croissants, great pork sandwich, wonderful lattes. Efficient friendly service, nice outdoor area.

Review №35

2024-04-20 19:48:31

Phenomenal sweets - wasn’t even in the mood and I got a cookie and financier and they were some of the best I’d ever had. Really aesthetically beautiful spot with a super pleasant service. Delicious food - soup and sandwiches were really really good and the portions were big. Understand the line to get in now!

Review №36

2024-05-26 19:06:43

Nice place with good drinks and Backery options. The line is large on Sunday but it goes really fast 👍🏼

Review №37

2021-08-13 15:58:05

Alta created the cake for my wedding and provided desserts. My wife and I also visited the cafe many times before we selected them and concluded they were the best in the greater Monterey area.So, they did an absolutely amazing job with the cake as you can see - it was delicious (vanilla / raspberry w/ white chocolate frosting) and not a crumb remained. The dessert selection includes items you can normally get at the cafe, such as the banana hazelnut tart which is phenomenal. Their chocolate cookie is among the very best I ever had.The pastries change frequently as far as I can tell, I personally had most of them - again the humble chocolate cookie is my favorite, but the donut is exceptional and the banana tart is wonderful. On top of that, the coffee is great too!

Review №38

2024-06-21 07:35:52

This bakery seems to be designed for Instagram, not the palate. Looks great, tastes bland. Had a fruit strudel that had a very soggy bottom due to a very wet and bland fruit filling. The pastry away from the fruit was ok.Also a smoked salmon toast that looked fantastic, but was on heavy, gummy, and bland bread, with a layer of bland watery cucumbers, and bland cream cheese. The smoked salmon, capers, and seeds simply disappeared behind that wall of blandness

Review №39

2023-10-11 16:46:55

This charming establishment sits in one of my favorite neighborhoods in the area. It is part of a historic complex. Their food and pastries are delicious and fresh. The coffee drinks are always good. It is a magnet for tourists but also a go-to for locals. My favorite part is the back patio and shared garden space. It is gorgeous and quite unrivaled when it comes to atmosphere.

Review №40

2022-09-17 18:15:34

Stopped here for a light breakfast while in Monterrey and it did not disappoint. Great selection of pastries and stellar coffee. The cafe has a nice vibe as well with wonderful outdoor seating surrounded by a little garden. Idyllic and peaceful - would definitely come back next time were in town!

Review №41

2023-03-31 23:05:03

Good pastries & coffee! Favourite is the cinnamon roll & raspberry danish! The birds in the outdoor dining were quite irritating and they kept eyeing our food. There was a lady who left her quiche unattended and the bird flew over and pecked it it relentlessly until we came over to chase it away yet it only flew to the next table and continued stalk there unabashedly for the next opportune time to strike

Review №42

2024-04-16 20:56:05

Very much worth the hype! The egg dishes are steamed though, which surprised some of our group. The 9 grain pancake with huckleberry was delicious, and delightfully crispy around the edges. The highlight may have been the garden, and we saw some chefs harvesting feom the herb garden so you can see the ingredients are fresh.

Review №43

2022-08-10 02:37:13

Love their cookies,Foods are delicious,drinks are okay. I have tried Alta drinks more than 5 times not the best drink for the price. Love the garden.(My bills,2 drinks 2 sandwiches cost about $48)

Review №44

2023-11-12 21:44:48

We flew from Albuquerque to Monterey for a wedding at The Barns. Our first day after grabbing lunch elsewhere and in need of a coffee, we stumbled in. We shared a couple of pastries and each had an Americano. After an early appointment the following day, we went back for more. We had another Americano and split a blueberry muffin and candied ginger scone. Delicious!!! Because the wedding venue is right there, we stopped in for another Americano. I could have stayed and tried everything!!! I look forward to having a dirty hippy and some of the focaccia!!! We will have to return! If anyone from Alta ever comes to Albuquerque, we’d love a pastry and coffee delivery!

Review №45

2022-06-16 05:08:29

Outdoor seating near the garden is mind blowing specially for brunch. Avocado toast is totally for the gram. Coffee is good. Perfect place to work on some stuff or write while enjoying the food and soaking the sun. Loved it.There’s also restrooms for the outdoor area with restricted access. Staff is very friendly.

Review №46

2021-07-26 19:02:20

This place is one of my favorite cafes ever! Everything is so good! My husband is a picky food critic and he said this was one of the best cafe places he’s been to.Also there’s a nice art gallery indoors and a beautiful garden outdoors to explore in. Wish I could go there more but it’s across the country from me so I will be going back if I’m in the area!

Review №47

2023-06-02 02:48:59

The food was delicious. The bread was very thick, while the avocado was a bit thicker than my tastes. The toast was filling. While my toast was delayed due to the morning rush, the staff was very friendly and apologetic. The matcha latte was also nice.

Review №48

2024-05-12 15:47:58

Great coffee great fresh pastry! Cute garden sitting! Highly recommend. Only blemish would be that cortado was more like a cappuccino but otherwise impeccable.

Review №49

2022-09-11 13:46:41

I am ruined for all other bakeries, which is terrible considering I live 2,000 miles away. I stayed in Monterey for five nights and went to Alta four times. They have absolutely nailed their pastries. Perfect flavors, not too sweet, great texture. Divine. There’s a reason there’s a line out the door most days. And there are dozens of reasons to wait in it!

Review №50

2023-05-05 14:31:17

Everything here is literally made to perfection. Me and my dad tried this place for the first time. He got the sausage roll & I got the spinach and cheese roll, both were absolutely delicious and the perfect amount of crispy + softness on the inside. We both agreed this was the best croissants we’ve ever had 👏

Review №51

2021-04-26 20:28:45

Ive driven by this bakery a few times before but never looked into checking this place out! Captain Stoker is my favorite coffee place in the area and I know there are plenty of mediocre coffee and bakeries nearby as well.Alta has a long line eventhough I arrived close to 9am. Entered into the shop close to 30 minutes later. The shop has a cool and clean decor and vibe. They nicely display the nice selection of high quality treats. You order the pastries first and later order the coffee drinks. Very friendly service. Social distancing.Whiff of fresh baked pastries in the air mixed with flavors of coffee. There is limited seating inside but a really nice outside garden in the back thats rustic.Espresso- good and strongGolden milk latte- too medicinal turmeric tasting for me!I ordered the yummy banana bread and 3 cookies.The carrot cake cookie w/ cream cheese flavor in the middle is to die for!!! Get it!!!!Sat outside and really enjoyed the vibe, the pastries and drinks.I heard they have really good avocado toast but Im not really a avocado toast type of guy? I will come back to try other yummy pastries when Im back in town. They sold out of the breakfast burrito, so, I definitely will be back!

Review №52

2023-07-02 16:09:32

Awesome bakery with delicious croissants and coffee. Several large communal tables and bar seats to enjoy them. Highly recommend on the next visit to Carmel/Monterey!

Review №53

2023-03-12 21:22:10

Cookies not quite as soft as prior visits, blue corn and buckwheat.Update - long memorial day line, got a pistachio and cherry slice 🍒, very distinct combination.Smaller selection of distinct blue corn cookies 🥠, ginger scones and carrot 🥕 cake and other items. Enjoyed the cookies, very flavorful. Bit pricey, hard to find parking 🅿. Service was fast and friendly. Would recommend.

Review №54

2024-01-31 16:46:14

Amazing coffee and baked goods! The croissant melted in my mouth. Lived the atmosphere and delicious food!

Review №55

2023-04-03 16:45:21

The food is as tasty as it looks in the pictures. No dogs inside (big sign on the front door), but you can walk around the building to the back where there is dog friendly seating.

Review №56

2022-11-03 02:46:36

Such a cool little cafe is a historic part of Monterey. The food and drink offerings were excellent, and the service was wonderful. I kind of wish the fries came in a half size portion, because there were so many for 2 people! I know, something weird to complain about, but they were very tasty.

Review №57

2024-03-02 07:17:15

Croissant was just perfect - crispy, light, buttery.Its become too pricey, soup, sandwich, 2 pastries are $60+

Review №58

2023-07-24 04:40:09

Went there to have lunch on the way to SF.We had to wait a couple of minutes to order as there was a small queue outside.We had the carrot and ginger soup, the chicken salad sandwich and the obligatory avo toast.The soup was pretty good, it came with a thicc piece of bread. The chicken sandwich was delicious as well, but the avocado toast wasnt that good, had better in many places, the bread was too thicc and very lightly toasted, too much avocado, the green strawberries the red radish didnt go as well with the avocado.. just good for the photo.Very nice atmosphere, with a big outdoor garden inside.They also have many pastries that we didnt try but looked delicious!

Review №59

2022-09-10 22:41:24

One of the most beautiful gardens in Monterey area. You should try their Sausage roll. Salmon roll, cinnamon blossom, fruit danishes, quiches are also good.

Review №60

2023-10-11 06:25:12

Excellent selection of scrumptious bakery items and a la carte menu. Enjoyed the unique taste of the espresso tonic. Great find during our trip to beautiful Monterey.

Review №61

2023-05-15 21:21:47

One of the best sourdoughs I have had on the peninsula. Theres always a line outside the door but it goes pretty quickly and its worth the wait! Everything we have tried here has been delicious! And that outside space in the back is so lovely. A Monterey must.Recently tried their pizzas too-- amazing!

Review №62

2022-04-19 23:09:26

Ive been coming here for over two years, and will be coming less and less. Line is generally long, so come very early or quite late. Sub-par dairy products, and theyd rather enjoy trips to Europe than upgrade... Thats a near direct quote from management. Their entitlement is showing. Doesnt look good on them. Pastries are tasty enough. The back features beautiful gardens and ample seating, which is the only reason Ill be returning. That and the staff that Ive come to appreciate. Restroom code 25252.

Review №63

2023-04-21 01:41:42

April 19 & 20, 2023 as usual, this is my first stop when coming to Monterey area! Today I got the quinoa bowl.. as usual it was amazing with slices of raw beets, cucumber, arugula, avocado sun flower seeds for texture and crunch! I have never been to a cafe/restaurant where the same dish is 100% as good as the previous. I had a large green cardamon latte with 2 pumps of syrup, i reduced the syrup by 2 pumps and it was perfect. I took some things to go Panna Cotta with berries, savory bun and chocolate buttermilk cake (2 each)!!I sauteed and orange and yellow pepper,, red onion, mushrooms in olive oil, piled it in the middle of the savory bun, ripped with Swiss cheese..February 17, 2021 drove from Morgan Hill for breakfast, quinoa salad, avocado toast, savory croissant with asparagus!!February, I stumbled upon this place after doing a yoga class this morning, Feb 2020. This is my 5th year attending the CLS teaching with Technology conference at Marriott. I checked out the menu, quinoa bowl is definitely a better choice than the bagel I was going to get... The quinoa bowl was DELICIOUS!!!! Every bite made me HAPPY!!!😊 ALSO they have OAT-LY barista for my coffee!!!👍🏼I will be back for lunch and breakfast the next two days!!!!

Review №64

2021-08-10 22:14:10

Best Tuna Melt Ive had in a long time! I also tried the mint watermelon Macha drink which was absolutely delightful and so refreshing. The seating out back by the gardens is so pretty and has a quiet atmosphere. I think the menu changes from time to time so there is no guarantee you will get the same thing twice, but if everything is as good as what I ordered then Im happy to try all their options! They do have a wheelchair accessible access in the back and bathrooms on site but you have to ask for a code to get in.

Review №65

2022-09-13 17:28:24

Great food and fast service. Get there early for lunch since theres always a line.Drinks are ready very quickly and perfectly balanced.The sandwiches are always great since they bake the bread in house.Pizza was really good recommend the fig one or the asparagus one.Fries are large and are more than enough for 4 people.Corn chowder was the most disappointing thing and it didnt seem like it didnt have enough salt.Ambiance is nice and theres an outdoor seating area with tons of flowers and plants around. Beautiful.

Review №66

2022-09-11 18:27:39

This place is truly special and gets my highest recommendation. It serves as a great reference case for why Im so stingy with 5 star reviews... because its clearly a notch above other good spots Ive tried and deserves that extra 5th star!The Prosciutto Sandwich I had was absolutely perfect..the bread was otherworldly. I also tried their decadent buttercream chocolate cake which was rich, moist, and delicious! Finally I had my first Mexican Dandelion Latte ever... and am so glad I did because it was excellent too. The facility and staff were also wonderful.

Review №67

2023-09-11 05:13:21

The vibe, the pastries, the coffee, the location all of it was perfect. This place was recommended by a friend who is local and I appreciate her for sharing this spot. The outdoor sitting area made me feel like I was in Mexico. Such a great place and deserves so much more than 5 stars.

Review №68

2022-04-23 09:01:20

The avocado toast is both beautiful and tasty, and their frittata is also flavorful and fluffy.The veggie roll is fresh and full of textures, and I can finish up their pizza on my own and walk out of the shop without feeling guilty or regretful.(Oh, and their pumpkin pie during Thanksgiving is something you don’t wanna miss)It is a bit pricey to be honest, and you often have to wait in a line to get your food, but I think this is a good place to give yourself a treat when you feel overwhelmed in life.

Review №69

2023-05-29 14:30:51

This place was really good. I really recommend the prosciutto sandwiches, and we took a sourdough loaf home. Excellent. The lavender tea was really good.

Review №70

2021-02-15 22:58:51

Amazing fresh pastries. My wife absolutely loves their croissants, and I really enjoy their coffee as well. The outdoor courtyard in the back is so serene and relaxing, and a great place to start your morning.

Review №71

2024-03-30 16:05:35

Used to love this place, but it has gotten worse. Their menu items are hit or miss (their recent “pancake” was horrible). Their baked goods are usually good, but their muffins are meh. Service and cleanliness is poor. The place has poor operations and long wait times. But it’s still a charming enclave in downtown Monterey.

Review №72

2023-12-21 16:17:50

Creamy delicious Quiche was good and pastries are tasty and big enough for breakfast

Review №73

2021-12-21 06:49:08

This freaking place. Omg. Arrive early, this line gets longgg in the mornings.(30+min) The coffee was tasty, quite strong, just how we like it. The danish was rich, bold with flavor, and a good balance between buttery and sweet. The garden out back was the best part, its so rare, felt like it was out of a fairytale. The whole experience made for a great Saturday morning. Definitely going back soon! Thanks Alta!

Review №74

2022-08-11 21:48:06

This was one of the greatest cafes we did in california. The backyard is really nice. Many choices of drinks and food. There was a watermelon-mint drink with matcha foam: this was INCREDIBLE. And what about the carrot cake! I still dream of this place.

Review №75

2022-06-09 03:52:28

Dont let the line scare you, its usually out the door, but well worth the wait. I loved their late, croissant with ham and cheese and their avocado toast was pretty different and amazing as well (see picture). The breads looked awesome as well. I went there for breakfast both days that I was in Monterey. Great place.

Review №76

2021-06-12 16:28:52

Quaint little spot to grab a bite to eat before exploring Monterey Bay! Decor is cozy and the smell of coffee roasting is very welcoming!The pastries are beautiful in appearance and taste! The Oblogatory Avocado Toast is the epitome of a stereotypical millennial meal. It looks colorful with radishes, flower petals, and kumquat slices. Ok, you might be thinking, Kumquat? Ew. But the citrus adds such a layer of complexity to the toast! Totally a spot to check out if youre in the area.

Review №77

2024-01-26 19:52:41

The pastries here are some of the best I’ve had in the country. They’re churning out fresh baked goods all day, not stock piling before opening. The coffee is also high quality. I will be coming back here every time I’m town.

Review №78

2023-08-22 20:00:06

I loved coming here. I ordered the seasonal watermelon matcha and it was amazing. The matcha was so smooth and I could tell the watermelon juice was homemade. I also had one of their cookies which was delicious. Only complaint is that they don’t have prices anywhere, as everything is quite expensive.

Review №79

2023-09-17 22:30:08

Beautiful pastries and sandwiches.Challah was perfect. Staff are helpful, and efficient. Try this place. You’ll love it.

Review №80

2024-05-05 20:51:15

We had our breakfast at Alta bakery and cafe. That was a wonderful experience. We felt like being in a family home. Food is delicious with excellent service. Return back definitely. Thank you

Review №81

2023-07-28 15:49:20

Great cafe and bakery. A lot of delicious choices. I never eat pizza but it looked so damn good I couldn’t resist and I’m so glad I indulged.

Review №82

2022-03-07 16:00:35

Great lavender coffee and I really liked that they had outside seating. I ordered the Buddha Bowl and that was super filling and felt very nourishing. We also ordered garlic herb fries which were more herb than garlic but at least we didnt have garlic breath later. 🤷‍♀️😅

Review №83

2023-07-03 01:38:04

Pastries all look amazing wish I could try them all. Especially the cinnamon loaf, which was only sold in full loaf size. Was satisfied with the lavender latte. 5 stars for the garden and patio, lovely setting.

Review №84

2022-05-04 16:52:06

Everythings delicious!Theres a lovely, spacious garden in the back, and lots of seating inside.The staff are really nice and knowledgeable about the items.

Review №85

2019-09-02 14:52:31

What a cute little cafe with delicious coffee and yummy pastries and breakfast food selection. The space alone is totally worth the visit. Sitting here in the courtyard enjoying the old mission/barn serenity with a cup of coffee made my morning.

Review №86

2022-10-27 15:57:21

The plating and food/pastries were delightful. Really the only reason I came here, we got pavlova, kale flatbread and garlic fries, and drinks. Everything was pretty good, garlic fries always need more garlic imo. The pizza was hearty for being veg, the pavlova was amazing with the lemon curd and meringue etc. Make sure youre looking at the correct menu, one was outdated near the entrance since they change it often it seems. Service was lackluster at the counter and when asking for utensils etc that werent restocked... Location is relaxing and spacious, just sometimes parking sucks.

Review №87

2023-10-14 21:22:27

Food was delicious! A little pricey but worth every penny. Quality ingredients. Good ambiance and friendly service staff.

Review №88

2024-03-02 14:50:39

Customers are racist based on which entrance you come in from. If you enter from the front, they respect you. If you enter from the back and stand behind the only people in the bakery as they take 10 minutes to figure out their order and, while waiting patiently, another person enters from the front and lollygags like a donut on the ocean in front of the pastries until they get to the secondary pastry window, and now its time for the next customer, you will be told by the customer that arrived 8 minutes after you that you arent in line. Racist against people that enter from the backdoor. Also clueless. Their system supports this behavior. Great food, questionable customers & ergonomics

Review №89

2024-04-20 22:52:35

This place is a 10/10. Excellent coffee and pastries that are ridiculously delicious. If you go sit outside in the back and check out the garden to the left as you go out back. A real gem.

Review №90

2023-07-18 15:56:46

Beautiful, delicious and expensive. The sourdough bread is top notch and the atmosphere has a very cool vibe with a gorgeous garden

Review №91

2024-07-01 16:53:46

Lovely place with good coffee

Review №92

2022-11-14 21:43:25

Our favorite bakery in the area. My favorite is the daily donut special - you have to get there early in order to get it and you never know what the flavor is going to be until you get there but it is always worth it! The patio is a great place for a group of friends for breakfast or lunch.

Review №93

2021-04-30 14:27:38

Beautiful bakery/coffee shop. Pastrys are in house made and fresh! Theyre not sweet and not bitter, theyre just right. Their lattes are amazing and they have a beautiful patio secret garden in the back that you can explore and sit at. When Im in town, i always come here.

Review №94

2019-04-27 02:23:35

This wonderful addition to Alvarado Street is a true gem. Delicious and creative pastries alongside plenty of hearty fare like flat bread. Good coffee, beer and wine on the afternoon, and one of the most gorgeous city parks in Monterey, which is saying a lot.

Review №95

2022-03-28 04:28:52

I initially just stopped in for a vanilla latte. There was a fairly long line out the door and I almost went elsewhere; glad I didnt. That latte was among the best Ive ever had.When I got in the door I got a look at the baked goods and sandwiches, and had to try something. I ended up with a carrot cake cookie, which was perfect.Highly recommend this place! If there is a line wait it out!

Review №96

2022-07-31 01:12:54

The food looks delicious, the space looks quaint and inviting, and the staff are generally friendly. But it seems this cafe is facing operational challenges. Arrived at 9:30AM on a Saturday, waited in line (mostly outside) and finally got to the front of the line by 10AM. At 10AM, they were out of many things, including the chocolate croissant I tried to order. Considering they open at 7AM, it seems odd that they would run out of things so early in the day. The cashier mentioned yes, we run out of things earlier on the weekends. To management: if you know that (your staff does), why not prepare to have enough product available based on the traffic you expect to see? Otherwise, you run the risk of training your customers to show up earlier (and you get slammed) or they choose another cafe altogether. It would seem like a reasonable thing to be more proactive in preparing for the demand.I also find it weird to order food from one person and drinks from another person. Maybe thats just me. And the baristas should be trained on how to properly make espresso drinks, especially how to froth the milk correctly. I was unimpressed by my cappuccino.Lastly, the use of the space and the flow of people seems like it could be dramatically improved. The space in the main part of the cafe is about 60% used, yet people are lined up outside down the sidewalk. They could route more people inside to line up and reorient the case so people can look at all the delicious pastries while they wait. Id bet youd sell more product that way - if you have it to sell, that is.

Review №97

2020-08-05 15:35:48

Planned to try coffee here while visiting Monterey... and then came back again for lunch... and then grabbed coffee again the next morning... aaaand then once more because it was THAT good. The pastries are a work of art, the coffee is perfection! And the outdoor seating in the garden is what truly made this our favorite coffee spot while in the area!

Review №98

2021-07-04 06:02:42

So so so so good!! I had the smoked salmon toast and it was amazing! I went when it like first open and the line was out the door but they handled it like champs!! Sucks that their bread doesnt come out until 10am but oh well! If you are in Monterey go here!

Review №99

2023-08-28 21:09:31

My husband and I love this place! The staff are so nice and the baked goods are as delicious as they look. We split the kale and olive pizza, which was crisp and fresh. Just the right amount of cheese and toppings. We finished with the chocolate hazelnut mousse which just melts in your mouth and is a great small treat to finish off your meal. The courtyard is beautiful and filled with succulents and plenty of cozy spots to relax and enjoy. We will definitely be back.

Review №100

2022-07-05 04:45:32

Alta bakery is a must stop if you are in the Monterey area! We waited in line (not too long) and we ordered different pastries like the banana chocolate chip bread & zucchini bread. These were both very flavorful and moist. We got lattes and they were delicious. It was a pleasant place to enjoy our morning

Review №101

2021-06-24 19:22:04

We were strolling in the neighbourhood looking for somewhere to get brunch. Stopped by this place after seeing multiple people lining up. Being a true croissant amateur, I was saddened to see that all their croissant and most of their pastries were gone by 11:30AM. However, we chose among the great selection of sandwiches and desserts, and got the Reuben, the Focaccia and their blondie, along with two cappuccinos.All you have to know is that everything we tasted was absolutely delicious! The garden in the back was also the perfect backdrop, reminding me of Provence in the South of France. Needless to say, it is definitely worth a stop if you are passing by Monterey, and even more so if you want to read or relax in a beautiful setting.

Review №102

2022-06-14 17:00:11

Great latte and croissants indeed. I only wish they offer REAL plates to people who want to eat right there, in the Lovely garden area. The disposables are needlessly wasteful and they cheapen the feel of those expensive croissants. They do use real plates for some customers. It all seems random. If you care about the environment and plan to eat/drink there, which I highly recommend, ASK them for real cups and real plates. You are worth it.

Review №103

2022-09-07 03:00:31

My friend had been raving about Alta and brought us wide selection of goodies from here. They are definitely worth the rave.The pastries are all above average and this would be my go-to bakery in Monterey. My favorites are the cinnamon croissant loaf, the monkey pull apart looking bread, and the sausage croissants.

Review №104

2022-07-04 12:22:18

Everything looked very good, but some of the pastries had flat flavors.Best-Avo toastCinnamon roll

Review №105

2021-03-26 18:40:40

Alta Cafe is nestled on the corner of a 3-way intersection, with parking nearby. Today, there was a small line, however, their staff moved quickly and the wait time was low.The ambience was fairly chic and had a bakery-artisanal theme. Fixtures and retail countertops were balanced and appropriately placed for a building this size and they had a viewing space for what seemed to be custom orders. Their building is connected to a beautiful and well managed outside eating and lounge space with wood furniture in a comfortable setting. The only complaint I would offer here is the lack of clear directions for recycling, compostables, and garbage, so... much like many other people, everything went into the 🗑.Altas POS system was fast and reliable. Good choice for a business this size.The food was well prepared and balanced with flavor and volume. I left satisfied 😌. I ordered a burrito, coffee, a banana and chocolate loaf, and a scrumptious hazelnut mousse. (the latter being my favorite). I did not ask about local ingredients, organics, fair trade, supply chain sustainability, or anything else that I normally think about in Seattle... however, considering we are quite a ways from any major suppliers of these ingredients, I suspect most of this is imported to some degree.Overall 5 stars for quality, speed, location, and service.

Review №106

2019-04-16 20:54:05

Friendly staff and good food. I am loving the Lavender Lemon Tart here because it has both flavors without the sweetness overpowering it all. Their macha latte is good, no sweetening, a little bitterness, and served at a temperature where I can drink it immediately without burning myself. I also got the ham croque with awesome fries... And yes those fries were awesome. Atmosphere is great too. Several tables in a side room and tables outside in the garden to sit at as well. Side room is filled with art from the Youth Arts Collective, so the atmosphere is great.

Review №107

2022-03-30 15:57:13

If i could give more than 5 stars I would! The pastries and coffee were excellent! We tried the fruit Danish, berry strudel and the lemon doughnut. They were exquisite!

Review №108

2023-05-14 06:09:16

The best place to have a coffee and breakfast especially if it’s sunny 🌞 and you can set outside in the yard with all the beautiful flowers and lovely atmosphere.

Review №109

2019-07-27 21:39:35

Loved the savory goods and melon pot de creme 😍 excellent breakfast spot with a cute garden in the back. Will definitely look into this place as a venue option for weddings/parties/events. Its gorgeous, clean, and scrumptious.

Review №110

2022-05-02 16:32:27

Great reviews for a reason. The salmon croissant nearly brought me to tears. The cinnamon roll cream cheese was so good I wanted to scream at all passerby that they must go get their own immediately. The mocha is like the breathe of life.

Review №111

2022-03-29 23:52:43

Lovely baked goods. Many drink options. Personable service. Choice of indoor or outdoor sitting. Im so glad I tried this place, and I will visit again with my husband tomorrow!

Review №112

2023-11-25 16:49:54

Lots of people lining up at this bakery, it definitely has the perfect vices whether youre visiting or living nearby. Theyve got coffee, food, pastries.Prices are a bit steep and the coffee is average, but nonetheless a delightful brunch. Theres plenty of garden out back with seating inside and out, so even though theres lots of people, youll find a nice place to sit with a view.

Review №113

2022-02-19 17:58:28

It sure is busy! Very popular bakery. Only tried a muffin but wasn’t super impressed. But it’s. Cute place with lots of outdoor seating.

Review №114

2023-09-25 02:45:52

Easily our best discovery in our few days in Monterey - the most fabulous sweet and savoury products alongside awesome coffee

Review №115

2023-08-01 18:12:04

Such a cute bakery and one of the stops I always have to make now when Im going through Monterey. Beautiful setting and worth hanging out with a book or some friends for a while.

Review №116

2023-02-11 21:58:10

This was the perfect place to stop for lunch on a chilly day with the dog. We found a nook on the back patio (photo) that kept us out of the wind. All the food was great: quinoa bowl, croque monsieur, blue corn cookie, London black tea.

Review №117

2019-10-18 19:59:22

Five stars for every part of Alta Bakery. The coffee is great, and kudos for adding oat milk. Had a salmon & cream cheese croissant that was delicious. And then being in a historical building and having access to the gardens is amazing!!

Review №118

2023-10-28 20:14:55

Great coffee and the food/bakery also looked amazing (we just didnt have them this time). Many bakery items were sold out by early afternoon so get there early if youre aiming for a particular item. The cold brew was delicious and came with coffee ice cubes which is a nice touch. The gardens on the property are also beautiful with ample table place.

Review №119

2022-01-23 01:08:07

Alta is delicious! Get there early and enjoy the outside seating in the garden area!

Review №120

2021-01-14 16:19:29

We did a roadtrip to Carmel from PNW and swung by this cafe for some fresh baked goods and good coffee. Staff was very friendly, knowledgeable, and made great suggestions based on what I said I usually liked.

Review №121

2023-11-11 17:05:38

So we heard the hype on YouTube and made it a point on our trip to stop by. The coffee was pretty dang good and strong I tried the house chai and it was okay but my wifes drink was really good it was a caramel latte! The food is the major sell point. It was very authentic and well made. We got the ham and cheese croissant and the sausage and cheese croissant. Very flaky and delicious but they could have warmed it up better but we could have also asked them to do that.. but we wish we could have gotten the famous cookie we heard so much about. They dont make them until 10 and dont sell them till 1030.... I wish this was shared on all the videos Ive seen. Overall one of the better coffees and bakeries in the area

Review №122

2022-02-07 03:42:23

Great outdoor area to eat, gardens are fabulous and the pastries are outstanding. The quiche was amazing!

Review №123

2023-12-17 17:18:53

Pastry with pistachio and raspberry was VERY delicious and sweet. $8.75. Not of seating inside. Back patio area is super pretty and has more seating. Bathrooms are outside and clean.

Review №124

2022-03-04 20:45:15

Beautiful historic garden and delicious bakeries. I had berry pie, orange blossom and almond tea cake, and avocado toast.

Review №125

2024-04-27 18:22:21

This is definitely a locals place, the servers are rude to you if you dont know exactly what you want, and are rude when you pick something that theyve run out of. The food was good though.

Review №126

2023-08-26 20:07:25

Cute bakery with delicious baked good and a great atmosphere.Come for the food, stay for the ambiance. We came on a Saturday morning and had about a 20 minute wait to get to the front. We got inside right around 11am so they were changing over to the lunch menu. We ordered a few items for here and a few to go.The staff is very busy and they try to be as friendly as possible while still trying to move the line along. Theres a fine balance. I never felt rushed.Heres what we ordered1. Reuben Croissant - pastrami and sauerkraut inside of a croissant with cheese on top. They heat it up for you if you eat it there. Nothing was overpowering so you could taste everything with every bite. A perfect sandwich to share!2. Morning bun - probably one of the better morning buns Ive had. There are some sort of brown sugar crumbles sprinkled and baked on top and the strawberry jam was excellent!3. Blue corn cookie - Almost a fusion of a sugar cookie and cornbread. A unique flavor with that little crunch you get with really good cornbread. I highly recommend if youre wanting to try something you cant get anywhere else.Lastly there is a to of seating both inside and out. I recommend sitting outside if its a nice day. It almost feels like youve been transported to Europe.Go check it out! You wont be disappointed.

Review №127

2022-08-17 05:05:46

Went there for lunch. It was great just like the other reviews say. Bought a loaf of sourdough. West coast sourdough is a cultural treasure. Nowhere else can you get that incredible sourness, but the sourdough from this bakery is the very best bread of any kind in the world. The crust was chewy and complex, and the crumb was open and moist, and the sourness just goes with everything. I wish I could eat only this.

Review №128

2021-07-14 15:50:43

The server said the fritatta was like clouds. She was right. Best frittata Ive had in my life. Pastries were great. If you think you can order only one, think again. You wont be able to resist. Lastly, the cafe is extremely cute to sit in. The outside back area felt like a pastoral french estate.

Review №129

2023-12-31 21:03:08

This is what happens when hipsters run the asylum. The food looks great and the place itself is a nice venue, but if they dont get their staff allergen training quickly, they may just kill someone.Operationally, this place is a total mess, but it looks pretty.

Review №130

2022-02-20 15:28:13

So delicious. Hard to rip into these pastries given how gorgeous they look. Amazing blend of yummy and not too sweet. Somehow our little boys loved them as much as we did.

Review №131

2023-06-03 17:58:19

Very neat cafe and bakery with a gorgeous outdoor area. Would recommend if visiting in Monterey - got a latte and pastry.

Review №132

2023-10-01 21:37:40

This place does a great job overall. The coffee is good, the bakery items are yummy, and you can tell the chefs and staff are knowledgeable in the food that’s offered. It is spendy and the line can get long so be prepared to wait. The garden out back is beautiful and great to sit in when the weather’s nice!

Review №133

2021-08-03 05:04:55

Very popular bakery, good selection! Both indoor and outdoor seatings available. Love their almond croissant!

Review №134

2023-09-14 06:21:31

Arrived late afternoon for a snack. Lots of choice but we both chose the Coconut soup with a slice of Sourdough and a coffee each.Sat outside in the patio area which was clean and spacious. The here was a wedding taking place nearby so that added to the atmosphere. Soup was amazing. Whilst enjoying by our drinks we watched Hummingbirds. It was a wonderful experience

Review №135

2021-12-08 13:58:59

Really chill cafe with fantastic cakes, pastries, and drinks. The banana, chocolate, walnut strudel was fantastic. First time trying the golden milk latte. Delicious!

Review №136

2023-08-03 17:07:34

By far the best coffee we have had since arriving in America from Oz. Hot enough, strong espresso made (not filtered) and a perfect size. This cafe is located a short pleasant walk from the waterfront, in a stunningly restored heritage Cooperage building. It is attached to a restaurant which we didnt visit but rates highly with the locals. Out the back is a well tendered relaxing garden where its easy to while away several hours in the sun. The food offerings are sensational. Again the best cinnamon scroll Ive had in the USA. It was a delicious combo of light, crispy French croissant pastry and soft cinnamony filling with a light & fluffy cream cheese topping. The staff were friendly and helpful, thank you for such a good experience

Review №137

2024-01-28 17:47:27

Unfortunately our experience at Alta hasn’t been as good as we expected. Couldn’t even get a normal coffee. Overpriced and felt rushed, it ended up not being enjoyable. Very disappointing

Review №138

2023-07-18 03:19:26

A very lovely spot. There is always great variety of pastries. You could go in every day of the week and see a completely different lineup each day. I absolutely love the selection that is available every morning. Highly recommend coming as close to 7AM when they open as you can, that way you can get ensure you get to try all the best items!There are good options for both sweet pastries and savory. Some of my favorite items are the classic croissant, chocolate croissant, and cinnamon rolls. Absolutely delicious!The atmosphere is simply amazing. The indoor seating is pleasant and there is plenty of lovely art to admire while you relax. However, the real deal is the outdoor seating because of the gardens in the back. Alta Bakery is set in the Historic Cooper Molera complex and the buildings are simply stunning. The outdoor spots are a must.My only issue is with the copy. I debated whether to give four or five stars. After all, I have found plenty of amazing things to say about Alta. But, because they offer coffee and advertise that they are also a Cafe and not just a Bakery, I have to account for it as well. The coffee is... inconsistent. At its best, it is just okay. At its worst, it tastes burnt and I can tell the beans are never fresh or at least come from a low quality source. Pretty unfortunate, because I would love to have great coffee and great pastries all in one place. These days, I usually just get a pastry and get a coffee elsewhere.Coffee aside, Alta is a staple of Monterey. The delicious pastries, the tasty sandwiches, and the beautiful scenery all around makes this a must-visit location.

Review №139

2022-12-01 22:19:44

Nice variety! Great fresh and seasonal pastry and drinks! Beautiful garden! #hygge

Review №140

2022-08-30 13:48:51

Im split coffee and spinach feta croissant great, next day had coffee and lemon meringue donut not so good. Must visit just wish more consistent.

Review №141

2022-08-24 02:24:27

Great sandwich, pastrami croissant. Very pleasant to sit in the garden and enjoy the dishes.

Review №142

2021-06-16 16:30:37

Excellent bakery and they dont go cheap with their ingredients, not overly sweetened pastries and the spinach quiche is packed. Makes you wish to move to this town.

Review №143

2021-12-19 19:49:09

This place is top tier. Brunchy options (like the Reuben croissant or prosciutto sandwich) are great, as well as their coffee and patisserie items.If you’re in the Monterey Bay Area I don’t see why you’d go to any other cafe.

Review №144

2020-10-25 18:50:43

For some reason, google did not post my review \o.0/The coffee shop asked me why I gave them 2*Well, we got latte and mocha there and both we so badly burned that we could not drink it much. But the banana and pumpkin cakes were of a good quality. Nothing mind breaking but still good.And last one thing I was shocked about is how they by default suggest you to pay 18% of gratitude! For a counter service!!! 18%!!!!And the place aint cheap! they could afford to hire a better barista!

Review №145

2024-03-12 13:20:48

Adorable spot for a delicious pastry and latte

Review №146

2024-06-15 21:43:26

Coffee not great, tried the flat white. Pastries pretty good albeit pricey.

Review №147

2020-12-30 16:41:48

Cute, chic cafe with amazing pastries and coffee. one of the best danish i’ve ever had, ricotta and berries, on par with pastries i’ve had in paris at pain pain. everyone working was very kind. do yourself a favor and go here if you’re in the area.

Review №148

2023-11-06 00:46:25

I really enjoy Alta! I recently moved away from the area, and will miss visiting. I would drive an hour on the weekends to enjoy their baked goods and the courtyard. Their staff is always kind too. Thanks to Sophie at the counter for always making me feel welcome!

Review №149

2024-05-12 13:38:13

I dont even want to tell you how delicious the cinnamon buns are with the sour cream frosting because then the line will just get longer

Review №150

2023-09-17 19:28:11

Great ambience, delicious food, pretty avocado toast, decent espresso.

Review №151

2023-07-24 16:38:08

Beautiful setting, and the pastries (which we did not have) looked decent. The system for ordering is incredibly inefficient, so there is an unnecessarily long line and wait. We had avocado toast and tuna melts, which were not very good. $14.50 for one piece of bread with tuna mayo and a sliver of cheese is an awfully high price.

Review №152

2022-09-13 13:41:21

Great little spot with a great outside area to enjoy sweets and tasty meals. Definitely worth a visit.

Review №153

2023-11-08 18:03:35

Super cute quaint spot with a rotating menu

Review №154

2022-01-14 00:46:13

I got a half dozen pastries for family, and everyone loved them! The prices were reasonable for the high quality and deliciousness.

Review №155

2023-09-04 21:06:21

Cookies :One of the best cookies chocolate cookie / sweet from honey, crispy outside, super moist insideBrownies :moist and so chocolatyCroissants :Standard (ps.not a fan of chocolate croissants)

Review №156

2021-02-12 22:25:47

Ive always had an excellent experience when vising Alta. The drinks are superb, I suggest the Chai with oatmilk or the cold brew coffee. Fresh baked bread and delectable soups of the day. The pavlova dessert is great as well. Light and fresh 😋

Review №157

2023-05-19 15:34:16

Delicious, rotating selection of pastries and coffee/tea. The outside patio is an unexpected treat as well!

Review №158

2020-10-11 05:54:46

Coffee was so goooooooood! Everything we got there was so good. Nice outdood seating in the garden. Loved the place!

Review №159

2023-05-01 02:48:45

I had the Reuben croissant and chocolate cake to go. Both were delicious, definitely worth the wait.

Review №160

2021-10-10 00:59:01

Avocado toast looked beautiful but didn’t taste good at all. Suggest they reduce the thickness of bread to half

Review №161

2022-11-08 10:08:34

Great atmosphere and menu. None of the bakery items were vegan but they all looked delicious! Ordered the Avocado toast from the menu and it was amazing. The bread was clearly fresh and there were toppings galore. I also ordered a hot tea and enjoyed it on the outside patio. Strolled though the outdoor gardens when I was done eating. A great experience.

Review №162

2023-06-30 14:28:43

Freshly made bakery items. Coffee is good. You will enjoy every moment here. Its got a beautiful garden to sit and eat or drink your coffee. My egg sandwich was awesome. Just go to this place and you wont be disappointed.

Review №163

2023-05-08 17:37:24

I don’t normally post reviews, however i think they are super important in helping people choose to visit establishments. i visit many different places, travel a lot and normally have wonderful experiences. unfortunately this was the opposite, i wanted to love this place as it has a beautiful outside patio. one of the employees was super sweet! however, the employee working at the cash register acted as if i was inconveniencing him and the way he treated me I actually became emotional and had to go outside to get some air. I get it to have bad days but it is absolutely not ok to treat people like that, especially customers. I am also a huge coffee person and the coffee I had here had no taste which is interesting because i asked for two flavors and the hot coffee was lower than room temperature. It was over priced for what I was given. It makes me really sad that I had this experience at such a beautiful and highly reviewed coffee shop.

Review №164

2022-08-15 00:25:00

This Maple Glaze Bacon Wrap Is worth the trip alone. More of a desert than a breakfast item. Pretty incredible!!

Review №165

2024-05-31 15:58:43

Cute and quaint bakery with delicious pastries

Review №166

2021-08-06 06:16:47

Wonderful bakery shop! Desserts are so amazing!!! I love puff and donuts!!!

Review №167

2022-07-28 18:54:10

The events leading up to me visiting Alta, almost feel like destiny! I have met two gentlemen in my own line of work, who work at Alta, and one gave me a pastry. I was really hungry and had been working for awhile, so couldnt wait to try it. I was not expecting such a delicacy 🥰 oh my goodness. I am a pretty harsh critic of food, being that I cook/bake myself. So when I bit into this slightly crispy, fluffy and buttery pastry, with perfectly toasted almonds and such fresh tasting fruit on top I knew I would be visiting soon. And I did, I even brought my son so he could have a big boy coffee and whatever pastry he chose. We enjoyed ourselves so much. The outdoor garden table was amazing 😍 It reminded me of my childhood, visiting my Grandpa who often had his grandchildren eat outside on the patio. The sun felt so nice as we enjoyed our drinks and tasty pastries. I will be visiting again soon. Oh and price for quality, unmatched 👌🏽

Review №168

2023-08-18 23:48:28

ArghThe flow of service is not efficientMaking the wait too longYou have to order from multiple peopleAnd pay a different personThe baked goods are deliciousThe savory are fine. The menu is limitedBut the French fries do not miss out on, although they are pricy at $16Make sure. To sit outside in the garden the vibe is the best thing

Review №169

2023-10-09 19:09:57

The bread was delicious. The prices seemed steep. Rent must be high. The staff was great. The smells and sights nice. The patio was so nice. The best bread in town!

Review №170

2023-08-28 01:28:01

Great food and drinks, nice atmosphere. But not a coffee shop that offers wifi or charging outlets. Big long communal tables in the back & an extensive patio/garden area. So just keep that in mind if you plan want to study on a device there.

Review №171

2024-06-21 19:05:31

This place is a must in Monterey ❤️

Review №172

2024-05-12 16:40:50

Yummy croissant and latte! Lovely and plentiful seating, indoors and out

Review №173

2022-01-04 03:45:32

Great pastries, Good coffee, Good amount of indoor and garden seating.

Review №174

2024-01-22 00:39:43

Great place for coffee and breakfast

Review №175

2023-05-16 23:06:50

Quinoa arugula cucumber salad was delicious as was the blackberry muffin. Just sweet enough to satisfy and not overwhelm. I ordered my salad to go but will make time to eat in the garden on my next visit. Yes, it was that yummy. Good customer service but the line got busy during lunch hour traffic and my salad got overlooked on the counter. Wilted arugula and floppy radishes however did not affect the taste just the looks. Reason i did not post a pic. :) all is good.

Review №176

2023-01-22 20:41:50

The atmosphere and the interior looks great. Very simplistic, but a little homey. The workers there a so nice to talk to. I had a plain croissant and an egg sandwich, with golden milk. If you love flaky croissant, try this place! The egg sandwich was satisfying simple, and loved the golden milk.

Review №177

2023-11-27 02:31:56

This place stays busy. Prepare to stand in line and for quantities to be limited but the food to be delicious and fast. Excellent seating in the courtyard. Bathroom on site.

Review №178

2023-07-27 19:38:32

Super cute café however an incredibly inefficient ordering experience. This also isn’t a bakery as there’s no bread or normal baked goods you would find in a bakery - the name is very misleading.The food is yummy however make sure you leave approximately an hour to stand in line before your order is placed then another 20 minutes before your coffee is ready. You then have to wait for some items at the counter but some things are brought out to your table which is just confusing.

Review №179

2023-11-28 20:20:43

Great food and cappuccino! Loved the space!Still delicious 😋

Review №180

2023-12-31 20:53:31

Food and pastries were sooooo delicious and soooo beautiful. Cappuccino was pretty good (asked me what size though ;)).

Review №181

2024-05-03 07:44:00

Great indoor and outdoor spaces.Food was good but a little pricey.

Review №182

2022-12-20 17:36:47

Soooo delicious 🤤. Great coffee, good chai and super breakfast options. Look at this picture - no words needed 😆

Review №183

2023-11-26 23:49:39

Just go to Pete’s, Nextdoor,Service was so bad totally brought down the rest of the experience. As far as I could count, there were five or six people behind the counter of this tiny café. They were not very busy at all, but they all appeared to be doing some kind of major busy work.I was somewhat unremarkably recognized by three different people at three different times who could’ve totally made contact and said anything.But yet I waited, and waited ! When I did finally get my pastry and coffee, it was meh 🫤In fact, the coffee was not very remarkable anyway, considering their slogan is best coffee in Monterey.There is a Peet’s with better coffee, and better parking right around the corner Next-door, to fieldwork brewery, far better experience !!I would have much rather supported this independent bakery café than a chain, but when they service and quality cannot even compare what’s the point

Review №184

2023-01-13 23:02:39

What a lovely place! We were visiting town and had lunch here several days in a row. Their squash soup with sourdough bread was A+; i wish it were on their menu every day! Great outdoor seating nook, fast and friendly.

Review №185

2023-09-08 14:14:49

Overpriced. 5 dollars for a croissant is insane! I use to like this place. Prices were reasonable (3.75 for a croissant and 4 dollars for a latte) but within the last two years this owner (who I hear is already wealthy) has gotten really greedy. Workers always look annoyed and unhappy.

Review №186

2024-03-17 14:34:57

Love this place, especially the seating out back! The bread was excellent!

Review №187

2023-06-09 19:53:23

This place has the most amazing cafe sandwiches and desserts. Our favorite was the croque monsieur with gruyere and ham. We even got an additional sandwhich to go for later. When its nice, sit outside in the garden although inside feels cozy and kinda perfect with communal tables.

Review №188

2022-12-29 18:16:01

We went inside Alta bakery the lady with a big fat nose did not even great us in she just did our order and I went to the water bar and I saw Contaminated water with bugs and my sister got food poisoning for that bad service take down this bakery

Review №189

2023-08-26 15:10:31

This is a great place for lunch or coffee, take time to come in, sit down and enjoy the desserts, coffee, tea or food. Great service and atmosphere. When Im Monterey I always drop by. Site on the outside area to experience the dry garden area.

Review №190

2023-06-11 15:59:35

Fruit strudel is tangy and good. The blueberry muffin is normal.The latte and cappuccino are good as well. Overall a good place with many pastry and breakfast options with indoor and outdoor seating options

Review №191

2021-12-20 16:11:08

My fiancethey is a former Amys Bread baker, so when they approve of the baked goods, you know they are fantastic. The coffee was delicious and their drinks creative, but not gimmicky. The rustic back area was open when we were there during sunny March and was a beautiful place to savor our meal. We went back twice on our weekend trip & are heading over there again today!

Review №192

2023-07-31 16:01:49

Amazing coffee and tasty pastries! Great location, nice workers.

Review №193

2023-05-20 01:13:09

Today we went to Alta for lunch- party of 3.We ordered and paid for pastries and subsequently ordered lunch and drinks. My companion gave the cashier her card and then told the cashier that she wasnt aware if she had left a tip. The cashier flipped the screen over toward her and there was a 16% tip automatically charged to her card. There is no table service in Alta cafe other than bringing the ordered and paid for items to the table. Is that worth a 16% tip? We just now checked todays receipt from Alta and the automatically added tip was 18% ! Caveat emptorWhen I ordered a glass of Chardonnay the cashier did not correct this by saying the wine is in a can. He plunked down the can and opened it before I could cancel the order...I never drink canned beverages: not beer, not juice and certainly never wine. For $11

Review №194

2024-06-02 19:08:58

Best coffee and baked good in Monterey! Emphasis on best coffee!!

Review №195

2023-05-03 19:00:58

I generally have enjoyed coming here because I Iove sitting and studying in the large Patio behind Cella Restaurant, but the service is definitely unfortunate. If you dont know how they do things the staff all seem to be pretty passive aggressive about having to explain things to people. The food is always presented well but the avocado mix on the toast had so much citrus in it that it burns out the palate and didnt taste like avocado anymore. I wish they would invest in more cups and glasses to enjoy your drinks in if youre staying, it feels so incredibly wasteful to serve something in a to go cup if someone is dining in. Anther disappointment is that they have no posting anywhere that states they dont offer wifi to paying guests. Which is rather misleading because many people, like myself today, dont find out until theyve already spent their money which didnt sit right ethically speaking. If there was signage, perhaps I didnt see it, but if not it errs on the shady side. I have worked in cafés for years and found that having your staff be thorough and genuine in their service is always better than smiling through their annoyance. People arent stupid and shouldnt be treated as an inconvenience. As you are literally in hospitality work. Be hospitable. I also know that dealing with a long line all day long can be difficult to get things done with eyes constantly staring at you waiting for your attention, but good service never ignores the seeking eyes. A simple acknowledgment and hi there, we will be with you in just a moment goes a long way.

Review №196

2023-09-18 14:41:29

Good coffee, tasty pastries, many choices and great atmosphere. Simple. If you like life, eat food and drink coffee you won’t be disappointed here.

Review №197

2022-04-12 02:54:04

Get here early, they can sell out of their menu items fast, as the regulars know what they want. Simply put, the food is terrific. We’ve had the fritatta, the pancake, and the avocado toast, all of which are great. The coffee is very good, and the baked treats are not to be missed. Their plain croissants are excellent. What else do you need? Go!

Review №198

2023-02-15 16:09:46

Such a let down! Not as great as I thought it would be. Went there as a treat for myself and got the Spinach and Feta croissant as well as a plain croissant. A few bites in, I threw away the spinach one as it just wasnt good and not sure if I care to eat the other. Disappointed considering the price! Staff were nice though.