“It was their Traditional Yerba Mate service that caught our attention and then coincidentally reading a little of their backstory brought us in. Once settled, we instantly felt at home and couldn't have enjoyed our visit(s) more. Clearly locals love the spot for its relaxed atmosphere and food...Ok I mean absolutely fantastic food. You simply have to try all their empanadas, the mind-blowing Sopa and Lemon Delight. Don't miss out on their gem offering... Yerba Mate!Mate: really is a way of life (relaxed). It takes a little time, make the time, it's so worth it. The staff were surprised/delighted by my order of a traditional (hot) Mate service, and the owner came out with an exuberant "You're drinking Mate!?!" We had a nice conversation about the ritual of drinking Mate, Paraguay and some of her experiences with the cafe. Our second visit though, led to a lengthy discussion with a knowledgeable staff member about more advanced techniques for Yerba Mate preparation, character of the various brands, etc...I've been casually enjoying Mate for twenty years and still came away with a better understanding. They're so kind and pleasant, you'll enjoy the experience whether you're a newbie needing to be walked through the process or a budding connoisseur.“
“Heard about this place from a friend, decided to wake up early on Saturday to stand in line for one and a half hours just for croissants! It was worth it!!This place is cash only and on the expensive side. You’ll tell yourself you only want a couple things but end up spending a small fortune for bread!Totally worth it!“
“I love this cafe because the food is great! But sometimes I get a miss order.I usually take a walk in the morning.I can walk along the reck trail because it's really close to my house. and it it leaves me right next to Asilomar and when I get to the cafe I love having a little morning treat my favorite's are vanilla steamed milk and blueberry or a chocolate muffin.“
“Fantastic French cafe eats and coffee drinks. The setting is so Van Gogh. Perhaps it has views of the water from the unaccessible upper floors but it’s a quaint little place and is part of Monterey’s eclectic make-up. If you have a B’day coming up their French cakes are divine too.“
“My family and I decided to eat breakfast here the other morning and I sure am glad we did! My husband and I ordered two savory crepes while our kids ordered sweet crepes. We all shared, because who doesn’t like a bit of both sweet and savory? Service was excellent and my kids got to watch as the crepes were created. The food was DELICIOUS. I will definitely go back next time I’m in the area! ✨“
“The food was good, and so was the White Chocolate Mochas, but there seemed to be a lot going on in the prep area, but not so much as in the dining (interior/exterior) area.Also pretty pricey for breakfast, two crepes & two White Chocolate Mochas was over $50.“
“Before, I had never noticed the BobaLicious truck on the side of the Exxon gas station, but a classmate of mine from CSUMB recommended me to try it since I love boba! I tried their matcha green tea latte and have been coming back ever since! It's the perfect taste, not too strong or too sweet! The owner is really friendly, he stated that he is now opening up an actual BobaLicious shop in a few weeks on 474 Tyler street! I highly recommend coming here, way better than T-Zone boba in downtown Monterey!“
“Never in my life have I ever thought I'd 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 I'm 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 meVegetarian options: So many it's crazy. Raw tatosKid-friendliness: You could fit So many of those suckers in there“
“Absolutely loved this little hole in the wall gem!!The girl who helped us was so nice and welcoming.The art that is displayed was beautiful. I wanted to just stay and stare at the art and read all day. I loved it!We purchased a cheese danish and an almond croissant and aMoroccan Mint tea and some cookies.The cheese danish was so light and delicious but the real star of the show was the almond croissant!! Sooooo delicious!!We will def be back.“
“East Village Cafe makes an amazing cup of coffee. The baristas are so nice and professional. The place itself has so much personality, so cozy and eclectic. The best part is, you don't have to wait in a crazy long line like at other coffee shops in the area. I definitely recommend this place if you are into amazing coffee and chill vibes.“
“This place is beautiful, and it was tulip season when we went, so you could pick your own tulips. They have different garden sections, including a children's garden with a swing set and a giant wooden chair. There's also a deli like cafe where you can easily grab a bite. I came here with my dad and my 10-year-old. This place is great for all ages - for the whole family, a date, or just a solo self care day.“
“Was recommended by a friend and it exceeded expectations. The selection of Turkish delights was amazing, there were flavor combinations I could never imagine. Bought a six flavor sampler box and now already planning which flavors to get next. A real gem.“
Vietnamese • $
“The ambiance was great, pretty chill vibes. I was traveling from Fresno, CA and I plan to visit again if I'm ever near the area. The service was great despite the fact that it started to get busy. The food was excellent for a reasonable price. The honey lemonade is a must try!“
“So I'll start with the positivity."The works" bacon breakfast burrito was excellent, potatoes cooked perfectly with great flavor and homemade salsa flavor bomb. Wife said her breakfast tacos were delicious same positivity on her food.Moving on to the drinks, my wife loved the orange juice however $6 for about 8oz is a little bold. I bought a $7 latte which didn't offend me by price because in all the pictures it came in a Bowl! And I was actually excited about that however they didn't have any clean bowls at the time so they gave me a regular mug which was at least only have the size and charged me full price.When I asked about it she explained and said she would remake it for me but never did, and still charged full price.I can get by all that but my son ordered the buttermilk pancakes and they didn't give him syrup we had to ask not that big of deal, then after he said he was done eating my wife went to sample his pancakes and noticed the middle of the cakes still had batter in them, not cooked fully.My son is only 11 and just didn't know any better he thought because it said buttermilk that that was normal lol, the restaurant took off $6 from the $12 price and gave him a free cookie however, one staffer tried to suggest they may have been a little undercooked I don't appreciate trying to justify it just comes off as a disagreement and there was nothing to dispute.Also if you want to make amends for a partially raw pancake you mark it completely off the bill, especially considering I only got a half coffee ?.If I could go 3.8 I would again our items tasted great just some key misses in decorum.“
“We had a wonderful experience. I run a coffee shop in Chicago so I know quality when I see it and this was it. The beans are roasted in house. The lattes were incredible. The kind gentleman who took our orders and made our drinks was so welcoming and honestly wanted our feedback. The shop is hidden down a beautiful little alley. Then to top it off, we completely spilled a latte and he remade it for free. I will definitely be coming back on my next visit. Thank you for the amazing service.We had the lavender fields latte, crème brûlée latte, and an iced coffee ☕️“
Bakery •
“The literal best cafe experience in all of Monterey! Tina is AMAZING! So kind and really helps to create the magical atmosphere. The pretzel and the sauces are incredible — the best we have had! Love how local everything is too :) secret “
“I always have lunch at cafe del monte. The staffs are nice and kind. Especially the chef and the man who gets orders. Their cheeseburger is one of the best. I think there are 3 number one burger in LA. Innout, five guys and Cafe del monte. I highly recommend you to try their cheeseburger.“
“Great little breakfast or lunch place. Very nice staff. The cook seemed to be very accommodating and accurate for how you like your food. Try their homemade raisin toast. It's delicious.The atmosphere is perfect for what you want in a breakfast place. Small, cozy, clean and quality.“
“One of the best bakery’s around Monterey! Excellent service and amazing food. Delicious pastry and cakes! The owners are amazing and very welcoming! Super family oriented place! Make sure to stop by either for some wine or just pastry with sandwich and coffee!“
“Always a beautiful experience. Staff is fabulous. We have a few Faves, like Sanjana, Tammy, Alda, Esteban, Roland. We’re treated very well and food is always very good. Locals meet and greet and it is fun to be recognized and appreciated. thanks everyone. We love coming in for a visit and lunch.“
“Awesome little place in Pacific Grove near the beach. I ordered the Salmon and Potato Pancake and think it was prob the single best breakfast meal I've ever had! Smoked salmon + potato pancake + crème fraiche. I also added a fried egg on top. We will def be back“