It's like a quiet little sanctuary disguised as a coffee shop the kind of spot where the light hits just right and the world slows down for a minute. You walk in and it has that clean ocean-adjacent calm cobalt blue touches, warm pastries behind glass, and soft conversations instead of chaos.
The coffee is the real draw smooth balanced shots pulled with the kind of precision you only get from people who actually know what they are doing.
Their vanilla latte is dangerously easy to love, the croissants are buttery enough to ruin you for lesser versions, and even the drip coffee feels like it showed up with good intentions.
There’s a subtle intelligence to the place too, nothing flashy just thoughtful details that make you want to stay and finish whatever you’re working on. It’s warm. it’s refined. it’s quietly confident and it’s one of those Santa Monica spots that reminds you why a simple cup of coffee can feel like a small luxury.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sophie Nowak
Espresso Cielo was the perfect little coffee stop after our beach day, and I’m already thinking about when we can go back. We walked over from the pier and loved the cozy, relaxed vibe the moment we walked in. It feels like a true neighborhood spot – warm, inviting, and not overly “chain” or corporate.
I ordered a matcha latte and it was so good – smooth, not too sweet, and you could actually taste the matcha instead of it being buried in sugar or milk. It was one of those drinks you slow down to enjoy instead of just chugging on the go. We also got a cortado and loved it so much that after we finished, he immediately wanted to go back for round two and ordered a cappuccino. That alone says a lot. The espresso tasted rich and balanced, not bitter or burnt, and the milk was textured really well.
The staff was kind and efficient, and even though they were busy, the vibe stayed calm and comfortable. It’s the kind of place you could grab a quick drink or sit for a while and people-watch. Overall, Espresso Cielo is exactly what you want in a local coffee shop: great drinks, warm atmosphere, and the kind of quality that makes you wish it was in your own neighborhood.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andreas Spentzos
I walked in to an empty line, just wanting a simple coffee. Instead, I watched a five-minute silent showdown between the barista and the receipt printer—no “hello,” no “I’ll be right with you,” nothing. She finally fixed it, then immediately disappeared to do something else… still without a single word.
The coffee is meh, the pastries taste like decorative props, but the location is unbeatable. A little communication would go a long way in making this place feel less like a waiting room for customer-service purgatory.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Jeffrey Roth
Great coffee Great omelette
richard m
I might not be the most relevant review for most people, because I just get a regular coffee, but the coffee is good. Staff is great.
Jeffrey Dovel
Really nice coffee
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cameron J Brown
Great little gem!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Trena Doris
I don't live here, but this place is my must visit every time I'm in Santa Monica, literally drive here just for breakfast. The combination on the avocado toast is absolutely delicious and their Spanish latte with oat milk beats most baristas in the area. Highly recommend this place for comfy vibes and tasty treats.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Iliy Zavialov
Look at that beautiful baby swan i did😍😍😍
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shichen He
I had the cardamom latte in the morning & came back for a strawberry matcha later in the day and they were both top tier. The matcha was the best I've had in awhile!! 🍓🍵 food was okay, donut was bomb, service is standard. Definitely recommend!
I had left a review this morning about the customer service not being great. But this very kind white man with sliver hair was kind and I really appreciate it. He had remembered me from yesterday and that shows a lot! Very kind guy highly recommend his drinks they are very good:)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
D M
We came here before our beach clean-up, and I have to say — even though it was a little busy, the staff was incredibly welcoming. It’s been a long time since we've experienced a morning crew that was this genuinely friendly!
We got a breakfast burrito and a chocolate croissant. The food was great, but honestly, the highlight was the staff. Huge thanks to them for making our morning so enjoyable!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ana Salt
We have been their fans since opening! One of the best coffee shops in Los Angeles! Staff is great! Delicious food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Melissa Millis
Great little coffee shop! Cardamom latte is recommended. Quality espresso.
It's like a quiet little sanctuary disguised as a coffee shop the kind of spot where the light hits just right and the world slows down for a minute. You walk in and it has that clean ocean-adjacent calm cobalt blue touches, warm pastries behind glass, and soft conversations instead of chaos.
The coffee is the real draw smooth balanced shots pulled with the kind of precision you only get from people who actually know what they are doing.
Their vanilla latte is dangerously easy to love, the croissants are buttery enough to ruin you for lesser versions, and even the drip coffee feels like it showed up with good intentions.
There’s a subtle intelligence to the place too, nothing flashy just thoughtful details that make you want to stay and finish whatever you’re working on. It’s warm. it’s refined. it’s quietly confident and it’s one of those Santa Monica spots that reminds you why a simple cup of coffee can feel like a small luxury.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Espresso Cielo was the perfect little coffee stop after our beach day, and I’m already thinking about when we can go back. We walked over from the pier and loved the cozy, relaxed vibe the moment we walked in. It feels like a true neighborhood spot – warm, inviting, and not overly “chain” or corporate.
I ordered a matcha latte and it was so good – smooth, not too sweet, and you could actually taste the matcha instead of it being buried in sugar or milk. It was one of those drinks you slow down to enjoy instead of just chugging on the go. We also got a cortado and loved it so much that after we finished, he immediately wanted to go back for round two and ordered a cappuccino. That alone says a lot. The espresso tasted rich and balanced, not bitter or burnt, and the milk was textured really well.
The staff was kind and efficient, and even though they were busy, the vibe stayed calm and comfortable. It’s the kind of place you could grab a quick drink or sit for a while and people-watch. Overall, Espresso Cielo is exactly what you want in a local coffee shop: great drinks, warm atmosphere, and the kind of quality that makes you wish it was in your own neighborhood.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I walked in to an empty line, just wanting a simple coffee. Instead, I watched a five-minute silent showdown between the barista and the receipt printer—no “hello,” no “I’ll be right with you,” nothing. She finally fixed it, then immediately disappeared to do something else… still without a single word.
The coffee is meh, the pastries taste like decorative props, but the location is unbeatable. A little communication would go a long way in making this place feel less like a waiting room for customer-service purgatory.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Great coffee
Great omelette
I might not be the most relevant review for most people, because I just get a regular coffee, but the coffee is good. Staff is great.
Really nice coffee
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great little gem!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I don't live here, but this place is my must visit every time I'm in Santa Monica, literally drive here just for breakfast. The combination on the avocado toast is absolutely delicious and their Spanish latte with oat milk beats most baristas in the area. Highly recommend this place for comfy vibes and tasty treats.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Look at that beautiful baby swan i did😍😍😍
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had the cardamom latte in the morning & came back for a strawberry matcha later in the day and they were both top tier. The matcha was the best I've had in awhile!! 🍓🍵 food was okay, donut was bomb, service is standard. Definitely recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I had left a review this morning about the customer service not being great. But this very kind white man with sliver hair was kind and I really appreciate it. He had remembered me from yesterday and that shows a lot! Very kind guy highly recommend his drinks they are very good:)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We came here before our beach clean-up, and I have to say — even though it was a little busy, the staff was incredibly welcoming. It’s been a long time since we've experienced a morning crew that was this genuinely friendly!
We got a breakfast burrito and a chocolate croissant. The food was great, but honestly, the highlight was the staff. Huge thanks to them for making our morning so enjoyable!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We have been their fans since opening! One of the best coffee shops in Los Angeles! Staff is great! Delicious food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great little coffee shop! Cardamom latte is recommended. Quality espresso.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
The finest drip I've had in LA!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...