Merci Montecito is one of those places that feels special the moment you step inside. It's stylish yet cozy, thoughtfully curated, and has that unmistakable Montecito charm that makes you want to linger. The food is absolutely delicious--fresh, beautifully presented, and full of bright, balanced flavors. Whether you're stopping in for a pastry, a light bite, or a full meal, everything has a homemade quality elevated by great ingredients and careful preparation. The baked goods in particular are standouts: flaky, delicate, and clearly made with skill and intention. The service is friendly, warm, and genuinely welcoming. The team here creates an atmosphere that's relaxed but polished, making it a perfect spot for a casual meet-up, a quiet morning, or a comforting midday break. Merci Montecito has quickly become one of my favorite stops in the area. If you appreciate thoughtful food, beautiful ambiance, and kind service, this place is a must-visit. read more

Wonderful french style restaurant now open for dinner. Exceptional service and cuisine. Both patio and indoor seating. Finely crafted sauces and elevated ingredients. read more

The food is divine. The location helps romanticize this spot, but I have never had a bad bite. Breakfast lunch or dinner which they just started. Located in the country mart and it just feels so picturesque. Don't forget to grab the pre made cookie dough! read more

Merci Montecito - Dinner service- halibut confit and steak au poivre - Cafes Near Me - Montecito, California

We've just visited Paris and had a really good Jambon Beurre there and we're looking for something similar here and we did! It's just a simple budget ham sandwich that's why it requires really food ingredients. My husband was interfered by the smoked trout salmon. He loved it. We also ordered the rice and kale salad. Everything tasted great. The staff were very friendly. We will definitely be back! read more

Merci Montecito - Kale salad and rice (really good) and salmon - Cafes Near Me - Montecito, California

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Merci Montecito used to be one of my favorite spots -- especially for their white bean salad, which was not only delicious but also a rare gem for those of us who are plant-based or have food allergies. It paired perfectly with the kale salad (hold the cheese), and was one of the few offerings in town that felt thoughtfully crafted for everyone at the table. Unfortunately, that staple salad is no longer on the menu. In its place is a haricot vert and chickpea salad -- which sounded promising -- until I found out the vinaigrette (which is already tossed in and can't be on the side) contains egg. That makes it a no-go for vegans and anyone with egg allergies. Disappointing, but not the end of the world... except it kind of is when there's little else on the menu that checks those boxes for plant-based protein. What really soured the experience, though, was the attitude at the register. When I politely asked about vegan or allergy-friendly options, the gentleman seemed annoyed and dismissive. Thankfully, another staff member stepped in and flagged the egg in the dressing -- which could've been a serious issue for me due to allergies. It's essential to clearly identify ingredients and allergy triggers like egg or dairy -- especially when dishes sound plant-based but aren't fully. I've always believed a good café or restaurant should be welcoming and inclusive -- especially in a community like Montecito where people have diverse dietary needs. I used to recommend Merci. Now, with the white bean salad gone, the lack of allergy transparency, and the disappointing customer service, I find myself looking elsewhere -- even within the same shopping area (yes, even next door). The vibe has also shifted -- it's more crowded and less warm than it used to be. Our kale salad today was overdressed and just... not great. So, sadly, my previous glowing reviews need an update. This visit was a 3-star experience at best -- more like a 2.5. I'll keep checking in, hoping for the return of the white bean salad and, honestly, a little more patience and understanding for long-time customers. Until then, it's a pass. read more

Merci Montecito - Cafes Near Me - Montecito, California

This was the most delicious and bougie brunch I could have asked for on a sunny hungover morning. Everything was of the upmost quality and the atmosphere was so quaint and fancy. The bialy was absolutely heavenly and they made even Boursin seem prim and proper. Service was excellent. Felt inferior to everyone around me but not in a bad way. read more

Merci Montecito - Chicken cutlet - Cafes Near Me - Montecito, California

On a recent trip to Santa Barbara, we discovered Merci in the tony Montecito Country Mart. Order at the counter, then find a table on the outdoor patio at this casual café (there are a few tables inside as well). The menu consists of gourmet salads and sides, as well as larger plates. I ordered the string bean salad with feta, nuts, and assorted greens, as well as the smoked salmon fillet. Portions were large, and the food is so tasty, you won't be bringing home a doggie bag. If you're a Matcha latte fan like me, don't miss this one. It's made with Koatji, my favorite oat milk noted for its clean, creamy taste. The Latte was so good. I went back and got another. read more

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Best looking food in town. Nice service Very very high prices Many non dessert foods terribly spicy . I asked about spicy and they said not really and it really was. Overall very nice just watch for hot hot hot read more

Merci is a special treasure in Montecito. A sweet, personable café with an intimate breakfast and lunch menu -- always thoughtful, always delicious. Their desserts are insane. I had a chocolate-chip cookie today and it was absolutely heavenly. My hips will be enlarging daily, but it's worth every bite. Don't wait -- it's that good read more

Underwhelming Ordered take away Basically too dry egg salade in a small plastic container for $12 Why do places with counter service program 18-25% tip on the machines for not very friendly service read more

Stopped by here today to get some things to go: 1) chocolate cake, available only on Saturday, decadent and fluffy chocolate sponge cake texture; thick caramel interior layer, sweet frosting $12 2) duck confit - good! 3) jambon sandwich - too much butter 4) orange juice - freshly squeezed and sweet! read more

Merci Montecito - Chocolate cake - Cafes Near Me - Montecito, California

Best bagel I've had since moving to Santa Barbara.... Hands down! It was delicious caramelized onion center of bagel with an amazing French onion cream cheese. I went for a matcha latte today despite hearing their coffee was excellent. Matcha was warm and not so sweet so it was perfect for me! Will definitely be back to try the coffee next time! Service was great despite it being popular and busy. Very nice ambiance with both indoor and outdoor seating too. read more

Merci Montecito - Cafes Near Me - Montecito, California

Merci is simply the best. Everything is fantastic, including the staff. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Also, the coconut cake is the best cake I've ever had (and I don't even like coconut). read more

You have the BEST chocolate cookie in CA! Everything is perfect and made with quality ingredients.

I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for the café. The food that's offered is consistently delicious, and the presentation is always beautiful. It is clear that great care and effort are put into providing a wonderful dining experience, and I truly enjoyed visiting. However, I would like to share some feedback regarding their communication methods. It can be very frustrating that there is no way to contact the café by phone on several occasions I wanted to call and ask if they had a particular item available, as there have been times when certain dishes have been out of stock. Unfortunately, I've had to drive to the café, only to find out what I hoped to order was unavailable. I believe having the ability to call and speak to someone directly would greatly improve customer service. Well, email is a convenient tool for some purposes it doesn't always offer the immediacy or flexibility needed for simple, time-sensitive inquiries. read more

10 stars. Wow, food is amazing. Very European but better. Someone recommended it yesterday....just amazing read more

Merci Montecito - Food all I can say is wow - Cafes Near Me - Montecito, California

Always good service and attention to quality in their ingredients here. The coffee is spot on as well! I recommend getting a flat white after having chicken paillard for lunch... read more

Authentic and delicious. Everything is good. I wish they didn't sell out, that is my only complaint. Presentation is beautiful. Perfect to take togo on a beach day. Slow service. read more

Merci Montecito - Cafes Near Me - Montecito, California

Everything is on point. Zero misses. I would recommend the bialy with the French onion cream cheese as well as the cinnamon roll. I will be dreaming of said cinnamon roll. The quiche is creamy with a delicate crust! Everyone here is so kind too! Cute decor with simplicity and California charm at the forefront. read more

Merci Montecito - Cinnamon rolls. To die for! - Cafes Near Me - Montecito, California

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THIS FOOD? IS UNBELIEVABLY DELICIOUS. It's that simple. One of the best chicken dishes I have ever had -- the paillard left me breathless. The salads-- perfection. Don't get me started on the cookies! 10/10 read more

I usually don't leave reviews, but this place was not at all worth the money. Stopped by with my fiancé hoping for a decent brunch, but unfortunately it was a letdown. The cashier was nice but seemed confused and nervous, likely undertrained. As for the food, the chicken paillard was greasy and too salty, definitely not worth the price. The cafe itself was fine, very clean and I liked the design of the interior. The seating area outside was nice as well, though we chose to take everything to-go as it was cold outside. Overall, a pretty mediocre experience that I would not go out of my way to repeat read more

Extremely cute, cozy, well executed cafe featuring a unique menu with baked goods, full coffee bar including matcha, made to order items, and pre-packaged "home style" meals to go among the options available. I wanted to review this place with an extremely critical and discerning eye because I already knew it was getting enough business given the location in the Montecito country mart. But the menu is really singular, creative, and clearly intentionally made by a innovative chef who cares about what they put in your plate. There os almost a sense of "soul food" with the Chicken Paillard, a hot made to order crispy fried chicken that has graced the mouth of almost every Montecito mom in the area. It is gluten free and very reminiscent of the classic Jewish dish "Schnitzel" but with a twist of tangy sauce verte and fresh lemon for a cool $17. Then you've got there monthly soup, usually vegan and GF as well. This month ( November/December) is strangely a Gazpacho- which is a shame becauseI loved their hot soups in the past and given the weather would have come in more than once by now to get one. The salads are all very good, with the exception of the egg salad, while high quality and aesthetically pleasing- tastes a bit too sour and not creamy enough for my palate with the cornishon pickles and Dijon overpowering the would be creaminess of the eggs. I feel the eggs are a bit overcooked making the dish a bit rubbery and chewy, texturally. They have so many healthy options. The oatmeal is actually very satisfying and comes with a tasty toasted almonds. Finally, if you were ever up early enough, and happen to be in the mood for a caloric overload yet hugely satisfying breakfast sandwich- go get the Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich. With mornay, a steamed egg and thick cut bacon. It's so good, but usually sold out by 10am. Definitely worth a stop read more

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I won a $100 gift card to Merci as part of a charity raffle. I was subsequently diagnosed with celiac disease, but was very excited when I saw that many items on Merci's menu were labeled gluten free. I came here with my family to use the gift card only to be turned away and told that there was nothing that was safe for me to eat if I have celiac disease, as the kitchen is very small and there is "flour cross-contamination everywhere". I emailed the chef/partner, whom I had previously been in communication with to pick up my gift card, to explain the situation and ask at the very least that they update their menu with a disclaimer that none of the "GF" items are safe for celiac patients. Radio silence, even after I sent a follow up email. Very disappointed at the lack of transparency / false advertising and lack of response to my kindly worded email. read more

There is a limit to the number of customers allowed to enter the shop at any given time. This means there is always a line out the door because who could resist Merci Montecity. Even though you're picking food from a display behind a glass divider, the food taste like it was made to order. Their Duck Confit with garlic sauce was very satisfying, tasted great and that garlic sauce was divine! Basil and Beans and Cucumber is a great vegetarian dish. Merci Montecito is found in the Montecito Country Mart which has its own parking lots (front and back). There are outdoor dining areas so you could enjoy your food immediately after paying for them. read more

Very nice coffee shop, minimalist decor, refreshing ambiance. They have your typical coffee selections and delicious pastries. The breakfast biscuit and zucchini bread were both delicious. For drinks, we ordered Matcha latte and jasmine tea. Staff was friendly and attentive. I would definitely keep this spot bookmarked for when we come back into town to explore Montecito. read more

Merci Montecito - Matcha latte with oatmilk...yum! - Cafes Near Me - Montecito, California

Delicious, but why don't they rotate menu items?? It gets incredibly redundant for locals... the same salads, sandwiches, mains, every single day, pastries... why not change using seasonal ingredients? Please!!!! read more

Have heard wonderful things about Merci, and finally had the chance to try it. Everything was amazing! Between the 3 of us, we split the chicken Paillard (so tender, flavorful and crispy crust), the BBQ duck confit (so tender and flavorful, too), the kale salad (incredible) and Asian spicy cucumber salad (also great). Enjoyed it with a glass of Sancerre on the patio. So lovely. Wish we had room for their famous carrot cake. We'll definitely be back! read more

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The breakfast sandwich biscuit is quite good. The biscuit is on a denser crunchy side than standard ones. The egg is squared in shape layered with a flavorful béchamel cream. But, the star of the sandwich is the smoked bacon. That smoked bacon carried the sandwich to a whole new beautiful level. All the elements worked great together. Yet I would have preferred the biscuit to be more fluffy to balance the crunchiness. I tried their strawberry rhubarb tart which was quite thin and under sweetened. read more

Merci Montecito - Biscuit sandwich- smoked bacon, eggs, peppery béchamel sauce on a biscuit - Cafes Near Me - Montecito, California

Oh my gosh! Have you had the duck confit w/ the garlic sauce and/or their moist and super flavorful carrot cake ? I have and several times. One of my favs when I don't want to cook. read more

Merci Montecito - A bag of goodness from Merci - Cafes Near Me - Montecito, California

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Frustrating. We have been a local and patron for years. The food is great. The service has just gone sideways. They don't care about putting the customer first. I was in at 4 pm today - register woman was chatting away socially with the manager and her colleague and someone about wine. 6 minutes later that ended and I ordered carrot cake. No hello no greeting no anything else? 2 other people came after me and they turned them away. This is the third bad experience I've had. Food isn't so good you would pay $12 for a piece of cake with that kind of service. I think the owner moved and it's obvious. read more

Amazing, creative, French inspired food at this little gem in Montecito Country Mart. Took me way too long to try this place, and I was blown away by everything we ordered. My favorite thing was a simple white bean salad with preserved lemon and basil, so perfectly seasoned and unique. We had a hard time choosing from the pastries and desserts, because everything looked right out of a food magazine-- turns out, that's exactly what the chef and owner used to do, for Martha Stewart Living. We landed on the chocolate chip cookie and a tart with candied cara cara oranges, both spectacular. Food this good is surprisingly rare in SB, will be retuning regularly. read more

Just all round not good. I don't get it. The service is beyond bad. They act as though you are interrupting a senate meeting when you come in. They actually gossip about you while you stand there. Then comes the food, which is mediocre at best. A few things are better than others. Some cookies are ok. But the chocolate cake is just awful. Who uses rock salt inside way too much frosting? It's like salty sand with butter and no sweet flavor. The chunks and ooze inside are an atrocious mix of textures, and the cake is dry. As for the he food: it NEVER changes. The chicken palliard is just ok...a generous portion but bland. There needs to be rotation. This is no Joan's on 3rd in LA! This is not even Pierre LaFond (upper village nearby). It's certainly no Dean and Deluca in NYC or Zabars...it could easily be any one of these. read more

Incredibly delicious food. We had the kale salad, duck confit, chicken parm, yellow split pee soup and brownie. Every single one of these meals were super yummy! I can't wait to visit again! read more

Ordered 1 peanut butter cookie during a lunch rush. Was prompted a tip screen before service was given. Nothing new in today's day and age but still backwards. Left $1 tip because I feel bad for the underpaid employees. Instead of handing me my one cookie, cashier says my one pre made cookie will come out at the other end of the bar area. She puts my receipt behind 20 other full lunch orders. I wait 15 minutes for my receipt to come up. My receipt comes up. Employee grabs my cookie and hands it to me. It took them 4 seconds to do this. I wouldn't have left this as a review if this wasn't the 30th time this has happened over the last several years. There are a few long term employees that actually hand you your item immediately but the majority of the time you wait 10 minutes for a 4 second action. Only cafe I have ever been to that operates like this. If you don't give a fk about your customers, don't ask them for a tip pre service. read more

I really enjoy the chicory salad here, nice and herby with tarragon and chives. Today I paired with the BBQ Duck and a glass of Sancerre. Perhaps this will be my future go to! The duck is tops, as is the garlic sauce that accompanies it read more

Merci Montecito - BBQ Duck accompanied with small chicory salad and glass of Sancerre. - Cafes Near Me - Montecito, California

If you are reading this review on a Tuesday - Saturday between the hours of 9am - 4pm, you would be better served to stop reading immediately and run to Merci Montecito. The food is outstanding. I highly recommend the BBQ Duck Confit, Chicken Paillard, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Cinnamon Roll, Lemon Cake and the Cheese Burger (when available). The BBQ Duck Confit is a tender, rich, slightly fatty, as duck should be, and hearty. Some restaurants over salt their duck confit; not Merci. It is pure perfection. For me, the Chicken Paillard is heaven sent. The flavor is remarkable. Brown butter? Ghee? Whatever it is-- there is a caramelized note to the crusty breading that envelopes the moist, flattened chicken breast to beautiful perfection. I am convinced there is nothing Merci Montecito cannot execute well. The food is consistent, clean, exceptional. The friendly young man with glasses who works at the counter often is always a delight. Of all the staff at Merci, the owners included, he is a standout! -- Consistently warm, welcoming, knowledgeable about the menu and eager to offer recommendations. Wonderful food, lovely minimalistic atmosphere, good customer service. It's one of Santa Barbara County's best hidden gems! read more

Paid 33 dollars for a chicken cutlet which the kitchen refused to heat up because the kitchen had been closed for ten minutes. Have been multiple times this will be my last. read more

Friendly customer service, yummy gluten free options, healthy, casual and reasonably priced.

Popped in here on my way up to SLO and ordered an almond milk latte with a shot of espresso and an apple pastry. Y'all, it was SEVENTEEN dollars!!!!! Who the hell do they think I am? The Duchess?!!! Never again. read more

Please support this outstanding local cafe shop when in the Santa Barbara area! It is a very quaint and well put together French bistro type cafe, located right off the 101 in the idyllic Montecito Country Mart shopping center where there is also a Starbucks, local running store and Vons (amongst many others). The staff were extremely friendly, and put up with all my questions (e.g., did they make the potato chips in-house, how were the pickles made in-house, etc.). I love to know if a shop takes the time to create their foods in-house as it often means they take great care in their offerings and really are focused on quality products to showcase their skills. The housemade potato chips were phenomenal--thick cut, they contained a light not-hot chile flake and were seasoned perfectly. One of the best I've ever tasted (and I love potato chips). The pickles were served on the side and were well seasoned with excellent flavors. The turkey baguette was exactly what you see sold throughout Europe--simple but fresh and top notch ingredients. The baguette was chewy and had an addictive flavor, the turkey was freshly cut in thick slices and surprisingly moist, there was a subtle cheese like a manchego, and holding it together was a perfectly flavored fruity jam type concoction (I didn't have the time to inquire what it was unfortunately). We have found our new sandwich stop when in Santa Barbara again. Great work at the entire team at Merci. read more

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