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    Merci Montecito

    4.2 (95 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    Merci Montecito Photos

    MERCI MONTECITO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Merci Montecito

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    Standout brewed coffee; delicious gluten free peanut butter cookies
    Noelle W.

    Looove Merci!! Our go-to for coffee every time we're in town, plus their gluten free peanut butter cookies melt in your mouth. For me, this is the ultimate cup of brewed coffee, period.

    Hanna S.

    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.

    Dinner service- halibut confit and steak au poivre
    c d.

    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!

    Kale salad and rice (really good) and salmon
    Yoko K.

    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!

    Chicken cutlet
    Chelsea B.

    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.

    Matcha latte with Koatji oat milk (sooo good!)
    Laurie B.

    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.

    Chocolate cake
    Yonnie C.

    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!

    Katherine S.

    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.

    Food  all I can say is wow

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    7 years ago

    The perfect sous vide eggs, bacon and this bread made from seeds for breakfast. All you need to start your day.

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    5 years ago

    Spices are really odd in meatballs, mac and cheese. Even rice is mostly dill. Not my fav

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    7 years ago

    Best new restaurant in SB. Hands down. Amazing food. Amazing design. Really friendly and very personal service.

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    Page 3 of 3

    Ask the Community - Merci Montecito

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    Jeannine's Bakery & Restaurant

    4.3
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    DEFINITELY WORTH IT…read more Make the stop if you're in the area. We went for brunch on a weekend while traveling and it was clear this is the spot in town: the line was out the door, but it moved quickly. You order at the counter, they seat you, and the food comes out to your table. We had the lobster Benedict and the challah French toast, and both delivered. The lobster Benedict was generous and rich, and the French toast impressed my wife who has high standards when it comes to French toast. The atmosphere was lively and inviting, and the staff stayed attentive and friendly even with the crowd moving through. If you're in the Santa Barbara area, make time for this one. Next time, I'm going to try the chilaquiles. Almost forgot - best hash browns I've had in a while as well.

    Im kinda disappointed on the portion of the slices of the cakes - Take out order…read moreI made this PM . I ordered 2 slices of Pecan coffee cake and 1 apple strudel coffee cake . When I arrived home -Long Beach and checking the content... Felt kinda cheated .. see attached photo.. If the three slices cannot fit in this size of a box Atleast use a bigger box instead of cutting the size of the cake to fit in .. Traveling from Lompoc back to Long Beach ... Im always making a time to swing by to your Montecito spot and even promoting your place to my friends to check out your bakery. But today is kinda frustrated in the service given.

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    Pierre Lafond

    Pierre Lafond

    3.7
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    Traditionally stop here for breakfast, lunch or coffee and a snack on the first or last leg of a…read moreroad trip up the coast from L.A. The upper village retains a very casual, not trying to impress atmosphere of old Montecito. The staff is always friendly, one lady has been working here the whole time I've been a customer, I think over 20 years ! Even though it's busy, it's manageable. There are tables and seats across the parking lot in the park area which is very nice. I had the curry chicken wrap, it's good. The club wrap was kind of bland, so wouldn't order that again. I appreciate all the specialty items. Coffee drinks are good, and I'm happy they carry the unsweetened Yerba Mate.

    I have been coming here pretty much everyday before work for a coffee and smoothie. When I call and…read moretell them my name, they know my order which I appreciated. 2 days ago, I went in as normal and the lady in the back told me that they will take care of me at the front. I got a card as well, went up and paid, & left. Yesterday when I went in a lady in the back told me the smoothie wasn't paid for. I was confused and checked my statement and gladly paid for it as the day before it appeared I was only charged for the card (not my mistake). When I went in this morning, the older lady who is usually pretty nice said to me with a few people around, "you need to pay this time". I thought that was pretty petty and unprofessional to say in front of other customers as well. Again I have been coming here for months and have spent well over $1,500 here in the last half year or so. After today I think that may change as it just isn't right to address something like that when it was a workers mistake not charging me correctly the first time around.

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    Upstairs
    Upstairs
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    Kin Bakeshop

    Kin Bakeshop

    4.8
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    Worth the hype! Came around a Saturday afternoon (3pm) and did not have to wait long. However most…read moreof the tables were taken. Parking was super easy to find. I LOVE how much cream they put in the matcha einspanner. The texture and taste of the cream really makes this a good drink. Ceremonial matcha was delicious and umami as always.

    Delicious drinks and baked goods! Friendly and very sufficient staff!…read more Kin Bakeshop has become my must visit and the main place I look forward to whenever we make a trip to Santa Barbara. Their drinks are addictedly delicious! I have tried several different ones from espresso, latte, to matcha and non-caffeinated drinks. Each one has been consistently great. 2 stars Due to their popularity, there's always almost a line out the door. However, if you follow them on IG, they do post update stories throughout the day about quantity status and how long the wait would be. They're pretty efficient, so even with a long line, I've never waited more than 20-30mins. 1 star The store is not meant for a sit down and hang out or study spot, but big enough to fit a good number of customers waiting around for drinks. 1 star They don't offer latte art or even hot drink, but ALL of their cold drinks and baked good are more than enough to make up for that! 1 star Really wish they'll start expanding soon. Central Coast can really use a great Asian coffee/bakery. As for now, I'll just have to drive down to Santa Barbara once or twice a month to get my Kin fix! This is the breakdown of my rating for coffee shops: Quality of coffee/drinks/food: up to 2 stars Consistently offer latte art: 1 Star Atmosphere: 1 Star Customer service: 1 Star

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    Helena Avenue Bakery

    Helena Avenue Bakery

    4.3
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    While visiting Santa Barbara, we spent one morning exploring the shopping district and the Funk…read moreZone and decided to stop at Helena Avenue Bakery for breakfast. It was clearly a local favorite--the line stretched out the door--but it moved steadily and was well worth the wait. We enjoyed a couple of fresh, flaky croissants and found a lovely spot to sit and ease into the morning. The space has such a relaxed, inviting atmosphere, making it a great place to start the day. One thing we thought was especially unique is that the space transforms into a wine tasting venue in the evenings, giving it a completely different vibe later in the day. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I'd absolutely return to sample more of the menu and spend more time enjoying such a beautiful space.

    We stopped by Helena Avenue Bakery for breakfast during our trip to Santa Barbara, and it was one…read moreof our favorite meals of the day. The bakery has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Even though there was a line when we arrived, it moved quickly, and the staff stayed friendly and organized the whole time. We ordered a yogurt bowl with fresh blueberries and homemade granola, a specialty toast topped with peanut butter, banana, crispy bacon, and a delicious sauce, plus coffee. Everything was fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. You can really tell they use high-quality ingredients. The pastry selection looked incredible as well. From fresh croissants and scones to cinnamon rolls and muffins, it was honestly hard to choose just one. We'll definitely have to come back to try more. If you're visiting Santa Barbara and looking for a great breakfast or coffee spot, Helena Avenue Bakery is absolutely worth the stop. Great food, great coffee, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere. Highly recommended!

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    Merci Montecito - cafes - Updated August 2026

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