Tartine Santa Monica

The scoop

Tartine's Santa Monica café sits at 1925 Arizona Avenue: counter service, no reservations, coffee and pastries until 4 p.m., and a full breakfast and lunch menu until the kitchen closes at 3. It's first come, first served.

What to get

Get a country loaf to take home — that's the bread Time Out still sends people for — and a morning bun if you want the pastry reviewers mention most. If you're eating in, the turkey club with crispy chicken skin is on the official October 2026 sample menu, and Time Out recommends it. Sample menus change; check the case and the board.

When to go

Daily, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Go earlier if you want first pick of the pastry case; reviews describe a regular line. There's no way to book a table.

Who it's for

Anyone who wants bakery coffee, bread, and a casual breakfast or lunch. It's a café, not a dinner reservation.

Kids: A workable stop with young kids — counter service, communal tables, and a full breakfast and lunch menu. There's no separate kids' menu on the official page.

Insider tips

• Parking is in the neighboring lot; the main entrance is on Arizona.
• The kitchen closes at 3 p.m. even though the doors stay open until 4 for pastries and coffee. One line on the official page still says breakfast and lunch run until 4; if you want a sandwich later in the afternoon, check when you arrive.

Skip it if…

You need dinner, or you don't want to wait in a counter-service line.