La Monarca Bakery & Cafe

Every once in awhile, you'll get a sweets craving.  It happens to the best of us.  Some will suppress it by eating a sweet snap pea or some pineapple.  Others (like me) will hunger for something like guava... stuffed in a puff pastry.  Well, "others," we're in luck.  Not only do we have a bakery to walk or bike to, but it boasts shelves full of tantalizing, tasty pastries.  Welcome to the neighborhood, La Monarca!

Just pick up a tray and pick whatever treat your heart desires!

La Monarca is not just a cookies and cakes bakery.  They also have a full breakfast and lunch menu with quiches, moles, machacas, and other delectable dishes made with traditional Mexican recipes. 

I was especially intrigued by the "puff tacos," so I got one of each: pineapple, dulce de leche, and guava and cream cheese.  I also got the tres leches croissant and Mexican wedding cookies, a fave.

The tacos were good, but I wish they were stuffed with more of the filling rather than being so hollow. 

The wedding cookies, however, was lip-smackingly delicious.  I loved how there were more chopped nuts in it than I'm used to eating.  While it added more flavor, it didn't take too much away from the shortbread.  Mmm mmm.

Next time, I'll have to check out their breakfast and lunch options.  You should too!
One negative is that the prices are pretty steep for a "neighborhood bakery."



View Larger Map


cuisine:  Mexican bakery
location: Santa Monica (there are locations also in East LA and Huntington Park)

website: { LaMon || yelp }
attire: Casual
parking: street