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✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out
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Hours
| Saturday | 8 AM–3 PM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–3 PM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Monday | 8 AM–3 PM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–3 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–3 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–3 PM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–3 PM, 5:30–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1028 Coast Village Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Phone: (805) 220-0877
Website: http://www.mercimontecito.com/
Order and Reservations
Reservations: resy.com
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Related Web Results
Merci Montecito Cafe | Merci Montecito
… Change. Location & Hours. 1028 Coast Village Road Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Café: 8 am – 3 pm Daily Bistro: 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm (Thursday – Monday).
Order Online – Merci Montecito
… Merci Montecito logo. Select location. Find the nearest store. MERCI. 1028 Coast Village Rd Ste C. Santa Barbara, CA 93108-0718. +100 miles. Store info. Next.
Merci Montecito (@mercimontecito) – Instagram
9.7K+ followers · 438 posts · #MerciMontecito is an artisanal café serving delicious breakfast, lunch, and now DINNER Café: 8 am – 3 pm (Daily) Bistro: …
Reviews
Lioness X
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.
… moreUnfortunately, 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.
pastrygirl Lisa
Really adorable shop and such a great pit stop between LA & SLO. All the touches are pink and gold even the utensils and flooded with sunlight…I loved it!
It is even next door to a few cute stores & a market. …my favorite was the post office!.
I happened upon it at lunch time. I bet it is even better when just before or just after. They had so many different things I was afraid to ask all my questions with the line getting longer behind me. I have quite a few food allergies…so I just went safe.
I really was hoping for a sweet treat.
I think they even had grilled salmon!
Food was good too!
FYI so close to the beach! …and zoo.
… moreIt is even next door to a few cute stores & a market. …my favorite was the post office!.
I happened upon it at lunch time. I bet it is even better when just before or just after. They had so many different things I was afraid to ask all my questions with the line getting longer behind me. I have quite a few food allergies…so I just went safe.
I really was hoping for a sweet treat.
I think they even had grilled salmon!
Food was good too!
FYI so close to the beach! …and zoo.
Santa Barbara Gina
Like other reviewers, I have noticed a little change in the quality of food. The kale salad used to have lots of avocado bites, fennel and a delicate dressing. Now the avocado is so sparse and the dressing some days is heavy handed with an intense sharp vinegar that wasn’t present before. My most recent lemon poppyseed cake slice was stodgy, whereas in earlier years it was perfectly textured, elegant with fresh lemon. Maybe just an off day for the oven or a change in recipe….Anyway, still fabulous chicken cutlets and some other newer items. The main crew who have been there a long time are always friendly and professional.
… morePaulina
A very small place with great food and coffee. We sat outside and loved everything we had to eat and drink. Must come back. Price very decent
… moreSophia Taylor
It’s a perfect light bite for breakfast with their beautifully made coffee/hot drinks in the AM. Their lunch has been a favorite to take home or to enjoy with colleagues or friends at their location. Their chicken paillard are what dreams are made of. My favorite GF option in town. It’s perfect to share or as 2 meals. And other favorite are the duck legs, quiche, Jamon and butter sandwich, gigante beans and seasonal salad options.
… morepiabloidentity
Merci is a fine place, quick stop and for adventurous palates. They are very unique meals, and unfortunately, mine was salty and no one asked about it. I was happy with the experience, I just expected a bit more since the place is a bit pricey. Portion is perfect, the eggs were about the best Ive had in a while. My meal was very overpowering, and salty. The reason of 4 starts, no one checked. Id come back for sure, if I am ever in the area. The ambiance is a bit loud since it’s tiny, but nothing to scare you away… go ahead and try this place, you won’t regret it.
… moreRichard WS
Very hostile and rude man at the checkout (it seems others have had the same problem, with the same guy). I came in at a not especially busy time, and there was just one person ahead of me. When my turn came I asked for a cinnamon bun (not heated) and a fruit tart, for takeout. Both were siting right there, barely 2ft from the register, and I figured that he would simply put them in a bag and hand them to me. I paid, stupidly tipped 15%, and then waited. Without saying a word, he went on to serve someone else, disappeared for a bit, came back. I waited longer. There were no other customers at the register, but zero sign of me getting the two items. I realized that the way they do it is that even if you are getting a couple of muffins from the cabinet that require no preparation, they process the order as if you were at a table and had requested scrambled eggs. You go into the order line. So I asked him if someone could just pop the two items in a bag so I could leave. Oh boy, he did not like that! “you know there are others in front of you, also waiting”. I said yes, but they are at tables, not standing here, and I am just asking for these two things in a bag! He made a series of sarcastic comments, furiously put two pastries in a bag (one of them not what I ordered) and slammed them down on the counter, telling me I “really needed to be more patient”. It took him less than 12 seconds to do that, less time than it took me to pay and give him a tip. Instead he made me wait for no reason at all, in a space that is not large enough to have people waiting. So, in conclusion – they have a broken system (in fairness, not his fault), and an employee who clearly has none of the skills needed to be customer facing. Incidentally, I have been there many times and often noticed his attitude is of someone who would rather be doing something else.
… moreBethany Nauert Mendez
A beautifully designed well lit indoor outdoor coffee shop in the Montecito Country Mart. They have amazing customer service and truly good coffee. The pastries are delicious! I am giving it four stars simply because the pricing of the items on their menu are on the steeper side. A golden turmeric chai latte is $6 and it’s in (probably) 5-6oz cup. I wanted oat milk that was $1. Plus gratuity of course. It was really tasty – just pricey. But then again it is Montecito so it feels relevant. My friend had the same drink I did plus an egg and bacon biscuit sandwich which she said was good but also it was small.
All in all it’s a great experience just be prepared to pay a little higher prices.
… moreAll in all it’s a great experience just be prepared to pay a little higher prices.
Justin Etherton
This place is a favorite. In fact, they probably have the best chocolate chip cookies in town. Hands down
… moreJack Buckley
The chicken payard with almond flour is one of the greatest meals on earth, the cookie dough to take home just perfect. Kale Salad amazing, Every item here is some of the best food I’ve had in my life. Straight up worth every penny. Fresh local delicious
… more