Urth Caffé | Santa Monica, CA

Just steps from the beach on a lively stretch of Main Street stands the Santa Monica branch of Urth Caffé, housed in a beautiful Spanish-style building bedecked with colorful tilework and lush, vibrant greenery. This is just one of several outposts of the mini-chain that could easily be called a Los Angeles institution; its top-notch organic coffee and tea and consistently high-quality, health-conscious food offerings have made it a mainstay for over 15 years - and have put it on the map as one of L.A.'s best coffee shops. 

Tiled fountain on the patio at Urth Caffé, Santa Monica, CA

Impressively, the restaurant's distinct aesthetic is consistent across each of its six locations; its trademark custom metal chairs, courtyards with charming tiled fountains, and shelves lined with gleaming tins of tea offer a familiar warmth that makes its regulars feel at home. No matter the location you choose, you're greeted by a massive glass case filled with gorgeous, meticulously decorated pastries and desserts, behind which hordes of hunter-green clad employees buzz around, grinding fragrant coffees and swiftly filling orders to keep the ever-present line moving. It feels overwhelming and comfortably familiar all at once, perhaps due in part to Urth's commitment to quality and consistency - each item on their lengthy menu is crafted with care and is easily customizable. 

In 1989, dissatisfied with the destructive and chemical-laden coffee manufacturing process that was (and unfortunately still is) the standard, founders Jilla and Shallom Berkman set out to create the first exclusively organic, heirloom coffee company in the world. Just two years later, in 1991, they opened the very first Urth Caffé in Manhattan Beach. The operation grew slowly, and by the mid-2000's, the healthful meals and organic coffees served at Urth's locations across Los Angeles had formed a cult following. The restaurants also became a hotspot for celebrity sightings, and made regular appearances on HBO's Entourage. Today, the fervor still exists - tourists and locals alike flock to the six locations to sample quintessential healthy Southern California fare and to sip photo-worthy coffees and teas. 

Halfway through a foamy cappuccino at Urth Caffé, Santa Monica, CA 

While Urth Caffé is now well known as a full-service restaurant, excellent coffee remains at the heart of the operation. It's probably safe to say that Shallom Berkman is coffee-obsessed; his stringent high standards ensure that the words "organic," "fair trade," and "sustainable" actually mean something when used in reference to Urth's coffee. Berkman establishes and maintains relationships with ethical coffee growers around the world, often educating them in best practices for growing organic coffee, then oversees the meticulous roasting process back at Urth's Downtown LA headquarters. Here, the coffee is roasted in small batches using cast iron roasters, giving the team the ability to fine tune each coffee's flavor on an individual level. 

Just as Urth offers a variety of different types of coffee beans, the menu also features a wide array of serving styles - options are kind of their thing. It's actually fortunate that there's almost always a line out the door here, because having a few extra minutes to decide is a godsend when you realize just how overwhelming the menu of drinks can be. Not only are there about three times as many options for espresso drinks as any normal coffee shop, but you're also faced with the choice of how you want your espresso: Urth Italia (dark roast) or Urth Dolcé (light roast). Beyond espresso, you can sample traditionally brewed coffee, French press coffee, tea lattés, boba teas, juices, and smoothies. Customization options include at least seven different types of milk, ten natural flavorings, and additions of real whipped cream, boba pearls, or extra shots, and they'll even make anything unsweetened upon request. So yeah, those of us who have trouble making decisions should probably just avoid looking at the menu at all.  

For the first time in the Great Cappuccino Project, I was faced with a quandary when ordering: Urth actually features two different cappuccinos on their menu. One is called simply "cappuccino," and the other is an "Italian cappuccino." Fortunately, I'm no stranger to Urth's Santa Monica location, and I've been able to stage repeat visits in order to sample both - in the name of science, of course. 

Cappuccino at Urth Caffé, Santa Monica, CA

The simply titled "cappuccino" recalls memories of the foam-explosion we experienced back at Funnel Mill: this is the 90's style, wall-of-foam type of cappuccino that you order before settling in for a Poetry Slam. It's unfortunately a bit of a let down if you don't know what you're getting into; after seeing countless Instagram photos of Urth's coffees featuring top-notch latte art, the tall mound of foam on top looks bland and a little sad. But once you take a sip, things start to look up. Under that big fluffy cloud lies Urth's trademark flavorful espresso - sharply bitter with a robust flavor profile that remains steady throughout your sip. It's a classic example of "don't judge a book by its cover," as long as you don't have an aversion to milk foam. And if that's the case, then you probably shouldn't be ordering a cappuccino anyway. 

Italian Cappuccino (left) and Latte (right), Urth Caffé, Santa Monica, CA

If you're looking for a more decorative, sexier cappuccino, the Italian variety is your best bet. With intricate design work etched into a modest layer of a thin, velvety micro-foam, this cappuccino more closely resembles the ones we've found at the hip, "third-wave" coffee shops in Los Angeles. The espresso is consistently robust and flavorful, and it combines with the milk to create a drink that is lusciously smooth. No ugly ducklings here; this drink is dressed to impress. 

I could go on for days about what to try (and what to skip) at Urth Caffé, but if you live in L.A., you probably could, too. It is a mainstay for good reason - it's the perfect spot when you're looking to soak in some California sunshine and enjoy a reliably delicious and healthy meal alongside a well-crafted cup of coffee. 

Urth Caffé, Santa Monica, CA

Urth Caffé
2327 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Caffe Luxxe | Santa Monica, CA

So far on this great cappuccino adventure, we've visited a wide range of coffee shops - some famous pillars of Los Angeles' "third wave" coffee movement, some that are under the radar and quirky, and others that are on the cutting edge of modern coffee-making technology. Today, we bring you back to very origins of LA's "third wave," the place that started it all with its rigorous standards of excellence and genuine passion for excellent coffee: Caffe Luxxe. 

Let's take a little trip back in time. Do you remember 2006? Things were a little weird back then: George W. Bush was president, Grey's Anatomy was new and actually really good, Miley Cyrus was adorable and oh-so-innocent, and we were all drinking Starbucks like it was going out of style because, well, it was (we just didn't know it yet). Even back then, Caffe Luxxe founders Mark Wain and Gary Chau, long-time friends from their grad school days at USC, knew something we didn't: coffee, and the entire café experience, could be better. Inspired by their love of European "caffe culture," Wain and Chau aimed to create a neighborhood café that combined the kind of artisanal coffee preparation they'd come to appreciate during their time Europe with approachable, friendly service that would foster a sense of community. What's most amazing is not that they succeeded and were soon listed among LA's best coffee shops, but that today, over ten years after their first Caffee Luxxe location opened in Santa Monica, they are still able to perfectly embody those values and deliver top-notch coffee in a warm and welcoming environment. 

I recently visited Caffe Luxxe's flagship location on the decidedly refined Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, a street lined with lovely boutiques, eateries, and perfectly groomed trees. It's unclear to me, as someone who admittedly hasn't spent much time on Montana Avenue, which came first: is it the sleek and beautiful Caffe Luxxe that fits so perfectly into this neighborhood, or is it Caffe Luxxe that has set the standard for the neighborhood around it? Either way, it fits right in. This café oozes class and sophistication, its understated decor and grey-and-white color palette offering a subtle backdrop to the gorgeous, rich cappuccinos or the vibrantly colorful French macarons they serve to their loyal patrons.  

The word loyal doesn't quite seem to cover just how true these patrons are to their coffee shop - in fact, I don't think I've ever seen such familiarity between customers and baristas in Los Angeles before. They chat like they're lifelong friends - picking up the conversations they'd started yesterday, razzing each other about the performance of a favorite sports team, discussing in detail what makes Caffe Luxxe's ristretto shot better than any other in the city. An older lady comes in, hoping for the same raspberry tart she enjoyed yesterday - unfortunately they're all gone, but one of the baristas assures her she'll enjoy the alternative pastry she's chosen as he helps her to a table. People meet, they mingle, they relax, and they enjoy a treat. It feels like a community hub, a place you go each day to recharge and catch up with old friends. 

The heart of this operation is, of course, the coffee. Wain and Chau roast their own coffee beans, which are sustainably sourced from farms across the globe and roasted at their facility just outside Los Angeles. Here they roast the beans by "sight and smell," adjusting their roasting methods to compliment each different variety of coffee bean. Bags of their ever-popular single-origin beans are available for purchase in the cafés, as well as blends that feature complex flavors and aromas. Wain and Chau maintain an extremely high standard of excellence in all that they do at Caffe Luxxe; even their employees must endure a six- to twelve-month training period before they can earn the coveted title of "barista." 

This standard of excellence was clear when my cappuccino slid across the counter to my eager hands, topped with a thin layer of deeply saturated honey brown foam that is punctuated with a crisp, delicate white heart. The texture was like satin: rich, smooth, and luxurious, coating the tongue with perfectly warm, creamy milk. The espresso was bold and full-bodied, with a warm, toasty flavor that reminded me of a perfectly browned, buttery pie crust. This was clearly expertly crafted, and enjoyable to the last drop. I was also able to taste a latte made with decaffeinated espresso, which was slightly more understated in flavor, though similarly delicious and still able to hold its own - a feat not always managed when it comes to decaf. 

While it can be counted as the very beginning of the "third wave" coffee movement in our fine city, Caffe Luxxe also manages to continually stand out from the crowd of successors through its consistency, friendliness, and commitment to excellence. It feels timeless and delightfully refined, a haven for coffee lovers and neighbors, a respite from the hectic energy of the city. It's been a true neighborhood gem for ten years now, and I sincerely hope we'll be enjoying their excellent coffee ten years from now, too. 

Caffe Luxxe 

925 Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90403

I mean... sometimes Dinos need coffee too, right? Caffe Luxxe, Santa Monica, CA 

Ingo's Tasty Diner | Santa Monica, CA

I have a really soft spot in my heart for diners, most likely a result of how much time I spent in them growing up. On weekends when I was a kid, my parents and I would go to the Aster Diner with some other families from the neighborhood and feast on pancakes, eggs, hash browns, and scrapple (ok, only my dad ordered the scrapple - the thought of it still makes my stomach churn). We kids loved picking songs from the mini-jukeboxes in each booth, or trying our luck at winning toys from the machine in the vestibule, or absconding the sugar packets when our parents ordered coffee (I'm still unclear on why we thought that last bit was fun). The parents probably enjoyed not having to cook - I recall that they had a variety of unpleasant nicknames for the diner ("Geezerville" and "The Aster Disaster" were among them), so I guess they weren't huge fans of the food. But it's not usually the quality of the food that draws people to diners, is it? Folks come for the atmosphere, for a cozy place to spend some time with friends and drink bottomless cups of coffee, all without breaking the bank. 

As an adult with a strong interest in food (read: I have watched all of those Netflix food documentaries, and they were terrifying), I am now much more particular about the quality of the food I eat and where that food is sourced from. While it's easy now to find responsibly sourced, natural foods in grocery stores across the U.S., finding a restaurant that serves that type of food is a rare treat. 

Menu at Ingo's Tasty Diner, Santa Monica, CA

So, knowing all this, you can probably guess that I am all about the concept behind Ingo's Tasty Diner. Take one neighborhood diner, dress it up all pretty, and serve awesome farm-to-table ingredients like organic eggs and Mary's chicken - sign me up! Ingo's has been on my must-try list for a while now, and a few weeks ago I finally had the opportunity to visit with some friends from out of town. 

Lemonade and The Greyhound, Ingo's Tasty Diner, Santa Monica, CA

Ingo's Tasty Diner is located in a 70-year-old Santa Monica historical landmark on Wilshire, formerly home to a diner called Callahan's. The diner's bones are still clearly visible here in the curved countertop bar and the cozy booth seats, but it's been given a modern makeover with vibrant art, elegantly simple light fixtures, and a huge chalkboard menu. It's managed to retain that cozy diner atmosphere, but with added polish and flair. Delightfully, on a late Saturday morning, we were seated immediately - a fact that did strike us as a bit surprising given how popular Ingo's seems to be on Instagram and Yelp. But hey, I'm not complaining. 

The Greyhound, Ingo's Tasty Diner, Santa Monica, CA

We began our brunch with some beverages - a lemonade for my friend, and a cocktail for me. The lemonade took us by (pleasant) surprise, shaken with egg white for a light layer of foam on top, and perfectly tart and refreshing. I chose "The Greyhound" cocktail, a lively mix of Ford's gin, fresh grapefruit, lemon, and mint. Refreshing, light, and vibrant, it was a perfect brunch accompaniment. 

The brunch menu at Ingo's boasts a hearty selection of breakfast items, as well as a larger lunch-like offering than you'll find on most brunch menus including salads, soups, and burgers. We gravitated toward the breakfast section, lured in by their takes on classic dishes. 

Farmer's Market Scramble, Ingo's Tasty Diner, Santa Monica, CA

The Farmer's Market Scramble highlighted the fresh, local vegetables that the restaurant sources from Santa Monica Farmer's Market vendors. The dish was simple and (dare I say it?) tasty, featuring delicata squash, goat cheese, and swiss chard. And we can always appreciate a meal that includes some leafy greens. 

Crispy Chicken and Crepes, Ingo's Tasty Diner. Santa Monica, CA

As a sucker for the sweet vs. savory dichotomy, I couldn't help but be drawn to the Crispy Chicken and Crepes, and it did not disappoint. The fried Jidori chicken was perfectly cooked, crisp on the outside, moist on the inside, and not at all oily. The crepes were delightfully moist and eggy, providing a pleasantly soft texture contrast to the crispy chicken. Seasonal persimmons and berries graced the top of this pile of deliciousness, and a drizzle of local honey added a touch of sweetness to each bite. 

Shakshuka, Ingo's Tasty Diner, Santa Monica, CA

Shakshuka is always an appealing brunch option, especially as we're approaching "winter" here in L.A. Ingo's version of this spiced tomato-and-egg dish includes harissa and lebni, as well as optional merguez sausage. Served with crispy toast to soak up the delightfully spicy tomato gravy and the runny braised eggs, this dish was hearty and offered a pleasant balance of flavors and textures.

Hash Browns, Ingo's Tasty Diner, Santa Monica, CA

At our server's suggestion, we also ordered a side of hash browns to share, which was absolutely a good move. Baked and served in a small skillet and garnished with sour cream and chives, these were crispy on the outside and soft and warm on the inside. Basically, perfect. Seriously, order them. 

Chocolate Chip Cookies at the door, Ingo's Tasty Diner, Santa Monica, CA

Oh, and are you one of those people who loves a dessert after brunch, but forgets to leave room because you're too busy tucking into your delicious egg-stravaganza? I hear you. And so did Ingo's! On the way out, you can cruise by the plate of salted chocolate chip cookies for the perfect bite of a little something sweet. 

Friends, Ingo's Tasty Diner pulled at my heart strings. Between that familiar diner feel and the thoughtful, feel-good food, they knew exactly how to win me over. It may not serve scrapple (again, ew) or have a toy machine and little jukeboxes in the booths, but Ingo's is helping to fill that little hole in my heart that appeared when the Aster closed up shop. 

Ingo's Tasty Diner

1213 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica

Funnel Mill | Santa Monica, CA

It’s that time of the week again… time for caffeination and foamy goodness as we explore Los Angeles’ best coffee shops! The second stop on the cappuccino train is Funnel Mill, a purveyor of exotic coffees and teas located near 10th and Broadway in Santa Monica.

Upon entering, it’s very clear that this is not the same breed of coffee shop as many of the newer, hipster places on our list. The decor feels sparse and a bit disjointed, as beautiful Asian elements like jars of loose-leaf teas and a little fountain are juxtaposed with brown leather easy chairs tucked behind a wall of floor-to-ceiling curtains. It’s obvious that this is a favorite spot for students and writers; even on a Saturday afternoon we can’t snag a table amidst the sea of laptops and textbooks. Perhaps the best spectacle here lies behind the bar, where a team of mad scientists use a hodgepodge of exotic-looking coffee paraphernalia to brew up their rare blends. As strange as all these elements may sound, it’s pleasant in its own way, and is a refreshing change from all the “industrial-chic” we’ve been seeing around town. 

If you’ve heard of Funnel Mill before, you probably already know that they offer an $80 cup of coffee. That’s right, by appointment only, you can taste the legendary Kopi Luwak coffee, made from beans that have passed through the digestive system of a cute little mammal called the Luwak. You can also partake in a traditional Chinese Cha Tao tea ceremony, sample from the extensive exotic tea and coffee menu, or taste coffees brewed with a syphon reminiscent of something you’d see in a Steampunk movie. We did none of these things, unfortunately, because this is not “The Great Los Angeles Exotic Tea and Coffee Project.” It’s “The Great Los Angeles Cappuccino Project.” So predictably, we ordered up some cappuccinos. 

Cappuccino and my In The Company of Women tote bag, Funnel Mill, Santa Monica, CA

Now, bear with me for a moment as I take you on a bit of a tangent. If you grew up in the 90’s, you may remember the cult classic Mike Myers film, “So I Married an Axe Murderer” (or “SIMAAM” as my super-hip friends and I called it). In the opening credits of the movie, we follow an absurdly large coffee cup as it leaves a cafe table empty, then is washed in the kitchen, and finally is refilled with espresso and the fluffiest foam to be served to Mike Myers (who jokes that he ordered the LARGE cappuccino... HELLO!). Ok, so the largeness really isn’t a factor here at all (the cups at Funnel Mill are a perfectly reasonable size), and this is in no way one of those 90’s poetry slam coffee joints. What is similar here is that impossibly fluffy foam, plopped on top of espresso in such a heap that it simply can’t be contained by the cup. I mean, just look at that luscious spillage. 

Luscious, luscious foam at Funnel Mill in Santa Monica, CA 

The amount of foam, while lovely and impossibly fluffy, is perhaps too much. And the espresso, while certainly solid and far better than everyone’s favorite coffee chain (cough), isn’t really anything to write home about. So, we’ll deem this the absolutely perfect “90’s Cappuccino,” great for enjoying some avant-garde poetry or perhaps a live performance of “Smelly Cat.” 

That being said, I absolutely cannot wait to go back to Funnel Mill to do a tasting of their impressive rare coffee beans brewed in the syphon, or perhaps the traditional Cha Tao tea ceremony. Clearly these folks know their stuff, and I’m told they’ll happily talk to you about coffee for hours on end. Please note: I’m still on the fence regarding whether or not I’d ever sample the $80 Luwak-poo coffee. I’ll get back to you.

Funnel Mill

930 Broadway
Ste A
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Espresso Cielo | Santa Monica, CA

The great Los Angeles cappuccino project begins at Espresso Cielo in Santa Monica - so far south that it's almost Venice - in a sweet little café nestled in the first floor of a modern apartment complex. It has a nostalgic feel, despite its clearly contemporary surroundings, with French-inspired decór and simple marble tables lining the windows. Vibrant blue walls add to the Parisian aesthetic with a pop of color, while paying homage to the café's name, Cielo (sky). 

Inside Espresso Cielo, Santa Monica, CA

On a weekday, the vibe here is very mellow. A handful of locals made themselves comfortable, chatting with the friendly staff or working quietly on laptops. Others came and went, enjoying iced lattes with almond milk (they use Califia Farms in case you're curious) or the local artisan-made pastries offered. Apparently the blueberry muffins are popular; they were sold out that afternoon to one patron's great disappointment. 

Seating at Espresso Cielo, Santa Monica, CA  

Now, on to the good stuff. As mentioned in our first post introducing this project, the basis for comparing all these highly regarded coffee shops will be a simple cappuccino: no sweeteners, no fancy milks, no extra shots. Just a perfectly plain cappuccino. So I ordered one up, to stay. 

Cappuccino at Espresso Cielo, Santa Monica, CA

Let me just say: what a way to kick off this project! Espresso Cielo's cappuccino was excellent. It won points for looks, with a pretty, bubbly foam and a rich color contrast between the milk and espresso (and that drip down the side of the cup just adds to the drama, if you ask me). It came out at the perfect temperature, just hot enough but not scalding, and the foam's velvety texture was luxurious and satisfying. The espresso's flavor was superb as well, with a depth and complexity that pleaded you to sip it more slowly so you could fully experience it. It was warm, nutty, and almost buttery, like that cozy feeling you get on Christmas morning. 

Cappuccino at Espresso Cielo, Santa Monica, CA

Did that description sound a little bit like someone trying to describe some sort of fancy wine? Well, deal with it. This coffee was great, and it gave me a lot of feelings that are hard to describe. Really warm, cozy, happy feelings (which we could all use a little more of, right?).  

Espresso Cielo, Santa Monica, CA

So far Espresso Cielo was my favorite. I know, I know, of course it is, it's the first one. But with a cup of coffee this solid, it will be difficult to de-throne... Check back next week to find out if spot #2 can nab the title! ☕️

Espresso Cielo 

3101 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am - 7pm