Merci

This place is delicious! I got the chicken paillard with green olivey sauce and lemon plus the chicory salad, potato salad, and rice. All of the items I ordered were gluten-free which was amazing! They don't label gluten-free on their online ordering site (wish they did!), but the in-restaurant menu is clearly labeled. Everything was super tasty - great flavors and textures. The restaurant itself is adorable with lots of delicate pinks, brass, light wood, and marble. We sat outside on their patio and took in the sunshine. It's a great location in the Montecito Country Mart. The staff was lovely and welcoming too. I really hope they write a cookbook - I would buy it in a heartbeat!

I had the most delicious Spicy chai latte I think I’ve ever had and I love spicy chai lattes. The first sip hit my lips and I was incredibly pleasantly surprised. It was rich, creamy, with that fun kick at the end. Totally worth a try. They restaurant is adorable as well. Posh and welcoming at the same time. They even have outdoor seating too.

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

I have now had the Falafel special TWO times in the last month. It’s my new favorite! Please DO NOT change anything about this falafel. It’s perfectly spiced, textured, and, easily, one of the best falafels I’ve ever eaten in the United States. 😋 ❤️

Jamie Tyrrell

10/10. Great coffee. Excellent breakfast burrito. Solid vibes.

Jack 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

Lauren Lederfine

I have now had the Falafel special TWO times in the last month. It’s my new favorite! Please DO NOT change anything about this falafel. It’s perfectly spiced, textured, and, easily, one of the best falafels I’ve ever eaten in the United States. 😋 ❤️

Alice Whitfield

This place is delicious! I got the chicken paillard with green olivey sauce and lemon plus the chicory salad, potato salad, and rice. All of the items I ordered were gluten-free which was amazing! They don't label gluten-free on their online ordering site (wish they did!), but the in-restaurant menu is clearly labeled. Everything was super tasty - great flavors and textures. The restaurant itself is adorable with lots of delicate pinks, brass, light wood, and marble. We sat outside on their patio and took in the sunshine. It's a great location in the Montecito Country Mart. The staff was lovely and welcoming too. I really hope they write a cookbook - I would buy it in a heartbeat!

Kirsten Baillie

I had the most delicious Spicy chai latte I think I’ve ever had and I love spicy chai lattes. The first sip hit my lips and I was incredibly pleasantly surprised. It was rich, creamy, with that fun kick at the end. Totally worth a try. They restaurant is adorable as well. Posh and welcoming at the same time. They even have outdoor seating too.

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.

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.

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.

It’s hard to give a 5 as my visit was during COVID restrictions and we could not get the full experience. The little we had was good. Initially I thought the service was average but after talking to the staff they warmed up. Lots of choices around.

piabloidentity

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.

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.

Bethany 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.

Marcel Gradidge

It’s hard to give a 5 as my visit was during COVID restrictions and we could not get the full experience. The little we had was good. Initially I thought the service was average but after talking to the staff they warmed up. Lots of choices around.

Updating my review. Coffee has improved. Last visit stopped in with an out of town friend. We both ordered the falafel sandwich and took them to the beach to enjoy. The sandwich was interesting, probably would not order it again. Nothing like the ones I used to make for a food coop back in the late 1970's. The one here at Merci, is an upscale version with small bites of falafel in a half of a pita in an a sauce I couldn't identify, it lacked the satisfaction of deliciousness in eating. For some reason comes with potato chips. They put effort into the food here. Upscale ideas. Wish the taste and satisfaction matched with the hearty price and presentation. Still there are interesting items on the menu, it's nice to see something different being offered at a coffee shop. .......... Older review. Sadly my oat cappuccino was undrinkable. I ordered to go and had to toss it out. 😟 Other times has been very nice. My pastry was okay, lacked flavor even loaded with blueberries. Expected better for this price and location. Many interesting dishes offered.

A friend and I went for a morning hike and stopped here for a little snack. She got the gluten free blueberry muffin and I got the toast with butter and jam . The sourdough toast is impeccable. The raspberry jam was delicious.

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.

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.

Jamie Rosenthal

Updating my review. Coffee has improved. Last visit stopped in with an out of town friend. We both ordered the falafel sandwich and took them to the beach to enjoy. The sandwich was interesting, probably would not order it again. Nothing like the ones I used to make for a food coop back in the late 1970's. The one here at Merci, is an upscale version with small bites of falafel in a half of a pita in an a sauce I couldn't identify, it lacked the satisfaction of deliciousness in eating. For some reason comes with potato chips. They put effort into the food here. Upscale ideas. Wish the taste and satisfaction matched with the hearty price and presentation. Still there are interesting items on the menu, it's nice to see something different being offered at a coffee shop. .......... Older review. Sadly my oat cappuccino was undrinkable. I ordered to go and had to toss it out. 😟 Other times has been very nice. My pastry was okay, lacked flavor even loaded with blueberries. Expected better for this price and location. Many interesting dishes offered.

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.

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.

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.

Out of the four things we ordered — the egg salad, the smoked trout tartine, the breaded chicken and the cucumber salad — the only thing I would order again is the cucumber salad. The rest all had some extra touch that was interesting for the first couple of bites but ultimately overwhelming , especially the amount of pickled peppercorn in the egg salad.

Walked in and didn’t receive so much as a glance in our direction with three employees working there. Customer service is just as important as decor, food and atmosphere. I get that Montecito isn’t used to seeing any person of color except Oprah but it’s 2025. All good, lots of competition and plenty other places to spend our money.

Richard 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.

Monique Marcil

Out of the four things we ordered — the egg salad, the smoked trout tartine, the breaded chicken and the cucumber salad — the only thing I would order again is the cucumber salad. The rest all had some extra touch that was interesting for the first couple of bites but ultimately overwhelming , especially the amount of pickled peppercorn in the egg salad.

Marie

Walked in and didn’t receive so much as a glance in our direction with three employees working there. Customer service is just as important as decor, food and atmosphere. I get that Montecito isn’t used to seeing any person of color except Oprah but it’s 2025. All good, lots of competition and plenty other places to spend our money.