For freshly baked breads, stunning desserts, and edible flower-studded avocado toasts so tall they’ll remind you of the Santa Lucia mountains, head to Alta Bakery and Cafe. There’s usually a line, but don’t worry, it moves fast. When you reach the front, you’ll understand why everyone is so willing to wait.

Set in downtown’s restored Cooper Molera complex – which dates back to 1827 and is the former home of the families who played in and built Monterey, from its early years as the political and commercial capital of Mexican Alta California, through the development of the State of California – Alta Bakery and Cafe is a bustling nod to the enduring spirit of our Golden State’s history and a prime destination for daytime dates, especially if you’re a fan of budding gardens, well-manicured courtyards, orchards, old picture-perfect wooden barns, 19th-century architecture, and educational museums. Whether craving a specialty coffee beverage, house-made chai, unique pastries, avocado toasts, salmon toast, a glass of beer, or one of several flavorsome mimosas, this adorable adobe outpost has got you covered!

u/Akireredragraen says "Breakfast/lunch at Alta bakery and cafe in downtown Monterey. They change their menu often, but everything I’ve had from there has been amazing. The pastries are great, the menu items are great, and the outdoor garden seating in the back might arguably be the prettiest spot to eat or hang out in all of downtown. The line can be pretty long, so if I’m feeling like getting pastries, I try to get there right at opening to make sure I get a croissant or donut before they sell out. The afternoons are typically slower, but they run out of most of their baked goods by then.

Best for: Coffee and donutsAddress: 502 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA 93940Contact info: (831) 920-1018; info@altamonterey.comCuisine: BakeryDon’t miss: Seasonal lattes, fresh pastries No reservations Menu. Located in Old Town Monterey, Alta Bakery and Cafe has a hidden garden courtyard, perfect for sipping a latte and enjoying one of their famous donuts. Alta Bakery’s culinary director, Ben Spungin, played a big part in revitalizing the historic district, and the cafe is in the almost-200-year-old Cooper-Molera Adobe.

You can find plenty of excellent dining on Cannery Row or within a few blocks, such as the sustainable seafood at the Michelin-recommended Coastal Kitchen, baked goods at Alta Bakery and Cafe, and the acclaimed Italian cuisine at Montrio Bistro, housed in a 1910 firehouse. At Old Fisherman’s Wharf, stop for a scoop at Monterey Bay Creamery, lunch at Old Fisherman’s Grotto (known for its chowder and Dungeness crab), or a dinner of fresh seafood with an Italian spin at Paluca Trattoria.

This coffee shop and bakery is located in the Cooper Molera Adobe which makes the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee and also learn more about Monterey’s history. The Cooper Molera Adobe was built in 1845 and where Alta Bakery is located today was once operated as a dry goods store. Over the years the building ownership changed hands and many different businesses occupied this space until it was turned over to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1968.

The last stop in downtown Monterey should be the Alta Bakery (open every day, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.), in the historic Cooper-Molera Adobe, for eye-popping dessert specials to enjoy in its lovely gardens, or Tidal Coffee in the Monterey Plaza Hotel complex (open Thursday through Monday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., and 6 a.m. to noon Tuesday and Wednesday) if you’re just out of the water or off of a bike nearby at Adventures by the Sea.

Alta Bakery & Cafe takes a contemporary twist on your classic bakery goods. Treat yourself to one of their homemade cinnamon rolls, featuring a luscious sour cream icing, or opt for the lemon donut filled with a light lemon cream and chocolate cookie crumbles that melt in your mouth. If you’re in the mood for something savory, try one of their famous sausage rolls or avocado toast with smoked salmon.

Many spots have always had outdoor options — from bustling beer gardens (Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill and The Monarch Pub) and radiant rooftop lounges (Grasing’s and Vesuvio) to cozy courtyards (Anton & Michel and Aubergine) and tables nestled among fragrant flora (Alta Bakery + Cafe and Estéban Restaurant) — and these are as popular as ever.

Alta Bakery + Café is one of the newer shops to pop up in Monterey and is located in the historic Cooper-Molera Adobe. They offer an incredible lavender latte with oat milk that is perfect if you’re in the mood for something new. Alta Bakery also serves delicious baked goods that pair incredibly with coffee, and all of it is made from scratch.

Alta Bakery is open from 7am - 4pm for take out and now taking pre-orders for Pizza “Out the Side Dough” - pizzas with flavors of tomato basil burrata, broccollini with fermented chili, kale and red onion with kalamata olive, and pepperoni with mozzarella - pick up Saturday 3/20 from 5:00-7:30. Email or call 831-920-1018 to place your order.

Alta Bakery & Café is another Monterey staple offering delicious pastries, baked goods, and coffee using local and seasonal ingredients. The bakery is in the Cooper-Molera Adobe, home of John Bautista Rogers Cooper, an American sea captain. When you visit, be sure to check out the surrounding historical buildings and gardens.

Serving amazing breakfast and afternoon bites, Alta Bakery and Cafe puts the spotlight on pastries, bowls, and really good coffee. The historic buildings of downtown Monterey are the perfect backdrop for this elevated café. Try the vegetable frittata with a rose & white pepper latte or indulge in a garden herb mimosa.

Two great options for breakfast in Monterey include Alta Bakery & Cafe on Munras Avenue and Water & Leaves on Fisherman’s Wharf. Think freshly baked items, pastries, and at Water & Leaves, be sure to order their signature Liege Belgium waffle. You can even enjoy that waffle with a view of the Monterey Bay.

You’ll want to stop here at least twice, once to eat in and another to take pastries home. Alta Bakery is neighborhood cafe and bakery that serves housemade pastries like ham and cheese croissants to egg sandwiches. Pop in for a pastry, coffee, or a bigger breakfast while in Monterey.

This bakery inside a historic adobe building in downtown Monterey draws a long line on weekends. Avocado toast is billed on the menu as “obligatory” (it’s actually well worth ordering), and sweets like a blue corn cookie and a lovely back patio with gardens await. Hours: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Alta Bakery captured so many hearts when it opened that Weekly readers named it the best new restaurant. That should have an exclamation mark next to it, for it tells you a lot about the bakery, which serves coffee drinks and bites that can count for lunch. 502 Munras Ave., Monterey.

If you want to start your day off on the right foot, then start it at Alta Bakery and Cafe. This cafe is housed in the Cooper-Molera Adobe, which has a rich history in the area. It represents the people who built Monterey into the beautiful place it is today and dates back to 1827.

Alta opened fairly recently and has quickly become one of my favorite locations for a great latte. The modern rustic vibe in the incredibly old Molera building is enchanting and the restaurant is always so clean. I love this place, and recommend their coffee and food to anyone.

Located in the historic Cooper Molera Adobe site, Alta occupies what was once the corner store of the adobe complex. All the scrumptious goods at this neighborhood bakery are made fresh in-house everyday. Absolutely worth a stop!

Located in the revitalized Cooper Molera building, this coffee shop brims with old-world charm. Not only is the coffee delicious, but this cafe offers unique drinks like lavender-infused cold brew.

This modern Monterey coffee shop and bakery are located inside the historic Cooper-Molera Adobe, a part of 2.5 acres of houses and buildings dating back to 1827.

In the historic Cooper Molera complex in Monterey, MA, Alta Bakery and Cafe is a charming eatery that offers a unique dining experience.

Alta Bakery in Monterey is open for take out and will be offering pizza to go on Saturday, March 21 from 5 to 7:30pm.