Layla Bagels — Restaurant in Santa Monica

Layla Bagels: A Hidden Gem Worth Seeking

My recent visit to Layla Bagels left me with a profound sense of regret - regret for not having discovered this culinary treasure sooner. Nestled just a stone's throw away from my residence, it's incredible how I managed to overlook such a gem in my neighborhood. As I write this review, I cannot help but reminisce about the exceptional cappuccino I savored, an artful blend that had me wishing for more.

Upon entering Layla Bagels, it was evident that their dedication to quality extends beyond the realm of beverages. My gastronomic adventure began with a bagel adorned with smoked salmon - "The Laika." Opting for the gluten-free option, I was greeted with a heavenly creation. Every ingredient seemed to be perfectly in tune, coming together harmoniously. The fish, delicately smoked, effortlessly melted in my mouth. A subtle hint of lemon teased my taste buds, and atop sat delicate capers, adding a delightful tang.

Even if bagels and sandwiches aren't your usual fare, I implore you to pay Layla Bagels a visit solely for their incredible coffee. The attention to detail that the baristas employ is second to none, ensuring each cup is a sensory delight. This is the place where even the most health-conscious individuals ought to make allowances and indulge in the flavors of their delectable bagels and coffee.

If my regret could be translated into a singular message, it would be this: make haste and visit Layla Bagels. It is a haven brimming with culinary marvels that will undoubtedly leave you yearning to return, time...

Coffee Meets Bagel. Layla Bagels (commonly mistakenly called Layla’s Bagels) on Ocean Park Blvd in Santa Monica has some of the most unique, delicious bagels I’ve had in Los Angeles, and the best trendy bagels need the best coffee to pair with them. Layla Bagels (IG: @laylabagels) features micro-lots from my favorite coffee roaster, Unity Sourcing & Roasting, and the coffee is always delicious. Yes, there’s usually a line (especially on weekends) but the staff is efficient and the line moves quickly.

My three favorite bagel sandwiches are The Scarlett (heirloom tomato, lemon zest, chili flakes, cream cheese), The Pre-Jam (seasonal fruit, cream cheese, honey), and Sammi’s Egg Sammy *scrambled egg, arugula), but you really can’t go wrong with anything you order. They have both vegan cream cheese schmear and Original Sunshine gluten-free bagels as options if you have any intolerances, such as myself. For pricing, you’re paying reasonable prices for the gorgeous location across from a sporting park and high quality ingredients; trust me, it’s worth it! The Scarlet is $10, for a gluten free bagel add $2, the hot latte is $5.50, and oat milk for $0.50.

There’s plenty of free parking nearby, and it’s a gorgeous area to walk around with your coffee after you finish your bagel. They have a small amount of seating along the bar inside along the window, and they have an outdoor patio with...

I was really excited to try this place, but I’m writing this because I left feeling deeply disappointed. With everything going on in Los Angeles—from ICE raids to the growing hostility toward brown individuals—I felt compelled to speak up.

Unfortunately, my experience here was a zero. I noticed that the staff included both white and Latino employees, which is why I’m especially disturbed by how disrespectfully my friend was treated. I don’t know who this person was exactly—she was a white woman with curly hair, possibly the assistant manager or manager—but her behavior was completely uncalled for. As my friend was simply trying to move out of the way so the staff can walk by, this staff member gave her a nasty look, rolled her eyes, and mad-dogged her for no reason. Why? What justified that?

Is this how the company treats people who aren’t white? That would be especially ironic given that much of the staff is Latino as well.

I didn’t appreciate what happened, and it didn’t stop there. When I went up to get my order, the same employee was cold and dismissive, didn’t greet me, and didn’t even ask if I wanted a bag for my items.

I won’t be coming back. I hope management takes this seriously. If that employee is in any kind of leadership role, she urgently needs a reminder of what...