Cafe Bonaparte

This place is the self-declared "patisserie francaise" of Hermosa Beach... or Santa Monica... or LA. Who knows, they probably don't either. Now, when a place claims Parisian roots, it sets the bar somewhere between the Eiffel Tower and pretentious perfection. So no, I'm not giving five stars for the croissant, tarte aux fruits, or pain aux raisins. It doesn’t look French, it doesn’t smell French, and it definitely doesn’t taste French. But that’s okay, because this isn’t Paris - it’s California, where "authentic" often just means it came with almond milk. That said, on the other hand, their smoothies are the absolute stars. Better than anything I’ve ever had in Paris, where a smoothie usually means someone just handed you a room-temperature banana and shrugged. The pastries here had been American-sized for your pleasure. Quality may have taken a back seat to bulk, but hey, that’s the same trade-off they make in France when they try to serve a pumpkin spice latte. Balance in the universe. Big points for their veggie-packed salads, giant samosa variants, toast game, and pretty solid scrambles. But if you’re going to offer gluten-free options, maybe don’t look shocked when someone actually asks for one. California dreamers are used to chasing kale clouds and oat milk rainbows, and this cafe fits right in. So sip, lean, stare into the ocean - and if you're pretending to be in Paris, don’t worry. Everyone else here is pretending too. Bon appetit, or at least bon vibes.

Coffee is better then Starbucks!! the owner GABRIEL is super nice and keeps this place super clean. Staff is nice and friendly. The pastries are yummy but also the salads are fresh and healthy. This location is outstanding you can seat out in the patio and enjoy the ocean view and the amazing freedom breeze !! Stop and visit thank me later !

Sweet little cafe along the popular Hermosa pier. Good pastries and super yummy drinks. I got the Mexican spice hot cocoa and it was super delish. We went early morning and it was misty out. We sat outside. It was a beautiful morning. Super nice staff.

Got a fig toast and a chai latte and both were delicious. Service was quick and the patio was very pleasant to sit down and eat at. Couldn't have asked for more.

Favorite spot in LA to eat breakfast/lunch. Everything is delicious and there are so many options you just want to keep coming back to try more. Croissants, pastries, paninis, salads, and coffees all highly recommended.

The real taste of the French pastries! I for the first time taste the real French pastry flavor out of Paris. The seating outside the restaurant where the fresh air close to the ocean is just amazing. This cafe is awesome, a little expensive but I believe for the taste and the location it is certainly worth it.

I keep returning to Cafe Bonaparte thanks to Melanie! Her amazing service, coupled with the delicious food and ambiance, makes it my favorite spot to eat in Hermosa Beach! You can always count on fresh, beautifully plated food, and they have a huge selection of healthy choices. 100% recommend!

Busy cafe, I got something small and easy. Lots of people here so I know the food is delicious! The pastries in the front counter look yummy!