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Misto Caffe & Bakery
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Misto Caffe & Bakery
7.7
Misto Caffe & Bakery is a Hillside Village standby of more than two decades, offering cafe breakfasts, baked goods, and later-day Italian-leaning plates in a bistro-like setting. Weekend mornings bring a mix of omelets, Benedicts, and coffee on the vine-covered patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Filet Mignon Eggs Benedict, Vegetable Omelet with breakfast potatoes, Fresh-baked muffins and scones
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Long-running cafe-bistro pairing breakfast plates with a leafy Hillside Village patio.
Who should go: Locals who like unhurried, cafe-style breakfasts in a neighborhood setting.
When to visit: Late morning on weekends for brunch energy, earlier for quieter coffee.
What to order: Filet Mignon Benedict, an omelet, and a warm muffin or scone.
Insider tip: Request patio seating on mild days; it feels more relaxed than the main dining room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot parking within Hillside Village is generally available, though it tightens during weekend brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; athleisure and jeans are common, but many guests lean slightly polished for brunch.
Noise level: Moderate; indoor tables can get lively during peak brunch, while the patio stays more conversational.
Weekend wait: Not applicable for dinner-focused waits, but weekend brunch can see 20–35 minutes without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with quick seating both indoors and on the patio.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several omelets, Benedicts, and bakery items work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — a few lighter café plates and sides can be modified, but the breakfast menu skews egg- and dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some dishes can be adapted (e.g., omelets, salads), but baked goods and Benedicts have fewer gluten-free equivalents.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a relaxed daytime date — the patio feels intimate and unhurried, ideal for conversation without formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes; walk-ins are common. Arrive earlier on weekends if you want patio seating without a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families visit often, and the menu offers approachable breakfast items. The patio is especially accommodating for younger children.
Best For
Better for: A slower, neighborhood-style brunch with a leafy patio and upscale-but-comforting breakfast dishes.
Skip if: You want fast, budget-friendly breakfasts or a trend-driven brunch scene; nearby cafés may better fit those needs.
Misto Caffe & Bakery
8.0
Misto Caffe & Bakery at Hillside Village functions as an all-day cafe where espresso drinks, pastries, and Italian-leaning plates sit alongside pressed panini and breakfast sandwiches. It’s the choice in this part of 90505 when you want a sit-down sandwich with better coffee, real plates, and a slower pace than a counter shop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkey Pesto Panini, Breakfast Croissant Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Panini
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: Cafe-bakery setting where pressed panini and breakfast sandwiches pair with espresso.
Who should go: Guests wanting cafe-level coffee with sit-down sandwich service.
When to visit: Late breakfast or early lunch before weekend peak brunch crowds.
What to order: Turkey pesto panini, breakfast croissant sandwich, grilled chicken panini.
Insider tip: Order at off-peak times and linger on the patio with a second coffee.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface lot for Hillside Village; generally easy on weekdays, but can tighten during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual cafe attire; comfortable but put-together works best for the relaxed neighborhood feel.
Noise level: Moderate during brunch but usually calm enough for conversation, especially mid-morning or early afternoon.
Weekend wait: Dinner service is lighter here; typically no wait, though patio tables may be taken.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, though the pastry and coffee line can stack slightly during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple panini and breakfast items can be made vegetarian, plus salads and pastries.
Vegan options: Limited — a few customizable options, but most sandwiches rely on cheese or aioli.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some salads and bowls work, but sandwiches and pastries are mostly wheat-based.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for daytime dates — the cafe is relaxed, bright, and low-pressure, with a quieter vibe that supports conversation. Less suited to evening date energy since it’s more of a daytime cafe than a dinner destination.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Misto operates primarily as walk-in friendly. Arrive slightly early on weekends if you want a patio table or a quieter indoor corner.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — calm environment, patio seating, and a menu that works for school-age kids. Space is a bit tight for strollers at peak brunch times.
Best For
Better for: A slower, more polished cafe experience with stronger coffee and better bread quality than nearby counter-service sandwich shops.
Skip if: You want a quick grab-and-go sandwich or plant-based/gluten-free options — choices are limited and the pace is intentionally more leisurely.
Misto Caffe & Bakery
8.1
Misto Caffe & Bakery is a European-leaning bistro in Hillside Village with a vine-draped patio, all-day brunch, and a menu that runs from pastas to burgers and cakes. It works especially well for low-key romantic brunches or early dinners where you want wine, conversation, and a setting that feels more Riviera café than strip mall.
Must-Try Dishes:
World Famous Fusilli Bucatti, Chicken ravioli with cream sauce, Misto Spaghetti & Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: Bistro-style cafe with vine-covered patio and brunch-to-dinner menus.
Who should go: Couples wanting relaxed brunch or casual wine-centric dates.
When to visit: Late weekend brunch or golden-hour early dinner on the patio.
What to order: Fusilli Bucatti, chicken ravioli, Misto Spaghetti & Meatballs.
Insider tip: Reserve patio seating; it’s the most romantic part of the space.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface lot at Hillside Village with generally reliable availability; fills during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; elevated brunch wear or date-night denim works well for the patio setting.
Noise level: Moderate; indoor room can hum during brunch, but patio seating stays conversation-friendly.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during peak brunch spillover around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple options including salads, pastas, and customizable brunch plates.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and sides can be adjusted, but core menu leans toward dairy-forward dishes.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be prepared gluten-free on request; staff is accustomed to modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially on the vine-covered patio, which offers relaxed ambience, soft lighting, and easy conversation vibes without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays, but patio seating goes fast. On weekends, reserving ahead is strongly recommended if you want outdoor seating or a shorter wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for calm family meals, though the romantic patio skews adult; best for kids 8+ who can sit through a European-style brunch or early dinner.
Best For
Better for: Low-key romantic brunches, relaxed wine dates, and European café ambience that feels more intimate than nearby American-style brunch spots.
Skip if: You want a high-energy dinner, extensive vegan options, or a purely Italian-focused menu—other South Torrance spots specialize more deeply in those areas.
Misto Caffe & Bakery
8.1
Misto Caffe & Bakery in Hillside Village is a European-leaning bistro with a vine-draped patio, espresso bar, and an all-day menu that moves from pastries to pastas and brunch plates. Locals use it for birthday brunches, lower-key anniversaries, and early dinners where wine, comfort food, and a relaxed setting matter more than formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
World Famous Fusilli Bucati, California Burger with fries, Shrimp Scampi over pasta
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Cafe-bistro hybrid with a patio that suits brunch celebrations.
Who should go: Small groups planning brunch birthdays or relaxed dates.
When to visit: Late weekend brunch or golden-hour early dinner service.
What to order: Fusilli Bucati, shrimp scampi, a pastry with espresso.
Insider tip: Request patio seating when booking for the most festive feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface-lot parking in Hillside Village; generally available but can tighten during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; brunch attire and elevated denim are both appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate; patio tables offer easier conversation than the indoor bistro area during peak brunch.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes without a reservation, longer if requesting the patio.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; typically seated immediately or within a few minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong options including pastas, salads, and breakfast plates.
Vegan options: Limited; a few menu items can be modified but choices are modest.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be prepared gluten-free; servers are knowledgeable about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the vine-covered patio and relaxed bistro setting create a warm, low-pressure backdrop for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes for weekday lunches and early dinners; peak weekend brunch often requires a short wait unless you book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for calm family outings; patio seating works best for young children, though the ambiance leans more adult during busy brunch hours.
Best For
Better for: Casual-celebration brunches, relaxed anniversaries, and outdoor meals where ambiance and comfort matter as much as food.
Skip if: You’re seeking fine dining formality, late-night service, or a menu with extensive vegan options.
Misto Caffe & Bakery
8.2
Misto Caffe & Bakery is a European-leaning cafe-bistro with a vine-draped patio at Hillside Village, moving from espresso and pastries in the morning to salads, pastas, and brunch plates later in the day. Locals use the outdoor tables for leisurely weekend brunches and lower-key celebrations that still feel a step up from everyday cafes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fusilli Bucati with Chicken and Bacon, Barbecue Chicken Quesadilla, Misto Mix Grill
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: All-day cafe-bistro with a leafy patio and strong brunch game.
Who should go: Brunch and coffee people wanting a relaxed, sit-down patio.
When to visit: Late-morning weekends or golden-hour early dinners on the patio.
What to order: Fusilli Bucati, barbecue chicken quesadilla, a slice of cake.
Insider tip: Book brunch on the patio and follow it with a short Hillside Village stroll.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface-lot parking at Hillside Village; generally easy on weekdays, tighter during peak weekend brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; brunch attire and relaxed date-night outfits both fit the patio setting.
Noise level: Moderate; patio conversations are comfortable, though weekend brunch can bring a livelier hum.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for patio seating, longer if arriving at peak brunch-to-dinner crossover times.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with patio tables turning steadily.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple options including salads, pastas, and breakfast plates with customizable add-ons.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; a few salads and modified dishes can be made vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free substitutions available, particularly for salads and some breakfast items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the vine-covered patio and relaxed European café vibe create a setting that feels warm and unforced, with enough ambiance for a comfortable conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes for weekdays, though weekend brunch patio seats can require a short wait; arriving slightly before peak hours helps secure a preferred table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes; families often come for brunch, and the menu works well for older kids. Space is a bit tighter on the patio, so strollers may fit best during non-peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for leisurely brunches and casual outdoor meals where ambiance matters and you want café-quality espresso alongside full plates.
Skip if: You want highly specialized Italian cooking or a quiet, formal dinner; this is more of an all-day bistro than a destination fine-dining experience.
Misto Caffe & Bakery
8.3
Misto is a European-leaning cafe-bistro at Hillside Village where a vine-draped patio and all-day menu make it one of the most pleasant dog-friendly brunch and dinner spots in South Torrance. Locals lean on it for relaxed dates, small celebrations, and long coffee hangs with dogs under the table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fusilli Bucati with Vodka Sauce, Shrimp Scampi Pasta, Housemade Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Leafy cafe-bistro patio that works from espresso to wine dinners.
Who should go: Couples and small groups wanting relaxed patio meals with dogs.
When to visit: Late weekend brunch or golden-hour early dinners outside.
What to order: Fusilli Bucati, shrimp scampi, tiramisu with espresso.
Insider tip: Ask staff which patio tables catch the least wind if your dog is sensitive to noise or drafts.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface lot at Hillside Village with generally reliable availability; fills during peak brunch hours and early dinner on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; patio-appropriate layers recommended due to occasional breezes.
Noise level: Moderate; conversations are easy on most patio tables, with slightly more ambient chatter during peak brunch.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for patio tables during peak hours; shorter waits for indoor seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait except during midday rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage with salads, pastas, and brunch dishes; staff can guide substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—expect a few plant-leaning salads and modifiable dishes.
Gluten-free options: Several GF-friendly entrées and salads; pasta substitutions may be available depending on inventory.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its leafy patio, approachable menu, and relaxed tempo create an easy, low-pressure setting that suits conversation and casual romantic energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—walk-ins are common, though outdoor tables during weekend brunch or golden-hour dinners may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with school-age kids; the menu is approachable, and the patio layout offers enough space for a comfortable, low-stress meal.
Best For
Better for: A calmer, more European-leaning brunch and dinner experience with a genuinely pleasant dog-friendly patio—ideal for relaxed pacing and intimate gatherings.
Skip if: You want high-energy crowds, late-night dining, or a kitchen built around extensive vegan or gluten-free specialization.
Misto Caffe & Bakery
7.8
Misto is a European-leaning cafe-bistro with a vine-draped patio that shifts from espresso and pastries to wine, salads, and pastas as the day goes on. It reads more relaxed than flashy, but the hillside setting, outdoor tables, and brunch crowd give it a quietly cool feel within the South Torrance scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fusilli Bucati, Shrimp Scampi, Tiramisu with espresso
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.6
What makes it special: Leafy cafe-bistro patio that works for everything from coffee dates to wine dinners.
Who should go: Brunch people and couples wanting a mellow but current patio.
When to visit: Late weekend mornings or golden-hour early dinners outside.
What to order: Fusilli Bucati, Shrimp Scampi, tiramisu with an espresso.
Insider tip: Ask for a patio table along the edge wall for a quieter experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ample free parking in the Hillside Village lot, though brunch hours can fill the closest rows; overflow spaces are usually available within the center.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; daytime is relaxed, while early dinner leans slightly dressy without being formal.
Noise level: Moderate – patio tables allow comfortable conversation, with occasional brunch buzz but rarely overwhelming.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for patio seating, especially around golden hour.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, aside from brief spikes on Fridays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection – pastas, salads, and brunch plates offer multiple vegetarian combinations.
Vegan options: Limited – a couple of modifiable salads and sides, but few dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free upon request; staff is knowledgeable but there is no separate prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The vine-draped patio, mellow energy, and steady service make it a strong choice for a relaxed but still polished first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually. Walk-ins are common for brunch and early dinners, though requesting patio seating may add a short wait during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes. Families use the patio for brunch and casual dinners, though the environment is better suited for older kids who can sit through a longer meal.
Best For
Better for: A quieter, more European-style patio meal compared to louder South Bay brunch spots; ideal for lingering coffee dates and relaxed early dinners.
Skip if: You want high-energy, trend-forward dining or a wide array of vegan or gluten-free dishes — other nearby spots offer more specialization in those areas.