Santa Canela

Santa Canela Review: Highland Park’s Panaderia Is a Celebration of LA | Eater LA

"A pastry destination in Highland Park that truly embodies Los Angeles, this sleek mid-century modern bakery and cafe—playing soft Mexican tunes over a marble bar and rich wood cabinetry—opened earlier this year with executive pastry chef Ellen Ramos (a veteran of Loreto and LA Cha Cha Chá) curating a rotating menu inspired by the city and her Mexican and Salvadoran heritage. The LA churro is the signature: piped and fried to order (plan on at least 10 minutes), shaped like the Dodgers logo, and tossed in cinnamon sugar—well worth the wait. Long John–shaped morita yeast doughnuts come filled with a sweet, tart, and spicy strawberry–morita chile jam that takes the jelly doughnut to a new level, while concha flavors rotate (orange blossom, pumpkin, burnt vanilla) for a fluffy treat that pairs well with coffee. Mexican-style coffee drinks are sweet and milky but still pack an espresso-fueled punch; the burnt cinnamon latte brings complex bittersweet flavor, the cafe de olla leans sweeter with warming panela, and you can order horchata with or without espresso. Beyond pan dulce, expect Mexico City and LA-inspired bakes like concha croissants, pepita-infused financier cakes, champurrado-flavored maple doughnuts, and savory options including a potato soyrizo croissant and a cured beef and kale chimichurri focaccia topped with fried chile güero. Menu consultant Odette Olavarri adds her twists on classics, like kouign-amann with cajeta. Seating is very minimal—just a couple sidewalk tables and tiny bar seats—so it’s best to take your coffee and baked goods to go." - Kat Thompson