"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. Their baked goods, like the rosewater pistachio swirl, are incredible. If you want to go savory, try a smoked salmon croissant, coated in a thick layer of everything bagel seasoning, or a tomato danish with ricotta and thyme. Alta’s sunny garden patio is the perfect place to enjoy your treats, and if you come for lunch, get one of the seasonally rotating pizzas and a garden herb mimosa in flavors like hibiscus-mint or pear-sage." - allison green, gabi moskowitz
