Layla Bagels

Welcome to Layla Bagels, a beloved local spot nestled in the vibrant Ocean Park neighborhood of Santa Monica, California. For those living in or visiting the greater Los Angeles area, Layla Bagels has quickly established itself as a must-try destination, often cited by local critics and residents as a top contender for the best bagels in LA. Moving beyond the typical New York or Montreal styles, Layla Bagels masterfully crafts its own unique, hand-rolled sourdough bagels. This distinct method, which incorporates levain (sourdough) into the mix, yields a finished product that is wonderfully chewy on the outside, pillowy soft on the inside, and boasts a unique sourdough tang that sets it apart from the competition.

The experience at Layla Bagels is more than just grabbing a quick bite; it's about indulging in a creative, high-quality breakfast or lunch that celebrates fresh, carefully chosen ingredients. From classic schmears to inventive open-faced and closed-face specialty sandwiches, the menu is designed to excite the palate. The commitment to quality is evident in every bite, making it a perfect spot for the discerning California foodie who values both tradition and innovation.

Whether you are a Santa Monica local or planning a visit to the West Side, Layla Bagels offers a bright, welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff ready to guide you through their eclectic menu. The popularity of the shop is well-earned, so pre-ordering is a convenient option for those on a tight schedule. Stop by to discover why this bagel shop has become a true culinary highlight in the Los Angeles bagel scene.

The focus on quality extends beyond the bagels themselves, reaching into the fresh produce and premium meats used in their signature creations. This commitment to fresh, vibrant flavors is what truly resonates with the California food culture. Customers frequently praise the perfect balance of flavors and the substantial, satisfying nature of the specialty bagel sandwiches, noting that they are worth every penny for the quality of the ingredients and the exceptional taste.

Location and Accessibility

Layla Bagels is conveniently situated in the heart of Santa Monica, a prime location that makes it easily accessible for residents across the West Side and beyond. The shop’s address is 1614 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA. This Ocean Park location is well-known and easy to find, positioned in a pleasant neighborhood setting.

For customers driving to the location, free street parking is generally available nearby, easing the stress of a quick pick-up or a relaxed dine-in experience. The venue is also dedicated to being fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that all community members can enjoy their delicious offerings.

With operating hours typically from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM every day (note: hours may slightly vary, check the latest times for both daily breakfast and lunch service), Layla Bagels is perfectly timed for your morning coffee and bagel run or a midday meal. The Santa Monica shop provides several service options to accommodate different needs and preferences, maintaining a quick and efficient service even during busy periods.

Services Offered

Layla Bagels provides a comprehensive range of services designed for convenience and a pleasant dining experience. Their service model caters to a quick grab-and-go mentality as well as a relaxed sit-down meal.

• In-store pickup: Ideal for pre-ordering to minimize wait times, a popular choice among regulars.
• Takeout: All menu items are available for convenient takeout.
• Dine-in: Customers are welcome to enjoy their bagels and coffee on-site.
• Onsite services: Enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and clean amenities, including a restroom.
• Full Coffee and Tea Menu: Offering a wide array of meticulously prepared coffee, espresso, and matcha drinks to complement your meal.
• Diverse Payment Options: Accepting Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments for a smooth transaction.
• Vegan Options: Vegan cream cheese (Cashew Cream Cheese) is available, along with several naturally vegan bagel sandwich options, like The Mia.
• Gluten-Free Bagel Options: Gluten-free bagels are offered from local partners, ensuring options for those with dietary restrictions.

Features / Highlights

Layla Bagels distinguishes itself in the competitive LA food scene with several unique features and a dedication to quality ingredients.

• Sourdough Bagel Base: The core offering is a unique, hand-rolled sourdough bagel, a distinct cross between Montreal and New York styles, praised for its perfect chew and texture. The incorporation of levain is noted to aid in digestion.
• The Laika Bagel Sandwich: This signature item is a customer favorite, featuring smoked salmon, tomato, cucumber, pickled onion, capers, and herb cream cheese. It’s a classic done with an elevated, fresh West Coast touch.
• The Pre-Jam Bagel: A truly unique and seasonal offering, this sandwich features cream cheese, local honey, and a seasonal fruit that rotates based on what's available at the local Farmers' Market. Past iterations have included pomegranate, fresh fig, or local plums, ensuring a creative and ever-changing sweet option.
• Creative Specialty Sandwiches: The menu boasts inventive options like The Idiot Sandwich (a closed-face creation with pretzel challah bagel, pastrami, scrambled egg, swiss cheese, and red wine cabbage slaw) and The Evil Steve (smoked turkey, pepper jelly, goat cheese, and crispy shallot), offering complex and savory flavors.
• Fresh and Local Focus: The shop prioritizes the use of high-quality, fresh ingredients, as highlighted by the seasonal nature of the Pre-Jam and the vibrant produce used in all sandwiches, such as the heirloom tomatoes in The Scarlett.
• Full Coffee Bar: Layla Bagels offers an extensive selection of beverages, including espresso, lattes (such as the specialty Salted Maple Latte), cold brew, and a variety of matcha drinks, ensuring a perfect pairing for any bagel choice.
• Delicious "Not Bagels" Menu: Beyond the main attraction, the bakery items receive high praise, including the unique Chocolate Miso Banana Bread and various cookies and muffins.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Customers consistently mention the cheerful, welcoming, and helpful nature of the Layla Bagels team, contributing to an overall positive experience.

Contact Information

The Layla Bagels Santa Monica location is ready to welcome you every day of the week.

Address: 1614 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA

Phone (Santa Monica/Ocean Park): (424) 209-2063

Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM (It is always a good idea to confirm hours on weekends or holidays, as they can sometimes vary slightly, though the standard hours are consistent across the week).

What is Worth Choosing

For first-time visitors to Layla Bagels, deciding what to order can be a delightful challenge, as every specialty sandwich has a unique personality. The choice truly depends on your craving—savory, sweet, or a classic done flawlessly.

If you are a fan of lox, you absolutely must try The Laika. This signature lox and bagel sandwich is lauded by customers as a classic perfected, boasting a generous layer of smoked salmon complemented by the crunch of cucumber and the zing of pickled onion, all pulled together with a savory herb cream cheese. It’s a sophisticated take on a deli favorite.

For those who enjoy a breakfast sandwich that packs a punch, Sammi’s Egg Sammy is a standout. It features scrambled eggs, aged cheddar, and arugula with a flavorful chermoula sauce. This sandwich is celebrated for its incredible depth of flavor and satisfying heartiness.

If your palate leans toward something inventive and sweet, the Pre-Jam is a must-try. Its commitment to seasonal, farmer’s market-fresh fruit, local honey, and cream cheese makes it a creative and refreshing departure from the usual. The rotating fruit ensures that this item is always exciting and different, making it one of the most unique specialty bagels in Los Angeles.

For a simple yet bold vegetarian option, The Scarlett (heirloom tomato, lemon zest, chili flakes with cream cheese) is a beautiful expression of California's fresh produce focus. The lemon zest and chili flakes elevate the ripe tomatoes, proving that simple, high-quality ingredients can create a stunning flavor profile.

Beyond the sandwiches, remember that the foundation of the Layla Bagels experience is the bagel itself—the chewy, flavorful sourdough base is what truly anchors the menu. Consider taking a Gluten Free 6 Pack or a side of their specialty Chocolate Miso Banana Bread home. And don't forget to pair your bagel with a high-quality coffee or a specialty Yellow Peach Matcha Latte for the complete, elevated West Coast breakfast experience. Regular customers often recommend pre-ordering to bypass the line, ensuring a smooth and quick visit to secure your morning fix of one of the best bagels Los Angeles has to offer.

Layla Bagels

1614 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA