Amelia's Espresso & Panini

4.5 star rating
186 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches  [Edit]

2645 Main St
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
(310) 396-9095
Hours:

Tue-Sat 6:30 am - 4 pm

Sun 11 am - 4 pm

Good for Groups:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Lunch, Breakfast
Alcohol:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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186 reviews in English

  • Review from Lauren R.

    • 19 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Costa Mesa, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/24/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I had absolutely no idea where to go to get some breakfast so I of course checked out yelp reviews on my phone to get some ideas.  I am from Orange County but  in LA to get an emergency passport made.  Let me tell you, I was in an awful mood! When I am frustrated my instincts always point me to a window seat for people watching, a pastry for comfort, and a coffee for... well coffee just makes life better, right?  I went on yelp, read a few reviews and decided on Amelia's.  I used my "handy dandy" GPS to get me there.  Well, I got so turned around and lost, so I decided to just drive.  When I came to a street that seemed to have a lot of options I parked.  I walked into Amelia's without realizing it was the same restaurant I had already set my heart on.  Like it was meant to be, you know?  

    I walked in, and asked the gentleman behind the counter what to get.  He described, in detail, everything on the menu.  I started with a pastry that was so good I had to ask for a box so I could bring it home for my boyfriend to try.  I ordered a chai latte in a wonderful mug so big I could dunk my face in it if I felt inclined- it was so tasty I almost did.  

    Then it was back to the front to order something else- I am a heffer!  

    I ordered an egg sandwich with fruit. I cannot even begin to describe how amazing it was.  The table next to me even took pictures of it- thats how good it was.  I of course posted it on Facebook and made everyone jealous.  It came with fruit- not a generic fruit bowl. It had a huge slice of watermelon, bananas, strawberries, and raspberries.  HEAVEN!!  

    I had intentions of taking half home.  I promise I was going to share, but I had to keep the whole thing fro myself.  IT WAS AMAZING!

    The gentleman behind the counter made me feel so comfortable and welcome.  I would go here every single day if it was in Orange County, since it isn't I will just go here in my dreams when my head hits the pillow at night.  Yes, it IS that good!

  • Review from Delilah B.

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    5/3/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Service was great.  Very friendly staff.  Cute cafe.

    We visited Santa Monica not too long ago and were on a search for the best brunch/breakfast and this place got pretty high ratings, so we worked our way over.  
    We got there and it wasn't what we expected.  It's probably great for a quick bite.  It had more of a coffee shop feel to it and we were looking for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

    We ended up ordering just a couple of cappuccinos which were actually more like latte's, but ok.  We ended up throwing most of it away.  :/  What can I say, I come from SF where coffee is absolutely amazing!  :)  

    But yeah, maybe it was an off day for coffee.

  • Review from Johanna C.

    Los Angeles, CA

    2.0 star rating
    4/16/2012 1 Check-in Here

    5 stars for service, it's family owned and they're all super sweet!

    good-sized portions but food isnt anything special. the area is hopping with things to do so it's a good place to stop and rest for coffee and light snack but i wouldnt go here just to eat lunch or breakfast.

  • Review from Debbie W.

    • 13 friends
    • 21 reviews

    North Hollywood, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/22/2012

    Best coffee ever! It's mellow and smooth, not bitter, too strong, or too much acidity.  And a large Americano is only $2.50!  I think I'm in love.  Why do they have to be closed on Mondays??

  • Review from Daniel L.

    • 7 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    2.0 star rating
    4/3/2012

    The food here is pretty good. Certainly the best paninis on Main Street, a thousand times better than those at Panini Garden, further south on the street. It's nowhere near as good as the food at Vardo, but it's nice to mix it up once in a while and eat someplace other than your usual spot.

    The service is fine, a little "Santa Monica better-than-you" but nowhere near as bad as at 212 Pier Cafe, also further south.

    Yes, if you're going to lunch with a friend, you could do a lot worse than Amelia's.

    But if, like me, you use your lunch break to write, this is not the place for you.

    See, Amelia's doesn't allow computers. Oh, you can use your iPhone or other handheld pocket computer, certainly, and I doubt they'd make much of a fuss over an iPad or eBook reader, even though both of those devices can do much of what a computer can do.

    But try and work on a laptop, and no sir, that's against the rules. Why? Because, according to the sign taped onto their counter, Amelia's believes the art of conversation has been lost, and they'd prefer you focused on your food, and on each other.

    Give me a break.

    I usually eat alone on my lunch break, because it's often my one hour a day to work on my novel. And I'm sure Amelia herself would say to this, "There are two dozen other cafes on Main Street where you can use your laptop. Go there."

    To which I would respond, "I will."

    And that's a shame, because the food at Amelia's is better than the food at 212 Pier or Novel Cafe. But I guess I'll spend my money somewhere besides Amelia's, because A) I need to be able to write on my lunch break, and B) I can't fucking stand this kind of absurd elitist rulemaking.

    Particularly when THERE'S A TV ON IN THE CORNER OF THE CAFE. For a restaurant so concerned with people looking not at screens but rather at one another, the irony sure seems lost on Amelia's.

  • Review from Arv R.

    • 1 friend
    • 14 reviews

    Encino, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/14/2012

    Wow! This place was amazing.

    We ordered the Turkey breast panini, Porchetta sandwich, and lentil soup. The sandwiches are huge, especially the Porchetta. Can easily be shared between two people. The Porchetta, which is a roasted pork sandwich, was absolutely delicious. The pork was moist, tender and full of flavor. The bread was fresh and the perfect combination of crispy and chewy. I would dare say it is a better sandwich than the Godmother from Bay Cities Italian. The Turkey breast panini was really good as well, but the Porchetta is definitely the main attraction here.

    Besides the delicious food, I would make this a regular hangout because of the atmosphere and service. The owner was really friendly and nice. He brought us out water for our dog and offered to take down the umbrella cover if we wanted some sun while we dined. There is a small outdoor eating area which is really quaint. The tables aren't all packed together, which makes it more comfortable especially for folks like us that have dogs.

    All the pseudo writers and screenwriters who are peeved that they don't allow laptops really need to get a life.  If you're that busy whereby you have to work at lunch, then order your shit to-go and eat at your desk. Better yet, go someplace else that allows laptops. Don't fault a local business that would want to limit all the table squatters by banning laptops.

  • Review from ivana d.

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/21/2012 2 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    oooh sooo good.... i took my dog for a training class every sunday nearby and two weekends in a row we went to Amelia's with the dog and sat outside.. amazing and friendly service, the breakfast food is all yummy! I forgot /dont know all the name of the sandwich because hubby ordered in while i stayed out with the whining dog..

    i can describe them though... the roasted tomatoes/goat cheese sandwich is good, the open sandwich caprese is also yummy... the roasted beef sandwich thing is great...

    bummer that the dog training class is over and i havent gotten around to return

  • Review from David M.

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 4/22/2012 1 photo 16 Check-ins Here

    I'm getting the distinct feeling that Amelia's is slipping a bit. Once my de-facto place for panini, the last few times I've been here the sandwiches have been smaller, and they've done away with their included side salad and are charging $2 for it. Don't get me wrong; the sandwiches are still amazing, but now I'm probably willing to try other places instead of insisting on always coming here for Friday work lunch.

    Listed in: Wesssside!

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      1/17/2011

      I ate lunch here on Friday for the first time in almost 3 years and it's like I never left. I used… Read more »

  • Review from Jereld W.

    Culver City, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/7/2012 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    I came in to this small mom and pop owned cafe on the recommendation of another yelper.

    I decided to order their namesake and went with the salami, mortadela, and capocollo panini and an espresso. The sandwich is made with high quality meats and had the perfect proportions between their great ciabatta bread.

    The staff is very friendly and makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit. They do have a no laptops policy though; so don't get too comfortable. This might be because seating is limited and they don't want people hanging out all day.

    All in all a great local family owned place in Santa Monica.

    Pro-tip: Yelpers won't lead you astray!

  • Review from Kristen M.

    • 11 friends
    • 31 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    Canada
    5.0 star rating
    3/5/2012 1 photo

    Amazing.
    Maybe my favorite stop during our 5 days in California.
    Great atmosphere (no laptops allowed!) and amazing service. The owner sat at the table next to us & recomended places to see in California, what was not to be missed, and what route to drive to get to our next stop. Felt so welcome!
    Also had the BEST breakfast croissant of sorts. Been craving it since returning home   : (
    It's service and quality like Amelia's that must keep the locals coming back time & time again!

  • Review from raul k.

    • 1 friend
    • 5 reviews

    Santa Monica, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/4/2012

    Just love this place...small cafe with European feel...great baked goods and just everything is great...very small which is a plus..and very good coffee drinks..and I don't give that compliment to very many places...

  • Review from Akiko I.

    Newport Beach, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/16/2011 10 photos 1 Check-in Here

    - Locale Destination -
    It's on Main St and Ocean Park Blvd in Santa Monica. Light and fresh atmosphere. The decor is simple. No wi-fi/computer sign - this is the place you enjoy conversations with your friends and people there. It's a family business, and they are all friendly. The mom makes the soup daily, which were recommended by them. Use a parking meter. Parking on the busy Main St sucks. There's lots of signs - 2 hours only etc.

    - Gluttony Expedition -
    Grilled panini: Roasted red peppers, goat cheese, sun dried tomato pesto, mixed green& tomato. OMG. Great! The panini were toasted perfectly, though I'm not a big fan of panini. The red peppers were grilled perfectly and tasted great! The sun dried tomato pesto was also tasty. I think it was a little over $10, but I could eat only half. It's big. I think this is the best sandwich I've ever had though I had many good sandwiches. This is something that BOTH animal eaters and vegetarians can enjoy. Try it!

    - Conqueror's Deduction -
    I'm a real tough food critic as you know. Do you know how many 5 stars I have out of my +400 reviews (which are ALL food related ONLY)????
    This place made me smile. I was so happy. I was so sad that day but the food made me smile. I just tried the Vegan place, "Real Food Daily" in Santa Monica, the day before. Pfff, this place is A LOT BETTER for vegetarians and normal eaters. Try here, you'll love me and the foods!

  • Review from Cristalle T.

    • 104 friends
    • 126 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/12/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I love that this cafe does not have wifi, allow laptops or ketchup! It makes me feel like the emphasis is on the food...and it is!
    Super delicious prosciutto sandwich an loving' the sea salt caramel sold at the register ;)

    Note: come early and have someone save seats!

  • Review from Amahree E.

    • 217 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Santa Monica, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/6/2012

    Big fan of this place. Real central too. When it comes to breakfast/brunch, I 've got quite the appetite . So needless to say,I've had everything from the roasted peppers  to the staple paninis. Good place to meet  a few friends(emphasis on few). Walk there...don't drive.

  • Review from Nina M.

    Santa Monica, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/12/2011 2 photos 1 Check-in Here

    Great paninis, great service! The guy at the counter was suer friendy and fun - he kept checking on us and making jokes. Very small lil spot.. Kinda strange shared outdoors area w the motel next door- but cute place still! Kinda disappointing that they didn't have iced tea to have with my lunch.. They offered me a cup of ice with hot tea for me to create.. but the ice would just melt and become a warm diluted tea...

    The salami panini w pesto was a bit too meaty/greasy for me personally but it was still excellent. The pesto sauce was really tasty and fresh and the ciabatta bread was grilled to perfection!

    I know I said the salami was too meaty, but don't get me wrong I love my meat! Which is why I was surprised at liking the veggie goat cheese sandwich so much as well! Very tasty!

    This lead me to the winning combo - THE GOAT CHEESE PANINI - ADD SALAMI. The best ever! Winning combo I tell you!

  • Review from Kimberly H.

    • 0 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/6/2012

    Such a cute cafe on a lively and fun street.

    Shared the steak sandwich with my friend. It was HUGE and definitely enough for the both of us. Rich with flavor and...great, now I'm drooling.

    Service was delightful! Cashier was more than willing to help with suggestions and just so darn smiley while doing it!

    Parking can get a little tricky as it is a busy street, but you'll definitely find a spot.

  • Review from Betty N.

    Santa Monica, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/18/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    **SOLID TURKEY PANINI AND AWESOME CUSTOMER SERVICE**

    Cute cafe.

    Clean, spacious, and bright.

    ORDERED:

    *TURKEY PANINI ($11) - Loved the bread. Grilled, crunchy, and flavorful. The pesto sauce and the fresh tomatoes sealed the deal. I would have preferred brie cheese over the provided provolone to intensify the flavors. Came with a small green salad which was tasty with the dressing.

    *ICED TEA (PEACH) ($2.50 with one free refill) - Solid, but I like it to taste more *peachy*.

    The dessert selections past noon was limited.

    Overall, a very good place for your panini cravings.

    Customer service was EXCELLENT. Friendly and efficient.

    RECOMMEND.

  • Review from puja s.

    • 8 friends
    • 54 reviews

    Santa Monica, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/19/2011

    Had brunch with a friend on Saturday at 11am. Enjoyed a goat cheese, sundried tomato grilled panini and a carrot muffin.
    The sandwich was big, I barely finished 3/4. the muffin was fresh. The food was really good quality and tasty.

    The 4 stars were based on great atmosphere, very casual and relaxed. the guy behind the counter was friendly and sweet. Great place to make your hangout coffee shop.

  • Review from Vicky K.

    • 32 friends
    • 129 reviews

    La Jolla, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here

    The owner is super nice and friendly! They open every other Sunday, luckily we came here on the Sunday they were open! Walked by it and it looked like a cute cafe place. They have panini's (love love love) so decided to try it. I'm so glad I did! I got the turkey. delicious! Will definitely come back!

  • Review from Andrew L.

    Martinez, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/4/2011 3 photos 1 Check-in Here

    Good mom 'n pop place in downtown Santa Monica.  Literally, the older lady and gentleman behind the counter seemed to be the owners, servers, and cooks by themselves!  (I came here in the afternoon on the weekday, so there are probably more staff during busy hours/days)

    It's a very cute and quaint restaurant with little seating.  We had 8 people, so the nice older gentleman came outside and extended the patio table for us.  Only 5 of us ate, though, but they were still very polite!
    Michelle N. and I shared their salami and turkey paninis, as well as their salad and soup of the day (which I think was cream of yam?).

    I'll tell you -- the majority of my panini experience is from Cafe 1919 at UCLA, and I thought they were pretty good.  But their sandwiches were superb!  Not too much oil, and each sandwich had just the right amount of ingredients/slices/whatever so that nothing was too salty, too bland, and just flavorful enough.  The soup and salad were good, too!

    It seems other reviewers agree.  Good, quality food all around and great service.  I'm glad to see that such a modest establishment can thrive in the depths of LA County.

    If I'm ever in the area, I'll definitely give Amelia's my business again.

  • Review from Sarah G.

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/18/2011 1 photo

    Needed a quick brunch/breakfast to start off our day in Santa Monica, so me and my pal decided to stop here.

    Don't be fooled by the 4-item menu. Considering my friend and I have no tried 50% of it, I feel confident saying they keep it small because they know what they're doing.

    Great coffee and tea on the side, I'd drink an Americano from here any day.

    The only downside? A little pricey. But for good quality food with rich ingredients, I'll take it.

  • Review from Allie Y.

    • 1 friend
    • 5 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/21/2012

    My coworker and I stopped in an hour prior to closing. We were planning on lunch but they ran out of bread. Instead, we opted for some iced vanilla lattes. Hands down, this is the best iced vanilla latte I've had in LA and I'm not exaggerating. I'm a coffee aficionado and know the taste of good coffee. It's the perfect amount of espresso to milk ratio with a nice hint of cinnamon. The lady behind the counter was a delight as well. I will definitely go back for lunch and coffee soon.

  • Review from Diane C.

    • 0 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/9/2012

    The best sandwiches on Main Street.   Also Amelia makes a spinach and chicken soup I dream about.  I normally get takeout for lunch but occasionally make it  for breakfast  for fluffy eggs Amelia-style.   Buon appetito!!!!

  • Review from Kristopher V.

    • 83 friends
    • 260 reviews

    Venice, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/4/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    Make sure you get here before 11:00AM as the breakfast sandwich is the must try item they serve. The sandwich runs about $10, but the portion is easily enough to satisfy two people. The staff was very friendly, and the servers were very attentive.

    The breakfast sandwich is an open-face sandwich consisting of scrambled eggs, fontina cheese, tomato, basil, zucchini, and something called "egg espresso" on ciabatta bread. I optioned to eat the sandwich with a fork and knife and used the other half of the bread as toast. They also serve the meal a bowl of fruit and two fantastic jams, one was cherry and I believe the other was an orange marmalade.

  • Review from Jennifer F.

    • 330 friends
    • 200 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/14/2011 1 photo 2 Check-ins Here

    I think I may be addicted to panini's. With that said, I had bookmarked Amelia's for quite sometime. I finally made the trek down to Santa Monica to check out these wonderful panini's that yelpers were raving about.

    I ordered their grilled turkey breast Panini with a green salad and sat by the window. Wow, it was soo scrumptious. Mmm all the flavors blended together. It was nice and juicy. My only complaint is that the bread was really tough and my sandwich was slightly overcooked. I don't like it too black (if you know what I mean). I LOVED the salad dressing on my salad. I have no idea what it was. It was a lot to eat so I took my leftovers home.

    After my meal, I introduced myself to the man behind the counter. And guess what?! I just met the owner, Ralph and his wife AMELIA and their son. I felt so honored to have met the family behind this wonderful goodness. They are truly wonderful people! :)

  • Review from Dial J.

    • 5 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Santa Monica, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/28/2011

    This cafe is one of the best cafe's I've ever had the pleasure of eating
    at. Amelia's food is downright amazing. The owners, Ralph, Amelia
    and Gionni are warm, friendly along with providing excellent service.
    It is one of the few mom and pop places on the west side I go to again and again.Ameiia's home made soups (daily) are the best in southern Cal..
    The salads and sandwiches are delicious and hardy. And for those of you
    who need caffeine, their esspresso/lattes are rich and consistent. If you want to experience a cafe that deserves 5 stars than head to Amelia's. You will
    truly enjoy it.

  • Review from Christine Y.

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 5/10/2011 3 photos

    It's about time I wrote an update for Amelia's! Since the last time I've tried more of their menu and love them even more!!! The people are just so nice and friendly and it is the very definition of mom and pop! Amelia is an actual person who is there every day with her husband and their son! They make everything!!! From the sandwiches to the soups to the delicious pastries!!! Ah I hope they stay in business forever.

    I just went there for lunch today...and oops I had a bit too much even though I split a massive sandwich with someone else. Yes, splitting these days instead of eating way way too much.

    For today had the roast beef sandwich. $13 but its huge and just delicious!!! Very worth it considering an average sammie round here can be $10 anyways. Think at least an inch thick of piping hot nicely sliced roast beef just dripping with its juices. Add some grilled red onions on top and whatever else they put on there....one big slippery mess but you have to try this! Silence at our table as we dug in and all our attention was on the food in front of us.

    For dessert we had a slice of the carrot cake with some icing on top. The moistest carrot cake ever with walnuts too for added texture and crunch. They serve this with a big dollop of whipped cream and its a very nice end to the meal.

    Lately I've also been getting the salami, mortadella, capocolla, provolone, roasted peppers on ciabatta sammie too. Basically an updated italian sammie. Also very very yummy...it seems you really really can't go wrong here. Not your average italian cold cut sammie, they press it of course and use very fresh ingredients and you end up wanting to eat it all.

    Next time I need to try their soups! They had some kind of sausage soup that others were eating that looked so delicious that we all wished we had a second stomach. Alas, we're only human. Another day!

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      1/16/2011

      Three times I've been here so far and they always get everything right! The service is fantastic,… Read more »

  • Review from Bob F.

    • 3 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Santa Monica, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    OK, Fellow Foodies. Today we're not going to talk about the latest shooting-star passing fancy L.A. hotshot restaurant. No, today we take a step back to a time when restaurants meant "family" -- and not necessarily the Sopranos kind of family!! Today we're going to visit Amelia's Espresso & Panini on Main Street in Santa Monica.

    The restaurant that bears Mom's name (the aforementioned Amelia!) has pretty much become an institution here on the street -- and with good reason. Ameila, her husband Ralph and their son are the warm, talented, committed heart and soul of this comfortable, delightful cafe and the true goodness of the food they create here is only exceeded by their own exuberance and engagement in their chosen pursuit.

    Theirs is a simple menu dominated by simple, but exquisitely sourced and prepared ingredients, which are then combined into either drool-inducing panini or impressively satisfying layered salads. The breads are authentic, rustic and fresh, the roasted peppers thick and luscious, the meats rich and copious (Italian tuna to die for!), the pestos and dressings right-on-the-money. Frou-frou? No way. But tasty? Stay out of my way when that panini hits my table 'cause it's gonna disappear in a heartbeat!

    In my mind, Amelia's talent for soup-making is unparalleled. Example? Her pureed artichoke-zucchini soup is stunning: rich and velvety smooth and subtly layered with other hidden veggies and many, many pieces of artichoke hearts, all topped with a touch of finely grated Italian hard cheese. It is perfection. But so is the Italian Wedding soup as well as her sausage soup. And a "bowl" is a real bowl at Amelia's: ya won't be hungry afterward!

    Great coffee and espresso -- featuring Intelligentsia's roasts -- and scrumptiously appealing cakes (lemon polenta cake, anybody?) and other sweets complete the menu. But ultimately, what really rounds out the experience is Amelia and the guys -- that family commitment to getting up every day to try to do something that your neighbors and friends (and the tourists, of course!) will love you for! If you're looking for a break from the flash and sizzle of our town's over-heated Type-AAA restaurant scene, maybe it's time to hang with Momma Amelia and the boys!

  • Review from Jessica C.

    • 50 friends
    • 122 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/26/2011 2 photos 1 Check-in Here

    Amelia really can't get less than a five. It's that good.

    I came here at the suggestion of yelp (thanks yelp!) with a friend for brunch. Yelp, thus far, has never been wrong when it says something is good, so let me add on to the long growing list of Amelia's fans.

    The staff couldn't be friendlier. Truly a family restaurant if ever there was one. They care about their guests and their business and it shows. I always find this pleasant, welcoming attitude to be refreshing and rejuvenating. Dealing with the public myself at my job, I realize how tiresome it can be to always be pleasant and charming, but these guys pull it off.

    On the food front, of course, everything is excellent. My friend got a tasty looking breakfast sandwich (I posted picture) and I myself went for the delicious (how could it not be?) mortadella sandwich, complete with mozzarella and pesto. Mmm.

    The sandwich was great. I ate all of it, and then was full for the rest of the day. It did it's job and it did it well. Fresh ingredients. Yelp seemed to recommend the meatball sandwich, which I did not try because it was 10 in the morning. Somehow I decided mortadella counts for breakfast.

    My friend also seemed to enjoy her breakfast sandwich. I mean, I feel like it's hard to go into much more depth than, THIS IS GREAT! TRY IT YOURSELF AND SEE! And as far as ordering goes, I don't think you can really go too wrong here.

  • Review from Vincent M.

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/10/2011

    WOW!!! This is place is a great family run business. Ralph and Amelia  with son Gianni who is making the new Porchetta Panini is delicious. Thinly sliced pork stacked highly on a great ciabatta bread. Wonderful homemade soup of the day. Great for kids and family.
    Enjoy!!

  • Review from Michael B.

    Atlanta, GA

    5.0 star rating
    5/3/2011 6 Check-ins Here

    I just ate here and literally RUSHED back to write this review.  This place is absolutely phenomenal!  It starts with the service.  The people here are so inviting and accommodating that the whole experience is great just due to how they make you feel while you're there.  

    We got there at about 12:15 and there was absolutely no wait to order and get seated.  The restaurant isn't big, but there are several tables inside and a few lined up along the side of the restaurant.  The ambiance is warm, inviting, and relaxing.  

    The food is simply awesome.  I ordered the hot salami panini and it was out of this world good.  The bread is warm and soft and the crust is perfectly crispy.

    There are no problems with meat-to-bread ratio.  They pile it on, but not so much that you can't enjoy the other components.  Red peppers, pesto, all sorts of italian meats and just the right amount of cheese.

    I love my sandwiches and have eaten my fair share and gotta say, this is THE BEST italian sandwich I've ever had.

    This place is money!

  • Review from Andrew Y.

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/18/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    A bit surprised of the size and freshness of the "Breakfast Sandwich." Very simple idea executed in a pleasant way: open-faced, split in two, grilled, with one half layered with cheese, egg, zucchini, tomato and a sprinkle of parm...easy and delish with a side of fresh fruit.

    A bit large to eat alone, so bring a friend and plan to split this with your coffee for a light morning treat. Only offered before 11am, so try and wake up early enough to give it a try...Pleasant staff and a good 'n tasty start to the day :-)

  • Review from Sarah M.

    • 23 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Love love LOVE this place.  The guy behind the counter is very friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is quaint and relaxed.  They have a few tables outside perfect for eating the most delicious turkey panini you have ever had on.  I went with a friend and we stayed for awhile chatting, and didn't feel rushed at all.

  • Review from Heather B.

    • 1 friend
    • 12 reviews

    Atlanta, GA

    5.0 star rating
    5/3/2011 6 Check-ins Here

    Food:  fresh, wonderful, flavorful!
    Service: fantastically friendly
    Atmosphere: family owned cute little spot

    I tried 2 sandwiches and both were THE BEST I've found in a long time.    The hot salami panini & meatball sandwiches - get these and you will not be disappointed.  Absolutely delicious!!!!

    Notes:  the pesto on the panini is a nice touch-- great flavor.
    The bread is amazing!  The peppers, tomatoes, cheese, lettuce-- all fresh and yummy.  The marinara sauce on the meatballs is perfect mmmmmm yummmmmm.  Can't wait to go back!

  • Review from Steven T.

    • 40 friends
    • 40 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/7/2011 1 Check-in Here

    This sandwich shop is really something different. It was a while back since me and a friend went, but I believe we ordered the 2 specials of the day: the Roast Beef Sandwich, and something like a 3-Cheese sandwich.

    All the ingredients tasted fresh and had a very similar taste to another sandwich shop in Culver City called Green Peas.

    A little pricey, but definitely worth it.

  • Review from Michelle M.

    Lake Forest, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/11/2010 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    Yummy is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Amelia's. I'm in love.

    Amelia's is a quiet and quaint coffee like shop that's nestled right up against a motel in the heart of Santa Monica. What caught my eye about this place is the "People on Yelp Love Us" sticker on their front window and I knew I had to try this place (and also, honestly, I don't know SM very well, so wasn't sure what else is in the area).

    Came into Amelia's for a late breakfast after my 10k this morning. Ordered the "open" breakfast sandwich ($10). So amazing. Sandwich was made with tasty bread, melted Provolone Cheese, Scrambled Eggs, Tomatoes and some tasty spices thrown on it. It was the most amazing combination of food I've eaten in awhile. It also came with fresh fruit--cut up bananas, melon and blueberry's. Fruit was sweet and tasty as well.

    Service is amazing as well. The owner (I believe) took our order and also checked on us a few times while we were eating. He was so happy and cheerful, that it was infectious. I love service like that. I want his happy-go-lucky personality all the time.

    Overall wonderful experience. I just wish that it was closer to mi casa since I would be going at least once a week. Happy eating everyone!!

  • Review from tina s.

    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Marina del Rey, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/12/2012

    Went there last week for the first time. I spied the meatball sandwich and was wagging my tail until he said sorry sold out. I asked him how could he be Italian and out of meatballs by 11:30am? So I then ordered the toasted bread with tomatoes and melted cheese just because one was being passed before me and looked awesome. I then asked for a salad and he said we don't do side salads. I gave him the wtf look, no meatballs, no side salad, then I pulled out the ammo..... I said you know we are here because of Yelp and I will be Yelping as I waved my index finger at him. He saw my mischievous grin and said, I will see what I can do. He was the owners son. This really is a mom n pop joint. Everyone was wonderful. My friend and I sat outside and enjoyed the soup it was heavenly. Artichoke and zucchini...... I'm rubbing my belly now just remembering...lol. Really great lunch. We loved it. We will definitely be coming back to try the meatballs.

  • Review from Jessyka L.

    • 192 friends
    • 100 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    4.0 star rating
    4/12/2011

    I've only been here during off hours (between 2-4 on weekends), but there has never been a line, and there are always open tables here. The place basically looks like a coffee shop, but it has all the ingredients to be a great brunch spot! This is a family owned business, and Mr. Amelia (Amelia's hubby) is one of the nicest fellas i've ever met! He definitely added to the great experience here. Get the panini's here - they are stuffed with lots of meet and cheeses and grilled vegetables - it's delicious!

    I've also tried their soup and the peach nectar iced tea, which are both amazing. I saw many patrons sipping on the soup, so maybe that's one of the items they are famous for?

  • Review from Liana K.

    Malden, MA

    3.0 star rating
    10/23/2011 1 Check-in Here

    a while back I had the pleasure of splitting a sandwich from Amelia's with a friend.  

    We ordered  the Salami, Mortadella, Capocollo, Provolone, Roasted Peppers on Ciabatta Bread and it was fantastic and huge.  I'm glad I had a second mouth to help me with this buddy.  

    It tasted great, was quite greasy but I needed the energy for my long day of beaching and running!  

    Sharing this with a friend was an awesome option, had I have to eat this alone it would have just be another overpriced sandwich and food waste.

  • Review from Diana E.

    • 41 friends
    • 54 reviews

    Sacramento, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/16/2011

    This is a great little place with fabulous service and designer-looking sandwiches and creations that will knock your socks off. It's super cute and I like the outdoor patio on the side next to a typical California hotel. Something about that is sweet.
    We came in with our laptops, but quickly saw the signs telling customers that computers are not allowed because they're on a mission to bring back the "lost art of conversation." I wanted to work, but I really liked that so my work buddy and I TALKED -- imagine that!
    It's on a street with lots of bistros and unique shops, so sneak in some browsing or shopping after. To write and work later, we went to The Novel Cafe a few blocks away and that, too, was perfect.
    You won't find nicer people than the family running Amelia's either. They messed up my coffee order, but did it with a smile and a super quick replacement. Yay.

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