I love this spot and have never been disappointed by either the food or the drinks. What really sets it apart, though, is the people. The staff is genuinely friendly, welcoming, and engaged from the moment you walk in with a cheerful "Hi!" In a world where good customer service can be hard to find, this team gets it right. A special shout-out to Nicole, who makes the perfect drink every single time and always adds a bright touch to the experience. Great food, great drinks, plenty of parking, and wonderful people. It's absolutely worth the drive. read more

It's a larger space than the one in Monterey, with tables to sit down to enjoy your baked goods and drinks. I walked in, immediately gravitated to the wall of bread, picked up a loaf, immediately put it back when I saw they had slabs of focaccia as well and got one of those instead. The other baked goods of the day were on display, so I got a piece of raspberry-iced olive oil cake and a slice of the pumpkin loaf. Will definitely be back - this is right down the road from a place we've been staying in Carmel Valley. Exciting to see this bakery in a quieter area that we happen visit every year. We'd definitely been getting our Ad Astra fix over the entire weekend: we had stopped by the other location the day before, and our friends who we stayed together with even brought some stuff from this one for us to try. But eager to see the place with my own eyes, I ventured out in the rain on our last morning in Carmel Valley. Excellent as always. We enjoyed the focaccia at home over the next few days; the cake and loaf piece were tender and moist. read more

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Today was our lucky day! We had gotten a recommendation for a breakfast spot in the Safeway strip mall in Carmel Valley. We arrived before they opened (door was unlocked, open sign on the window). Anyway, lucky us to discover Ad Astra. I must call out Shay for turning our morning around with his can do attitude and willingness to serve us a simple egg frittata when we asked for scrambled eggs to side with our croissants. I got the feeling that "no" is not in his vocabulary. He was super friendly, professional and was leading by example for the staff. When I was looking through the cookbooks on display he even gave me a recommendation for his favorite cookbook. I hope he is the manager as he genuinely cares about customer satisfaction. If not, he deserves praise and recognition. Best croissant ever. Shay is an asset to Ad Astra. read more

We tracked down Ad Astra Atelier after falling in love with their baked goods at a Carmel pop-up -- especially their enormous, nostalgic PB&J cookie (which, as it turns out, leads back to their main bakery in Monterey). While the Carmel Valley location doesn't carry all the pastries from their bakery, including those delectable cookies, it's a good spot for breakfast or lunch with a casual, order-at-the-counter feel. We arrived right at the 11 am lunch switch and enjoyed the mushroom and ricotta toast with candied hazelnuts on really good bread -- rich and satisfying. Their breakfast sandwich was good (we added bacon), though the spongy frittata-style egg was an acquired taste (um, texture.) The chimichurri and soft egg bread helped to bring the flavors together. Service was friendly, and their baked goods were excellent. We left with a loaf of their seeded sourdough, which makes excellent toast. We hope to visit to their main location, Ad Astera Bread and Bakery in Monterey for pastries and more of those delicious, enormous pb&j cookies. read more

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Ad Astra Atelier in Carmel is a unique spot with an interesting selection of items. The space is nicely arranged and has a creative, artsy vibe, which makes browsing enjoyable. The products are decent quality. Prices seemed a bit high for what's offered, and the selection, while creative, felt somewhat limited. Service was friendly. Overall, it's a fine place to stop by if you're curious, but I wouldn't make a special trip. It's convenient and visually appealing, but the overall experience was just okay. read more

Ad Astra Atelier - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, California

Was pretty disappointed in my latte. There was no coffee flavor, and I got pumpkin spice, which it didn't taste like at all. It just tasted like milk. The miso caramel flat white my partner got was also okay. The flavor was also super light but his was less milky, obviously. read more

Ad Astra Atelier - Pastries - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, California

Was in Carmel area and spotted this place. Needed some coffee and breakfast decided to give it a try. Coffee was okay a bit pricey but what can I expect is Carmel. The breakfast sandwich was good. They also have variety of different breads that looked savory. read more

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Awesome coffee shop! It's a cute little spot tucked in Carmel Valley. We stopped here during our camping trip in Carmel, and it ended up being such a great find. I got a drip coffee for $4 and two breakfast sandwiches. Each was $12, but with bacon added, they came out to $14 each. The drip coffee was hot and strong, just how I like it! And the sandwich was amazing. It was huge and definitely worth the price. Served on a homemade brioche bun with what had to be two or three eggs, melty cheese, crispy bacon, arugula, and this delicious aioli!! Kind of like a Dijon pesto?? Whatever it was, it was so good. They also had a bunch of fresh bread options and loaves for sale. The guys working there were super friendly and kind. If you're driving through the area and want fresh coffee and a quick, hearty breakfast, definitely stop by. It's one of those coffee shops with all around good vibes, yummy food, and locals hanging out, reading books, or catching up with friends over coffee. read more

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We went to the cafe just for cups of tea and time to kill. We like this local cafe a lot. It was pity that we didn't know it offers sandwiches. Otherwise, we may have just had our lunch here. We believed that its sandwiches and breads must be very good. It was very popular. Staff were friendly. The cafe is spacious and clean. We had good relaxing time. I am not sure if we could go again. But I definitely recommend this cafe for people looking for tea, coffee, breakfast, lunch, sandwiches, and some other more read more

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I was so excited to try Ad Astra's newest location as I'm a big fan of their location on Alvarado Street. I was not disappointed! This new location offers indoor and patio seating and is cozy without feeling crowded. The staff are all very helpful and pleasant. My friends and I ordered a big spread as we wanted to sample a little bit of everything. The mocha I got was nice and balanced, I liked that it wasn't overly sweet and sugary. The food items were fantastic. The breakfast sandwich had fluffy egg and thick cuts of bacon. The avocado toast had an amazing smoky chili crunch topping. The salmon sandwich was stuffed with fresh salmon, pickled onion and cream cheese. And of course all the bread they were served on were top notch. The seeded roll with the salmon sandwich was delicious! The strawberry toast had a rich ricotta and the sweetest drizzle of honey, I can't wait to go back and have it again. The cinnamon was sweet and decadent with an amazing vanilla bean frosting. Over all, I was so impressed with everything and will be back! read more

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Incredible bread, snacks, coffee and tea drinks, with a wonderful staff that always welcomes you in and makes you feel at home. A bit of Southern Charm in Carmel Valley which is hard to find anywhere outside of the South, but especially in California. Lovely people and place! read more

The food is delicious and I love the seaside loaf. We got a kougin Amman, a cinnamon roll, yuzu loaf, and the egg breakfast sandwiches. Everything was delicious and the food quality is amazing. My favorite was the cinnamon roll, it was soft and not overly sweet! The service is friendly and we ordered flat whites and vanilla lattes and they came out pretty quickly. The only comment I have is that I didn't see them bus tables so we had to wipe it down ourselves. It's pretty industrial inside, not cozy but that's okay, I loved watching the locals come and get their loaves and coffees. read more

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Honestly for the price this was so mediocre. I had an overdressed and overpriced salad. My husband had a sandwich that was such a disappointing combination of bitter sautéed greens and dry roast beef on a roll that had this strangely overpowering flavor. Total price for two lunches was around $50. Insane. read more

This review is for the burger POP Up dinner they hosted on Wednesday night. (They normally aren't open for dinner). It was a. Meatball night and it was a huge hit. So delicious. I had the meatball sandwich and my wife had the Speghetti O's. The wait was a bit long so get there early when it opens. Staff is super cool as well. If they do another Pop Up we are there! read more

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I actually really like their new space here versus the Monterey location, there is lots of places to sit including outside and the atmosphere is super cozy. The staff were friendly, I had the breakfast sandwich with bacon and it was really good. The pastry selection is more limited but definitely worth a stop! read more

I really love having this spot in mid-valley. The baked goods are all delicious and the egg sando is a real standout, the egg creamy, bread super fluffy and moist, it's pretty perfect. The drinks are all made to the perfect temperature and everything is made with TLC. It's also a fun stop on Sundays when I go to the farmers market in the same parking lot. Just wish they would sell the seeded baguette solo not just in sandwiches. It's so good. Also a great cafe for friend meet ups, first dates and even solo work missions. Big fan! read more

My wife and I came here Feb 27th for the legendary Bread but thought we'd also order Breakfast off of their menu. So glad we did. The Egg Sando was different than what I've typically had. How they prepared the egg and the fresh ingredients nestled in a delicate bun will have me back for more. The highlight though was the French Toast it was creamy deliciousness on top of the BEST toast. Finished off with a great cup of house coffee made this so worth the drive from Santa Cruz. We will def come back soon. read more

Ad Astra Atelier - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, California

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I was here last month. So glad this place is open. Throughly enjoyed my coffee n bread roll w butter I return just now so excited to get that again;only to find out from the rude cashier he said we do not just sell this roll. ( it's in a display plate sliced in half w a piece of cheese) Said s him .....It's for sandwiches n whoever sold to u they are not suppose to .SO SAD!!!! He is NOT FRIENDLY and most of all not sincere. What a shame. We came happily to get this ?! We are in hospitality business. There are many ways to tell a customer nicely read more

I arrived at Ad Astra Atelier with a friend of mine, at about 2:00 on this past Sunday afternoon (August 10). It was by chance really, that I found this place, very unassuming, in a small shopping center on Carmel Valley road. I was driving aimlessly into the valley, chasing the sunshine, so that my friend, Mo, would enjoy a few hours out of her assisted living facility. When we first arrived it was noticeably different in every way, from many of the other cafes I have been to in Carmel and Monterey. There was an air of happiness and first up was the service. I walked up to the counter, carrying with me my regular crabby old lady presence, and immediately braced myself for indifference and attitude from the counter staff. What I got instead was a young man, Tim, who actually looked at me, rather than through me, and happily explained some of the menu items. I got the impression of sincerity, and could it be that I finally encountered a person who actually liked his job? I ordered a cappuccino for Mo, which as beautiful as it was delicious according to her. The gals who served, Savannah and Izzy, was equally as friendly as Tim, and I was delighted that it seemed to be a common thread, that this was a great place to work. I ended up ordering the avocado toast with chili crisp, my first ever order as such, because I had always stayed grumbling to myself that $12. was absurd for a mashed avocado, that I could easily make myself at home for $1.00. The $12. was totally worth it. The whole experience was just nice. The manager/chef, Cody, was delightful, and the rest of the staff too--that combination of good food and good service is hard find. So thank you much for a superb, non-pretentious experience Ad Astra Atelier! But please open on ALL days of the week. I keep stopping by when you are closed. (I did meet Frank and BethAnne cleaning up the place. Also nice and friendly.) read more

Beautiful!! The service is awesome and amazing!! The coffee is so yum and their food is beautiful and really good no matter what it may look like. read more

Ad Astra Atelier - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carmel, California

We went here on a whim because another breakfast place nearby was closed through the holidays. Upon walking in, I got just a stare and no hello greeting or smile from the girl at the front register. I began to order and asked if they could do a side of eggs for my kids which the girl told me they just don't do so I said fine and ordered a Salmon lox toast along with a French toast order for my kids. I also ordered their caramel latte.. the food took a while to come out, but the latte came right away and definitely tasted really milky just like other reviewers added I could barely taste the coffee and it wasn't hot. Finally my toast came out along with the French toast. The kids ate up the French toast and really liked it, but the bread that my toast was on was incredibly chewy and hard as a rock. Pretty bad for a place that prides themselves on fresh bread. Not so nice customer service, milky coffee and hard as a rock bread solidified my decision to not come back here again. Don't waste your time. There are plenty of other good coffee and breakfast places nearby! read more

Been there multiple times since they opened. Baked goods are delicious, but coffee is bitter and the service is poor. Not friendly at all!!!!!!! Much better places to have a cup of coffee and enjoy a peaceful morning. We can buy the baked goods elsewhere. Had high hopes for this place, but will not be returning. read more

We all know that Ad Astra bakes the best bread on the peninsula. Our family has spent a lot of time planning when to pick up our weekly loaves and from where...downtown Monterey, various farmer's markets, Jerome's, Cornucopia, before they sell out. But now we Carmel Valley residents have no need to travel for our daily bread, although the Atelier can still run out by lunch time. In addition, we can sit and enjoy fabulous pastry selections (the cinnamon rolls! The cardamom buns! The chocolate cake! ), excellent coffee, outstanding lunch selections or their world famous egg sandwiches on fresh brioche buns. The atmosphere is warm and inviting....you'll want to linger. We really hope they'll be able to open additional week days but we're grateful for whatever days they can give us. read more

We just drove by and needed a snack and coffee. I had iced coffee and chocolate croissant, both were amazing!

Horrible service, driest croissants. Terrible even to service dogs. I love Ad Astra bread but can buy it in many places. The poppy seed cake tasted old their sandwiches are mediocre. Skip it! read more

Cafe would not allow any modifications to their breakfast sandwiches. My request was simply to leave the mayo based spread off. They are assembling them in house as they are ordered so this seemed like a reasonable request. The sandwich was fairly tasty but I prefer to control the amount of spreads used on sandwiches due to my delicate tummy. It was extremely filling. read more