Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Gnarwhal Coffee

    4.2 (181 reviews)
    ModerateCoffee & Tea
    Open 7:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Gnarwhal Coffee Photos

    Business Info

    GNARWHAL COFFEE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for working
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Gnarwhal Coffee

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Nicole W.

    Nice neighborhood coffee shop. I popped in for a matcha while I went for a short walk to the beach. I got the cereal matcha which was good, but if you're new to matcha you may want a little more sweetness. Staff was nice and efficient.

    Matcha latte (oat milk) with cream top
    Rebecca T.

    3-1/2 stars Was in the area for some post-lunch drink and came across Gnarwhal Coffee. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute name and cute interior with plenty of natural lighting and chess boards for a game or two.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Opted for the matcha latte with oat milk and cream top (additional $1.25). Perhaps I'd chosen the wrong drink, but it was essentially tasted like oat milk, barely any matcha. Cream top was too diluted as well. Not the best matcha cream top I've had, so I might have to go back and give the other drinks another try.

    Tara B.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cool spot![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Do you know what a Gnarwahl is? I didn't. Great coffee brewed in Malibu with names of parks and streets in Malibu. Since I'm a Malibu lover girl, I bought a bag of whole light roasted beans--Morning View. They give you a token for a complimentary cup of anything anytime. Great service, cool vibe. Gnarwahl--gotta love it!

    Iced vanilla latte
    Noesh H.

    Great coffee shop with fast service. Their Iced vanilla latte was to my liking. Not too sweet, not too bitter. 10/10, I highly recommend.

    Cardamom latte and mushroom provolone pastry
    Camille W.

    Just came here for the first time. The owner Nick has a lovely spirit. You feel his warmth, kindness and care, and that's probably what makes this spot so popular with locals. They offer organic coffee and bevvies here along with a selection of pastries. Wednesdays are particularly special in that they offer their homemade cinnamon rolls on the menu. I got a cardamom latte. It was the right amount of sweetness thanks to their in house simple syrup. This was served at the perfect temperature. This normally comes with a double shot of espresso but I got mine with a single and they were able to accommodate without any problems. While I didn't taste the cardamom as much as I thought I would, this was a delicious latte and worth ordering. If you can't find street parking on Main, no worries. I parked up the hill on 3rd and Marine. If you don't mind walking up and down a hill for a bit, consider parking here to avoid some of the more stressful parking on Main. I would come back in a heartbeat.

    Inside
    Rachel M.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is a great little coffee shop.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Plays good music, has lots of fun games as you sit with a coffee, the baristas are friendly and the crowd mellow[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The coffee was good! Lots of choices and made well!

    Sarah S.

    My friend and I went to magical mystical Gnarwhal Coffee this morning after driving by it a bunch of times. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There is always a line and it's such a cute neighborhood coffee shop.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They do tons of cool sounding events there too! I had the plain black Cold Brew and goodness those are some rich and tasty beans being used. This coffee was simple but had layers and I love the taste. I tried my friend's Baja Brew which is also a cold brew but incorporates horchata vibes into it. Lovedddd it almost as much as I love gnarwhals, unicorns and chupacabras. Also tried their flaky and delicious chocolate croissant - their pastry display was looking good. Their coffee is organic and they use good sources for what they have in shop. This is always appreciated but culture on the coast is hyper aware of this and I appreciate that as a consumer. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is such a Santa Monica edge of Venice coffee shop with straight surfer vibes throughout. It fits the neighborhood and I loved the aesthetics.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'll definitely be back and def gonna try some of their meat pies next time!

    Inside and pastry case
    Olivia P.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Really cute coffee shop![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They have delicious looking donuts and their cold brew is some of the smoothest I've had with no sour taste. Espresso is okay. I also tried the cardamom latte and it wasn't the best. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Lots of seating both indoor and outdoor.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Shandise S.

    Really good coffee enjoyed it didn't like the Matcha but had a really tasty danish! [[HIGHLIGHT]]cute vibe[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and you can take a spin class at aviation then come across for some coffee

    Preeti K.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cafe hopping is definitely my thing, and Gnarwhal Coffee in Santa Monica turned out to be such a cute find.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is close to the beach, which makes the experience even better.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I love reading books, so finding a good seat to relax and sip on coffee was a big plus for me.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I highly recommend the cardamom latte it was honestly the best and so flavorful. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe is cozy and laid back, making it a perfect spot to unwind, read, and enjoy great coffee near the beach.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Judy T.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great neighborhood cafe![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I get why it's often crowded, especially weekends.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's small and cute and cozy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Very affordable. I had an ice tea - which was excellent - and my friend really liked her matcha. I love this part of Main Street. I will definitely go back. Very friendly + nice service.

    Cold brew. Slightly dusty taste.
    Joshua C.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great location with ample seating and nice overall vibes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Unfortunately the coffee and food was just OK. Got one of the cinnamon buns and it was fine, nothing special and - if I'm honest - felt more like a home-baked pillsbury bun more than something from a bakery. Ordered a cold brew as well and it was also just OK, with a sort of dusty taste (like when coffee grounds are in the cup - they weren't but that was the flavor) $14 was the total for the drink and bun - which is very pricey. [[HIGHLIGHT]]If not for the ambiance, friendly staff, and nice ocean breeze coming through I probably wouldn't consider coming again.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Iced vanilla latter on the right
    Shirley S.

    Great coffee and affordable. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is so inviting![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service is very kind, I will be back.

    Baja Brew

    See all

    Review Insights

    14 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    29 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 14
    Thanks 6
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Will X.
    516
    1611
    528

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Shirley S.
    799
    117
    265

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jo S.
    667
    2421
    15303

    2 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kevin L.
    575
    1236
    3392

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of E C.
    0
    42
    25

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kelly K.
    0
    113
    161

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Gnarwhal Coffee

    Do they have power sockets for plugging laptops?

    I don't see any outlets anywhere! So they must have covered them.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Coffee & Tea 16,224 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe

    Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe

    4.0
    (774 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    darius was the goat this man needs to be remembered as the best server ever! the food was good too…read more the bbq burger is secret but genuinely delicious. super good moszarela sticks!

    I've known about this place as loads of friends have recommended it for lunch. Finally made a visit…read moreto it. First time and it was quite nice. It's located along the boardwalk at the beginning of the pier. Literally right at the base of it. Of course with the patio seating, that's the best seat in town. You have the view of the boardwalk and it perfect for people watching. When we stopped in, there was a security guard checking for ID. I guess even with a restaurant they carded people and stamped their hand for alcohol. Patio was open seating with wooden tables and umbrellas. There was two bar on the patio. Majority of the seating were outdoor. Later found out that there's a nice beer garden out back where the restroom was but it wasn't open. Staff were all friendly which is nice. It's a casual beachside cafe. Menu had your usual food, easy eats. Started off with a nice cold one which we were surprised when they brought it out. It was massive. Food, your usual beachside menu. The Philly cheesesteak, which everything as à la carte. It was decent, nothing major but good. Also an order of the chili cheese fries, fish and chips and a classic hot dog with trimming on the side. Food was decent for a beachside cafe. It's nothing fancy but a fun casual dining experience. Vibe and ambiance was pretty mellow and chill. When we were there it seemed more like holiday makers versus the locals. We had a nice experience for our first time and the service was great. Staff were all friendly and sweet. Service animal are allowed in.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe
    Bloody Mary

    See all

    Bloody Mary
    Kavahana

    Kavahana

    4.7
    (269 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$$
    Romantic vibe
    Pet friendly

    kavahana: won a giveaway a long time ago and finally got to try it. they actually recently opened a…read morelocation in hollywood but we were by santa monica this day so went to the og location. first time trying kava nectar and it was such a unique experience. we got the mango lassi w 2 shots of the kava nector and mango matcha w 2 shots as well. the kava nectar doesnt rlly effect the taste of the drink but u can def feel it. my tongue got alittle tingling after a few sips and i felt the relaxing affect a few mins in. felt like being tipsy without any of the bad alcoholic effects. but my friend didnt rlly feel it so everyones tolerance is different‍ also fun fact: kava nectar has a reverse tolerance effect so the next time you drink it the less you need to frel the same effect. overall p cool experience! highly recommend trying kava nectar atleast once!

    was just looking for a smoothie spot and ended up finding such a unique place -- a Hawaiian bar…read moreserving kava nectar drinks Honestly, I didn't even know what kava was before this. Turns out it's a relaxing non-alcoholic drink with a very unusual effect -- I felt a slight numbness on my tongue The bar itself was clean, atmospheric, and super cozy, the drink was actually really tasty, and the service was absolutely amazing. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. If you want to try something different and unique, this place is definitely worth visiting!

    Photos
    Coconut cups with coconut water
    Coconut cups with coconut water
    Strawberry matcha, mango lassi nectar, paradise nectar, o.g. kava nectar, soupless island ramen, bread pudding, and li hing olives
    Strawberry matcha, mango lassi nectar, paradise nectar, o.g. kava nectar, soupless island ramen, bread pudding, and li hing olives
    The Santa Monica Songwriter's Open Mic every Tuesday in the Kavahana Santa Monica patio

    See all

    The Santa Monica Songwriter's Open Mic every Tuesday in the Kavahana Santa Monica patio

    Gnarwhal Coffee - coffee - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...