Misto’s is this cute little cafe hidden on Hawthorne Blvd in Torrance. This adorable little bakery serves only the finest of foods, but at the fanciest of prices. I’d consider Misto a special-occasion-type restaurant—since it is more on the pricey side—but a wonderful place to visit for an exquisite meal.
About a year ago, one of my best friends and I went to this adorable cafe for a brunch date, and we absolutely died. We ordered breakfasty food and waited patiently for our desired dishes as we chatted about life and how hungry we are—topics we often talk about.
Just as we began our conversation, a server came to give us water and a basket of bread to nibble on. As usual, the complimentary dinner rolls, breadsticks, or biscuits that are served at the beginning of meals are always delicious, so naturally, we were excited. What I didn’t expect when we opened the warm cloth cradling what was presented to us was, rather than bread, we were given a basket full of scones and muffins. Okay, so I know that probably doesn’t sound too amazing, but really think about it for a minute. You’re at a cute brunch place, having a good time with one of your favorite people, you laugh, your friend laughs, birds chirp in the background, and then a waiter comes to your table with a basket full of warm scones and muffins. Poppyseed, black currant, and blueberry are just a few of the delicious options Misto provides each customer with. And, of course, they provide you with butter to lather onto your baked treasures and no one judges you as you indulge far too quickly and far too excitedly before your meal actually arrives.
The food arrived on large plates filled with even larger flavors. I ordered an Eggs Benedict with avocado substituted for the normal ham—I’m a vegetarian. The English muffins that hold the Eggs Benedict together always have a bad reputation for being soggy, and rightfully so, because they often are. But, at Misto’s Cafe, they know how to do the seemingly obvious, they toast their muffins to a golden perfection. You think it’d make a difference, but let me just tell you, it has the potential to change your whole world of Eggs Benedict. Atop the crispy bread is the usual fresh tomato slice—which is always a nice effort considering the dish is covered in rich Hollandaise sauce—next is the avocado—order it like this, ham has got nothing on ripe avocado—then the perfectly poached eggs, and finally—what we’ve all been waiting for—a thick, creamy, rich, buttery, lemony, splendid Hollandaise sauce to drown your sorrows. As if the dish did not seem wonderful enough, you have the pleasurable obligation of ordering a side. What else to accompany Eggs Benedict than their signature homefries, right? Yes, right. Their crisp and flavorful potatoes accompany the dish well. Perfect for dipping in the pool of Hollandaise provided to you.
Misto’s is a great place for brunch that I’d recommend to anyone. Whatever you order, I’m sure Misto will do more than deliver on your expectations. My favorite part will always be the scones and muffins, sometimes I spend some time just thinking about eating them. Next time you’re in the South Bay and want to treat yourself, definitely consider Misto Caffe & Bakery!
