If I were to ever open my own shop, I would like it to look and feel like Huckleberry, this lovely bakery / restaurant in Santa Monica. I’ve only been here twice but I’m already smitten by its nature-inspired decor and high-quality offerings.

My staple here is a dish called Soft Baked Egg. Contrary to the name, this is not a traditional egg dish but rather a wonderful Tuscan soup made from roasted tomatoes and white beans with silky pouched egg in the middle. There’s a cheese in the soup (Parmesan or goat cheese, depending on the availability) that enhances the flavor of the tomato soup. I love the thick slice of bread that comes on the side, especially because you know that it came right out of the oven in the back. This soup is simple and hearty, and absolutely delicious.

I’m curious about other delicious items from its ever-chaging seasonal menu, but it’s hard not to order this amazing soup each time I visit. I’m sure I’ll eventually venture out to something new but until then, I’ll be indulging in Soft Baked Egg.

I also took home a freshly-baked baguette and had it for dinner that night. The bread was crusty on the outside and chewy in the inside – a perfect combination. It was perhaps the best baguette I’ve had in many years.

Huckleberry
1014 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 91404
★★★★★