Monte Cristos often vary from eatery to eatery, but the “typical” sandwich comprises two slices of white bread with a medley of turkey, ham or chicken and a slice of cheese; the sandwich is complete after it’s dipped in a beaten egg batter and fried to a golden brown. Sporting a flaky texture and the perfect sweet-and-salty flavor, the sandwich is usually served with a side of jelly for dipping and is dusted with powdered sugar. 

It’s believed that Monte Cristos are a variation of the French “Croque Monsieur” sandwich. While the Monte Cristo originated in Europe and was often served in French or Swiss restaurants, the sandwich made its way to So Cal around the 1950s. Disneyland specifically contributed to the popularity of this sandwich in 1966, when it featured the Monte Cristo at The Blue Bayou and former Tahitian Terrace. The sandwich continues to be a house specialty and customer favorite at The Blue Bayou to this day. 

Eager to get your hands on a delicious Monte Cristo? Here are some eateries to check out … and each features its own version of the famous sandwich. 

Glazed Donut Bistro

The “Monte Cristo” at Glazed Donut Bistro is part of the eatery’s “Savory” donut menu. This creation features Black Forest ham and Gruyere cheese sandwiched between layers of fluffy, yeast-raised donut dough. The sweetness is comparable to that of a light sweet roll (the donut layer is not glazed and overly sweet). The sandwich is then fried to a light golden brown and is topped with powdered sugar and served with a side of strawberry jam for dipping. 

Waffle-icious

The “Monte Cristo Waffle Sandwich” served at this food truck serving up authentic liege waffles features a liege waffle stuffed with Havarti cheese and Black Forest ham and is lightly dusted with powdered sugar and served with raspberry preserves. Want the entire experience? “The Full Monte Waffle Sandwich” includes a liege waffle with Black Forest ham, fresh roasted turkey, and Havarti and Cheddar cheeses. This creation is dusted with powdered sugar and served with raspberry preserves as well. 

Shakers

A house specialty at Shakers, the “Turkey, Ham & Swiss A La Monte Cristo” features ham, turkey, Swiss cheese and 1000 Island Dressing sandwiched between two slices of French toast that’s grilled to perfection. 

Smoke House Restaurant

The “Monte Cristo Sandwich” available at Smoke House Restaurant features turkey breast, ham and American cheese that’s fried to a golden hue and coated generously with powdered sugar. The sandwich is served with grape jelly and fresh fruit. 

Du-Par’s Restaurant & Bakery

The “Monte Cristo” featured at Du-Par’s includes a medley of sliced ham, turkey and Swiss and American cheeses that’s enveloped in deep-fried egg bread and served with raspberry sauce and topped with powdered sugar. The sandwich is accompanied by the customer’s choice of potato salad, coleslaw, fresh fruit or French Fries.

Blue Bayou Restaurant / Café Orleans

Blue Bayou Restaurant, located within Disneyland’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride, offers a Monte Cristo that reigns as one of the eatery’s best sellers. “Le Special de Monte Cristo Sandwich” features turkey, ham and Swiss cheese that’s battered and fried to a deep golden brown and served with a fruit skewer, along with an assortment of dipping sauces. Diners can opt for a cup of the restaurant’s signature “New Orleans Gumbo” or “Blue Bayou House Salad.” Though the entrée is pricey, the food—and the atmosphere—are worth the splurge once in a while (perfect for a date night or to celebrate a special occasion). 

If you want a more casual dining experience but still want to try the famous sandwich, a slightly cheaper “Monte Cristo” is available at the neighboring Café Orleans (also in New Orleans Square). Similar to the version served at the Blue Bayou, Café Orleans’ “Monte Cristo” features sliced turkey, ham and Swiss fried in a light batter and served with berry puree and dusted with powdered sugar. There is also a meatless “Three-Cheese Monte Cristo” available, complete with Double Crème Brie, Mozzarella and Swiss cheese fried in a light batter and serve with berry puree and dusted with powdered sugar. It’s a sweet-savory, cheesy explosion with every bite. 

Los Angeles Brewing Company

The “Monte Cristo” is only available for weekend brunch at the Los Angeles Brewing Company. This specialty features Texas cut brioche, turkey breast, Swiss cheese, and tavern black forest ham that’s pan-fried and sprinkled liberally with powdered sugar. The sandwich is served with blackberry jam. 

The Cheesecake Factory

Similarly, the “Monte Cristo Sandwich” is only available for Sunday brunch at The Cheesecake Factory. This stuffed sandwich comprises bacon, grilled ham, scrambled eggs and melted Swiss cheese with a crunchy French toast exterior and is dusted with powdered sugar and served with fresh strawberry preserves. 

Mix n’ Munch

This cereal bar and grilled cheese café includes a variety of untraditional sandwiches and cereal bowls (as well as “create-your-own” options for both). The “Mix n’ Munch Cristo” features Swiss and Gruyere cheeses, ham and turkey on a French toast battered Texas toast. 

Café 50’s

At Café 50’s, the “Monte Cristo” is an all-American classic featuring turkey, ham and Swiss and Cheddar cheese on white bread that’s dipped in batter and deep fried to perfection. The sandwich is served with jam and dusted with powdered sugar. It also comes with coleslaw, a dill pickle and with the customer’s choice of onion rings, sweet potato French fries, chili or potato salad.  

The Park Restaurant

The “Monte Cristo Sandwich” is only available for brunch at Echo Park’s The Park Restaurant. This hot commodity features prime smoked ham and Gruyere cheese paired with Dijon.

Which Wich

The “Monte Cristo” at this Subway-like joint is considered one of its “Classics.” It features ham, turkey breast and grape jelly, and is sprinkled with powdered sugar. 

Yorkshire Grill

Located under the “Hot Sandwiches” category of the Yorkshire Grill menu, the “Monte Cristo Sandwich” includes turkey, ham and cheese dipped in egg batter and served with French fries. 

House of Pies

House of Pies features a grandiose selection of entrees for breakfast, lunch and dinner. “Our Classic Monte Cristo” (located on the lunch menu) features ham, turkey and Swiss cheese dipped in a housemade batter and deep fried until golden. The sweet-savory sandwich is served with raspberry jam for dipping, as well as fresh seasonal fruit. 

Brent’s Deli

The “Monte Cristo Sandwich” served at Brent’s Deli comes with turkey, ham and Swiss cheese on a thick egg bread deep-fried in batter. The sandwich is served with strawberry preserves and is sprinkled with powdered sugar. 

Roll ‘n Rye

This Culver City eatery features a “Monte Cristo” that includes turkey, ham and Swiss cheese that’s dipped in egg batter and deep-fried to a savory golden brown. The sandwich is made with freshly baked rye bread and is served with a soufflé of coleslaw and homemade dill pickles. 

26 Beach Restaurant

“The Full Monty” is a French toast rendition of the traditional sandwich that is only available on 26 Beach Restaurant’s brunch menu. It includes Black Forest ham and Swiss cheese and is served with blackberry jam and maple syrup. 

Diner on Main

The “Monte Cristo” is considered one of the house specialties of this Alhambra eatery. It features turkey, ham, Swiss cheese and 1000 Island dressing between slices of grilled French toast. 

Coral Café

This Burbank restaurant sports a variety of dishes on its extensive menu. The “Monte Cristo” (located under the “Breakfast Sandwiches” section) features ham, turkey and Swiss cheese that’s dipped in egg batter and grilled. The sandwich is served with the customer’s choice of sliced tomatoes, a potato or cottage cheese. 

Green Street Restaurant

The Pasadena eatery features a “Monte Cristo” on its lunch menu. This rendition includes Black Forest ham, Swiss cheese and Dijon mustard atop sourdough bread that’s dipped in egg batter and grilled. The sandwich is served with mango chutney. 

The Crooked Duck

“Will’s Monte Cristo” is available for brunch, lunch or dinner at this Long Beach eatery. It includes turkey, ham and Swiss and Cheddar cheeses atop white bread that’s battered and deep fried to perfection accompanied with raspberry preserves and breakfast potatoes. 

Twohey’s Restaurant 

“The Count of Monte Cristo” featured at Twohey’s Restaurant includes turkey, ham and Swiss cheese on grilled toast that’s dipped in the restaurant’s homemade batter. 

Jan’s Restaurant Coffee Shop

The “Monte Cristo” served at Jan’s Restaurant Coffee Shop features ham, Jack cheese and turkey which is dipped in egg batter, grilled and served with French Fries. 

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