50 Best Cafes near National City

“We loved our egg 🥚 and fruit 🍉 sando and grilled chicken onigri ! 🍙I had the taro 🧋tornado and my sister had the Kyoto matcha 🍵 it was so delicious even in the soft open. Authentic and creamy. Our new favorite spot. Beautiful cafe and lots of parking!“

“The Well Deck is a hidden gem inside Navy Base San Diego. The atmosphere is clean, welcoming, and has a relaxing vibe that’s perfect after a long day on base. The staff is always friendly and professional — they really make you feel appreciated.

The food is fresh and well-prepared, with generous portions and great flavor. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a full meal, everything tastes like it’s made with care. Their burgers and pizzas are top-notch, and the drink selection is surprisingly good for a spot on base.

It’s definitely one of the better dining options around — great food, chill environment, and solid service every time. Highly recommend stopping by The Well Deck if you get the chance!“

“I had the beef biryani delivered to my place. I wanted it spicy. They did and it was perfect. The food was delicious! I will be ordering from them again for sure!“

“great staff. great food. so far I've had a few of their different plates, and all have been good“

“After eating here I can't help but ask, " where have you been all my life?"
The Oriental Cafe offers generous portions for generous prices and unless you've fasted the whole day you will be bringing home Leftovers.
The staff is friendly and efficient as they tend to the constant flow of customers that filled the humble establishment.
Some may take mark down this Cafe for its simplistic decor; but others, like myself, find it charming. And after trying their dishes, it only adds delight to find a nice whole in the wall that let's their dishes speak for themselves.
I recommend dining in because you will get a serving of their egg drop soup and it is absolutely worth trying. It's hearty flavor reminds you of the soup you wish you had on a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather.
This is an establishment that deserves its business and I am already planning on coming back and bringing more family to experience it themselves.“

“Great food and service. We didn’t have to wait. We were seated right away and I food came out quickly.“

“Very nice environment and outstanding food and entertainment 👌 😀“

“Tastylife™️. Would buy treats again.“

“First time there for lunch and I'll be going back again. Food was tastey. I had the Oklahoma onion burger and fries... tasted similar to a patty melt in best of ways. Friend had the Madi wrap and enjoyed it. It was loud with all the tables filled but could still have convos. Sat on the patio.“

“Really cool and unique coffee! I went in and just asked the barista to give me two coffees he recommended and it did not disappoint! We got the black nitro cold brew and the honey lavender and both were delicious! Also got a donut and it was also great. The barista was so friendly! I would totally make this my go to coffee spot when we visit Coronado.“

“Great food, fun and quirky vibe.“

“We had awesome service by Dern! He was polite, friendly and outgoing. (Killer now tie too!) He made our experience so fun! I even witnessed his care for his customers as I watched him ensure an elderly man did not fall walking to the bathroom. Also, he seemed to interact positively with his teammates too. Thanks Dern! The facility and restrooms were clean. It was like stepping back in time. There are a lot of nostalgic things to take in. My husband and I split a classic hamburger, crinkle fries and a strawberry malt. All of it was delicious. My husband said, “if we lived here, I’d be a regular.”“

“I’m a local customer for over 25 years. I love this place every thing is well prepare with love. The owners are always happy to see the customers! One of my favorite is the Mexican Mocha, the breakfast sandwich. To say the least everything on the menu is excellent. I’ve rather support this small family coffee shop, then Starbucks. Thank you so much for caring for you’re customers and the great food. Many Blessings!“

“highly recommend this place! AMAZING coffee, DELICIOUS acid bowls and incredible breakfast croissants. The owner is awesome and the staff is incredibly friendly. I will definitely be returning (:“

“Highly recommend- tell them it's your first and you get the tour of the menu and art. Great prices, food, drinks and outstanding service. See you there.“

“Great fun to be had at Coffee Cycle. Fun people, great coffee and if you ride a bike to the shop you will receive praise!“

“Love the bakery and matcha latte!“

“Oh my goodness- the food at this coffee house is so good. We ordered the “Signature Breakfast Sandwich” , the 2 Scone w/ flight of 6 Butter Sampler and a Vanilla Latte. The total bill came to $31 (not bad for the quality of food and drink). The breakfast sandwich was flavorful (bacon, egg, cheese and sauce). The bread was toasted to perfection and the house chipotle aioli sauce added an excellent touch. The butter for the scones were out of this world delicious; scones were baked perfectly. A+ is the score I’d give to this establishment.“

“Todo riquisimo muy amables y atentos“

“The food was amazing, with the exception of the mashed potatoes. The consistency was soft, smooth, and airy, however, there was absolutely no taste. No seasoning, no salt pepper no butter no nothing. Really bland would not order again. The service and staff were absolutely amazing. Only suggestion other than mashed potato fix is the ambience or the inside decor reminds me of late 1990s Seattle grunge. It just seems like the restaurant is stuck in the 90s decor wise. Food was absolutely phenomenal and staff as always were amazing.“

“
Normally, one of the better quiet café spots in San Diego, and so the 4.9 rating.

The Xtra thick breakfast sandwich is fantastic...one of the best I've had in over a decade..had it made by the middle aged fellow on Sunday at noon for $11. No meat, no extras. Don't need it. Vegetables on it were very fresh and thick as was egg. You will need patience in preparation. If you have a smaller toddler, ask for a second egg on the side, it's perfect size.

House, Americano, and Expresso are excellent for the reasonable price.

Order at counter, take paging coaster, rings when ready, you have to pick it up yourself. But usually drinks are taken to you first. It's not full service. But food makes up for that.

Improvement? Keep the small backpatio clean and foilage manicured, add some more flowers or plants. Add one-person coffee tables outside to free up larger tables, smaller umbrellas in vacant tables. and stay true to modern and folk Portuguese music (owner) to complement the relaxing vibe, or keep other music quieter as you shouldn't have to prevent people from enjoying conversation or reading.

Cafés in San Diego are overpriced and noisy. Nice to find a gem. Keep up the good work“

“Audrey was the best! We came from Maine and short notice we were able to get a dozen cupcakes ordered for pickup with 2 days notice. They were fantastic and gone quickly!! Thank you again!!“

“Amazing cultural events. Ongoing. Something for everybody: music, dance, celebration.“

“Because they have good music and they sing good love sherry“

“Cannot wait to go back and enjoy the the food, excellent service and ambience of this restaurant. We often each brunch here and their chef events are amazing! I savor every bite 🤤“

“Awesome little coffee shop! Kim's baked treats are to die for. She brightens everyone's day and makes you feel like family. The 1st Avenue neighborhood is lucky to have her.“

“This is my favorite place for chilaquiles verde. Best chilaquiles I’ve had. The tortillas have just the right crunch to it and the salsa is delicious. The only complaint I have here is the under staff. Took awhile to get our order in and out. Only saw to ladies serving and it was not that busy. Other than that it was great experience.“

“Met Toran at our work event and he shared his story… What an amazing business! Everyone needs to go and try this pudding!!! I will always support a business that supports the community and will always show up when asked! Thanks for the amazing pudding, and for showing up!“

“This is one of those coffee shops that you wish will stay exactly the way it is forever. Immaculate vibe, curated coffee selection, ceremonial grade matcha, and the service is so warm and inviting. They sometimes rotate some of their pastries and there is always one or a few that you eat and end up so happy. And you may or may not see it again. And that makes the experience there even more special. I absolutely love this place“

“Nice place to relax and chill away from the house“

“Charming atmosphere and wonderful tasting as well as beautiful dessert s.“

“I don't know what they put in their homefries, but this place belongs in the clean plate club. Maybe cuz they don't throw so so much sodium like a chain breakfast place would so I can enjoy it without feeling like crap afterwards, so thank you. I really do love this place and look forward to my takeouts. (Chicken fried steak was fire, ordered the #16 and added bell peppers and onions to my homefries [highly recommend]). Give this place a try, they've never let me down.“

“la nieve muy deliciosa(Gelato) matcha late no esta muy concentrado como ami me gusta, el pan que venden muy rico, la chicas que atienden muy amables, pero sobre todo una vista maravillosa... P.D. precios accesibles.“

“Exelente servicio y todo de primera calidad súper recomendado“

“Quaint . Great service and food“

“Always a fun visit. Every location has been great.“

“Good matcha, not overly sweet. I prefer matcha bitter. They have so many choices for matcha drinks and fun seasonal flavors.

Alternative (plant based/vegan) milk choices.

Love the patient and friendly staff.

Plentiful seating inside and out. Normally not at all crowded when I go in early evenings, but it can get busy. Still totally worth the wait.

I love that they serve hot drinks without a plastic lid so I can be mindful of plastic consumption.

They also have snacks, sandwiches items for sale.

Thankfully they have a restroom for customers! Definitely a necessity in this neighborhood.

Five 🌟 stars - worth giving a tip.“

“Great customer service great food Great coffee Highly recommended“

“Always great service and delicious food prepared fresh. Family atmosphere and worth the wait.“

“Awesomeness had great time“

“Very easy walk from the courthouse on a lunch break from jury duty. Many light healthy lunch options and drinks fair priced and delivered with efficient kindness. My turkey avocado wrap was huge and fresh crunchy veggies paired with a nice container of tasty three color spiral pasta salad - al dente! Also nice clean roomy indiv restrooms. Comfy seating options indoors and patio. All can be boxed nice togo for you afternoon break snack.“

“Was only in town for 2 days, saw this spot thought I would try it out, and was not disappointed! They have great coffee, food, and bread! And the customer service was amazing as well!“

“1st time, won’t be the last....“

“amazing! I had their burger which was great! and their coconut shrimp on salad. which both were amazing! the salad dressing was so good. everything must be home made.“

“Service and food were amazing! Unexpected gem of a little food spot on the 4th floor of an office building. My Gyro burger was great! Very flavorful, thick burger patties, perfect Gyro meat, veggies paired greatly, and the Tzatziki sauce helped tie it all together. Portion was perfect to have the burger by itself without any sides, you can get the half (1 patty) or full like I did (2 patties). The burger plus the Pastrami came out to around $30 and for the amount of food and quality, I’d say it’s a great deal. Will be back for sure to try the many different options that are offered. Too many good choices!“

“Phenomenal service. Be warned this is cash only, but luckily I carry cash on me usually for these reasons. Cheap coffee and definitely good quality. Nice drive through makes it an easy stop before work as well. Would recommend if you're in the area“

“I am new to IB and am just so impressed with Katy's Cafe! They are busy (so you know they're good!), but they get your order out quick. The staff is friendly, inviting and accommodating! I had my dog and daughter and they could obviously tell that I had my hands full and brought my order outside to me without me even asking. I have definitely found my go to local coffee shop!“

“Great ambiance. Was a great scene to see a kitten being walked on a leash. I appreciate the dog friendliness. Reminder of better times. Hopefully all is well in sunny San Diego.“

“I love La Mesa Bistro team working is very nice, friendly and efficient. It’s clean and you can eat indoor or outside The food is all very good and ready quickly! My favorites açaí be wil and grilled Cheese on sourdough with artichokes and avocado. It’s fabulous- sorry I can’t remember the benefits of it. ?“

“Best spot for coffee in Pacific Beach!“