50 Best Cafes in San Diego

“We visit the “Little Lion” on every trip to San Diego. It’s the absolute best brunch spot on Point Loma!“

“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.“

“Great food, fun and quirky vibe.“

“Great food! The only thing negative for us are the seating. It’s always crowded every time and there’s no restroom😔.“

“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 (:“

“Very friendly staff. I got a monkey mocha and it was delicious. I saw the orange coconut cake and had to go back later to get some. It was amazing also.“

“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!“

“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.“

“I met Marcela and Amina at an industry event recently and they were AWESOME! They have the cutest cart, the most delicious drinks, and best of all - they are just incredibly fun to hang out with! Highly highly recommend for a holiday party, wedding, industry event... seriously anything. Love them!“

“
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!!“

“My daughters & I visited this area in March & found this cute little cafe. It was so good we ate there 3 mornings in a row. Andrea greeted me by name on only our 2nd visit there. If you want a friendly, quaint little breakfast place I would highly recommend The Cliffs Cafe!“

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

“I love this place. It captures a breezy beach vibe with great coffee and a delicious breakfast menu that feels both simple and thoughtfully made. The décor is cute and quirky in the best way, creating a relaxed atmosphere that fits the neighborhood perfectly. It has an easy, welcoming energy that makes you want to linger. I’ll definitely stop by again the next time I’m in San Diego.“

“Really cute cafe. With really tasty smoothies! And breakfast/healthy bowls. Staff are super nice. The ‘Adulting’ smoothie has coconut milk, can add protein, coffee, banana, peanut butter, frozen cauliflower (yes being serious!), topped with coconut whipped cream and cacao nibs! SO GOOD!

Coffee is made fresh in house too.. tasty“

“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 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“

“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.“

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

“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.“

“Best food i have had in my life. Nice people and good service. I have ate there so many times and order diffrent things every time. Best café in all of rb“

“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.“

“Grilled Shrimp bowl….delicious“

“Awesomeness had great time“

“We are visiting from England and wanted to check it out again. We were here six years ago. Our friends really enjoyed it. Loved sitting opposite the ocean. The food is still amazing.“

“I come here almost daily because I am obsessed with their match Tres leches with matcha boba and egg pudding. It's a combination that lives in my taste buds memory. like the marriage between a matcha frappe with flan. At the family table came boba and a snow cap that easily translates to tantalizing flavors jumping for joy! Then the Bahn mi is packed with the perfect ratio of meat, picked carrots, cucumber, and JALAPEÑOS!!! I love a jalapeño that delivers and these always hit the mark. The fact that the ingredients are fresh and natural are major brownie points.“

“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.“

“I came in with my extended family later in the night, we were a very large party but Destinee and the rest of the team were super professional, got all our orders out tasting great and in a timely manner. Highly recommend the green tea with sea salt foam and the macaroons!“

“Great drinks and food - with fantastic customer service!“

“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“

“Wonderful experience! I got a coupon in the mail welcoming me to OB for a free breakfast. Bagel was perfect and the coffee fresh and hot! Folks there, Ely especially, very friendly! Thank you, Newbreak for welcoming me to my new neighborhood!“

“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.“

“The food and service is magnificent. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“I love this place! You can stop by and get everything always with all the attention of the employees and taste the best things 😋♥️“

“Great service & good menu options! I’ll come back 😁😁😁“

“The only thing more incredible than the view at this local hotspot is the food. The setting cannot be beat. The seasonal menu from renowned local female chef offers the freshest selections with many healthy and vegetarian options— as well as the decadent French toast, which I highly recommend to start your meal. Excellent coffees, smoothies and juices as well. This is our go-to place. Pro tip, make reservation on OpenTable. Sit up top for a great view and excellent service by Dakota.
Today we had the salad w/ skewer of delicate steak, the French toast, egg sandwich, a harvest bowl, yogurt & fruit parfait, and potato pancake w smoked salmon. Yum😋 Enjoy!“

“Best spot for coffee in Pacific Beach!“

“Very nice and friendly cashier. Clean environment. Offers some varieties of baked muffins, cookies and brownies, some hot sandwiches. USMC souvenirs. Its a Saturday afternoon and it's quiet, not busy if you don't like the crowds. Nice here.“

“Came here after enjoy a nice lunch and massage in the area and I just needed a good old fashion thai tea and I'm so glad I stopped in!

I walked in and they inside was really nice and welcoming with some people working on their laptops and enjoying their desserts. The woman behind the counter took my order right away. I ordered a Thai tea with light boba and it was perfect. The flavor was spot on ans the boba pearls were just the right kind of chewy, not too mushy or slimy but perfect!

I also asked to try some samples of the ice cream. I tried the Taro ice cream and pistachio ice cream which were both pretty decent and beautifully displayed. I asked if the ice cream was made fresh daily ans the woman said they were made every other day which was fine because the ice cream was still pretty good.

Over all, a really sweet place and I can't wait to come back!“