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!“

“The ambience is terrific and the service was spot on and friendly. I really enjoyed the thoughtful update of the old building! The food was good but my scrambled eggs were a tad over cooked. The biscuit and gravy was good, I just wished for a bit more gravy. Gravy has to be about the cheapest thing on the menu to make so why scrimp? The potatoes were excellent as was the bacon and the sausage. I look forward to coming back for the pancakes!“

“Love the bakery and matcha latte!“

“Absolute best donuts in the world. 100/10“

“Tastylife™️. Would buy treats again.“

“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 (:“

“Todo riquisimo muy amables y atentos“

“You can't beat the view if you can secure a window seat. Waiting here at the restaraunt is not hard as there is plenty to see as you walk around. Food was good. View was better. I wouldn't hesitate eating here for a great experience.“

“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!!“

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

“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 🤤“

“This place has a lot of potential but a few things need to be addressed. The food variety and taste were both excellent—everything we ordered was delicious. Our waiter was friendly, and the location right off the main road is super convenient.

However, the dining experience had some major downsides. Despite there being open tables, none were clean, so we had to sit down at a dirty table and wait while a table was bussed. The old plates and cups were removed but there was still sticky honey all over the surface that we just avoided during our time. Also, the staff seemed under-resourced, and the restaurant felt expensive for what we got. I was also disappointed by the $4 upcharge for a fruit side with my breakfast sandwich since the fruit was mostly overripe watermelon and some off-tasting cantaloupe. The number of flies inside and out was also a big turn-off, and parking was a real hassle.

Despite that, I would try it again, but maybe I'd do take out.“

“Awesomeness had great time“

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

“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!“

“I highly recommend ordering their Oat milk Draft Latte! Their seasonal flavors never cease to amaze! They've had some intriguing flavors that have blown me away. Never too sweet, always perfectly balanced to complement the coffees. The only negative opinion I have is of their chai tea latte, it could (and should) definitely be improved as it doesn't match their same level of craft and quality as their coffee and other teas. Their pastry selection is incredible! I'll drive out of the way to get an olive oil cake or almond croissant here. They do have gluten free pastries available too!“

“This place is the best!
Quality and cost is 100%
I will go here until I expire. This is a real life historical place, take advantage San Diego. Im here weekly if not daily. They have other places all over San Diego. Thank you Mr. MACK. 5.0 rating.“

“Patisserie Melanie keeps surprising me with incredible pastries. Their kouignette is absolutely sublime. I usually get my order to go, but everything I have tried has been top quality. In my opinion, it is one of the best pastry spots in San Diego. Prices are on the higher side but totally worth it.“

“hands down best salted caramel latte ever“

“Wow, such great food and awesome service! Had the lobster roll and it was quality lobster and overflowing with actual meat. Everything was delicious.“

“Good food and coffee, perfect set up for business professionals, meetings, laptop work etc. good vibes overall, staff is super friendly as well. I randomly found this place on Google and a year later it is still my favorite place to work from. “

“Adorable coffee shop with a whimsical, artsy vibe—perfect for studying or relaxing. Their ceremonial grade matcha is incredible (seriously the best I’ve had), and the pastries and food are creative and delicious. The patio is dog-friendly and a dreamy little escape. Can’t recommend it enough!“

“Friendly quant restaurant a real deal neighborhood restaurant, chef comes out and talks to you real casual neighborhood vibes good food good wine what more can you want, there may be a wait for a table because it’s a pleasure to eat there :)“

“Really pleasant staff and a great menu selection. I didn't take any photos because I dove right into the meal but it was delightful. Prices about average for San Diego area breakfasts.“

“I came into Bica for a coffee and a sandwich, not expecting much. But the latte and veggie sandwich I got were both excellent. It’s a small place but has a nice side patio, shaded, good chill atmosphere. The servers were fantastic. I highly recommend it. I can’t wait to come back, earlier in the morning for a pastel de nata.
Addendum: I’ve since been to dinner at Bica, three times. Everything has been delicious, the seafood especially, but also the side dishes, such good flavors. They know how to season and know how to make sauces. This is one of my favorite dinner restaurants now.“

“Good food, great coffee (pricey though), cocktails and beer available. The dog friendly patio is awesome. The only downside to this place is the service is pretty bad. There is also only one bathroom stall with a constant line. The kids working the counter seem really unhappy about being interrupted from their flirting so customers can place an order. Otherwise, the view is fantastic and parking is abundant.“

“Little nap cafe Toasted marshmallow soft serve. Had their chocotherapy ice cream with toasted marshmallows and chocolate straws all on sweet cream. Have to say some times less is more. The ice cream and sweet cream were awesome but everything else was just talking away from them.“

“stopped to charge our car and had a lovely sausage and egg roll(barm). Lovely seating area, very friendly and welcoming.“

“Molly’s is our Family’s absolute favorite coffee and breakfast in San Diego and we have been coming for many years. The atmosphere is chill (I would totally decorate my house the same way). 😉 The staff is kind and knows just what we like even as tourists. We highly recommend the açaí bowls, Belgian waffles, ham and cheese croissants, and of course the coffee!!! I love me a Molly’s dirty Chai! 🫶🏻“

“My favorite place to go eat when I go visit San Diego. The food it’s delicious and the service is wonderful. ✅😋“

“A place that makes you feel right at home!
The beer selection are their own brews and covers lagers to IPAs! The Japanese Lager is a personal favorite! They did bring back an old fave too of Mango Toasted Rice Lager!
Their burgers are full of flavor! A choice of 4/6/8 chicken strips that are a kid pleaser!
The swag and beer collection are a must to check out!
The place does get a little packed at end of school due to parents enjoying a pint while they wait for their little ones. I definitely did when my son went to Albert Einstein!
Come in and enjoy a pint or two! Oh yeah, they do have coffee til 3pm!“

“Best coffee in San Diego!“

“Very nice place, friendly servers!! Delicious food. MelanI from Argentina was great!! THANK YOU MELANI !!“

“Best coffee ever had. So many delicious choices. Really recommend and it’s local in Southbay.“

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

“Great spot for Mexican breakfast! The service is so incredibly fast and we didn’t have to wait for a seat in the morning. The prices are reasonable and the food is authentic. It’s not a fancy place but perfect for a quick bite to eat. I really enjoyed the hash browns.“

“I generally like Better Buzz. But I do think their drinks are really sweet. If I come here, I would be treating myself.

This location in Pacific Beach has a drive thru. It’s next to Taco Bell, but you can’t get there from the parking lot. I like that they have convenient online ordering.

The matcha latte is just ok. I would stick to their coffee drinks.

Bathroom is outside.
Credit card/Apple Pay accepted.“

“Food is Delicious... 🥰“

“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 food, fun and quirky vibe.“

“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!“

“
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“

“Best breakfast burritos ANYWHERE! great service! Accommodating! Great new bowls! Fantastic, high quality coffee and tea! Clean! Safe! Can order there, online, or through phone! Can eat inside, outside, pick up, or get curbside pick up service! They follow ALL CDC guidelines! I've been going there since they first opened. 👍👍👍👍👍😊“

“Located right on Logan Ave in the heart of Barrio Logan, Por Vida is a cool little cafe with loads of artsy local style.

Everywhere you look you’ll find colorful artwork, including the glittery table tops which reminded me of cool low riders.

I enjoyed my iced De La Olla Latte, although I didn’t pick up the orange flavor. It was delicious nonetheless.

This is a great cafe to sit and soak up the neighborhood vibes.“

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

“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!“

“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!“

“Loved my visit, All the women working there were so sweet and super quick they really keep things moving while still being super friendly. The vibe of the place is fun and cozy, and it’s beautifully decorated. I tried the Morning After Juice and I totally recommend it super refreshing and delicious. Can’t wait to come back“