The Crest has been our reliablebreakfast spot since moving to San Diego in 2002. It’s not fancy, but some menu items like the Veggie Mess and Crème Brûlée French Toast are stand outs. Service is always good and with a smile. Servings are generous. Prices are in keeping with the size of portions, number of elements per dish, and food costs. Recommend it highly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eddie Lieu
Our family landed early in San Diego on a Sunday (3/24) morning, having flown in from Sacramento, and everyone was hungry. Searched for highly rated breakfast eateries within 20 miles of San Diego airport using Google Maps AI. Crest Cafe came up via search and thought we give it a go since it was too far from where we were staying at. Parking is a bit challenging for the area; we ended up paying for parking just a few short blocks away. The exterior and interior decor of the restaurant is pretty neat, reminiscent of the 50’s and takes you back in time. We were able to get a table by walking in without having to wait. We were seated at the corner closer to the street. We quickly noticed an interesting smell in the air and turns out the smell was from the restroom. While not dirty or gross smelling but also not good if you’re sitting down about to have a meal. They need to do something about ventilation in the restroom; it’s a distraction to the dining experience. Our server was good. She was polite and hospitable. Took our order promptly and wasn’t intrusive. A 4.5/5.We ordered round of drinks (soda, water, coffee). My coffee mug unfortunately was dirty with signs that it wasn’t cleaned well with food stains on the side of the mug (yuck!). The coffee was watered down and tasted cheap. The food took about 15 minutes to arrive warm from the kitchen. All came out looking great and the taste was very good. We got the Burritos and Omelettes. The portions were huge. Food is a solid 4.5/5. With 3 meals and drinks, our total came to almost $90 after tax and tip. A bit pricey for breakfast. Value to price ratio is about a 3/5. Over all experience is about a 3/5.Our experience at Crest was much different than others. If you come here and don’t mind the smell of the restroom then inside seating is fine. Otherwise consider seating outside if it’s on a warm day. Expect to pay a higher price for breakfast however. Do check your silverware and plates to make sure they are clean. Service is good as mentioned which is nice. You don’t won’t walk away hungry. Don’t forget to compliment your server. They work hard!If you find this review helpful, please give a positive heart or thumbs up reaction below!!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Jordan Kerkvliet
Great restaurant with a friendly staff and atmosphere. Went in on a weekday morning around 9:30 and didn’t have to wait at all before getting seated. Food came out extremely fast and was also delicious. I got the hangover scramble which was very
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tania Spivey
I have always loved this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ray Frohnhoefer
Had another great brunch experience today. Crest is always delicious and a great value! The menu is extensive yet well organized, so it's easy to find something for any meal. We had an omelet and Monte Cristo, and both were delicious. Service is always excellent and friendly. Highly recommend for any meal or occasion - a Hillcrest ?!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Breakfast, Home Fries Hash Browns
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Rich Hill
I recently visited Crest Cafe and had an amazing experience. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm smile and friendly welcome from the employees. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, with a charming decor that added to the overall ambiance of the cafe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Breakfast
Lyndsey K.
Pick up food is disappointing For $9 I received a tiny cup of creme brûlée that looked like four bites omashed potatoes. The ice cream was good but there were ice cubes in it.... Food is good but eat it in restaurant I guess
miaraquel82
I live right down the street and I hardly ever come in! I was craving hash browns and I knew this spot had them. JAMES was my server and he was the happiest thing since bunnies during the spring! HE was singing and talking sincerely with each customer and I can tell he's like by the clientele. The food was awesome as well! Thank you Crest Cafe and James! This is a perfect neighborhood stop. ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brynn Hamilton
Small breakfast spot. Parking sucks. It's very small inside. More staff than people. LGBTQ friendly. Over priced for sure. We ordered small basic sides. Hash browns were okay. Didn't really taste like potatoes. Hubby ordered biscuits & gravy which he thought was good, I thought the gravy was a lil sweet and not normal. Food could be better, a lot better. Especially price wise. I'm no chef but I feel as though I cook better than what I just ate and paid for.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Scott Bultje
Just as great as I remembered when we visited 10 years ago. You must try the hangover omelette!
First time at the Restaurant. We were there on a Sunday for Breakfast. As with many places in Hillcrest, parking is tough. $6 isn't bad and its a quick walk. Service was great, very attentive. Food was excellent and served in very timely matter. Love the atmosphere. Will be back soon and often.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jason D.
When you want good tasty food in a positively engaging environment in a beautiful neighborhood with good service, you can never go wrong with Crest Cafe. A foodie jewel of Hillcrest.
Letisha M.
The food and the service are amazing. I had the chili, and it was the perfect comfort food for a cold day.
Nicole A.
Our server was attentive and the food was good, albeit very greasy. I came in for lunch with some co-workers and we were seated near the bathroom, which had a strong, bad smell. I probably won't be back based on the ambiance and price point.
P-roc R.
Had my credit card number stolen & used by a person at this location. Crazy how that is possible since I have the physical card on me. Food looks good though.
The Crest has been our reliablebreakfast spot since moving to San Diego in 2002. It’s not fancy, but some menu items like the Veggie Mess and Crème Brûlée French Toast are stand outs. Service is always good and with a smile. Servings are generous. Prices are in keeping with the size of portions, number of elements per dish, and food costs. Recommend it highly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our family landed early in San Diego on a Sunday (3/24) morning, having flown in from Sacramento, and everyone was hungry. Searched for highly rated breakfast eateries within 20 miles of San Diego airport using Google Maps AI. Crest Cafe came up via search and thought we give it a go since it was too far from where we were staying at. Parking is a bit challenging for the area; we ended up paying for parking just a few short blocks away. The exterior and interior decor of the restaurant is pretty neat, reminiscent of the 50’s and takes you back in time. We were able to get a table by walking in without having to wait. We were seated at the corner closer to the street. We quickly noticed an interesting smell in the air and turns out the smell was from the restroom. While not dirty or gross smelling but also not good if you’re sitting down about to have a meal. They need to do something about ventilation in the restroom; it’s a distraction to the dining experience. Our server was good. She was polite and hospitable. Took our order promptly and wasn’t intrusive. A 4.5/5.We ordered round of drinks (soda, water, coffee). My coffee mug unfortunately was dirty with signs that it wasn’t cleaned well with food stains on the side of the mug (yuck!). The coffee was watered down and tasted cheap. The food took about 15 minutes to arrive warm from the kitchen. All came out looking great and the taste was very good. We got the Burritos and Omelettes. The portions were huge. Food is a solid 4.5/5. With 3 meals and drinks, our total came to almost $90 after tax and tip. A bit pricey for breakfast. Value to price ratio is about a 3/5. Over all experience is about a 3/5.Our experience at Crest was much different than others. If you come here and don’t mind the smell of the restroom then inside seating is fine. Otherwise consider seating outside if it’s on a warm day. Expect to pay a higher price for breakfast however. Do check your silverware and plates to make sure they are clean. Service is good as mentioned which is nice. You don’t won’t walk away hungry. Don’t forget to compliment your server. They work hard!If you find this review helpful, please give a positive heart or thumbs up reaction below!!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Great restaurant with a friendly staff and atmosphere. Went in on a weekday morning around 9:30 and didn’t have to wait at all before getting seated. Food came out extremely fast and was also delicious. I got the hangover scramble which was very
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have always loved this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had another great brunch experience today. Crest is always delicious and a great value! The menu is extensive yet well organized, so it's easy to find something for any meal. We had an omelet and Monte Cristo, and both were delicious. Service is always excellent and friendly. Highly recommend for any meal or occasion - a Hillcrest ?!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Breakfast, Home Fries Hash Browns Dine in: Yes Outdoor seating: Yes Takeout: Yes
I recently visited Crest Cafe and had an amazing experience. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm smile and friendly welcome from the employees. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, with a charming decor that added to the overall ambiance of the cafe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Breakfast
Pick up food is disappointing For $9 I received a tiny cup of creme brûlée that looked like four bites omashed potatoes. The ice cream was good but there were ice cubes in it.... Food is good but eat it in restaurant I guess
I live right down the street and I hardly ever come in! I was craving hash browns and I knew this spot had them. JAMES was my server and he was the happiest thing since bunnies during the spring! HE was singing and talking sincerely with each customer and I can tell he's like by the clientele. The food was awesome as well! Thank you Crest Cafe and James! This is a perfect neighborhood stop. ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Small breakfast spot. Parking sucks. It's very small inside. More staff than people. LGBTQ friendly. Over priced for sure. We ordered small basic sides. Hash browns were okay. Didn't really taste like potatoes. Hubby ordered biscuits & gravy which he thought was good, I thought the gravy was a lil sweet and not normal. Food could be better, a lot better. Especially price wise. I'm no chef but I feel as though I cook better than what I just ate and paid for.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Just as great as I remembered when we visited 10 years ago. You must try the hangover omelette!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
First time at the Restaurant. We were there on a Sunday for Breakfast. As with many places in Hillcrest, parking is tough. $6 isn't bad and its a quick walk. Service was great, very attentive. Food was excellent and served in very timely matter. Love the atmosphere. Will be back soon and often.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
When you want good tasty food in a positively engaging environment in a beautiful neighborhood with good service, you can never go wrong with Crest Cafe. A foodie jewel of Hillcrest.
The food and the service are amazing. I had the chili, and it was the perfect comfort food for a cold day.
Our server was attentive and the food was good, albeit very greasy. I came in for lunch with some co-workers and we were seated near the bathroom, which had a strong, bad smell. I probably won't be back based on the ambiance and price point.
Had my credit card number stolen & used by a person at this location. Crazy how that is possible since I have the physical card on me. Food looks good though.