Pacific Pearl Cafe

Muffins were ok. Ice black coffee was good.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

I visited after seeing Grub with Greg’s review and was so glad I did! The entire case of gluten-free bakery items was impressive, and the staff were incredibly knowledgeable about cross-contact. They walked me through their process with care and transparency, clearly explaining that while they do their best, some risk remains. Based on their handling practices, I felt comfortable and safe. I chose the gluten-free pumpkin loaf (delicious!) and was kindly given the banana loaf to try—also amazing. I can’t wait to come back and try their sandwiches on gluten-free bread!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My husband referred me to this place because it's supposed to be gluten-free. The barista was pretty friendly but not knowledgeable whether or not the menu items were keto friendly or gluten-free. I ordered the burrito bowl and I supplemented the rice for lettuce. The carnitas in the burrito bowl was delicious. All the flavors together went well but it was a very strong flavor so I wasn't able to eat much more than half. I asked the barista which would be the best baked item to recommend for me and my husband to try and the chef encouraged her to choose the zucchini chocolate chip coffee cake. They said this is a favorite amongst all customers. I also purchased a chocolate chip cookie. The chocolate chip cookie was amazing. It's like a brownie texture very heavy and moist and the sea salt on it is the perfect touch...if this is actually healthy then kudos to the chef because it was amazing. The zucchini coffee cake however was extremely dry and we took one bite and threw it away because it was not good at all. I was pretty disappointed that I even asked them which item to recommend because they picked what was the most boring item to look at and in my opinion probably the worst tasting baked item I've ever had in my life. Maybe if I soaked it in milk for like 5 minutes but the fact that it looks like a bran muffin is already off putting enough. I took pictures of some of the other treats in the case that I probably should have ordered because they looked way more appetizing and I went with my gut on the cookie and that ended up being great.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Long line overhyped and over priced part of food is cold and hot

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Popped in here to try the chefs recommended fave, the Yellowtail Tuna Melt. A bit smaller than I imagined it would be, reminded me of a smashburger but use grilled rye and tuna. Overall I really liked it. You could taste the difference in the yellowtail and the quality of the fish was there. Wasn’t a whole lot of anything else to make it more exciting or complex to really wow me or blow me away.
I was hoping for a bit more complexity in the sandwich given they source alot of local ingredients from The Ecology Center (which is my fave).
I don’t think I’d be in a super hurry to order the yellowtail tuna but would be willing to try some of the other things there.
Overall a nice atmosphere and a spot that does use higher than average ingredients.

P.S.
I also tried their gluten free pumpkin cake, and that was rather small but wasn’t too sweet which I like and tasted good. It did have a bit gritty texture to it so that was a bit strange and the mouthfeel for me was off. While I like the fact it was GF, I didn’t necessarily enjoy that strange gritty texture to it.

UPDATE:
I see the response from the owner was regarding Scratch Bakery in Laguna Hills. I did NOT review that store or location!! Never been there.. So for anyone reading this, please be aware this review was for Pacific Pearl in SJC...

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Very tasty and unusual food. But the coffee was not delicious, perhaps it was necessary to change the beans or clean the machine.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Was working near by and wanted something healthy but filling, got the Media Noche and wow that was a delish sandwich! Good pricing and good food, can’t wait to go back

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The most delicious gluten-free pastries & food I've ever had. I almost cried taking my first bite! Thank you for caring!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great GF options. Everything we ordered was delish!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I love going to this small yet amazing cafe!!! The coffee drinks are consistently good and the GF pastries are delicious! My kids love the mini briberry loafs and I love the sweet potato tarts!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great GF options. All pastries and desserts are homemade and GF. Amazing selection.

They have homemade GF bread as well to sub out for in the sandwiches. Had the Cesar on brown rice. That was solid and the vegan oatmeal cookie was great. Wish they had more egg free pastries/desserts

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Heard about the gluten free options and accommodations so immediately came to give it a try. Wonderful food and experience. I got the chicken Caesar wrap without the wrap and on gluten free bread, boyfriend got the same but over brown rice. We both got a dessert to follow. All of it in house and quality. Will 100% be coming back. With they had more vegan dessert options, at the time of this review they only had an oatmeal cookie.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Stop here while on vacation and it was great. The food had so much flavor and the coffee was perfect. Definitely will stop by here next time we are in the area.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Friendly, cozy & good lattes!,

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Shockingly amazing food. The breakfast burrito is the best I’ve ever had, it completely redefined the dish for me. The shop is small, but worth the stop.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5