Pacific Pearl Cafe

We hired Chef Michael and his team to cater our wedding at The Swanner House in San Juan Capistrano, and they were absolutely amazing! From the start, Michael was incredibly attentive and talented. I had a vision for multiple food stations and shared some ideas since I love cooking myself. Michael encouraged me to share my preferences and assured us he could make it happen. Over several weeks, we collaborated to refine the menu, resulting in incredible appetizer selections, dinner stations, and desserts.

Michael's team also handled the bar, and everything went smoothly. Our guests couldn’t stop raving about the food—many said it was the best they’ve ever had at a wedding, and we wholeheartedly agree. The flavors were outstanding, and the variety was so unique compared to the usual plated dinner.

I highly recommend the Pacific Pearl team for your next event or dinner. Their café is wonderful, too—definitely worth checking out!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had the club sandwich on croissant, and it was seriously one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. Delicious, moist turkey, some kind of delicious mustard, and these pickles that were sooo good and cut the richness so perfectly. Stayed for awhile to read my book; the music they were playing in the cafe was so so good. My food did take quite a while, but it ended up being worth the wait. I ended up also ordering a gluten free double chocolate chip cookie and a coffee, and those were delicious as well. Well done, guys!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Go for the coffee stay for the Breakfast burrito!!! Best breakfast burrito in town. Very original blend of perfectly balanced flavors. Compliments to the chef.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

The Yosemite Salad is very delicious. So are the soups. And every ingredient is clean and healthy!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Hands down the most quality food in Southern CA. Chef Travis should win an award. Every single I team on the menu and behind the dessert counter is custom curated with love. The most thoughtful ingredients, exceptional service, most patient staff. We had a lot of questions about almost everything we ordered and Travis was patient and genuinely invested in explaining the menu. My FAVORITE place to eat. Cannot wait to cater an event with Pacific Pearl food. Five + stars for food and an infinite amount of stars for Chef Travis. WE LOVE HIM!!!!!

Dietary restrictions: Seed oil free!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I’ve visited Pacific Pearl Cafe a few times now, and it has quickly become one of my favorite spots in the area. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm welcome, and Lynn, the lady behind the counter, is beyond helpful. Her friendly demeanor and attentiveness really add to the charm of the place.

The food is exceptional! My wife, and I have tried a variety of dishes, including the Winner’s Club, Breakfast Burrito, Turkey Wrap, Jelly Bar, Chia Seed Cookie, and Banana Bread. Every single item was amazing—fresh, flavorful, and made with care. It’s clear that the chef, Travis, takes pride in his work. He was super nice and patient with us, ensuring everything was just right.

What’s even better is that Pacific Pearl Cafe is seed oil-free, which is a huge plus for us. We discovered them through the Seed Oil Wrap, and we’re so glad we did. It’s great to have a local cafe that prioritizes healthy, high-quality ingredients.

We’ve been back several times already, and I’m sure we’ll be returning many more. If you’re in the area, Pacific Pearl Cafe is definitely worth a visit!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wow, SO delicious. What a hidden gem! Their baked goods are out of this world, and their sandwiches and salads are incredible. Their pickles are from the local ecology centre, and are so unique and special. Highly recommend the tuna melt, the ecology centre chopped salad, and the Yosemite salad. The staff are so lovely too!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Yosemite, Bribery Banana Bread, Ecology Center Chopped Salad, Chamomile & Lavender Matcha, Banana Cake

Lucky us to have twice featured Chef Michael at our dinner parties in OC. Michael and his staff bring the California cool. The food and cocktails are innovative and delicious. Michael knew exactly what to do to elevate our dinner to an event to remember. He and his staff can handle any new venue as if they have worked there forever and are a favorite with guests. Thank you for making us look good and for letting us be guests at our own event!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Stopped by today for some coffee and lunch before we hit the road. The pastries were delicious - especially the chai pumpkin bread which was super moist. I loved the tuna melt - the homemade pickles really made the sandwich and my husband loved the turkey wrap. We’ll definitely be back!

Dietary restrictions: All pastries were gluten free!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Bribery Banana Bread

Pacific Pearl Cafe - The coffee is consistently excellent, brewed to perfection with rich flavors that satisfy every time. The team is friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, ideal for relaxing with a book or catching up with friends. In addition to great coffee, their selection of sweets and cakes is delightful, with each treat perfectly complementing their drinks. Whether you're grabbing a quick espresso or enjoying a leisurely latte with a slice of cake, Pacific Pearl Cafe never disappoints. Highly recommended for coffee lovers and anyone looking for a great cafe experience.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

I don’t review often but this is legitimately the best cold brew I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot. Five stars.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A really nice breakfast/brunch cafe in a complex with a lot of shops. The carrot cake was amazing and all the desserts are great too. We tried breakfast burrito and tuna sandwich. They were great! Food was just on point. The caramel coffee was really good too. Unfortunately they didn’t have restrooms and I was so desperate to find one because the pizza place nearby hasn’t opened yet.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

the food is excellent, very unique menu. we enjoy eating lunch, getting coffee and they have a great staff; service was great! it is our favorite cafe’ in San Juan Capistrano!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: B L a T Croissant

Adorable little bakery with sandwiches and coffee. Tuna is something I am super super picky about, and I have to admit, their tuna melt was the best I have ever had. My mom and I didn’t even make it out of the parking lot before finishing it off. Heck even the photo I took was after we ate the first half, it looked so good and tasted even better. The pastries were amazing as well, and the coffee is perfect to top it all off. My mom’s avocado toast was also beautiful and delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Local Yellowtail Tuna Melt, Avocado Toast

Slightly pricey but fine for the quality. Food is absolutely amazing and a 10/10 most days but occasionally it can taste bad or off or not fresh. Once again, very very few times, but a couple. I recommend their matcha and chia seed cookie. Staff are all very friendly and quick. Once when I forgot my credit card, a staff gave me a pastry anyways and I have more than paid that back in business. Fabulous place, great fresh ingredients.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5