Easygoing destination with a bohemian vibe offering pancakes, mezze platters & other brunch options.
At a glance
#7 of 13 Wedding venues in San Diego #26 of 56 Restaurants in San DiegoLocalGuideWorld score: 4.40
Rating breakdown
-
5 ★66%
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4 ★20%
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3 ★7%
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2 ★3%
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1 ★4%
Quick facts
- What is the rating of Cafe 21 University Heights?
- Cafe 21 University Heights is rated 4.4 out of 5 based on 1,172 reviews.
- How does Cafe 21 University Heights rank in San Diego?
- Cafe 21 University Heights is #7 of 13 Wedding venues in San Diego by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
- Where is Cafe 21 University Heights located?
- 2736 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116, United States — 3.2 km from the center of San Diego.
- How can I contact Cafe 21 University Heights?
- Phone: +1 619-640-2121 · Website: cafe-21.com
**disclosure***.... you should know this place serves small plates. Based on everyone's posts and pictures, they don't really say that or it doesn't seem like small plates. Nonetheless the food is delicious and for someone like me it's just enough food, especially if you are looking for something lighter. But do note you will be spending about the same amount for a bigger breakfast/brunch else where. So it really just comes down to the quality of food. You can taste the time and effort they put in it. The only thing I would request is fresher fruit.
The ambiance is great and the outdoor seating is so pretty but it was raining so we sat inside. Due note there is seating at the bar but very minimal seating inside, mostly for 2 tops.
I do want to point out the server handling her $h!+ while in beast mode but still keeping a calm and pleasant presence. I can't remember her name (crying) but she had a beautiful tanned like skin, long black hair a bit wavy, and thick eye liner like Amy winehouse. Forgive me for guessing her race but she seemed hispanic. She suggested the PEAS OF MIND (lavender latte) this was good might not be everyone's cup of coffee but I enjoyed it.
I ordered the French toast crumpet style
My fiancé ordered the short rib omelet.
Enjoy!
The ambiance is great and the outdoor seating is so pretty but it was raining so we sat inside. Due note there is seating at the bar but very minimal seating inside, mostly for 2 tops.
I do want to point out the server handling her $h!+ while in beast mode but still keeping a calm and pleasant presence. I can't remember her name (crying) but she had a beautiful tanned like skin, long black hair a bit wavy, and thick eye liner like Amy winehouse. Forgive me for guessing her race but she seemed hispanic. She suggested the PEAS OF MIND (lavender latte) this was good might not be everyone's cup of coffee but I enjoyed it.
I ordered the French toast crumpet style
My fiancé ordered the short rib omelet.
Enjoy!
Service is great! nice atmosphere and nice relaxing environment, the menu it is ok, we tried the French toast, pancakes, and the Turkey Benedict ... They are definitely different than a regular meal, but for the price? everything has a great presentation, but I was not that impressed with the flavors.
Really love the aesthetic and absolutely amazing food as well. Wish the portion sizes were a bit bigger on some of the items .
This was pretty full when we got there but we still managed to find parking so that was a plus.
A little bit of a downside is that the server we had was actually quite overly sarcastic.. Maybe they thought the jokes work well with everyone but some were pushing it a little too far.
CHICKEN CREPE CAKE
Chicken + Caramelized Onion Spread, Mushroom Bourbon Sauce, Pickled Onion, Arugula, Carrot, Greens
Husband and I split this and we actually really liked it! It did not seem too unhealthy or too high fat either to be honest. The individual crepes to make the layers were super thin and everything was so delicately made . I'm not sure how much of actual chicken there was in there though because with the other fillings and stuff I'm assuming the actor amount of chicken used was quite little.
FETA OMELET
Egg, Spinach, Pesto, Mozzarella, Feta. Sourdough
I asked for egg whites and also got the pesto on the side so I could just add how much I wanted. They accidentally brought a version with regular eggs first but were quick to replace it since All the other food on the table had already come. Also got the sourdough toast on the side without the butter. This was some good bread.
STRAWBERRY SALAD
Spinach, Fresh Strawberries, Pistachios, Goat Cheese, Raspberry Vinaigrette
What a beautiful salad. The strawberry and pistachio combination was really nice. Had asked for the dressing on the side here as well so we could just add how much was needed. Dressing was quite Nice as well.
TURKEY BENEDICT
Poached Egg, Spinach + Feta Bread Pudding, Turkey, Cranberry, Pickled Onion, Arugula, Carrot, Greens, Hollandaise
Friend on the table ordered this but without the Turkey since they were trying to avoid meat. They seem to actually like it even without the Turkey.
TOMATO + EGG
This was basically like a shakshuka. Very creative concept though. Serving a mini version in personal size skillet.
TIRAMISU PANCAKES
Ordered this for the table to share. It Was pretty nice. The Pancakes themselves had the coffee flavor and the mascarpone whip was on the side to add. I only had a little because I was trying to be a bit Health conscious but others managed to finish the entire thing.
This was pretty full when we got there but we still managed to find parking so that was a plus.
A little bit of a downside is that the server we had was actually quite overly sarcastic.. Maybe they thought the jokes work well with everyone but some were pushing it a little too far.
CHICKEN CREPE CAKE
Chicken + Caramelized Onion Spread, Mushroom Bourbon Sauce, Pickled Onion, Arugula, Carrot, Greens
Husband and I split this and we actually really liked it! It did not seem too unhealthy or too high fat either to be honest. The individual crepes to make the layers were super thin and everything was so delicately made . I'm not sure how much of actual chicken there was in there though because with the other fillings and stuff I'm assuming the actor amount of chicken used was quite little.
FETA OMELET
Egg, Spinach, Pesto, Mozzarella, Feta. Sourdough
I asked for egg whites and also got the pesto on the side so I could just add how much I wanted. They accidentally brought a version with regular eggs first but were quick to replace it since All the other food on the table had already come. Also got the sourdough toast on the side without the butter. This was some good bread.
STRAWBERRY SALAD
Spinach, Fresh Strawberries, Pistachios, Goat Cheese, Raspberry Vinaigrette
What a beautiful salad. The strawberry and pistachio combination was really nice. Had asked for the dressing on the side here as well so we could just add how much was needed. Dressing was quite Nice as well.
TURKEY BENEDICT
Poached Egg, Spinach + Feta Bread Pudding, Turkey, Cranberry, Pickled Onion, Arugula, Carrot, Greens, Hollandaise
Friend on the table ordered this but without the Turkey since they were trying to avoid meat. They seem to actually like it even without the Turkey.
TOMATO + EGG
This was basically like a shakshuka. Very creative concept though. Serving a mini version in personal size skillet.
TIRAMISU PANCAKES
Ordered this for the table to share. It Was pretty nice. The Pancakes themselves had the coffee flavor and the mascarpone whip was on the side to add. I only had a little because I was trying to be a bit Health conscious but others managed to finish the entire thing.
Returning for the second time since my initial visit in 2019, I was delighted to find that nothing has changed at this establishment – the food quality remains consistently superb! Opting for the SHORT RIB CRUMPET while my partner indulged in the CHICKEN CREPE CAKE and STRAWBERRY CREPE, we were both blown away by the culinary experience. Each dish was a masterpiece of creativity, making it the best breakfast place I've ever tried. The server was exceptionally attentive, friendly, and polite, enhancing the overall dining experience. Without a doubt, we will be coming back to savor the exceptional offerings at this remarkable establishment.
Cafe 21 is a gem if you're into delicious vegan options. The food is not only tasty but also comes with a side of great service. The cozy vibe makes it a perfect spot to enjoy a satisfying meal, and I appreciate how they've nailed both flavor and hospitality. Thumbs up for a delightful dining experience!
I absolutely ADORE this place. My now husband and I had our first date here (we had both been previously and agreed on it because we loved the spot). We decided to have our wedding reception with them and we could not have been happier with everything they did for us to make it as special as they possibly could. The decor was absolutely stunning, the food was amazing and the service was ABOVE and BEYOND. We received so many compliments on our food selections, big shout out to Layla. Emran did an amazing job assisting and coordinating and again I cannot emphasize this enough - the service was absolutely amazing. I could go on and on about our love for this place all day. Thank you, Cafe 21 for everything. 🫶
Omg, the best brunch spot I've been to in a while! The place is beautiful. Loved the decor.
The service was great. The gentleman helping us suggested I try the pesto sandwich and wow! The freshness and the flavor were out of this world. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I also had some fresh fruit on the side. I ordered the Mimosa flight and I have to say it's a must. The flavors are unique and tasty.
Whenever I'm in San Diego again, I will make sure I go back for that sandwich and Mimosa flight. 10/10 😙🤌🏻
The service was great. The gentleman helping us suggested I try the pesto sandwich and wow! The freshness and the flavor were out of this world. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I also had some fresh fruit on the side. I ordered the Mimosa flight and I have to say it's a must. The flavors are unique and tasty.
Whenever I'm in San Diego again, I will make sure I go back for that sandwich and Mimosa flight. 10/10 😙🤌🏻
I love Cafe 21. I had previously been to the downtown location but now I live in walking distance of this location. The grilled cheese bloody mary is my favorite, it's a whole meal. I also always get the galaxy which is butterfly pea flower tea, violet syrup and lemon. So good. I like the small plates to share as well, the tomato and egg is delicious. The outside patio is really nice as well.
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