Cafe 88

5

29

85

4 months ago

Cafe 88 has a wide selection of dessert and drinks to choose from. i tried their banana matcha, peanut butter latte, and dubai chocolate strawberries. the cashier was very patient and kind with us, and we got our order relatively quick. what i liked: the banana cold foam was suuper light and refreshing, with an authentic banana taste. the peanut butter latte had a lot of depth and nuttiness to it, and wasn't too sweet (just how i like it). i also liked that they let you pick your choice of milk with no extra charge. the dubai chocolate strawberries has a perfect ratio of strawberries to the chocolate and pistachios for my preference. what to improve: i really wanted to like the matcha, but i found it very bland tasting, with only very subtle hints of matcha flavor. overall, i enjoyed the duck theme they had. i would probably skip their matcha next time and stick with their desserts. read more

Cafe 88 - banana matcha, peanut butter latte, dubai chocolate covered strawberries - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafe 88 - interior - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafe 88 - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Sadie B.

0

20

2

25 days ago

Really delicious matcha and coffee lattes. The banana is my FAV. Seriously hand crafted and worth the wait. Yum!!! read more

Cafe 88 - Strawberry matcha. - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Michelle W.

24

206

777

9 months ago

- narrow parking lot directly in front of these stores, lots of available spots! - clean minimal spot with lots of seating, loved the duck decor! - 10% off for students! - loved the peanut butter latte! I've been searching for pb coffees ever since discovering this combo and this spot does it right - full pb flavor all throughout and that strong espresso still shines through read more

Cafe 88 - Peanut butter latte - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Emmett T.

Elite 26 All-Star

697

2882

23136

9 months ago

This duck-themed cafe and dessert shop has opened a new branch just down the road from the USD campus in Linda Vista. The OG location is in El Cajon. Cafe 88 is in the northern section of The Presidio Plaza which is notorious for limited, tight parking spaces. There were a few small tables inside the suite that could hold around a dozen customers. Desserts, drinks, and bowls were the menu categories with each one occupying one of the three screens hanging behind the service counter. The manager (owner?) who was running the place when I showed up was very enthusiastic and welcoming. He gave me a mini toy duck as a token for visiting during the soft opening. I picked two items for my order, a Matcha Strawberry Signature Latte (the current trendy drink) and a Hawaiian Signature Bowl. The first was one of four choices in the Signature Lattes section. Ceremonial grade matcha, strawberry, and milk were the ingredients. Compared to elsewhere, the strawberry component was not as prominent while the matcha flavor was strong. The second was one of seven varieties in the Signature Bowls section. It was made up of an acai base (my request), granola, pineapple, mango, kiwi, and coconut flakes. The $10.99 price was fair for the serving size and quality of the ingredients. The shop was clean and well-organized which can't be said for similar new places in their soft opening phase. I gave a four star rating for my first visit to Cafe 88. read more

Cafe 88 - Partial view of the suite front - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafe 88 - Wall art - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafe 88 - Service counter - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafe 88 - Mini toy ducks - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafe 88 - Some seating - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafe 88 - Menu screens - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafe 88 - Matcha Strawberry Signature Latte - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafe 88 - Hawaiian Signature Bowl - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 53

Thanks 15

Love this 48

Oh no 0

Cheryl G.

541

517

975

10 months ago

I am so excited that there is a new dessert shop in Linda Vista! We stopped by last night for a little sweet treat, and my expectations were exceeded. My man ordered a peanut butter latte, he's crazy but he can drink caffeine at night lol. I tasted it and let me tell you OMG I will be making a trip to the shop on the regular for this when I feel like I need a treat. It was unbelievably good. I would've never thought about peanut butter in coffee! The owner, I believe his name is Fadi, suggested we try the sushi roll. We wanted something a little bit lighter because we had just had dinner. This is another thing I would've never probably ordered without a suggestion, but I loved it. It's a freshly made crêpe rolled around a banana while still warm and then cut like sushi. In the box, it was drizzled with chocolate and each two pieces had a different topping. We took our treats to go since it was almost closing time. I appreciate them being willing to take care of us, even though we came in so close to then! The shop is bright and cheerful and very clean. I'm really hoping they do well, this is a nice addition to the neighborhood. read more

Cafe 88 - The Peanut Butter Latte OMG so good - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafe 88 - Bright and cheery interior - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 6

Thanks 4

Love this 7

Oh no 0

Amanda N.

25

200

458

6 months ago

The smoothies are huge and delicious! I got the acai smoothie and wow was it yummy. This was a great place to study, chill and hangout. It wasn't too crowded. PS they give student discounts. My friend tried the sushi roll dessert and loved it. She said it was thick and stuffed with nutella! Bonus: the decor is so cute, I love love love ducks! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Genie N.

168

208

508

7 months ago

Fadi was amazing! Gave us the 411 on the menu items. They even have a secret menu! We tried the Kinder Nutella crepe paired with a brown sugar latte, BLISS!!!! Cute fun cheerful cafe vibes with a few small tables inside. They are located in a small strip mall on Linda Vista Rd and have been open for 3 months. This is the place to come visit to get a dessert and a yummy drink to go with it. You must try it! We can't wait to come back and experience more delectable desserts/drinks. Say hi to Fadi too! read more

Cafe 88 - Nutella crepe with brown sugar latte - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafe 88 - Fun cafe vibes - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafe 88 - Nutella crepe - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 6

Thanks 5

Love this 6

Oh no 1

Samantha H.

2

20

10

4 months ago

The matcha was not good at all and tasted like straight milk. But the Dubai chocolate strawberries were fire!! The place is tiny but nice and clean! But just don't get the matcha! read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Pauly V.

0

128

125

2 months ago

I am only swinging by San Diego for a conference and already tried this place twice because their acai bowls were so good. I brought a friend there my second time around. Very reasonably priced, generously portioned and deliciously healthy. Wish we had this place in New Haven, CT! read more

Cafe 88 - Fit bowl and wild bowl - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Alejandro E.

66

162

78

4 months ago

We decide to try this, base on recommendations and they didn't disappoint, they make my drink to my specifications, matcha is amazing, try them they r F good !! Service is great and be back soon !! read more

Cafe 88 - banana matcha - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sol G.

21

100

115

10 months ago

Cute new little dessert spot! Owner is super friendly and makes sure to customize your order exactly to your liking. We've had a few things from here now but everything was super fresh and tasty! My favorite was the Belgian waffle with chocolate sauce, and perfectly ripe strawberries and bananas. It's a hidden gem but absolutely worth checking out! read more

Cafe 88 - Waffle with fresh strawberry and banana. Delicious!!! - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Kelly Y.

3

30

135

5 months ago

Came across this delicious cafe on a rainy day!! Their mascot is a bright yellow duck :) I ordered the lotus crepe and the only thing missing imo was a scoop of ice cream but that's just me having a sweet tooth !! Anyways the service and attention was great. The establishment was clean and very decorative. I definitely recommend stopping by here for a break. read more

Cafe 88 - Menu - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafe 88 - Lotus crepe (took a bite lol) - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafe 88 - The mighty duck!!! - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafe 88 - More displayed desserts! - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafe 88 - Front - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 1

Zack F.

258

321

322

6 months ago

Cafe 88 is a hidden gem if you're looking for delicious smoothies and a welcoming spot to relax. Their smoothies are hands-down the smoothest I've ever had -- perfectly blended, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Whether you prefer fruit-packed options or something creamy and indulgent, they have something for everyone. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, always greeting you with a smile and ready to help with recommendations. Service is quick without feeling rushed, which makes it perfect whether you're stopping in for a quick drink or planning to hang out for a while. The cafe itself is clean, cozy, and has a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to enjoy your drink or chat with friends. I've tried a few of their smoothie combinations and each one has been consistently fresh and satisfying. Beyond smoothies, they also offer snacks and light bites that are just as good. Overall, Cafe 88 is a spot I keep coming back to -- it's reliable, tasty, and feels welcoming every time. Highly recommend to anyone in the area looking for quality smoothies and a friendly atmosphere. read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jessica C.

17

25

5

8 months ago

Wow highly recommend the strawberry matcha! The owner mentioned he put a lot of practice and thought into the matcha (which is how it should be when it comes to matcha) to perfect it! When we tried it we were finished within minutes. It was creamy and perfect amount of strawberry, milk, matcha ratio! We also got the variety cream puffs and that was perfect and good portion to share with 4 people! It was crunchy and flavorful on the outside with a thick texture of cream inside! I definitely recommend adding this to your matcha drink! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sanad S.

146

17

2

5 months ago

Really great spot! Cafe 88 has amazing coffee and a great selection of treats. The banana pudding was delicious and the acai bowl was fresh and flavorful. They also have smoothies and crepes that are really good. The place has a nice, relaxed vibe and the staff is friendly. Definitely a great place to stop by for coffee or something sweet during the day. Highly recommend! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Danielle W.

3

48

43

4 months ago

Very friendly service and delicious treats! We enjoyed a Wild Açaí Bowl, peanut butter smoothies and a Classic Crepe. Highly recommend the bowl and crepe! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Humberto E.

32

37

61

10 months ago

The owner is really nice and the bowls are delicious. I can tell already that this business is going to be a hit within the University of San Diego (USD) community. read more

Cafe 88 - Desserts - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafe 88 - Acai Bowls - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafe 88 - Happy Bowl! Delicious - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 2

Thanks 3

Love this 3

Oh no 1

Rebecca G.

0

6

1

5 months ago

Got the banana pudding and oh my goodness, it is sooooo good ! Not too sweet which was a plus. Will be back to try other items :)

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Naomi C.

0

17

51

8 months ago

We were nearby and decided to come check this place out after a meal. Looking at the menu they had a lot of things that sounded good but since we had just eaten we weren't feeling any food so we just ordered a banana matcha. When walking up to the cashier, we were greeted promptly, then the cashier asked if we were students since students got a 10% discount, which was really nice of him to mention. After ordering we found a spot to sit down, they had a few seating options and the space was fairly large. After getting the drink we headed out and gave the banana foam a taste, and it was FRESH and very tasty. As for the matcha it was alright, but after mixing the drink, the banana flavored definitely carried it and made it a lot better. As for this place, if I'm in the area again, I may stop by again to try some of the other items on their menu. read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Dan S.

0

21

29

10 months ago

Super cute cafe with super kind owner! The pistachio crepe was amazing and HUGE! I wanted try everything on the menu. The couple next to me was absolutely raving about their peanutbutter lattes. Great place of yoy want a fun treat! read more

Cafe 88 - Pistachio Crepe - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ari C.

0

11

9 months ago

The cafe is adorably duck-themed! Great selection of food and drinks! Show this new cafe some love read more

Cafe 88 - Matcha Strawberry, Lychee Refresher & Variety Cream Puffs - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Vikki D.

0

3

0

2 months ago

I LOVE Cafe88! The owner makes every visit wonderful! I use to go for the crepes and then I discovered the Acai Bowls and they are amazing. The banana pudding is also the best I've ever had! This place is clean and welcoming and I go weekly! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Andrea C.

0

4

1

8 months ago

So good! I've gotten the pistachio crepe, Nutella shake, and now the mini Nutella pistachio pancakes! Each time it has always been good will keep coming back read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kristine L.

18

5

10 months ago

Seriously! This was the best crepe I've ever had! It was the Dubai Crepe. Glad we found this place! read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Sean T.

1

8

2

9 months ago

The shop is clean and small but there are some tables for customers. We got the Lotus Crepe and it was really good, will definitely be back to try other items on the menu. Owner/manager that we spoke to was also really nice and provided great service. Will definitely be back again! read more

Cafe 88 - Lotus Crepe - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sheila R.

0

5

4

8 months ago

I absolutely loved the food and the service! The place is spotless, and the owner is incredibly friendly and welcoming. We had such a great experience that we'll definitely be coming back again. read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Patrick E.

60

1

0

8 months ago

Clean, good service and food crepe. Recommend if looking for some desert. Specially if you like nutella. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Jaz O.

0

3

1

9 months ago

Incredibly welcoming staff with great quality desserts! Definitely recommend the Variety Cream Puffs with a Strawberry Refresher to wash it down. Give the place a try and bring your friends read more

Cafe 88 - Kinder Nutella Lotus & Variety Cream Puffs - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

anne l.

33

13

5

10 months ago

Went here with my nieces for the first time and it was really cute place but all the baked goods and cakes were sold out so we got the Dubai crepe with strawberry's and unfortunately they use Nutella instead of the authentic Dubai chocolate, which I have had so the dessert was super sweet we couldn't even finish it but they were super nice. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 1

Izabel S.

0

6

2

8 months ago

The service here is amazing! So are the delicious treats :-) everything is delicious, especially the lotus cream puffs! The banana matcha is also super yummy! Cute space right by USD, super friendly people, and a great place to get a sweet treat read more

Cafe 88 - Lotus cream puffs - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Angela Y.

0

6

1

8 months ago

me and my husband came in with our daughter and the man in the front was SO KIND to us. i think they are family owned which i LOVE! they are fairly new as well. we absolutely devoured these! fresh quality fruit and rich flavors! 100/10 read more

Cafe 88 - 2 regular strawberry and banana crepes and dubai style crepe in the middle. - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Lacy N.

246

5

2

8 months ago

The crepe was so good and the service was amazing! We even got a cute duck. Definitely check this out if you are in the area read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Vy V.

0

2

8 months ago

i got an amazing smoothie from them, the cashier was super nice and welcoming and the cafe has an adorable duck theme! it's super close to usd and other restaurants, i recommend stopping by :)) read more

Cafe 88 - the hype smoothie - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Amelia G.

0

1

8 months ago

I got a strawberry matcha and the matcha was pure,strong,smooth.The customer service was really good plus they gave me a 10% discount for being a student. Definitely will come again to study and grab a matcha. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sedelia D.

0

4

1

9 months ago

We love cafe 88! I was super excited to have a cafe with sweets in the Linda Vista area and cafe 88 does not disappoint. They have very delicious crepes, shakes, waffles and more. Every thing I have tried so far is amazing and recommend to everyone to stop to enjoy. Can't wait to try something new every time I stop in. read more

Cafe 88 - Oreo waffle - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Haylee G.

0

6

4

9 months ago

The owner is very sweet ! Come support this local business . They have acacia bowls, crepes and smoothies! read more

Cafe 88 - This banana matcha is delicious ! - Desserts Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Page 1 of 2

See more reviews

More info about Cafe 88

5401 Linda Vista Rd
San Diego, CA 92110
Linda Vista
Directions
(909) 913-0101
Call Now

Full menu

Hours

What time does Cafe 88 open?

Cafe 88 opens at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Cafe 88 close?

Cafe 88 is closed on Monday.Cafe 88 closes at 8:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon ClosedTue-Sun 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Cafe 88 take Bitcoin?

No, Cafe 88 does not take Bitcoin.

Does Cafe 88 take credit cards?

Yes, Cafe 88 takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Cafe 88 have catering options?

Yes, Cafe 88 does have catering options.

Does Cafe 88 have a drive thru?

No, Cafe 88 does not have a drive thru.

Does Cafe 88 serve alcohol?

No, Cafe 88 does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Cafe 88 allow dogs?

Yes, Cafe 88 allows dogs.

Does Cafe 88 have TVs?

No, Cafe 88 does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Cafe 88 have bike parking?

Yes, Cafe 88 has bike parking.

Does Cafe 88 have outdoor seating?

No, Cafe 88 does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Cafe 88 have parking?

Yes, Cafe 88 has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is Cafe 88 wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Cafe 88 is wheelchair accessible.

Does Cafe 88 have free WiFi?

Yes, Cafe 88 has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Crepes, waffles, matcha, coffee & happiness — all under one yellow roof Duck into Café 88 for 10% off your first visit!

History

Established in 2025.

Cafe 88 was created to be a warm, uplifting space for everyone in the community. Inspired by our playful yellow duck theme, we focus on spreading good energy through handcrafted crepes, waffles, coffee, matcha, and specialty desserts. Whether you’re stopping in for something sweet, studying, catching up with friends, or just taking a break — we want you to feel welcomed and leave happier than when you arrived.

Meet the Business Owner: Fadi K.

Hi! We’re Cafe 88 — a family-run dessert shop where we treat everyone like a regular. Whether you’re craving a fruity crepe, an iced matcha latte, or just a smile, we’ve got you. Our team loves creating feel-good food in a place that makes you feel at home. We hope you leave happier than when you walked in!

More Info

Health Score

You might also consider

Extraordinary Desserts

This place is properly named extraordinary dessert for a reason. They are known for their desserts…read moreboth in taste and in aesthetics. Desserts: 5/5 We got a blood orange scone and a strawberry danish. The scone was warm and delicious. The orange essence was well infused. The danish was crispy and creamy. Everything was so picturesque. Food: 3/5 Unfortunately, the food was not the best. We got the smoked salmon sandwich which was not very flavorful. The salmon was also slimy. The pesto spread was good though. It was creamy and the artisan bread it was served had great variety. Ambiance: 5/5 This place is such super cute. When you walk in, the desserts all look super appetizing. The seating areas are super cute and the floral decor are stunning. Service: 5/5 It is an order then sit down establishment. There is great attention to their dessert. I saw them heat up a knife just to cleanly cut the cake. The food service however did take some time to come out.

The sugar bun was delicious! I might be a bigger fan of their pastries than their cake…read more The Shrang-la cake was decorated so beautifully! I loved the white chocolate shavings all around. Unfortunately the cake didn't hold well in my commute to Temecula (esp during the heat wave). The dairy ended up hurting our stomachs.

Spinach dip and chips and tomato and basil soup

One of our 'go to' dessert places in San Diego.

See all

Chocolate lemon bon bon

Salt & Straw

Salt & Straw rolled out their June 2026 Chef Series which sold out quick; Fortunately two were…read morebrought back for last chance scoops: 4.5/5 CHOCOLATE CARAMEL SMOKED BUDINO By Alex Meyer and Luciana Giangrandi - BOlA DE & WALRUS RODEO, Miami Chocolate olive oil custard, caramel candied hazelnuts, sea salt caramel swirl (like a turtle dove - very sweet - I'd prefer less sugar) 4.5/5 STARLING SWEET POTATO BUCKWHEAT CRUMBLE By Dan Barber - ROW 7, New York Starling sweet potato ice cream, sweet potato miso swirl, sprouted buckwheat Florentine crumble (novel color and flavor) SERVICE With the help of staff over the phone, I was able to snag a pint of the Hong Kong milk tea. AMBIANCE Colorful indoors with outdoor street-side seating

My little one wanted ice cream and so we joined the line, which went quick. We tried some samples…read moreand I had a hard time finding one I truly enjoyed. I enjoy light, fruity, not too sweet flavors generally and I couldn't find one that suited my taste. My little one enjoyed one of the four we tried. The flavors were unique and many of them that we tried were wayyyyyyy too sweet. The waffle bowl was kind of soggy before it even soaked in the melted ice cream. If it was just me, I probably wouldn't purchase anything as the sample didn't sell me any. My little one would've been super disappointed so we got the one she enjoyed. The service seems dependent on who services you. The lady we got seemed annoyed she had to help us while the lady next to her seemed super happy and helpful. Parking is challenging and not much space to sit in the immediate proximity of the location, but plenty of tables across the street in the square.

Cinnamon snickerdoodle

Cinnamon Snickerdoodle

See all

Outside of salt & straw

Pappalecco

A cute authentic Italian neighborhood cafe in Little Italy serving coffee, treats, gelato, and…read morepaninis. My friends and I were just looking to get a coffee in Little Italy, but when we walked in and saw all the delicious treats we had to try something else as well. I ordered a latte and neglected to tell them it was for here so I was given a paper cup, but they give real cups if you ask. The latte was good, and my friend bought a kitchen sink type cookie with chocolate, coconut, and macadamia nuts. It was warm and gooey good! Another friend tried the gelato and said it was very good. There are a few tables inside and tables out in front outside. We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful San Diego weather. The decor and tables definitely gives you an old school Italian neighborhood vibe with Italian markets right next door. If I am in the neighborhood again, I would definitely come back here to try the gelato and/or a piece of an excellent looking lemon pie bar I spotted.

If there is better gelato in San Diego, I have not tried it…read more They have more than gelato here but gelato is all we tried. It was later in the day so they were out of or running low on some flavors. Nevertheless, the two flavors we tried were incredibly rich and flavorful. A little goes a very long way. Parking is incredibly tough in Little Italy but it is worth it for gelato this good.

A pathetic attempt at a $10 cannoli

Inside

Soup Tomato.

See all

Solunto Ristorante & Bakery

Went on Memorial weekend and was surprised how quickly we got seated. Waitress was nice and warned…read moreus the kitchen was backed up but honestly we didn't wait long. We ordered a calamari (10/10), lasagna (10/10), Penne Quattro Formaggi (7/10) and Fusilli Genovese (11/10). The Formaggi was a little too rich for me... but my son loved it. We will definitely be back!!

Came here for lunch on a Saturday mainly because my husband just really wanted some gelato…read moreafterwards Lunch-- 3 stars Gelato - 0 stars Service - 3 stars Price - 4 stars my husband got some sort of fettuccine alfredo with shrimp, I got a Italian sandwich, and my best friend got a woodfired margarita pizza. Pizza was good, but soggy in the middle. The pasta was good, no complaints there. The sandwich was very lacking in the meat department... It was basically a bread and arugula sandwich. Had very low expectations for the gelato to begin with seeing as the colors were extremely unnatural and the way it was heaped was a clear indication to me that it is not legitimate gelato and unfortunately, I was proven very right. I got the strawberry so that my toddler could have a few few bites and it was so unnatural and weird tasting that she didn't even want any... And if that doesn't say something! My husband got the coffee flavor and he literally took three bites and threw it away as well. I will say, though, on the food front, the prices are reasonable here all things considered, but maybe stick with pasta... based on everything As a whole though, you can likely get a much more legitimate Italian meal somewhere else in the area, but it will probably cost you more.

Cute restaurant in little Italy

Fusilli Genovese

See all

Pop Pops Fabulous Paleta

My husband and I spent 2 weeks in Coronado and we went to Pop Pops almost everyday! We tried…read moremultiple flavors and thought each and every one was delicious! Our favorite was the Greek Yogurt and Berries and we had them put graham cracker on it. Highly recommended!!!

Was eating dinner across the street and saw this bright colorful spot and my toddler asked to stop…read moreby. We saw the big paleta statue out front and he wanted a picture with it. They have so many options of paletas and toppingss however it is a little pricier then mom/pop spots but also, its San Diego & in Little Italy nonetheless. The shop is super small but for what it is, I think its fine. We got the biscoff & cookies and cream. It was nice for the weather

Bana - Tella Paleta Banana with Nutella filling paleta

Pistachio Power

See all

Biscoff Cookie Butter Pop with chocolate sauce and graham cracker crumbles

Nonna + Zucchero

Came to this place of a beautiful afternoon on my trip down to San Diego…read more This place and basically all of Little Italy is such a vibe! Ambiance: 5/5 We for seat outside and I swear, I can spend the whole day just people watching here. It's a lively neighborhood. Food: 5/5 The food was delicious, probably one of the best calamari that I've ever tried. It was crispy and the warm marinara sauce paired so nicely. The rigatoni pasta was really good but the fettuccine funghi was a little too oily for my liking. The pizza had a crispy crust and the toppings all complemented each other. Service: 5/5 We got seated immediately even though it was a busy Saturday morning. Our waiter was hilarious and kept cracking jokes. It made our dining experience really enjoyable.

Food: - fungi pasta: 7.5/10, strong mushroom flavor…read more - carbonara: 5.7/10, too much sauce and noodles were overcooked - lemon meringue cheesecake + Sicilian cannoli: super authentic cannoli, cheesecake was good but nothing special Service: - hostess was not friendly - they ran out of white peach Italian soda but instead of asking what other flavor we would prefer, they just brought out a vanilla Italian soda - ordering took forever but once our food was in, it came out in less than 10 min Ambiance: - outdoor seating Skip Barbusa (sister restaurant) and come here instead, at least there is better dessert

Beef carpaccio

See all

Tortellini Funghi

Holy Paleta

This spot is so cute and Robert was extremely welcoming and accommodating! The ice cream was some…read moreof the best I've ever had. I will definitely be back when I come back to San Diego.

I stopped by here yesterday to get some paletas in the heat and it was a great experience, they…read moretasted great and weren't too expensive. Without toppings as a plain paleta it was $5.75 and if you added toppings it would become about $8.50 which is kinda expensive however these handcrafted paletas are special to the shop so that justifies the cost and I'd recommend visiting if in the area.

See all

Nibble Chocolate

Stumbled upon Nibble Chocolate and I'm so glad I did. Ambience is sweet and cozy. It's a cute…read morelittle shop that feels like a hidden gem, especially if you're someone who appreciates good quality chocolate. They have a great variety to choose from, whether you're into milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even non dairy options. I also love that they offer chocolate drinks and coffee, so it's easy to turn a quick stop into a little treat moment. I tried the peanut butter dates and they were so good. Smooth, rich, and just the right size when you want something sweet without going overboard. I also had a dark chocolate truffle and that one was just as good. You can really taste the quality. Customer service was a highlight. The guy helping me was super personable, gave great suggestions for drinks, and was genuinely kind, which always makes the experience better. Honestly, I'm just happy I found a chocolate spot within walking distance. Definitely worth stopping by if you're craving something sweet but still want it to feel a little elevated.

I don't usually seek out vegan products, but Nibble chocolate is a Bean to bar chocolate shop in…read morelittle Italy in San Diego with single origin chocolates. I sampled chocolate from Peru, Madagascar, and Kenya, and they all had unique fruity characteristics. Because they're vegan, so they use oat milk for their chocolate instead of dairy. My wife and I also wanted some drinks while we were here. I had a hot chocolate. My wife had hers with espresso shots. Good espresso in pure chocolate will never not be good. They are family owned and they only add chocolate, sugar, and oat milk to make their bars. Overall, this was a fun place to check out at Little Italy, and they also had a stall at the Farmer's Market.

See all

Bobboi Natural Gelato

We stopped by this little gelato shop in Little Italy after seeing all the great reviews, and it…read moreabsolutely lived up to the hype. We got lucky and arrived just before the rush. There was hardly anyone in line when we walked in, but by the time we got our gelato and turned around, the line was out the door! I travel to Italy regularly for work, so I've had my fair share of authentic gelato. I have to say, the quality and flavors here were outstanding. Rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious. What made the experience even better was the staff. One of the employees was incredibly friendly, energetic, and genuinely passionate about the gelato. He encouraged us to sample flavors, asked what kinds of flavors we enjoyed, and made thoughtful recommendations based on our preferences. It felt like talking with a wine sommelier--someone who truly understood flavor and wanted us to find the perfect match. You could tell he genuinely loved his job, and that enthusiasm made the whole experience even more memorable. We took our gelato outside, sat at one of the sidewalk tables, and spent the evening people-watching. It was the perfect way to end a beautiful San Diego night. The shop itself is casual, with just a few seats inside and several tables outside. It's a great stop whether you're on a date, out with friends, or enjoying a family night in Little Italy. Definitely a five-star experience. I'll be back the next time I'm in San Diego.

After a lovely dinner at Sugarfish we walked a block to Bobboi Gelato…read more They had some interesting flavors. I sampled Rose Almond (Lebanese Rose Water with Organic Almond Butter), Pure Watermelon and Stracciatella. The Rose Almond was fragrant, Pure Watermelon refreshing and Stracciatella was a classic. I chose Rose Almond and Stracciatella in a Piccolo cup which was perfect for me. The gelato was dense and delicious - I really enjoyed every bite of it. It was nice to be able to sit near the windows and people watch.

Pumpkin Amaretto, Mediterraneo, Pistachio

Small Vegan pistachio and matchatella 2 Flavor Gelato Container

See all

Seating by the open windows

Hinar Dessert Bar & Cafe

so aesthetic inside and the music was at a perfect and calm volume. the matches were phenomenal,…read morenot bitter or grassy at all. we also got the basque cheesecake and it was delicious. 10/10, no notes.

Hands down the best matcha I have ever had…read more The biscoff matcha was a little too sweet, but the earl grey matcha was so good! I had a three day trip in San Diego and I went twice! It is that good. The second time we went, my friends and I just all ordered the earl grey matcha because we didn't want to share. The store is small so sometimes if the line is long, you have to wait outside. It goes by somewhat quickly. There is seating in the back that looks really nice. There were desserts. We got their sesame cake, it was fine. I would definitely put this place as somewhere to visit. There is street-side parking. If you get lucky, someone already paid for the parking meter.

Inside

See all

Malibu Farm

4.5

(2.2k reviews)

4.3 mi

Great vibes and service. Drinks are always so yummy. Leo was especially nice and very helpful!read more

Great brunch, service and ambiance, everything tastes fresh keeping concept farm to tableread more

SPACIOUS and CLEAN !

Catch of Day

See all

Strawberry Matcha Latte

Born & Raised

We celebrated our anniversary here, and the entire experience was unforgettable. From the moment we…read morearrived, the staff went above and beyond to make us feel special. They were incredibly attentive, thoughtful, and made our celebration one to remember. The service was just as impressive as the food! And it's such a good vibe. We sat at the rooftop right before sunset. Beautiful!

We came in a couple weeks ago and everything was absolutely amazing! I loved that it was so elegant…read morefeeling, with a beautiful atmosphere filled with soft lighting, but also still so lively/fun, and with good music playing. The food and the service were equally outstanding. I really enjoyed all of the entertaining table side menu items they had available to order. Another thing that is always a really big nod to us of great service, is when they treat our kids just as well as us adults. They greeted them, spoke to them, and even ended up creating two mocktails from their personal preferences. We really appreciate that so much! We ended up ordering a variety of things to try for our family of four: the table side Caesar salad, the Steak Sampler, a Filet, Lobster, Mashed Potatoes, Mac and Cheese, and Truffle Fries - we loved it all! Perfectly cooked and everything we wanted it to be! We were so full, but after viewing the dessert cart all night, we had to try some! The most decadent, delicious, chocolate, layered cake was our pick. As we were waiting tho, we saw the table side banana foster dessert being made and had to order that too! No regrets!! It was all perfect!! They also kindly brought us out a really good peanut butter and jelly macron, but the star was that it was topped with a gold dusted Wu Tang emblem on top - LOVE!! PS - even the bathrooms were fun! I really look forward to trying more of their restaurants!

Dirty hash browns with trout roe, chives and crème fraiche

View from our table

See all

BURGUNDY SNAILS BONE MARROW & TOAST

Izola

Family-owned & operated

LGBTQ friendly

Delicious savory croissants! I definitely recommend the muffuletta and carnitas croissants. Fast…read moreservice and fresh decor.

Food was fantastic, the Gruyère sourdough was . Angels service was great, he was kind and attentiveread more

Iced Coconut Cream Latte: espresso with condensed coconut milk and topped with the most luxurious version of coconut cold foam. Luxurious!

IZOLA Carnitas Croissant: A tribute to the flavors of Mexico and a warm thank-you to the flavors that inspire us from across the border.

See all

IZOLA croissant. Crispy exterior, pillowy inside. 3 day process. Hand-made with organic flour, grass-fed milk, butter from Normandy.

Hinar Dessert Bar & Cafe

so aesthetic inside and the music was at a perfect and calm volume. the matches were phenomenal,…read morenot bitter or grassy at all. we also got the basque cheesecake and it was delicious. 10/10, no notes.

Hands down the best matcha I have ever had…read more The biscoff matcha was a little too sweet, but the earl grey matcha was so good! I had a three day trip in San Diego and I went twice! It is that good. The second time we went, my friends and I just all ordered the earl grey matcha because we didn't want to share. The store is small so sometimes if the line is long, you have to wait outside. It goes by somewhat quickly. There is seating in the back that looks really nice. There were desserts. We got their sesame cake, it was fine. I would definitely put this place as somewhere to visit. There is street-side parking. If you get lucky, someone already paid for the parking meter.

Inside

See all

Labora - Kearny Mesa

This is one of the best matches I've had in a while! I like how you can choose how much sweetness…read moreyou want in your tea. The best one so far is the Vienna matcha which is ceremonial matcha with vanilla cream foam on top. It does get pretty busy but my wait time was about 10 minutes for ordering and 5 minutes for waiting for the drink. Definitely going back soon! I don't recommend studying there if you don't like super busy cafes with loud music.

The matcha was amazing and the staff were very friendly! The sweetness on the matcha was perfect…read moreand the environment was very clean.

Scarlet 3

See all

Between Us

A must-visit if you're in San Diego!…read more We saw this place recommended on TikTok for brunch and decided to give it a try. We ordered the beignets, Matcha Latte Tiramisu, Curry Hamburger, and the U.S. Fried Rice. Everything we ordered was delicious, but the standout was definitely the beignets! We loved that they were made fresh to order, and the matcha and sesame dipping sauces made them even better. Our server was very friendly and checked in on us throughout our meal to make sure we had everything we needed. Thank you for the great service! The restaurant also has plenty of tables, making it a great spot for both small and larger groups. We'll definitely be back the next time we're in San Diego for brunch! P.S. We came on a Monday around 1 p.m.

Between Us is a great new brunch spot in North Park with a fun menu and a cozy atmosphere. The…read moreowners are the same as Thai Time across the street, and they were incredibly kind and welcoming during our visit. We went shortly after they opened, so it was packed--we ended up waiting about an hour for a table, and service was a little slow at first. Since it was their soft opening, I'm hoping things have gotten smoother since then. The food was good overall. Beignets were sooo good! The steak in the shakshuka was cooked well, and while I enjoyed my curry, it was a little sweeter than I expected. There were also a few flies inside since all the windows were open, but nothing too major. Parking is about what you'd expect for North Park--not impossible, but it can take some patience. Overall, I'd definitely come back. The food was enjoyable, the owners were wonderful, and I think this spot has a lot of potential as they continue to settle in.