Ordered it online on a Friday, at the hospital, and it was ready in 5 minutes. Nice hot meal on a cool day. Generous portions and good flavors. Staff was kind and caring read more

Pacific Cafe & Catering - Chipotle chicken and rice bowl 1/2026 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - La Jolla, California

Tucked inside the ACTRI building, this little cafe serves up my absolute favorite meals that beat typical medical center food. Their chicken banh mi, fries, and Vietnamese iced coffee are my top picks - fresh, flavorful, and totally delicious. Their breakfast sandwiches and salads are super satisfying. What makes this place awesome is the yummy daily specials and incredibly friendly staff who always greet you with a smile. With quick online ordering and wallet-friendly prices, Pacific Cafe turns an ordinary lunch break into a mini culinary adventure with indoor and outdoor seating. read more

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The staff is very friendly. The food is good and served quickly. There are many great places to seat on the awesome patio.

This review is specifically for the Turkey Avocado Wrap because it is the best wrap I have ever had in my life. I wish I could recreate it but I know it just won't be the same. The ingredients are fresh and so flavorful together. I have heard of this place by word of mouth but I got to try this for the first time at my job since the owner drops some off for us and so now that I know where it is located- it is definitely one of my top choices to grab lunch. I have to park in the structure and walk a little but it's well worth it. I highly recommend that if you are stopping by and don't know what to try..try the turkey avocado wrap! Thank me later! read more

Pacific Cafe & Catering - Terrible photo I'll have to take another next time I get it but at least you have an idea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - La Jolla, California

Thanks to pacific cafe, campus food doesn't have to be bad. The menu has plenty of options offering all the lunch staples: sandwiches, salads, wraps, rice bowls, etc. and the portions are pretty filling. They also have an extensive cafe menu with plenty of coffee/tea options. You can even add vanilla ice cream for $1! Plenty of hospital/research staff opt for lunch here and you can even order ahead online. The seating is limited, but offers a nice view into the courtyard. Definitely recommend stopping by if you need a decent meal or pick me up. read more

Pacific Cafe & Catering - Large peppermint coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Yummy food and great service. Not too bad of prices either. Love the salad here so much. Not the biggest fan of the wraps tho read more

Pacific Cafe & Catering - Blackened chicken Caesar salad - Coffee & Tea Near Me - La Jolla, California

Their food is decent but I don't understand why they're always closing before the said time online. I work in the hospital and sometimes I don't bring lunch and I see that they close in 1 hour and when I show up they already closed the grill. I wouldn't mind much but it's not the first or the second time this happened there. I worked in the food industry too for +8yrs and I always cooked up until the closing minute. Food is also overpriced. Sadly it's the only thing closest apart from the hospital kitchen. read more

This place is a real surprise for a food service located inside a hospital complex. It's actually not in the hospital at UCSD but next-door at a research center... still, it's within easy walking distance of emergency and the main hospital entrance. Food is very fresh. Staff is great and friendly, I had a Greek scramble for breakfast. Later on a fine salad --all of it eaten in a high-tech building atmosphere looking out on a courtyard that is, unfortunately, shaded most of the day so you'll probably end up just eating inside, but that's OK. Food is cooked to order, prices reasonable. I may drop in in the future, even if I have nothing to do at the hospital and I'm in the neighborhood. It's that good. read more

Pacific Cafe & Catering - I'm showing the entrance only so you can easily find the building. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Ya serve hot, freshly made food, with arugula and also make custom espressos in a hospital lobby, you're gonna get a good mark. Food came out super fresh and swift. I got the good special burger of the day with a side of some good shoestring fries. Coffee hit the spot too. Hell, I'd give 'em a fifth star if they also served onion rings . . . but they didn't. Coffee-cart coffee that's much tastier than the cafe coffee across the street (Cove Cafe). Super friendly staff and some tables inside to enjoy your eats. Dicks read more

Pacific Cafe & Catering - A sign on the wall. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Can give UCSD employees a discount as prices are very high compared to The Cove. The prices used to be reasonable, but now cant justify paying more for something I can get cheaper. read more

Love ordering online and picking up my food. They do have seating and some really big comfy chairs. I love eating here when I'm in the area. It's always on time, warm, and delicious. I love how friendly they are and how easy it is to get my meals during work. read more

Pacific Cafe & Catering - Coffee & Tea Near Me - La Jolla, California

Every time I have gotten food from this dump the food always has a dirty taste like they are not cleaning their appliances. My coworker has found flies in her salad & another one has also confirmed the dirty taste. Don't waste your money you'll be disappointed. read more

Pacific Cafe is kind of a healthcare dining option gem that's set in ACTRI, making it a solid option for those working in the building and the hospital across the street. The food scene for this demographic tends to be abysmal in options and quality, but Pacific Cafe is surprisingly not bad in either category. The menu is impressively extensive with vegetarian options and the food itself is not poorly made. The staff is friendly and enthusiastic, and despite putting in the time to craft the dishes, they've got quite the efficient process. It's best to call in advance to place an order then pick it up for lunch. Prices are also fair. I've tried their Margherita flatbread and pesto penne. Both options were good for what they were, but I wish they were more flavorful because they erred on the bland side for me. Nonetheless, Pacific Cafe is roughly a 4 stars from me given the context of it being what it is compared to other similar establishments. read more

Pacific Cafe & Catering - Coffee & Tea Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Got an Iced MilkyWay Coffee and it was pretty good! There was a slight balance of sweet/slightly salty. I ordered online & the service was so quick! Def would come by for a quick snack! read more

You have 3 options of where to grab a bite to eat when you're on UCSD medical campus. I work at UCSD and this is my #1 spot. Sometimes I purposely "forget" to bring my lunch because I wanna have lunch here! Pacific cafe has the goods. Burgers, bowls, pasta, paninis, salads, they might even have chicken tikka masala as their special. Best part is, it's all delicious. You can check online for their daily specials. My favorite things to order are the roasted veggie panini, teriyaki burger, chipotle chicken pasta and every salad on the menu. The roasted veggie panini is something I crave every single day. Roasted veggies on a French roll with feta cheese and a lemon aioli. This sandwich is perfection. I think about this sandwich while we're performing a procedure sometimes. Please give it a try! Now this place has a line, 99% of the time. We usually either call our orders ahead or order online. I'm pretty sure everyone who works at UCSD knows this place has some really good food and that's why the lines are always long. The super sweet employees keep the line moving and get your orders out as quickly as they can. The family running this place is wonderful and have gained me as a customer for life! I keep mentioning that they should add sweet potato fries to the menu, fingers crossed. Check this place out if you're on campus, it's my favorite. read more

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Cheap food, everyone who works there is super nice. The food is okay, but better than almost any cafe in a hospital or similar place. Coffee is pretty good as well and they have lots of syrups and milk choices. read more

Pacific Cafe & Catering - Sandwich and salad - Coffee & Tea Near Me - La Jolla, California

Great food, great service! Hands-down, the best food around! Always a pleasure eating lunch here

The prices are great for the amount food you get. I've enjoyed every item I've ordered off the menu. My favorite go-to is the veggie panini (and I'm not vegetarian)! read more

10/10 would recommend. Walking distance from KOP, Thornton and Perlman building. The veggie panini with garden salad is delicious and I'm not vegetarian. Staff are always so accommodating and sweet. This is the best place to grab lunch when you're on ucsd med campus read more

Pacific Cafe & Catering - Roasted Veggie Panini w/ Garden Salad - Coffee & Tea Near Me - La Jolla, California

Work food that's really yummy with lots of options for when you wanna indulge or be healthy. Best part is hands down the team behind the counter who have been there for years and are maybe the friendliest customer service people I've ever met in San Diego. Good people and great service. read more

Quick easy cafe to grab lunch, the staff is super friendly and get your order in right away. I usually order online ( pacificcafecatering.com) my order is always nice and warm ready for pick up. My favorite is the chipotle chicken rice bowl. It's Mexican rice with blackened chicken shredded cheese, corn, scallions, tomato, cilantro and chipotle cream. Great place to have lunch, they have indoor and outdoor seating. read more

Pacific Cafe & Catering - Chipotle chicken rice bowl - Coffee & Tea Near Me - La Jolla, California

Great staff, Great food, this place has never let me down. I highly recommend the Chicken Chipotle Rice bowl sooo good ! Reasonably priced great ambiance. read more

5 starts for todays elote salad! It was todays special and Wow that should be on the regular menu. The chicken was cooked to perfection, the elote on top was perfect. And the dressing was also fantastic. Staff here is always so friendly- remember your name and treat you with a smile. read more

Great place to have breakfast/lunch. Food are handled with outmost care and it is delicious. Always check the specials, because it is different everyday. My faves are the breakfast bagels, burritos and portobello omelette and for coffee Vietnamese and Aztec. Ice tea is also great! I recommend this place if your ever in the Emergency room or in the hospital Update: Still as awesome as ever and still going strong. The staffs are really friendly, Jr, Tony and Judith are the best. read more

This is my go to place to grab a bite near my work. I love that they have an online ordering system where you don't have to wait to get your food and can come grab it when it's convenient for you. Their prices are a little high in my opinion. I love their Chipotle chicken bowl and get that most often but I have been exploring their daily specials which are really great. Their chimichanga is my absolute favorite because it's a huge burrito but doesn't make me feel like crappy after I consume it. The employees are always really friendly and helpful. I will continue to eat at Pacific cafe catering read more

Pacific Cafe & Catering - Chimichanga burrito-one of my favs! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - La Jolla, California

Food ok. The service is terrible. Got 10 orders out that came in after me and when I asked them for my order they were clueless l when I finally got it they didn't even apologize. I tried to prompt an apology and said you know an apology would go along way! Not even then. So if you want to wait a half hour for mediocre food and horrible service you will love this place. read more

Pacific Cafe & Catering is a nice addition to the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute (ACTRI). Located on the first floor, just west of the main entrance, Pacific offers a nice variety of breakfast, lunch, and beverage options, including vegetarian fare. Thus far, the Penne a al Broccoli has been my favorite. I was happy to discover that it comes with a delicious roll! If you are in a hurry, you can also place your order online and pick it up. Their prices are reasonable and the service is pleasant. My only complaint is that they don't seem to have their clean up (i.e., busing) situation figured out just yet, especially when it gets busy. I've noticed a lot of used plates pile up near the trash area, making the place seem a little dirty and could diminish someone's appetite -- not exactly what you want to see right before lunch, or worst, while you're eating! read more

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If you are close to Thornton or Jacobs Hospital or Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center and you want to try something else besides Thornton Hospitals cafeteria try Pacific Cafe. It's so good. Everything I've ever tried here has been delicious. I've been here in the hospital with my mom for 2 months now so being referred to this place by an ICU nurse a few weeks ago was awesome. It's located in the building directly in front of Thornton Hospitals Emergency Room (Altman Clinical and Translational Research Center) on the first floor. DELICIOSO! read more

Pacific Cafe & Catering - Coffee & Tea Near Me - La Jolla, California

Horrible horrible I've eaten there a few times now and it's the same every time DISAPPOINTING Don't order the chorizo burrito it's filled with potatoes and plain scrabbled eggs with a small amount of chorizo and the salsa is maybe worse plain canned tomatoes put in a blender nothing spicy or fresh about it and to top it off it's wayyyy overpriced read more

Wonderful quality meals at very affordable prices. Only place I eat at when I come to this county.

Be prepared to wait. I was going into work and decided to preorder my food at 1229. It said pick up at 1249 which would give me enough time to grab my food and go clock into work by 1pm. It was a mad house and I saw them put my order on at 1255. I couldnt wait or Id be late for work. If the order had said pick up after 1 I would have cancelled. I get its busy but please give realistic times because I paid money for no food. Food looked good thou read more

If I could give them negative stars I would. They ran out of a major ingredient for one of the specials and sold it anyway. I was hungry and bought it anyway. They charged full price for something really awful and it came with cold French fries. Just to make it that much worse. No I'm sorry, no reduced price nothing. They need a massive overhaul of their customer service training. read more

Okay, anyone who gives this place anything less than five stars has ridiculously unreasonable entitlement. You're in a medical center setting. I've worked in such settings for more than 30 years, and this is the best such food service I've ever had. Large menu with great variety and good prices. Pizza, egg salad sandwiches, burritos, salads, soups, wraps, full coffee and tea bar, smoothies... I could go on forever. Healthy and less healthy options. And everything is tasty and high quality. Nice tables inside and a beautiful patio outside with a view. The staff are friendly and attentive. They remember your name and whether you wanted mustard on your deli sandwich the last time. I eat here almost every day and never run out of great options. I genuinely am happier to be at work knowing I'll get something great at the Pacific Cafe. Maybe a chipotle chicken rice bowl for lunch and a London Fog tea in the afternoon. Or maybe a Mexican mocha. Seriously, give these people raises. Best cafe ever! read more

How in the world is this place SO GOOD?!?!? I guess I've come to expect pretty mediocre food in medical buildings, which is why I'm extremely delighted with Pacific Cafe. Fantastic quality and stellar customer service. I've tried almost everything on the menu, and I have no complaints whatsoever. Specifically though, I would recommend the wraps. You won't be disappointed! read more

Best food and coffee in the area. Everything is always fresh and home made. Love their coffee and salads!

The staff at this Cafe goes above and beyond for their customers! If the food is of the same caliber as their Customer Service, than they deserve more than 5 stars! My mom asked me for something that they offer, but only on special. The Staff was wonderful, and even tho that particular item was not the Special, they prepared it anyhow! My mom said it tasted very good, which is huge considering nothing has been tasting good to her! Thank you so much!!! read more

I visit this cafe daily and is never a disappointed! All the staff are very nice and courteous. Food is fresh and always great the cooks and staff Judith, Antonio, Tony, David, Jr. are always a pleasure to see! I highly recommend this cafe! Thank you and keep up the great work! read more

The go-to at UCSD. Great location. it gets busy around lunch time. Menu is pretty good too. They got coffee and cookies.

As a Ucsd staff member this is quite impressive. Awesome staff, huge menu, fresh delicious options. So nice to have this as an alternative to the cafeteria. read more

Stopped by this cafe, enjoyed a delicious veggie flatbread and a salad. The food is excellent, the service superb, and the overall atmosphere is calm and relaxing. A very enjoyable experience overall. read more