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    Sugar and Scribe

    4.3 (3.1k reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 2:30 pm

    Sugar and Scribe Photos

    Business Info

    SUGAR AND SCRIBE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Sugar and Scribe

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    Meat burrito with potatoes.
    Gada F.

    Aesthetically beautiful nestled in the heart of LA JOLLA. It's very dreamy and perfect for a morning breakfast. The food was phenomenal and the service was great.

    Blueberry Pancakes
    Christine S.

    Sugar & Scribe is a charming brunch spot in the heart of La Jolla with a cozy atmosphere and friendly service. I ordered the Morning Glow Skillet with added flank steak, and it was flavorful and satisfying. The sweet potato hash paired well with the perfectly cooked eggs, and the steak was tender. I also enjoyed the Cupcake Latte, which was fun, sweet, and topped with whipped cream and edible glitter. We ended our meal by sharing the Blueberry Pancake, and it was the highlight. It was light, fluffy, and topped with fresh blueberries, blueberry compote, white chocolate mousse, and a touch of edible glitter. The only reason for four stars is the higher prices and the wait during busy brunch hours. Overall, it's a great spot for a special brunch.

    Apple pie
    Marcia R.

    This was are first time here, a big line it took a bit to wait to put our name Then it was 20 min wait by phone So we walk around and found a cute shop We walked back and we were the next after the people ahead of. We were sat up stairs and very cute inside Very floral with velvet chairs very cute and good service too. Food was a kickin Karina burrito And I had the loaded blueberry oats I enjoyed chai, almonds & blueberries with a big bowl loaded. We enjoyed the food But this was when it changed As I was waiting in line for the restroom I'm watching 2 girls making drinks One of them dropped a cap on the floor and picked it up and put it back on the bottle without washing it and acted like it was fine I looked at the floor it was dirty!!!!!! I couldn't believe what I saw. I was glad I didn't order a coffee or champagne It was a whip cream metal cap that was on the floor

    Stephanie S.

    What a fantastic gem in La Jolla just outside of San Diego. The brunch was superb. The service was excellent and the decor was so whimsical and fun. We enjoyed a meal with family catching up after a couple years, we were not rushed, the seating was comfortable and the food selection was excellent. It was hard to make a decision for my meal because everything sounded good with a fun twist. Lots of sparkles, glitter, flavor and fun. Don't skip out on the bakery items on your way out. The cookie selection was delicious. Try the pistachio cloud coffee it was delicious.

    Had the most delicious lobster eggs Benedict and Lemon Curd Pancakes with blueberries.
    Olga M.

    We enjoyed our brunch at Sugar and Scribe in La Jolla, CA. This was my second time dining at this restaurant and was as delicious as the first time. Chef Maeve Rochford, the owner of Sugar & Scribe won Season 2 of Food Network's Holiday Baking Championship. She is also known for competing on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay and Kids Baking Championship. We recommend trying the following: *Butter Poached Lobster Benedict with Poached eggs, Maine Lobster, Arugula, Parsley hollandaise with side of potatoes and bacon. *Blueberry Love Pancakes with blueberry compote, snow sugar and white chocolate mousse. Both orders were excellent 5/5 stars. I tried the Horchata Latte but couldn't really taste the horchata and wasn't sweet enough for me. I wouldn't order this latte again, but maybe y'all would enjoy the flavor better. The restaurant has outdoor seating with heating lamps and welcomes well behaved dogs in their outdoor patio. We had excellent customer service and look forward to coming back! Give this place a try! Happy Yelping :)

    Blueberry Pancakes
    Gale R.

    Great coffee drinks to choose from. We really like the ginger coffee. If there's a way, there's some great pastries to choose from me. Really enjoyed the rhubarb as well as the Berry pastry. Favorite breakfast where the goat cheese and mushroom toast and their famous blueberry pancakes. Breakfast burrito was fairly ordinary. The meat could've been more tender.. The lobster eggs Benedict was a little too rich for me and the quality of the lobster could've been better. Service was great and friendly Ambience is charming.

    Big Bad Bird Biscuit and Gravy
    Calie K.

    A Pretty Place That's Lost Some of Its Magic Sugar & Scribe has always been my go-to spot when my dad visits. The ambiance is genuinely stunning, with beautiful details and photo ops around every corner. It photographs like a dream and the vibe is unmatched for impressing out-of-towners. This time I finally brought my husband along for his first visit, and unfortunately the timing wasn't ideal. The menu had a major overhaul a couple of weeks prior, and while some familiar favorites remain, most of the dishes are new and the execution felt like it was still finding its footing. My usual blueberry pancakes were a disappointment: sparse toppings and slightly burnt edges on cakes that are usually a highlight. Their signature lattes are still delicious, though I always wish the size was a bit more generous for the price. My husband ordered the Big Bad Bird, which came out impressively large. So large, in fact, that we later discovered the waiter had accidentally added extra chicken to the order (which showed up on the bill). We can't fairly judge the normal portion, but he did note the hot honey flavor didn't quite deliver on the promise of its name. Bottom line: Sugar & Scribe is still a fantastic experience destination. Bring your visitors, snap your photos, order a latte, and soak in the atmosphere.

    Bagel and cream cheese
    Cheryl K.

    Good, but not as good as I remember. The pancakes were good, I just wish I would've ordered the plain ones instead of the Blueberry Love ones. The Blueberry Love pancakes are more for kids I think. I don't like the presentation of the blueberry pancakes in the skillet. I think it takes away from how special they are.

    Stephanie N.

    What an adorable spot to eat! It's definitely a place I'd take my girlfriends or nieces to. The whole restaurant is decorated with flowers from the inside out, it feels so girly and whimsical. Inside, they even have a mini shop filled with cutesy items my niece would probably beg me to buy. We were seated outside on the patio on a beautiful day. My childhood best friend and I decided to order several dishes to share: Spicy Shakshuka Skillet - I rarely see this dish on menus, so I had to try it. It wasn't very spicy, but it was still delicious, especially with their sourdough bread. Wild Mushroom Truffle Toast - I really enjoyed this, but I was a little disappointed that I couldn't detect much truffle flavor. Blueberry Love Pancakes - Yum! We both scarfed these down. The pancakes were light, fluffy, and not overly sweet. Service was wonderful, such a friendly, helpful staff with warm smiles. I'm looking forward to coming back to try the chilaquiles next time!

    Blazin' Chilaquiles Skillet
    Samantha C.

    Delicious food! I would definitely stop by again next time I'm in San Diego. Their drinks were also great. I love a good place that looks aesthetic and is also delicious.

    Shakshuka and Blueberry Love Pancakes ... chefs kiss
    Natalia D.

    There's a reason why the Blueberry Love pancakes are plastered all over their pictures on Yelp; they are phenomenal. The Shakshuka was also very delicious, and had a nice little kick, but not at all overpowering the other flavors in the dish. We (party of 2) were seated within 25 mins on a busy Sunday morning, and were lucky to be seated inside. I had no idea how stylish and chic it was until we walked in! I was in awe by all the cute, and fun decor. We are incredibly lucky to have such awesome places like this in San Diego! Can't wait for my return :)

    Horchata latte
    Toni R.

    I have had to have been to this place atleast 20 times and it's always a must when in La Jolla. I was so excited for my visit today, but I was so disappointed when I sat down and realized that the menu had to completely changed. Both the things that I really liked were no longer offered. I ordered the birria skillet isn't still wanting to try it and hoping for the best and was extremely disappointed. It was more stew chucks of meat then birria and didn't have any sauce to incorporate everything is, leaving it pretty bland. The server let us know that the menu changed about two months ago and that a lot of the great items were taken off the menu. I'm not sure why this happened but it may have been a mistake. Now for the good, as always service was great and it's the cutest little restaurant. Everyone is always so warm and welcoming and happy to have you. I ordered the horchata latte which was amazing as always, and we got a s'mores hot chocolate which was always wonderful. The peach waffles were very yummy as well reminding me of peach cobbler! I will never give up on this place but hoping the can revert the menu to what it once was! Bring back the naughty skillet

    Pistachio latte and  matcha
    Erika P.

    10/10 complaints--everything was great! The food was delicious, the coffee was amazing, and the service was excellent. The only downside was how crowded the seating felt. It was pretty tight, like I was dining with the people behind, next to, and in front of me. Other than that, I loved everything. They have a huge selection of coffee, plus matcha and other drinks. The food menu also has tons of options. My best friend recommended the chilaquiles, and they did not disappoint at all. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and I would definitely come back. Go check them out--you can thank me later!

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    Sugar and Scribe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sugar and Scribe

    Do you take reservations?

    From my past experience....no, they do not. You usually have to put your name on a waitlist and your entire party has to be present before getting sat.

    What is the parking situation like?

    Tight. The Lot gets full and street parking is almost nonexistent.

    Is there less of a wait closer to noon than 10 on a weekend or is it about the same?

    The wait is the same! And if the wait is longer than when they anticipate closing, they won't put you on the list.

    Is it kid friendly ? Do they have high chairs for kiddos?

    Yes they're totally kid ready and very nice about it

    Do you serve, gluten-free pancakes, waffles, or gluten-free French toast?

    They unfortunately do not, however they do have a gluten free chocolate muffin and other gluten free options on the menu!

    Is it dog friendly?

    Extremely’ we absolutely love dogs!!

    Do they they have gluten free options in the bakery?

    Yes!

    Do they take reservations?

    It's first come first serve

    Do you have gluten free bread?

    Yes

    Is the bbq in the naughty skillet sweet?

    No, it's definitely more savory and a little spicy. Nothing too crazy though.

    Any gluten free bakery items?

    Yes! They have gluten free bread

    Are there cronuts here?

    Yes

    Is this place good to study at?

    I would say no, you are better off studying at the living room.

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    Parisien Gourmandises

    Parisien Gourmandises

    4.5
    (371 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    When people talk about the magic of La Jolla Village, this is exactly what they mean. Nestled among…read morethe walkable, sun-drenched streets lined with palm trees and ocean breezes, this boutique café captures that rare blend of upscale SoCal charm and effortless European sophistication. It's an absolute staple of what makes exploring the Village so special. Walking through the front entrance, you're greeted by a curated retail space that feels like Crate & Barrel met a boutique shop in the heart of Paris. It's packed with unique home goods, chic trinkets, and aesthetic lifestyle items. Be sure to wander all the way to the back shelves--there are so many hidden gems worth taking home! The staff upfront and on the floor were incredibly warm, welcoming, and happy to chat while you browse. As you head toward the back, the space opens up into a dream of a café. One of the cutest touches is being able to actually watch the bakers rolling out fresh dough and crafting pastries right before your eyes. The smell of rich espresso and buttery pastry crust filling the air is irresistible. I grabbed a coffee and a fresh pastry, waited a short bit for a table on the patio, and pulled out my journal. Listening to the ambient music and ocean breeze in the courtyard while writing was pure heaven. Whether you're stopping in to shop for home decor, grab a top-tier espresso, or just soak in the slow, luxurious rhythm of La Jolla, this place is perfection.

    Why??? Why did I not know about this patisserie? It is like walking down the street in Paris from…read moreour Airbnb and grabbing a bite to eat. This is an amazing bakery, the desserts were out of this world, and the savory tarts were even better. I am not going to even tell you which ones we bought, because honestly you need to just walk in here, look at which one fills your eyes with joy and buy that one. They are all delicious. Beautiful to for all your senses. Now I will have to find the quickest route of Ramona to La Jolla, just to enjoy these delicacies more often.

    Photos
    Towards the back June 25, 2025
    Towards the back June 25, 2025
    Awesome coffees and a $10 tiny stick eclair.
    Awesome coffees and a $10 tiny stick eclair.
    Outside

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    Outside
    Il Giardino di Lilli

    Il Giardino di Lilli

    4.5
    (432 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Il Giardino di Lilli is such a cute bakery/coffee shop in the La Jolla area…read more My party ordered an assortment of croissants and beverages. Croissants were buttery and flaky; the jam maybe only filled 2/3 of it though. They have two water dispensers off to the side. Their water is flavored and is actually really good. I think it's more unique than their drinks lol. Very aesthetic outdoor seating. Limited indoor seating. We came on a weekday for brunch and it was pretty busy. Street parking not bad for a weekday.

    What a cute little cafe. I went on a Wednesday morning…read morearound 8 am and there were only a few people in line. Parking: a tiny bit rough since it was close to school drop off and the cafe is close to an elementary school but there are a lot of street spots and parking wasn't an issue when I left around 9 am. Food: I got the lavender agave latte. If you like your coffee strong, don't get this drink. It was good but tasted like hot sweet milk, I couldn't taste the coffee at all. Pistachio croissant: this thing is giant. And heavy. It will fill you up. The filling was thick and definitely needed a drink to help move it along. It was okay, nothing to write home about. Service: everyone was super kind and I got my drink quickly. Super sweet employees. The ambience was so nice. I loved spending some time reading my book there before work. I would not come back here again because I didn't love the coffee nor the pistachio croissant but thats okay. I'm still glad I got to give it a try.

    Photos
    Pistachio croissant
    Pistachio croissant
    Lavender latte
    Lavender latte
    Interior

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    Interior
    Magnolia Kitchen and Bakery

    Magnolia Kitchen and Bakery

    4.9
    (31 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    My husband and I LOVE the cookies from Magnolia! They are typically at the La Jolla Open Aire…read moreFarmer's Market on Sundays and so we often splurge and get half a dozen cookies to eat throughout the week. They offer a variety of unique cookie flavors along with granola. You really can't go wrong with any of the options (pretty much had them all), but our favorites are the salted brown butter chocolate chip, espresso toffee chocolate & sea salt, peanut butter brown butter butterfinger, and the s'mores. They can package up your cookies in a nice box as well or they are wrapped individually. It's hard not to eat all of the cookies in one sitting, but they do last throughout the week if you have some self control! They do offer samples and even have a frequent buyer card. Buy 12 and get one free! I've gone through probably more cards than I should, but these cookies are just that amazing! Pricing is reasonable for the quality of cookie you get. The owner, Max, and the rest of the folks that work there are super friendly and you can tell that they have a passion for baking these delicious goods. I definitely recommend checking out Magnolia!

    I am not the type of person to just buy cookies because I've been perfecting a recipe. Max makes…read moresuch amazing cookies- my favorite is the earl gray, fig jam, and almond cookie. It honestly could not be replicated so I won't even attempt to do so. Max is also such a pleasant owner. He's super nice!! Give him a follow!!

    Photos
    Assortment of our chef crafted gourmet cookies.  Pick and choose from our flavors and create your own box, perfect for gifts or shipping
    Assortment of our chef crafted gourmet cookies. Pick and choose from our flavors and create your own box, perfect for gifts or shipping
    Smores Cookie San Diego, Best Cookies San Diego, Best Cookies La Jolla, Dessert Catering, Unique Desserts, Office Lunch Catering, Chocolate
    Smores Cookie San Diego, Best Cookies San Diego, Best Cookies La Jolla, Dessert Catering, Unique Desserts, Office Lunch Catering, Chocolate
    Gourmet Cookies San Diego, Gourmet Cookie Catering, Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Cookie, Smores Cookie, Office Lunch Catering, Best Cookies

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    Gourmet Cookies San Diego, Gourmet Cookie Catering, Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Cookie, Smores Cookie, Office Lunch Catering, Best Cookies
    Michele Coulon Dessertier

    Michele Coulon Dessertier

    4.3
    (250 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    The Aileen gateau is The best cake ever I've had. I wish I could order a cake every month…read more My mouth waters, at the even the thought.

    One of life's joys is to celebrate another birthday with cake, yes CAKE! I like cake, not all cakes…read moreare alike. Specifically, a white or yellow fluffy bread with light not sugary sweet icing and a light vanilla custard filling with multiple berries...this cake has many names and I found some of the best at Tutto Bene Beverly Hills, Sweet Lady Jane Beverly Hills and sometimes at WholeFoods all named differently. When I saw some posted pics of this cake from this shop, I was so excited to try it. This is a very small shop with only one table inside and a few more in the outdoor patio. For reference, this cake shop is across from Pavilions in La Jolla, where I parked and grocery shopped before crossing the street to this cake shop. Upon entry I saw their version: Gateau Aileen. 'Gateau' is french for cake and Aileen is someone's name. I ordered a slice togo. The female staff behind the counter was helpful and friendly. The display case also had macarons and lots of other enticing desserts, and a small shelf of wines and sparkling wines. With excitement and anticipation, I headed home immediately and plated my slice on my fancy porcelain dish. After the first bite, I was shocked with disappointment to realized this is NOT the one, Not even close to other versions I've had. Apparently, this cake looked better than it tasted, and it tasted horribly bad, possibly the cake passed its expiration date, because ups on closer inspections, the strawberries on top looked over ripen. Good thing I didn't order a whole cake, but I hate spending any $$ on anything I can't enjoy. Perhaps is was just an off day at this bakery. Sadly, whoever Aileen is should not be associated with this awful tasting thing they call Gateau Aileen is cake NOT worthy of your Royal tastebuds. Sorry, NOT Sorry, Cannot Recommend

    Photos
    Black and white cake
    Black and white cake
    Michele Coulon Dessertier
    Soup and sandwich

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    Soup and sandwich
    The French Gourmet

    The French Gourmet

    4.1
    (1.1k reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    Literally, no one makes a croissant as good as this place. Their plain croissants are simply…read moredivine. Flaky buttery soft it's like crunch on the outside. When I eat that, I prefer to takeoff the hard layers and then savor the yummy middle separately. It's a whole experience! Well, I originally came for the croissant. I also ordered some Too Good To Go bags to see about testing other things out. To my surprise, there were some savory croissants bread and Napoleon's. I always assume Napoleon's were overrated and then I got to try this and thought wow I get why they make these now.

    We were excited to use this bakery for our wedding after tasting their sample flavors--they were…read moredelicious, and we left feeling confident in our choice. Unfortunately, the actual wedding cake was a major disappointment. We ordered a classic/simple two-tier cake, but when it was picked up, it arrived disassembled with plastic separating the tiers which clearly showed when it was assembled, making it appear cheap. It didn't feel like the polished presentation we expected for a wedding cake. The venue staff had to place the top tier themselves, and because it wasn't properly secured, it nearly fell off during our cake cutting in front of our guests. We were under the impression that wedding cakes were a standard part of their business, but based on our experience, I wouldn't recommend them for weddings or other special occasions when a polished product is expected. I truly wish our experience had matched how great the tasting was. I haven't gone to this bakery for anything else so based on my experience with this cake I'm giving it 3 stars.

    Photos
    Tasted okay, but didn't look as expected - fondant was VERY wet-looking (not planned that way), icing was VERY sloppily applied.
    Tasted okay, but didn't look as expected - fondant was VERY wet-looking (not planned that way), icing was VERY sloppily applied.
    The French Gourmet in Pacific Beach
    The French Gourmet in Pacific Beach
    It's always a delicious day at The French Gourmet

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    It's always a delicious day at The French Gourmet

    Sugar and Scribe - bakeries - Updated August 2026

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