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Welcome to Cafe 21 University Heights

Cafe 21 University Heights is a vibrant, women-owned brunch spot in San Diego that offers a unique dining experience. With a focus on New American cuisine, their menu includes innovative dishes like Grilled Pear Salad, Albacore Poke Plate, and Roast Pork Porterhouse. The restaurant caters to various dietary preferences with vegan and vegetarian options available. The cozy ambiance and creative dishes, such as the Strawberry Salad and Mushroom Tart, make Cafe 21 a standout destination for a delicious and memorable meal. Whether you're looking for a casual brunch or a special dinner, the diverse menu and welcoming atmosphere at Cafe 21 University Heights are sure to impress.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to Cafe 21 University Heights, a delightful New American restaurant located at 2736 Adams Ave in San Diego, CA! This charming eatery is known for its diverse menu offerings, including breakfast and brunch options that cater to a variety of dietary preferences.

At Cafe 21 University Heights, you can enjoy a range of small plates, such as the Albacore Poke Plate with ginger and avocado, or the Mushroom Tart Plate with quinoa and pecorino cheese crust. For larger appetites, indulge in the Roast Pork Porterhouse or the Slow Braised Short Rib, both hormone-free and free-range options.

Customer reviews rave about the vibrant and inviting atmosphere of Cafe 21, making it a perfect spot for a casual brunch with family or a date. Dishes like the potato pancake, grilled pear salad, and Kobe beef burgers have been fan favorites, offering bright and exciting flavors.

While portions may be on the smaller side, the innovative menu and high-quality ingredients make dining at Cafe 21 University Heights a truly satisfying experience. Whether you're a fan of Mediterranean flavors, vegan options, or gluten-free dishes, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this unique gem of a restaurant.

Experience the culinary wizardry of Cafe 21 University Heights for yourself and treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure unlike any other!

START YOUR REVIEW OF Cafe 21 University Heights
Justine H.
Justine H.

After a stroll down Adam's avenue, my group of five came for a Sunday brunch and luckily only had to wait 25 minutes. They definitely do not have a lot of seating to offer, nor parking, but this would be perfect for couples sitting at the bar. I loved the Mediterranean dishes they offered and am a big fan of lamb so I loved the shrimp corn cake, lamb crumpet, and potato pancakes. The flavors are all so bright and exciting! The inside decor is also very fun and unique with busts as the cocktail glasses. Though I enjoyed the food, the portions are pretty small and seem to be more of small plates to share rather than one complete dish for each individual. I would come back for myself but it could get expensive for a large group trying to share multiplied plates.

Jenna C.
Jenna C.

Cafe 21 has a vibrant and inviting atmosphere; good for a casual brunch with the family or a date. The menu is impressive. It features a diverse selection of dishes that cater to various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options. The food was good quality and is apparently locally sourced. I loved the innovative menu and creativity they come up with in the dishes. If you're looking to explore brunch items, I would come here for something fun and fresh! Just keep in mind it does come to be on the more expensive side and the wait can be long. Overall, Cafe 21 delivers a satisfying dining experience with quality food and a welcoming vibe. I look forward to returning and trying more of their dishes!

Stephanie V.
Stephanie V.

This place was very nice The food was good Great costumer service The only problem I had was the excessive amount of flies. I could barely eat because there were so many flies. It was terrible, I was scared they'll go in my mouth.

Halle J.
Halle J.

This place was so unexpectedly cute! Even from the outside which is gated with plants, causes people to stop and peek in. It's mostly outside but "outside" is heavily decorated with a canopy, plants and walls so there's a lot of privacy from the busy outside street. There is a small inside but if you're group is 4+ you'll be outside! I ordered the eggplant crumpet which was so flavorful- not just veggies on bread. So well seasoned too! It's a perfect size for a quick one person brunch. I also got the trained dragon latte which looks more like a cocktail- the presentation is stunning. The drink itself was delicious too if you're a rose syrup fan! Note: it is $10 buttttt most coffees now a days are at least $7 so $3more for this fancied up one wasn't a deal breaker for me and I didn't leave disappointed I saw so many good looking plates go by with fresh fruit that I want to try next time. I came alone but this is definitely a good spot to bring friends/relatives/dates and if you go early reservations are probably recommended. I came around 130pm (they close at 3pm) on a Saturday and there were seats available!

Charlotte B.
Charlotte B.

I've been here one other time and we had some out of town friends and we wanted to take them to a good brunch spot. I remember really liking the Dutch pancakes and coffee. I really like the ambiance and the covered outside area as it has character. I ordered the iced vanilla latte and I like the garnishes of flower petals, rosemary and a dried orange slice. It tasted very good and had the perfect amount of sweetness. The server that brought it recommended stirring it together to get the best flavors. The Dutch pancake was sweet, but the texture and flavors were still great. I loved the caramel, banana and blueberries on it. The short rib omelette came in a skillet and the eggs were cooked well and the short rib and peppers were very good too. The crumpet had an odd texture and I personally didn't like the flavor and it tasted old. Our service was very good. The crepes and Dutch pancake came out after the other 2 entrees and the waiter said he would give us a discount because of the delay. After our meal, he brought us a complimentary bread pudding as well because of the delay. The waiter was very attentive although he was busy so it was very kind of him to be aware of our food coming out at different times. He was friendly and helpful and we really appreciated him! Overall everything was great and we had a really good experience. Street parking can be harder.

Brenda C.
Brenda C.

Came across this place with a few friends for brunch. They offer some tasty drinks and food. My Highlight/ what you must try is their potato pancake- so bomb! And their strawberry crepes are full of sweetness- so yummy! Service was nice. Parking: small parking lot/ street parking available.

Sky T.
Sky T.

Nice brunch spot that has friendly service and good food. Drinks are done well and really enjoyed the Watermelon and Espresso Martini. The Roasted Eggplant Crumpet was yummy with an egg on top. The Tiramisu Pancakes could have been a bit more decadent, but the aromatics were all there. For the Short Rib Omelette, enjoyed the portion of it and was plated in a cute skillet. Overall, a cozy and relaxed place!

Hailey C.
Hailey C.

Brunch spot with great ambiance and l very nicely decorated. Plenty of outdoor patio seating. The dishes are brunch tapas style and incorporate flavors from Azerbaijan. Definitely a unique gem! Service is also quick! Plenty of street parking and there is also a small lot

Leyla A.
Leyla A.

Cafe21 offers a truly unparalleled culinary adventure in San Diego! This restaurant boasts a remarkable array of unique dishes crafted with a creative flair that delights both the palate and the eye. In my opinion, the chef here is a true culinary wizard. During a Friday lunch visit with a large party, we were treated to exceptional customer service, with attentive staff offering fantastic recommendations. The menu primarily features small plates, but the portions are so satisfying that you'll leave feeling wonderfully full. Among the things I tried here were the Mediterranean rice with lamb, tiramisu pancakes, and delightful strawberry crepes with mascarpone creme. The lamb rice was very tender, flavorful and melts in your mouth. The crepes are heavenly and tiramisu pancakes - can't go wrong with that! Additionally, the menu showcases an extensive selection of coffees, some with innovative twists like dried fruits and spices. Cafe21 is a cherished family-run establishment that continues to thrive thanks to its dedicated team, committed to ensuring every visit is a memorable one. Believe me when I say, you simply must experience Cafe21 for yourself!

Brian L.
Brian L.

The staff here is super friendly! I did not catch our waiters name but he was extremely attentive and kept giving us recommendations. Waiting to get sat was a little awkward though. A line developed while everyone waited for a hostess to show up. Other waiters would walk by and not acknowledge anyone at the entrance. We stood around for about 10 minutes before the hostess finally showed up to take names down. Luckily the wait wasn't long after that. The food here is great, just be aware that portions are very small. All sides must be purchased separately. I ordered an iced vanilla latte with coconut milk, which I would not order again as is. I'd rate it around a 4/10. It was presented beautifully, but it tasted off. It could be the coconut milk, I'd try it next time with regular milk. For my entree I ordered the chicken pesto sandwich with a side of the potato pancakes and they were both outstanding. The sandwiches are probably the best food to dollar ratio. The rest of the table regretted not getting a sandwich when they saw how small their portions were, as it was a sizable sandwich cut in half. The potato pancake was just one single pancake with a side of salsa. The salsa alone was 10/10. I even dipped my sandwich in it. I'm coming back just for the potato pancakes and that salsa. I'd rate the sandwich a 7/10 and the potato pancakes a 9/10. The restaurant itself is really cute. A majority of the tables were outdoors in a covered patio. Unfortunately there's some gaps between the weatherproofing covering the patio, and with the rain today we would get pretty wet when a strong gust of wind came through. I do hope they could fix that, as it made the overall experience less enjoyable. They were super busy and it's not like they had room to move us to another table, so we stayed where we were. I'd love to come back on a nice sunny day. It seems like the perfect spot for a late morning date or a boozy brunch with friends!