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Cafe 21 University Heights, San Diego, CA

Cafe 21 University Heights

4.6
4.6
217 Reviews
$30 and under
International

About this restaurant

Located in the heart of the University District at Adams Avenue and Idaho Street, Cafe 21 is one of the most innovative restaurants in San Diego, we are committed to changing the way our guests think about food. Everything we do is made from scratch and with love, which is one of the many reasons we are referred to as Nature’s Kitchen. From our yeast-free signature breads to our fruit-infused sangrias, something is always cooking at Cafe 21. Committed to sustainability and a true farm-to-table experience, we work with the best ingredients from locally grown produce, hormone-free grass fed meat, wild seafood, and antibiotic free Mary’s chicken. With an eclectic and unique menu offering, we accommodate all dietary restrictions ranging from gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan. We’re serving up brunch, dinner and a complete line of craft cocktails, an unforgettable experience awaits you at Cafe 21!

Not bookable

This restaurant is temporarily offline. Please contact the restaurant directly or check back shortly for availability.

Order delivery or takeout

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    International, Californian
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Thu–Sun 08:00–15:00
  • Phone number
    (619) 640-2121
  • Website
    https://www.cafe-21.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Chef Leyla
  • Catering
    We're a family-owned restaurant bringing you tasty catering for events, corporate affairs, and much more. We provide our customers with great food and fabulous service. So whether you need catering service for a family reunion or you're looking for corporate caterers, Cafe 21 is ready to serve you. Call today to learn more about our mouth-watering menu and our top-quality service!
  • Location
    2736 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
  • Area
    North Park
  • Cross Street
    Idaho
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 217 people are saying

Cafe 21 University Heights reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

217 Reviews

  1. Kateryna

    San Francisco9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 5 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We set outdoors, ordered brunch. Omg, everything was amazing! Food, coffee, presentation, and service. 10/10! Place where you want to keep come back again

    Is this helpful?

  2. Xxxx

    Jacksonville2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 29 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Jason is spectacular, don’t know if the star of the show is the Dutch pancake, the short rib crepe or Jason <3

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  3. jellen VIP

    Palm Springs23 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 30 December 2015

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    always a wonderful place to go, great food and ambience -- the service was a little slower this time

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  4. MarianG VIP

    San Diego4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 12 December 2015

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    My husband and I love this place. I'm vegetarian, he's not, and it's such a pleasure for both of us to have so much to choose from. The service is attentive without being cloying, and the drink options are creative. My only complaint is that the dining area is so small -- Cafe 21 is a victim of its own success, it's so crowded. But well worth it. We'll definitely go back.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego9 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 21 November 2015

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was excellent and though the servers were super friendly and accommodating, our food took FOREVER to arrive. We actually couldn't eat and had to take it to go because we had to make a show. We had allowed 2 hours and it wasn't enough... Give yourself PLENTY of time and don't be in a hurry to get anywhere if you are going for dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Photoman

    San Diego41 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 15 November 2015

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything is very good and usually excellent. I have never had complaints. It is a great neighborhood place...go there often and try new thing...some appeal to me more than others but you will not get anything less than Very good!

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  7. LivetoEat

    Orange County3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 7 November 2015

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food, service and hospitality were exceptional. The staff were all attentive to our experience. They were friendly and chatty but not intrusive. The food is what brought us in and it was everything we hoped for. No leftovers to take with us but only because the servings were just the right size to stuff ourselves comfortably. The only interference with a perfect evening and dining experience was the diner next to us who spoke too loudly for such an intimate patio. we ended up moving inside. Yes, we will be back!

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  8. JamesMackayJMM

    San Diego166 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 3 November 2015

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A regular restaurant for us and always top notch - brilliant in every way - we will keep going back again and again :)

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  9. Sandiegojeff

    San Diego6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 24 October 2015

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very unique and delicious menu. Place was busy but service was great and we never felt rushed to finish so our table could be turned over. We went for dinner and will definitely go back but we also want to try their brunch. Very nice find in university heights.

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  10. Greg VIP

    San Diego27 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 15 October 2015

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfect for a date night like it was for us. And great with friend for brunch like we did a few days before. I've only lived in San Diego 4 days and have been there twice. I see going there many more times

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Cafe 21 University Heights offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 640-2121.

Cafe 21 University Heights is rated 4.6 stars by 217 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Not bookable

This restaurant is temporarily offline. Please contact the restaurant directly or check back shortly for availability.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Cafe 21 University Heights

2736 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Idaho
  • Area
    North Park
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Thu–Sun 08:00–15:00
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    International, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Chef Leyla
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    https://www.cafe-21.com/
  • Phone number
    (619) 640-2121
  • Catering
    We're a family-owned restaurant bringing you tasty catering for events, corporate affairs, and much more. We provide our customers with great food and fabulous service. So whether you need catering service for a family reunion or you're looking for corporate caterers, Cafe 21 is ready to serve you. Call today to learn more about our mouth-watering menu and our top-quality service!
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