Cafe 21 Gaslamp

4.2

537 Reviews

$30 and under

International

Innovative
Great for brunch
Healthy

Cafe 21 Gaslamp is a farm-to-table restaurant that provides live music entertainment every evening in downtown San Diego's Gaslamp district.

As 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. With an eclectic and unique menu offering, Cafe 21 can can accommodate guests with dietary restrictions or are in need of an allergy-friendly restaurant in downtown San Diego's Gaslamp. We work with the best ingredients from locally grown produce, hormone-free grass fed meat, wild seafood, and antibiotic free Mary's chicken.

We are constantly concocting new and exciting drinks at our craft cocktail bar, which is just part of the mastery of Nature's Kitchen. From our yeast-free signature breads to our fruit-infused sangrias, something is always cooking in Cafe 21.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
International, Mediterranean, Seafood
Hours of operation
Brunch Daily 8:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 795-0721
Website
http://www.cafe-21.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Chef Leyla
Catering
From simple food delivery to a fully catered event with decor, staff, entertainment, as well as setup and breakdown. Cafe 21 will create the custom experience you need for your next event! Let us connect you with all the beauty that our earth provides and awaken your palette with our superior food artistry and handcrafted cocktails. Be ready to experience Nature’s Kitchen as interpreted by our revered and most inventive Chef Leyla.
Private party facilities
With unrivaled decor and ambience, you can't help but be enchanted by the charm that surrounds you at Cafe 21. From either Gaslamp or University Heights, your next event will be unique and unforgettable, with an alluring atmosphere where old world meets new. With two venues to choose from, we have the perfect space for your next event and can host groups ranging between 10 to 200 guests. Email us at events@cafe-21.com for more information!
Private party contact
Billy Boston: (619) 795-0721

Location
802 5th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Neighborhood
Downtown
Cross street
Corner of 5th Ave. and F St.
Parking details
We are located in the heart of Gaslamp, corner of 5th Ave. and F St. We provide discounted parking, 2 options that are within walking distance of Cafe 21. Horton Plaza ($8), 4th Ave. and F St., or Premium Valet ($10), front of Keating Hotel on 5th Ave. and F St. Present your parking voucher to your C21 server to receive your discounted validation.
Entertainment
A night of live music, ambience, and amazing food and drinks awaits you at Cafe 21. Live music every night of the week with the best local artists San Diego has to offer. Visit cafe-21.com/events/ to check out our live music and events schedule.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Classic Pancakes$7.00
Raspberry + Kiwi, Maple Syrup, Fruit Gluten Free Pancakes Available Upon Request!!!
Tiramisu Pancakes$8.00
Espresso Maple Syrup, Mascarpone Cream, Chocolate, Cocoa
Bananas Foster Dutch Pancake$8.00
Caramel, Banana, Powdered Sugar
C21 French Toast$11.00
Thick-Cut Organic Sourdough Brioche, Raspberry + Kiwi, Fruit

Eggs + More

Salmon Diamonds$15.00
Spinach Omelet, Beet-Cured Salmon, Avocado, Feta, Mozzarella | Egg whites +$4
Tomatoes + Eggs$14.00
Tomatoes, Eggs, Goat Cheese, Sourdough
Vegetarian Power Bowl$12.00
Green Bean, Tomato, Onion + Egg Scramble, Zucchini Salad, Taro Hash, Avocado Mousse | no substitutions please
Lamb Kufta Omelet$15.00
Bell Pepper, Tomato, Mozzarella, Goat Cheese | choice of 1 side
Short Rib Omelet$15.00
Bell Pepper, Onion, Blue Cheese | choice of 1 side
Feta Omelet$13.00
Spinach, Pesto, Mozzarella, Feta | choice of 1 side
Lavash Burrito$14.00
Eggs, Yam, Potatoes, Onion, Cheddar Cheese, Ajika

Sandwiches

Monte Cristo$14.00
Egg-battered Challah Bread, Turkey, Fontina Cheese Choose Sweet Or Spicy
Chicken or Shrimp Pesto$14.00
Chicken or Shrimp, Tomato, Onion, Avocado, Pesto, Mozzarella
Avocado Toast$12.00
Feta Mousse, Pickled Onion, Arugula, Poached Eggs, Sourdough

Sides

Potato Chips$4.00
Eggs$5.00
Potato Pancake$5.00
Fruit$6.00
Cured Italian Ham$6.00
Soup$6.00
Salad$6.00

Extras

Seasonal Compote, Toast, Salsa or Sour Cream$1.00
Avocado$2.00
Real Maple Syrup$3.00

Specialties

Served all day

Taco Platter$16.00
Pulled Pork, Black Bean Hummus, Turmeric, SSU Egg, Pickled Onion, Marinated Cabbage, Carrots, Assorted Salsas
Duck Pancakes$21.00
Duck Confit, SSU Egg Orange Sauce, Carrot Apple, Ginger, Cucumber + Cilantro Slaw
Mediterranean Fried Rice$17.00
Pulled Lamb + Rice Scramble, Walnut Dill Yogurt, Cucumber Mint Salad, Sumac Onion, Feta Cheese
Mezze Board$16.00
Baba Ganoush, Black Bean Hummus, Carrot Hummus, Green Goddess, Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Sourdough
Borek$13.00
Wilted Greens or Turkey Stuffed Inside Hand-Tossed Dough, Seasonal Chopped Salad, Sumac, SSU Egg
Pork Belly$21.00
Potato Galette, Apple Fritter, Mushroom Bourbon Sauce

Crepe Cakes

Mary's Farm Chicken Crepe Cake$13.00
Mushroom Bourbon Sauce

Soup & Salad

Lentil Soup$8.00
Sourdough croutons
Pulse Slaw$12.00
Chick peas, lentils, spinach, carrots, cabbage, tomato, cucumber, avocado, raisins, lemon zaatar dressing
Strawberry Salad$12.00
Spinach, Fresh Strawberries, Pistachios, Goat Cheese, Raspberry Vinaigrette
Caramelized Pear Salad$12.00
Greens, Almonds, Feta, Honey Balsamic

Burgers

Fontina, Tomato, Onion, House Pickled Cucumber, Live Butter Lettuce, Goat Cheese Aioli, SSU Egg, House Made Brioche Bun

Grass Fed Beef Burger$19.00
Mary's Farm Turkey Burger$15.00

Sweet Treats

Lemon Merengue Crepe Cake$12.00
Lemon Curd, Meringue, Grapefruit
Very Berry Crepe Cake$12.00
Mascarpone, Berry Compote
Chocolate Crepe Cake$12.00
Cocoa Powder, Chocolate Truffles
Beignets$10.00
Candied Cranberry Walnut, Powdered Sugar
Flourless Chocolate Cake$10.00
Vanilla Ice Cream
Seasonal Bread Pudding$8.00
Vanilla Ice Cream
Chia Seed Parfait$8.00
Chia Seed Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt, Raspberry, Seasonal Fruit

Dinner

5pm – Close

Starters

Cafe 21 Fondue$14.00
Toast Points, Seasonal Fruits + Vegetables
Chicken Liver Pate$11.00
Spiced Carrot Butter, Sourdough Toast
Brussels Sprouts$9.00
Pineapple Chili Glaze
Chicken Wings$11.00
Chicharrons, Parmesan, Sage, Chipotle Aioli
Mixed Fries$14.00
Rice Flour Battered + Fried Eggplant, Portobello +Avocado, Zaatar
Chefs Choice Seasonal Flat Bread$10.00
Changes Daily!
Wild Shrimp Ceviche$12.00
Taro Chips

Mains

Gurza Pasta$16.00
Grass Fed Beef Azeri Ravioli, Kumquat Reduction
Catch of the Day Papillote$28.00
Lentils, Leek, Saffron Beurre Blanc, Grilled Lemon
Vegan Party$17.00
Quinoa, Black Eye Pea + Beet, Green Goddess Coconut Curry
Vegetable Cabbage Rolls$14.00
Vegetables, Herbs, Arborio Rice, Tomato Sauce
Kabob Platter$45.00
Lentil Rice Pilaf, Tzatziki, Pickled Vegetables, Sumac Onions, Tomato + Cucumber Salad, Sourdough Lavash
Beef Kabob Skewer$17.00
Lentil Rice, Tzatziki, Pickled Vegetables, Sumac Onions, Tomato +Cucumber Salad, Sourdough Lavash
Lamb Skewer$18.00
Lentil Rice Pilaf, Tzatziki, Pickled Vegetables, Sumac Onions, Tomato + Cucumber Salad, Sourdough Lavash
Chicken Skewer$15.00
Lentil Rice Pilaf, Tzatziki, Pickled Vegetables, Sumac Onions, Tomato + Cucumber Salad, Sourdough Lavash
Slow Braised Short Rib$21.00
Yam Puree
Lamb Dolma$25.00
Grape Leaf, Ground Lamb, Herbs, Citrus Yogurt Sauce
Beef Cabbage Rolls$16.00
Grass Fed Beef, Herbs, Arborio Rice, Tomato Sauce

Cocktails

Vodka

Bottoms Up$12.00
Tito's, Cucumber, Celery, Jalapeno, Apple Parsley
Cardamom$12.00
Tito's, Black Cardamom, Lime

Rum

Cucu Cooler$12.00
Leblon Cachaça, Cucumber, Lime
Silk Road$12.00
Crusoe Spiced Rum, Chai, Cointreau, Orange, Egg White, Lemon

Bourbon

Date Me$12.00
Buffalo Trace, Date Extract, Egg White, Lemon
Say My Name, Peach!$12.00
Old Forester, Honey Peach Papaya Shrub, Lemon

Craft on Draft

32 North, Pilsner the Conqueror 5.5%$7.50
Harland, Blonde 4.7%$8.00
Abnormal, Abnormalweiss Hefe 5.3%$7.75
32 North, Pennant Pale Ale 5.5%$7.50
Harland IPA 7.0%$8.50
Abnormal, Mocha Stout 5.1%$8.25
Juneshine, Seasonal Kombucha 6.0%$9.00
Bivouac SD Jam Blackberry Cider 6.0%$11.00

Gin

Beetle Juice$12.00
CITY Bright Gin, FRUITLAB Ginger Liqueur, Blueberry Beet Shrub, Lemon
Spring Thyme$12.00
City Bright Gin, FRUITLAB Ginger Liqueur, Thyme, Turmeric, Lemon

Agave

Eve's Apple$12.00
Dulce Vida, Apple, Cinnamon, Lime
Cupid's Thorn$12.00
El Silencio Mezcal, Ginja Cherry 9, Lemon. No Added Sugar!

Bloody Mary Bar

Prawn Star$15.00
House Red Mix, Pickled Veggies, Jumbo Peel-and-Eat Prawn
Ol' Yello' Mary$15.00
Fresh Yellow Heirloom Tomato, Horseradish Pickled Veggies, Grilled Cheese
California Greenin'$15.00
House Tomatillo Mix, Vegetable Overload, Grilled Cheese Sandwich Skewer
Classic Mary$10.00
House Red Mix, Grilled Prosciutto, Pickled Veggies

Flights

Sangria
Fruit Infused Wine, Made in House with Simple, Real Ingredients
- Goblet$10.00
- Pitcher$21.00
- Flight$21.00
Mimosa
Flavors change daily! Ask your server about today's mimosa flavors.
- Specialty Mimosa$8.00
- Mimosa Flight$21.00
Mojito
Five Tasting Glasses of Fresh Mint, Rum and Seasonal Fruit Purees
- Magical Mojito Flight$21.00

Shareable Signature Cocktail

Spirit of the Party$50.00
Unique Bottle Service Experience for Groups of 2 or More Ask Your Server About Our Botanically Infused Spirit Offerings

Mocktails

Quince Town$8.00
Quince Shrub, Caramel, Soda
Wisdom in a Root$8.00
Ginger, Pineapple, Strawberry, Basil
Nopaloma$8.00
Grapefruit, Lime, Orange, Soda
Nomezcal$8.00
Black Cardamom, Lemon

Espresso

Espresso$4.00
Italian style espresso shot
Alexpresso$4.00
Espresso, cardamom, raw sugar
Café Cubano$4.00
Espresso, raw sugar
Americano$4.00
Espresso, hot water
Latte$5.25
Espresso, steamed milk
Vanilla Latte$6.25
Espresso, steamed milk, homemade vanilla syrup

Coffee

House Coffee$3.50
Organic Peruvian blend
Hammer Head$5.00
Coffee, espresso shot
Cofftea$7.00
Breakfast tea, cardamom, coffee
Dirty Chai$7.00
Bengal Chai Tea, Coffee

Organic Tea

16 Oz. Specialty Teapot Brewed Fresh to Order. $5 Served Hot or Cold

Black | Caffeinated
Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Bengal Chai, Peach Essence
Green | Caffeinated
Mango Tango, Strawberry Raspberry
Herbal | Caffeine Free
Hawaiian Berries, Rose Parade

Craft Soda and H2o

Caleb's Kola$4.00
Caleb's Diet Kola$4.00
Stubborn Lemon Berry Acai$4.00
Stubborn Classic Root Beer$4.00
Fever Tree Ginger Beer$4.00
Pellegrino Sparkling Water
- 16.9 oz$6.00
Suvida Spring Water$3.00

Juice

Fresh Squeezed

Orange Juice$6.00
Lemonade$5.00
Raspberry Lemonade$5.00
Grapefruit Juice$5.00

What 537 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.2

4.2 based on all time ratings

4.3Food
4.1Service
4.1Ambience
1.7Value

Noise • Moderate

537 Reviews

F
Foodie4ever
San Diego
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Such a fun restaurant. The decor was catching and there were so many items on the menu that sounded amazing, it was difficult to decide. Our server offered helpful suggestions and all of it was delicious! Definitely coming back and when we do we’ll try the Mimosa flight.
Is this helpful?
MA
MargiA
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 6, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fresh and delicious. The service was amazing and super funny
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on March 1, 2020
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Terrible service. We were ignored and had to wave down owner. But the food! New meaning to small plates. $11 for what amounted to 2T of rice with one tiny piece of lamb and lots of (cheap) pickled onions. The spreads we ordered came with 2 thin, small pieces of bread. Lots of spread leftover and no way to eat t. Two additional tiny pieces of bread? $3. DON’T GO!
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 29, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Overall great experience. Food was delicious.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
VIP
Houston
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on February 29, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Really loved Cafe 21! The tiramisu pancakes are excellent!
Is this helpful?
YH
YoungH
VIP
Austin
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 29, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Picked it out 'cause it was convenient to the show we were about to watch and I wanted to catch up with my San Diego friends. Ended up loving it! And my local friends did too.
Is this helpful?
S
Steph
VIP
Orange County
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food and cocktails, and our server Kale was awesome and gave us great recommendations.
Is this helpful?
SC
SoCalPrincess
Los Angeles
32 reviews
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Yes, we would. We hit this place every time we go to SD but things were changed on the menu. I always get the Shashuka and it's not that any more. I was sad about that part but the change was still good. We got seated upstairs which was a cool area but it was just two of us and we were celebrating my hub's birthday brunch and would have liked to be downstairs with the crowd. There were empty tables so i don't know why we didn't get to be seated downstairs where the energy was located.
Is this helpful?
B
Briguy
New York City
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good food, great friendly waiter. Music was too loud to have a conversation
Is this helpful?
c
christopheg
Hertfordshire
14 reviews
2.0
14 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2020
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Good flavor overall and wine selection with affordable options. but this place has issues with portions’ size or should be called a small plates restaurant and customers would know what to expect. 6$ for a small bowl of rice with lentils and 7$ for 2 pieces of a potatoes galette which is a kind of a dry gratin dauphinois is completely rip off. Small kebab with 4 tiny pieces of chicken and small lamb mince surely no more than 4oz of meat for around 12or13$ ! not very kids friendly neither
1 person found this helpful

FAQs

Cafe 21 Gaslamp offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 795-0721.

Cafe 21 Gaslamp is rated 4.2 stars by 537 OpenTable diners.

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

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

802 5th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

Cross street
Corner of 5th Ave. and F St.
Neighborhood
Downtown
Hours of operation
Brunch Daily 8:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
International, Mediterranean, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
We are located in the heart of Gaslamp, corner of 5th Ave. and F St. We provide discounted parking, 2 options that are within walking distance of Cafe 21. Horton Plaza ($8), 4th Ave. and F St., or Premium Valet ($10), front of Keating Hotel on 5th Ave. and F St. Present your parking voucher to your C21 server to receive your discounted validation.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef Leyla
Entertainment
A night of live music, ambience, and amazing food and drinks awaits you at Cafe 21. Live music every night of the week with the best local artists San Diego has to offer. Visit cafe-21.com/events/ to check out our live music and events schedule.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.cafe-21.com/
Phone number
(619) 795-0721
Catering
From simple food delivery to a fully catered event with decor, staff, entertainment, as well as setup and breakdown. Cafe 21 will create the custom experience you need for your next event! Let us connect you with all the beauty that our earth provides and awaken your palette with our superior food artistry and handcrafted cocktails. Be ready to experience Nature’s Kitchen as interpreted by our revered and most inventive Chef Leyla.
Private party facilities
With unrivaled decor and ambience, you can't help but be enchanted by the charm that surrounds you at Cafe 21. From either Gaslamp or University Heights, your next event will be unique and unforgettable, with an alluring atmosphere where old world meets new. With two venues to choose from, we have the perfect space for your next event and can host groups ranging between 10 to 200 guests. Email us at events@cafe-21.com for more information!
Private party contact
Billy Boston: (619) 795-0721

Cafe 21 Gaslamp

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

There’s more to explore

Additional information

Breakfast

Overnight Oats$11.00

Cafe 21 Benedicts

Shrimp Corn Cakes$15.00

Turkey Benedict$14.00

Pancakes & French Toast

Classic Pancakes$7.00

Tiramisu Pancakes$8.00

Bananas Foster Dutch Pancake$8.00

C21 French Toast$11.00

Eggs + More

Salmon Diamonds$15.00

Tomatoes + Eggs$14.00

Vegetarian Power Bowl$12.00

Lamb Kufta Omelet$15.00

Short Rib Omelet$15.00

Feta Omelet$13.00

Lavash Burrito$14.00

Sandwiches

Monte Cristo$14.00

Chicken or Shrimp Pesto$14.00

Avocado Toast$12.00

Sides

Potato Chips$4.00

Eggs$5.00

Potato Pancake$5.00

Fruit$6.00

Cured Italian Ham$6.00

Soup$6.00

Salad$6.00

Extras

Seasonal Compote, Toast, Salsa or Sour Cream$1.00

Avocado$2.00

Real Maple Syrup$3.00

Specialties

Taco Platter$16.00

Duck Pancakes$21.00

Mediterranean Fried Rice$17.00

Mezze Board$16.00

Borek$13.00

Pork Belly$21.00

Crepe Cakes

Mary's Farm Chicken Crepe Cake$13.00

Soup & Salad

Lentil Soup$8.00

Pulse Slaw$12.00

Strawberry Salad$12.00

Caramelized Pear Salad$12.00

Burgers

Grass Fed Beef Burger$19.00

Mary's Farm Turkey Burger$15.00

Sweet Treats

Lemon Merengue Crepe Cake$12.00

Very Berry Crepe Cake$12.00

Chocolate Crepe Cake$12.00

Beignets$10.00

Flourless Chocolate Cake$10.00

Seasonal Bread Pudding$8.00

Chia Seed Parfait$8.00

Dinner

Starters

Cafe 21 Fondue$14.00

Chicken Liver Pate$11.00

Brussels Sprouts$9.00

Chicken Wings$11.00

Mixed Fries$14.00

Chefs Choice Seasonal Flat Bread$10.00

Wild Shrimp Ceviche$12.00

Mains

Gurza Pasta$16.00

Catch of the Day Papillote$28.00

Vegan Party$17.00

Vegetable Cabbage Rolls$14.00

Kabob Platter$45.00

Beef Kabob Skewer$17.00