Cafe 21 University Heights

4.4

216 Reviews

$30 and under

International

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 28, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

Innovative
Neighborhood gem
Romantic

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!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
International, Californian
Hours of operation
Brunch Thu–Sun 8:00 am–3:00 pm
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
Neighborhood
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, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 216 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4

4.4 based on all time ratings

4.5Food
4.3Service
4Ambience
0.2Value

Noise • Moderate

216 Reviews

j
jellen
VIP
Palm Springs
23 reviews
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on December 30, 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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MG
MarianG
VIP
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 12, 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.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 21, 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.
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P
Photoman
San Diego
41 reviews
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on November 15, 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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LE
LivetoEat
Orange County
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 7, 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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JM
JamesMackayJMM
San Diego
160 reviews
5.0
160 reviews
Dined on November 3, 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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S
Sandiegojeff
San Diego
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 24, 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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G
Greg
VIP
San Diego
25 reviews
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on October 15, 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
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JM
JamesMackayJMM
San Diego
160 reviews
5.0
160 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2015
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a superb little restaurant. Friendly talented staff, excellent food and nice one list. Love it!!
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JM
JamesMackayJMM
San Diego
160 reviews
5.0
160 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2015
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic neighborhood gem - excellent food, wine and service.
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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 4.4 stars by 216 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 28, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Cafe 21 University Heights

2736 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116

Additional information

Cross street
Idaho
Neighborhood
North Park
Hours of operation
Brunch Thu–Sun 8:00 am–3:00 pm
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, Takeout, 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!

Cafe 21 University Heights

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Menu

What 216 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does Cafe 21 University Heights offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Cafe 21 University Heights restaurant rated?

Is Cafe 21 University Heights currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information