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+1 619-795-0721
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802 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
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Welcome to Cafe 21 Gaslamp
Cafe 21 Gaslamp is a vibrant dining gem nestled in San Diego, known for its creative small plates that invite exploration without overwhelming your palate. The restaurant emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, crafting dishes full of distinctive flavors. Patrons rave about offerings such as the feta and spinach omelet served in a cast-iron pan, and the standout lamb meatballs, each plate expertly curated to encourage sharing and variety. The ambiance is equally delightful, featuring stunning decor and a unique boutique filled with treasures. With options for vegans and vegetarians, every visit promises an unforgettable culinary journey.
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About
Cafe 21 Gaslamp
Welcome to Cafe 21 Gaslamp, an exciting culinary gem nestled in the heart of San Diego at 802 Fifth Ave. This charming eatery has taken the brunch scene by storm, earning a reputation as one of the best brunch spots in the city. With a unique blend of flavors and a commitment to farm-to-table freshness, Cafe 21 Gaslamp offers a delightful experience that caters to both the palate and the soul.
As you step inside, you're greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere filled with stunning decor, including a captivating wall of wines that sparks curiosity. The moment you sit down, the attentive and friendly service makes you feel like part of the family, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience.
Customers rave about the diverse range of small plates, which invite diners to explore an array of tastes without the heaviness often associated with larger portions. Jackie Neely highlighted the joy of sampling multiple dishes, where two small plates per person create the perfect balance of indulgence and moderation. Signature items like the Ginny tea, renowned for its theatrical presentation with dry ice, add an element of fun to the dining experience.
For those seeking something unique, the cafe’s menu showcases a superb mix of flavors that cater to various dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options. Katya Borisova’s review emphasizes the delicious feta and spinach omelet served in a warm cast iron pan, paired perfectly with an avocado sandwich that is deemed the best she’s ever had. Meanwhile, Nicole C. praises the delightful Vegan French Toast along with the standout Lamb meatballs, a dish described as "absolutely amaZing!"
Beyond just delectable food, Cafe 21 Gaslamp also features a boutique store, filled with unique treasures from the owner’s Azerbaijani roots, including enticing teas and jams. This delightful addition makes it a perfect destination for those looking to take a piece of their experience home.
In a city known for its vibrant food scene, Cafe 21 Gaslamp stands out not only for its exceptional cuisine but also for its commitment to creating an enjoyable atmosphere. Whether you're visiting San Diego or a local looking for a go-to brunch spot, this cafe deserves your attention. From the alluring dishes to exemplary service, it’s clear why so many have fallen in love with this culinary haven.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ I've been looking forward to coming to this place for a while because I liked that they have small plates for you to dive into different flavors without being overly full. When we were greeted by our waitress, she recommended that we have 2 small plates per a person. All of us were satisfied without feeling gluttonous or too stuffed, so 2 plates are perfect! All our dishes are pictured. One of the best things I had outside of the food was the Ginny tea. Absolutely delicious and came out smoking (due to dry ice). Very fun and delicious. I didn't realize how large it would be, it's enough for 2-3 people. Also, there are options for Vegan, Vegetarian folks. The aesthetic of the restaurant was stunning! They have a wall full of wines I wish I could have gotten a closer look at! Everyone from the host to server to those bussing was very kind. ”
“ Found this Cafe by chance while visiting San Diego with a girlfriend. This place is AMAZING - the food is phenomenal and service is worthy of a 5-star restaurant. All the food is locally supplied and the dishes are a superb mix of flavors. They offer small plates which encourages people to try different things and the mix and match options are unbelievable. I had the feta and spinach omelet which came in a warm cast iron pan. I paired it with an avocado sandwich which was the best avocado sandwich I have ever had. On a tin slice of really nice bread I believe they had a thin layer of pesto which was amazing. They recomended to us to try the potato pancake - my friend ordered it along with the omlet to which she added brisket. All the dishes where amazing, but aside of that I couldn’t believe the amazing service we had - everyone was just fantastic and we had a great time. They have a store section inside which is very unique - the owner is from Azerbaijan, so there are different teas, unique jams (walnut jam is fantastic!), great tea pots and so much more. By far this cafe is on top of my list, if you are in San Diego you must visit it...hope to be able to visit them again soon. ”
“ Voted Best Brunch restaurant in San Diego and I see why. I ordered the Vegan French Toast with a side of Lamb Meat Balls and fresh squeezed orange juice. The Vegan French toast was very yummy the presentation is not the norm and I like that. The texture of the toast was a-little tough but I still enjoyed every bit. The star of the show was the Lamb meatballs absolutely amaZing! I decided to sit outside to people watch and to take in the weather but inside seating is really cool with the unique decor. I forgot to mention this restaurant has a small boutique attached with little treasures you can’t help to buy. This place is a Must Try! ”
“ I love this place for breakfast in downtown San Diego! So delicious and beautiful. The mimosas are made with freshly squeezed juices and are so uniquely good, and I’m not a champagne person. It’s on the top of my list every time I come for a visit. You must try it! ”
“ Absolutely delicious with a friendly atmosphere!! The dishes are a little small, but still very filling. We got 2 dishes each and I had to take most of 1 to go since I was so full. Everything is excellently cooked and the flavors are really great. The food here is farm to table and you can really taste it. The Mediterranean fried rice is a unique must-try! ”
“ We were greeted by Nazim, he was very polite. He told us it was a 20 min wait but we got seated in 10 minutes. The waiters Anna and Jason were an AMAZING VIBE! The customer service and food was great! We ordered the mimosa flight , avocado toast, Monte Cristo and chicken pesto sandwich. Overall I will be returning and highly recommend this place! ”
“ Tasty feta omelette, very nice blueberry pancake(not very sweet),tasty blueberry jam. Friendly and caring staff. Great family friendly environment. Nice meditterian decoration. There is a little market in the restaurant too with beautiful crafts. Highly recommended! ”
“ Definitely one of my favorite brunch spots. The menu is unique and unlike anything I’ve ever seen before!! Each food is so beautiful and they seem to be made with so much love. We had a huge spread when we came so I have lots of pictures to share!! The indoor shop is adorable and I love the outdoor seating patio as well!! ”