Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Live performances
- Great tea selection
oChef » Maya Moon Collective – San Diego
Maya Moon Collective - San Diego
Photo from Maya Moon Collective
Maya Moon Collective at a glance
San Diego Normal Heights
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 47 of the guests
#219 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#20 Café out of 65 in San Diego
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
703
Reviews
81.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Cacao drinks
- Inviting atmosphere
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Slow service
- Inconsistent service
The cafe Maya Moon Collective in San Diego’s Normal Heights neighborhood invites you to discover a truly unique experience. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying their renowned great dessert, alongside an excellent selection of organic dishes and coffee.
It’s a trendy spot where you can relax, perhaps catch live performances, and savor a quiet moment.
Overview: Introducting Maya Moon Collective
Maya Moon Collective offers a unique experience, often praised for its delightful cacao and other drinks, alongside a truly inviting vibe. Many guests appreciate the warm and welcoming staff who contribute to a positive atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for various occasions.
However, some visitors have encountered less than ideal initial greetings or experienced issues with service, which can detract from the overall positive impression. While the core offerings are generally well-received, these occasional inconsistencies are worth noting.
Good
7.9
out of 10
703
Reviews
81.4%
Satisfaction
116
negative
15
neutral
572
positive
Overall, Maya Moon Collective earns a good 7.9 out of 10, with customer satisfaction also standing strong at 81.4%. This indicates a generally positive reception, driven significantly by its strong performance in key areas.
The Food (8.4) and Ambience (8.5) topics stand out, consistently receiving high marks from patrons. However, the experience isn’t without its challenges.
While Service (6.7) is rated as good, it’s a mixed bag with some notable complaints about waiting times and occasional staff interactions. The most significant area for improvement is Value (2.8), which is considerably lower, suggesting that pricing can be a point of contention for some.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 703 customer observations, with 572 positive and 116 negative remarks.
What people like
- Delicious cacao drinks
- Warm, inviting atmosphere
- Friendly, charming staff
What people don't like
- High prices, poor value
- Slow service, long waits
- Inconsistent service interactions
If you’re seeking a place with a distinct, positive atmosphere and a focus on quality cacao-based beverages and treats, Maya Moon Collective is certainly worth considering. Its high scores for food and ambience suggest a pleasant and flavorful visit, especially if you prioritize a unique and comfortable setting.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and a pricing structure that some find a bit steep. If value for money is your top priority, or if you’re on a tight schedule, you might want to manage your expectations or explore other options.
It’s a place to savor the experience, perhaps not for a quick, budget-conscious stop.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Café
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
107
99.1%
- $
- Bay Park
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
351
99.7%
- $
- Webster
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
203
97.5%
- $
- Sorrento Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
465
98.9%
- $$
- Hillcrest
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
317
96.8%
- $$
- Ocean Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
550
94%
- €
- Normal Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Maya Moon Collective
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With a solid score of 8.4 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 87%, guests are consistently delighted. Out of 332 total comments, a whopping 289 praise the delicious chocolate, extensive vegan options, and quality ingredients, especially their unique cacao drinks and truffles.
However, not every bite is perfect. Around 34 comments mention some disappointments, such as diluted or tasteless matcha, soggy toast, or unseasoned food. While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, there have been instances of inconsistent quality and presentation that might leave some wanting more.
Food
332
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
34
negative
9
neutral
289
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious chocolate treats
- Extensive vegan options
- High-quality cacao drinks
What people don't like
- Diluted or tasteless drinks
- Inconsistent food quality
- Unseasoned dishes
Often praised
- drinksMaya Moon is supposed to embody welcoming vibrations, kindness, and an open heart, but we felt the opposite. It was unfortunate because the inside looked lovely and the drinks were appetizing, but we couldn't justify buying anything after such a disturbing greeting. As we left, she watched us go, peeking from behind a curtain and staring again.
- cacaoThe only downside was the long waiting time; I had to wait about 15-20 minutes for my order, even when it wasn't busy. Despite this, the cacao was incredibly delicious, which is why I'm still giving it 5 stars.
- foodMy experience was fantastic! The food was a delight, with love in every sip and flavor in every bite. I was drawn to this place because it's where Soul Rebel retreats in Mexico sources their chocolate.
- trufflesI'm so glad we did! Everything we sampled was absolutely delicious, including the vegan caramel cake, the truffles, and the chocolate-infused drinks. The staff member who assisted us in navigating the extensive options was super duper helpful.
- frozen hot chocolateWe got the frozen hot chocolate with Ecuador cacao, maple and oat milk. So good!
- hot chocolateIt's been the best way to keep me going through winter and snow storms! It's not super sweet, which is perfect, and you can taste the goodness in every sip! I will definitely visit on my next trip to San Diego!
- FoodFood:5
- cacao drinksMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful! It's an authentic and adorable location that offers delicious, sustainable cacao drinks and other healthful treats. It's a great place to come build or be with your community!
- chocolateI found the ambiance to be fabulous and the staff to be warm and friendly. I absolutely devoured the beautifully rich chocolate, specifically the frozen hot chocolate. I felt so welcome and comfortable there and will definitely return!
- coffeeMy experience was centered around the coffee
Frequently criticized
- drink8$ for a drink
- steak sandwichsteak sandwich - the steak was unseasoned
- trufflesdisappointed with the 6 truffles I purchased. None of them really tasted good
- Mexican sol cacao drinkI ordered a "steak sandwich, " which turned out to be just bread, mayo, and lettuce. I also tried their frozen hot chocolate, a Mexican sol cacao drink, a potato frittata, and a cranberry muffin. The frittata took an excessively long time to arrive, and when it did, it was cold and served with only a side of lettuce and balsamic vinegar.
- adaptogen cacao drinkadaptogen cacao drink for myself. That one was a little too potent and very bitter.
- cake's moistureThe sponge cake was crumbly and not as moist as I would have liked
- carrot lox toastmy favorite dish of mine in the past. This time got two soggy pieces
- carrotscarrots are usually silky and smooth and lovely, but were hard and had black spots
- chai lattechai latte and it tasted very watered down
- chocolate drinksall chocolate drinks and truffles were sold out
If youre seeking delicious chocolate, unique cacao drinks, and a wide array of vegan options, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that while most experiences are stellar, theres a slight chance of encountering an off-item or inconsistent preparation.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
The service here often hits the mark, with many customers, 95 out of 152 total, frequently praising the friendly employees and excellent service. Youll often hear about "authentic smiles" and great "customer service" from the staff, contributing to a welcoming vibe. This positive feedback helps the service achieve an average score of 6.7 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 62.5%.
However, not everyone has had a smooth experience. The 56 negative opinions often point to issues like "waiting time" and "SLOW service. " Some customers have encountered a "bad attitude" or even "rude service" from staff, which can definitely put a damper on the visit and suggests theres room for improvement.
Service
152
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
56
negative
1
neutral
95
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Excellent customer service
- Knowledgeable employees
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Rude staff attitude
- Slow service
Often praised
- staffWhat truly stands out is the vibe and community Maya Moon has created and successfully nourishes. The staff are all so charming and friendly. The owner, Kathryn, really goes the extra mile; she knows her cacao and is a cacao shaman.
- serviceI enjoyed their menu featuring organic, gluten-free, and vegan pastries, desserts, and savory farm-to-table bites, all naturally sweetened without refined sugars. It’s a comfortable spot to enjoy excellent coffee and friendly service. They also hosted a pop-up event on February 14th with Juni the Flower Truck, offering bespoke flower arrangements – a perfect combination for Valentine's Day with chocolate, coffee, and flowers.
- ServiceService:5
- peopleWonderful people providing beautiful is and drinks
- Patrickhow kind, patient, and even enthusiastic Patrick was with all of our questions about the menu items.
- customer serviceserious about customer service and went above and beyond
- employeesKristen and all the other employees are very friendly and welcoming
- experienceWith a focus on local, natural, and overall clean ingredients, the food and drink is the ultimate feel good. Thank you for a wonderful experience! Highly recommend.
- ownerI had the pleasure of meeting the owner and she’s very wise, kind, and all around a great human!!
- workersThe workers are so kind and really know their stuff.
Frequently criticized
- staffwatched them put up my ticket to be made, only to be ignored by staff
- waiting timeI've been here about 10 times, but my recent visit was not up to par. I waited 15 minutes in line, only to have the person behind me get their order first. When I inquired, the response was, "they always come here a lot.
- customer servicelack of decent customer service has made me dislike it
- greetinggreeted in such a disturbing manner
- orderI wanted to like this place because I loved the initial idea, but the lack of decent customer service has made me dislike it. I've visited a few times, and it seems like something always goes wrong with my order. On my last visit, I was charged for my order and then informed they had run out of an ingredient for my drink.
- ownershe was rude as evidenced by ignoring my greeting
- serviceThe principle of this cacao place felt a bit bogus to me. Ultimately, I spent $11 (including tip) for a small cup of herbal “tea” and received nasty service. I do not recommend this place and would rather go next door to LESTATS, where they have much better service.
- Customer serviceCustomer service 101!! Why would you serve them first??
- MayaWhen I inquired about jelly, I was told it was accurate with a big toothy smile. Maya, you saw our disappointment and offered nothing. I won't be coming back.
- SLOW servicethe service for an overpriced latte was SLOW
If you value friendly interactions and don't mind a potential wait, you might find the service quite pleasant. However, be prepared for the possibility of slower service or less-than-stellar attitudes, which could impact your overall experience.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
It sounds like the atmosphere here is truly a standout, with a fantastic score of 8.5 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 94%! Many guests, 187 to be exact, rave about the vibe, magical space, and natural lighting, often highlighting the patio and live music that create a wonderful community feel. However, a small number of guests, 11 to be precise, did note some areas for improvement.
Concerns included some seating arrangements feeling cold and gentrified, and occasional issues with the restroom or cleanliness, with one mention of no A/C being a downside.
Ambience
199
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
187
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Incredible vibe
- Magical, artistic space
- Vibrant community events
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable seating
- Restroom cleanliness issues
- Lack of A/C
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Maya Moon was incredibly positive. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to study or meet with friends. I particularly enjoyed their unique drink options, which are centered around wellbeing and offer a welcome alternative to caffeine.
- vibeThe vibe of this place is off the charts
- spacethe space itself is a multi-sensory experience of gorgeous artwork
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- seatingI highly recommend getting the marshmallows! The café itself is spacious and inviting, with friendly staff and plenty of indoor & outdoor seating. It’s an awesome new spot!
- live musicThe moon latte is another one of my favorites as well as the hot cocoa (please get their giant marshmallows in it as an add on!). They have live music on Saturdays on their patio and there’s always local art, plants, tarot cards, and plenty of good vibes to be had. I come here for solo journaling time, date night, and a catch up with friends.
- ambiancethe ambiance was serene
- artilluminate all the wonders that is the art
- back patioBack patio is cute and good vibes.
- communityIt's an authentic and adorable location that offers delicious, sustainable cacao drinks and other healthful treats. It's a great place to come build or be with your community!
Frequently criticized
- A/CThe only downside is no A/C
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- cacao place principleThe principle of this cacao place or whatever is kinda bogus to me
- cleanlinessHowever, my first experience was not great. It seemed like the place was not clean at all. The girl who was taking my order had her hair falling on the pastry plate that she was about to put my cookie on.
- cold and gentrifiedEverything else felt a little cold and gentrified
- restroomThe restroom is always broken and backed up
- seating arrangementsSome of the seating arrangements inside were dusty
- spaceThis space has become very disconnected and inauthentic
- welcomeI don't plan on returning. I didn't feel welcomed.
- welcoming vibrationswe felt everything but that inside of Maya Moon
If youre looking for a place with an incredible atmosphere, vibrant community events, and a truly unique vibe, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that a few minor issues like seating comfort or restroom upkeep have been noted, but they dont seem to detract from the overall excellent experience for most.
Value (2.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres not much to cheer about here, though a few folks did appreciate the convenience of parking options, specifically mentioning a free parking lot. However, with only 1 positive comment out of 20, this isnt a strong point. Overall, the value proposition is quite challenging, with a low score of 2.8 and customer satisfaction at a mere 5%.
Many customers felt the portion size was too small for the price, leading to complaints about things being expensive and overpriced. With 15 negative remarks, it seems many felt their dollar could go much further elsewhere.
Value
20
Reviews
5%
Satisfaction
15
negative
4
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Free parking lot
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
- Extra charges
Often praised
- Parking optionsFree parking lot
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I purchased 2 slices of toast and butter for $8. When I inquired about jelly, I was told it was accurate with a big toothy smile.
- $14All for $14?
- dollar can go much furtherYour dollar can go much further elsewhere
- expensiveUnfortunately, I was disappointed with the 6 truffles I purchased. None of them really tasted good, they are pretty expensive and to-go packaging could be improved. It would have been nice to get a sample first.
- extra chargelady didn’t even bother on telling me that it was going to be extra
- free drinkIt ABSOLUTELY BOGGLES my mind that she couldn’t offer me a Free drink.
- milk preferencethe total went from $7.77 to almost $10. I guess because of the milk preference
- overpricedOverpriced and disappointing
- overpriced latteservice for an overpriced latte was SLOW
- payment for Modrn Medicin cafe salespayment for Modrn Medicin cafe sales remains unpaid
If youre looking for good value, this might not be the spot for you, as many feel the prices dont match what you receive. However, if you prioritize convenient parking and don't mind spending a bit more, you might find it acceptable.
How are the prices at Maya Moon Collective?
On average, you’ll spend around 15 per person – based on 47 guests. That places this Cafe in the $11–$20 category, which is comfortably mid-range, perhaps a little above for a casual spot. Looking at what people usually spend, most prices cluster around this range, with the biggest group falling between $11–$20.
So, it’s a consistent mid-tier offering.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 47 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Cafe in San Diego. It offers a consistent mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Maya Moon Collective
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing Return to Maya Moon
After years of patronage, my recent visit to Maya Moon has led me to decide I will not return. My favorite dish, the carrot lox toast, was a significant letdown. Instead of the usual silky carrots, I received two soggy pieces of sourdough with so little cream cheese that I had to add my own at home.
The carrots themselves were hard and had black spots, and the pickled onions were replaced with raw diced onion. All of this for $14. To add to the poor experience, my email to the restaurant regarding this issue received zero response, indicating poor customer service.
I've also witnessed staff ignoring tickets to engage in lengthy personal conversations. The slow service and poor quality of food are unacceptable. I will not be back.
- carrot lox toast2
- sourdough2
- cream cheese2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
10
Exceptional Cacao and Service!
My experience at Mayan Moon was outstanding. They serve the best cacao I have ever tasted, and I've tried a lot. The customer service is also top-notch; they went above and beyond to assist me with a large order for a party I hosted.
Their commitment to customer satisfaction and integrity is evident. Highly recommend!
- cacao10
- customer service10
- customer satisfaction10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
2
Rude Service and Long Wait
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I've been here about 10 times, but my recent visit was not up to par. I waited 15 minutes in line, only to have the person behind me get their order first.
When I inquired, the response was, "they always come here a lot. " This lack of basic customer service and common courtesy is unacceptable. Additionally, paying $8 for a drink with such rude service is not something I'll repeat.
I don't think I will return or recommend this place to anyone.
- waiting time2
- person behind me get there order first1
- Customer service1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Staff, Drinks, and Music!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff were incredibly friendly, and I absolutely loved their cacao and lattes. The events and musical artists they feature are so diverse and fun.
I'm giving it a 10 out of 10 and will definitely be back again and again!
- staff10
- cacao10
- lattes10
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Loyal Customer's Disappointing Birthday Experience
I’ve been a loyal customer at Maya Moon for the past 3 years, spending a significant amount of money. Today, for my 33rd birthday, I mentioned it to the owner, who is aware of my patronage. To my surprise, she barely acknowledged me and, when I jokingly asked about a birthday drink, she questioned if I had enough rewards.
I was shocked, as I had 800 points and only needed 200 more for a free drink, which likely costs her very little. This is especially baffling considering I tip $3 every visit and have consistently spoken positively about Maya Moon, even bringing in new customers. When I asked to speak with her briefly, she refused, stating she didn't have time.
I will never return to Maya Moon. While some male staff members have been disrespectful, I want to acknowledge the excellent service from manager Juslene, who is also vegan, and from Kayla and Sophie, who are engaging and fun. Sol has also been amazing, sweet, and funny.
I wish them all the best.
- tips6
- loyal customer9
- new customers8
- owner1
- free drink1
- speak1
What Maya Moon Collective offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Organic dishes
- Wine
- Coffee
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Maya Moon Collective?
At Maya Moon Collective, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. They offer organic dishes, wine, coffee, and alcohol, alongside a great selection of teas and desserts. You can also enjoy live performances in this quiet San Diego cafe.
What accessibility and service options are available at Maya Moon Collective?
Maya Moon Collective provides outdoor seating, dine-in, and takeout options. It is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. You’ll also benefit from amenities like free Wi-Fi and gender-neutral restrooms.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Maya Moon Collective?
Maya Moon Collective generally receives good feedback, with an overall Restaurant Score of **7.9** and Customer Satisfaction at **81.4%**. Customers particularly praise the **Food** (8.4) and **Ambience** (8.5), while **Service** (6.7) is good but has some mixed opinions, and **Value** (2.8) is noted as a significant area for improvement.
Are the prices at Maya Moon Collective considered reasonable?
Based on customer feedback, the **Value** score for Maya Moon Collective is 2.8, indicating that many customers find the prices to be on the higher side. Opinions frequently mention items being ‘expensive’ or ‘overpriced’, suggesting it might not be the most budget-friendly option.
How is the service at Maya Moon Collective?
The **Service** at Maya Moon Collective has a score of 6.7, which is considered good. Many customers highlight the ‘charming and friendly’ staff, with some even praising specific employees for going ‘above and beyond’. However, there are also mentions of ‘long waiting times’ and occasional ‘inconsistent service’ experiences.