Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Parakeet Cafe – San Diego
Parakeet Cafe - San Diego
Photo from Parakeet Cafe
Parakeet Cafe at a glance
San Diego Little Italy
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 121 of the guests
#386 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#60 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
668
Reviews
72.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Vibrant ambiance
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Slow service
- No WiFi
The restaurant Parakeet Cafe in San Diego’s vibrant Little Italy neighborhood is a true gem. As a restaurant, it stands out for its exceptional offerings, including a great coffee selection that will surely impress you.
This spot combines a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, making it an ideal destination whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. You’ll find a welcoming environment perfect for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting Parakeet Cafe
Parakeet Cafe offers a generally pleasant experience, often praised for its `delicious food` and `vibrant ambiance`. Many guests appreciate the `kindest staff` who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, making it a spot where you can find healthy and surprising options.
However, some find the offerings `overpriced` for the portion sizes, and `slow service` can occasionally be an issue. The `loud and noisy` environment might detract from the experience for some, and there have been concerns about a `misleading menu` regarding dietary options.
Good
7.3
out of 10
668
Reviews
72.9%
Satisfaction
140
negative
41
neutral
487
positive
Overall, Parakeet Cafe earns a solid `7.3` on our scale, with `Customer Satisfaction` sitting at a respectable `72.9%`. This indicates a generally positive reception from diners.
The `Food` (7.6) stands out as a strong point, frequently earning praise for its quality and variety, followed closely by the inviting `Ambience` (8.1). These assessments are drawn from a substantial pool of 668 customer remarks, with 487 positive observations.
While the `Service` (6.3) is generally seen as average, with some experiences noting attentiveness and others mentioning occasional delays, the primary area for improvement appears to be `Value` (3.9). Many guests feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the portions or overall offering, contributing to 140 negative comments.
This suggests a mixed perception on whether the cost matches the experience.
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Vibrant, cute ambiance
- Friendly, welcoming staff
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Inconsistent service speed
- Lack of WiFi/outlets
With a `Recommendation Score` of `7.6`, Parakeet Cafe generally comes across as a worthwhile spot, especially if you prioritize a pleasant atmosphere and diverse, quality food. It’s a good choice for those seeking a vibrant setting and fresh, healthy options, despite some minor service hiccups.
However, be prepared for prices that some find steep, and don’t expect a quiet, work-friendly environment with WiFi. If you’re looking for a charming cafe experience with good food and don’t mind the cost, it’s certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Parakeet Cafe
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.6 score and a solid 76.5% customer satisfaction. Many of the 293 positive comments rave about delicious items like the avocado toast and Belgium waffles, alongside a wide array of healthy, organic, and farm-fresh options. Guests particularly appreciate the quality and variety, including excellent gluten-free and vegan choices.
However, not every dish is a home run, with 62 negative remarks pointing to some inconsistencies. Issues included overly crunchy mung beans on avocado toast, bland or salty chilaquiles, and disappointing waffles. Some also felt the food portions were small for the price, and certain drinks like the iced mint matcha oatmilk latte lacked flavor.
Food
383
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
62
negative
28
neutral
293
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Healthy, organic options
- Wide menu variety
- Seed-oil free
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small portion sizes
- Some dishes salty
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Parakeet Café in Little Italy, San Diego, was exceptional. This spot truly has it all, offering delicious food, incredible drinks, and the kindest staff. I had the opportunity to collaborate with them and was genuinely impressed by the welcoming nature of Connor and the entire team from the start.
- FoodFood:5
- coffeeThe Chlorophyll detox drink and jicama lemon chips were just the beginning. We enjoyed great coffee, delicious food, and the amazing staff truly cared that we were pleased with everything. Thank you!
- drinksMy experience at Parakeet Café in Little Italy, San Diego, was exceptional. This spot truly has it all, offering delicious food, incredible drinks, and the kindest staff. I had the opportunity to collaborate with them and was genuinely impressed by the welcoming nature of Connor and the entire team from the start.
- breakfastI absolutely loved it. If you want a breakfast that actually surprises you, this is the place 💚✨
- vegan optionsI particularly enjoyed the Salmon and Eggs, which were perfectly prepared with lemon juice on the avocado and nicely scrambled eggs, even resembling a croissant in layers. Beyond breakfast, they also have a cute little bakery with vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free options. The food quality, atmosphere, and service all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- avocado toastThe menu is incredibly fresh and offers a wide array of healthy choices. I particularly enjoyed the green omelet, the breakfast burrito, and the avocado toast. Their immunitea is both delicious and healthy.
- breakfast burritoI would also highly recommend the breakfast burrito
- chilaquilesRegarding the food, it is incredibly delicious. The waffle with granola makes it even more delicious, and the chilaquiles, wow, they impressed me. As for the prices, they are accessible, I feel they are a bit high, but that's because they are in the Little Italy area in downtown San Diego.
- food qualityfresh made with good quality ingredients
Frequently criticized
- foodWith the new employees, they are not making the food at all and it's the same! What a disappointment.
- matchacouldnt even taste the matcha
- avocado toastadvertise your avocado toast as vegan on Door Dash with zero mention of cheese
- coffeeMy coffee was a bit cold.
- food qualityMy experience at the restaurant was largely negative due to the food quality and a misleading menu. The food itself was bland, and the green goddess dressing was watery at best, and non-existent at worst. Additionally, the avocado toast was advertised as vegan on Door Dash, but it contained feta cheese, which is not vegan.
- salmonTheir salmon was undercooked
- smoothiesWe ordered smoothies and waited for over 20 min and never received.
- almond croissantsalmond croissants here and they were very disappointing
- baked goodsBaked goods were unexpectedly dense
- breadbread was super dry
If you're seeking a diverse menu with a strong emphasis on healthy, organic, and allergy-friendly choices, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that while many dishes shine, a few might miss the mark on flavor or portion size.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had delightful experiences! With 80 positive remarks out of 133 total, the staff often shines, with specific shout-outs to friendly servers like Chris and responsive managers such as Christina. Many appreciate that the line moved quickly, making for an efficient visit, contributing to an overall 6.3 score.
However, its not always smooth sailing. There are 48 negative comments, with common frustrations around wait times and slow service. Some encounters mention rude staff or inflexibility regarding policies, leading to a 60.2% customer satisfaction that suggests a mixed bag, indicating theres room for improvement.
Service
133
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
48
negative
5
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Responsive management
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
- Inflexible policies
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was truly enjoyable and made our vacation even more so! The ambience and beach vibe were amazing, complemented by great service. I also appreciated the good healthy taste options available.
- staffMy experience at Parakeet Café in Little Italy, San Diego, was exceptional. This spot truly has it all, offering delicious food, incredible drinks, and the kindest staff. I had the opportunity to collaborate with them and was genuinely impressed by the welcoming nature of Connor and the entire team from the start.
- ServiceService was outstanding
- wait timelack of wait time - we were seated and served promptly
- peopleWhat really makes Parakeet Café stand out is the people
- serverIf I have one suggestion for improvement, it would be to speed up the service just a bit. While our server was friendly and attentive, there were a few moments where we had to wait for our orders to be taken or for our food to arrive. Overall, however, I would highly recommend this cafe to anyone looking for a tasty meal in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Connor and the teamhow welcoming Connor and the team were
- Jacob, Liz and EllieJacob, Liz and Ellie were really attentive
- LuisaRunning into Luisa, such a wonderful person
- StaffStaff is very friendly and efficient
Frequently criticized
- serviceOne thing that really stood out to me was the lack of wait time - we were seated and served promptly, which was a nice surprise. If I have one suggestion for improvement, it would be to speed up the service just a bit. While our server was friendly and attentive, there were a few moments where we had to wait for our orders to be taken or for our food to arrive.
- waiting timewaiting 30 mins for my $23 burger when it was an empty restaurant
- ServiceService to just get a to go coffee was extremely slow
- lineSometimes the line is long
- orderMy experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing due to significant issues with my order. They had my order completely wrong and forgot some items. When I politely inquired about the missing items, the staff's response was dismissive, stating they forgot to charge me and offering no further acknowledgment or resolution.
- workerworker took several minutes playing on her phone
- WiFi or outletsRefused to let us use WiFi or outlets
- Wifiwhat café doesn’t have Wifi?
- bathroomneed to use the bathroom you probably will have to wait a while
- cashierthe cashier was very rude
Service here is a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score and mixed customer satisfaction. While many praise the friendly and efficient staff, be prepared for potential wait times or occasional inflexibility. Its worth a try if youre patient, but don't expect perfection every time.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.1 and delighting customers with a good satisfaction rate of 89.4%. With 110 positive remarks out of 123 total observations, guests frequently praise the welcoming atmosphere, beautiful decor, and cozy vibe. Many also appreciate the diverse seating options, including outdoor seating, making it a delightful spot to relax or get some work done.
However, a small number of 8 negative comments suggest a few areas for improvement. Some visitors found the music to be loud and noisy, impacting the overall tranquility. There were also mentions of uncomfortable patio seating and a notable lack of Wi-Fi, which could be a drawback for those looking to work or stay connected.
Ambience
123
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
8
negative
5
neutral
110
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Beautiful decor
- Great seating options
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Uncomfortable patio
- No Wi-Fi
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this cafe was quite unique due to its artistic vibe and atmosphere, which is specially themed with birds, making it feel like an ornithology class. The food is primarily brunch type, catering to those who enjoy late breakfast or early lunch.
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. The interior is really cute, making it a perfect place to pop in for a quick and healthy bite. The staff is friendly and the decor is pretty, which I also appreciated.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- cafecute cafe in little Italy
- decorThe interior is really cute, making it a perfect place to pop in for a quick and healthy bite. The staff is friendly and the decor is pretty, which I also appreciated. However, it’s incredibly like WAY overpriced, especially considering what you get.
- spaceThe place is very spacious and beautiful. I think they could perhaps add more tables.
- vibelooking for a vibe only it’s worth a visit
- ambianceThe café itself has such a warm and vibrant ambiance
- cute spotreally cute spot
- interiorReally cute interior
Frequently criticized
- musicThe music was just a little bit too loud
- WIFIthere was WIFI to work remotely but there was not
- atmosphereatmosphere is less cozy than what I would expect
- locationThe food was yummy, and the staff were all really friendly. However, it was a tad expensive, and the location was really small. Overall, it was a good experience, and I’d recommend the harvest toast!
- loud and noisyI particularly enjoyed the Fantastic Flat White. The only negative aspect was that it was very loud and noisy inside.
- patio seatinguncomfortable patio seating
- wi-fithere is no wi-fi available
If youre seeking a spot with a fantastic, welcoming atmosphere and beautiful decor, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that it can get a bit loud, and you wont find Wi-Fi, so plan your visit accordingly.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some serious work to do, reflected in a poor score of 3.9 and a customer satisfaction rate of just 13.8%. Still, a few patrons, among 29 total opinions, found some silver linings. They appreciated getting a `discount` via the app, felt some `prices` were `fairly priced` for California, and loved that there was no `extra charge` for `milk alternative`.
However, the overwhelming feedback, with 22 negative comments, highlights significant issues. Many found `high prices` for `everything`, feeling it was `expensive` and `overpriced` for what you get. The `extra charge` for `steamed oat milk` and consistently `small portions` also left a sour taste, making the overall `price point` a major concern.
Value
29
Reviews
13%
Satisfaction
22
negative
3
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- App discounts available
- Fair prices (for some)
What people don't like
- High prices overall
- Small food portions
- Milk upcharge
Often praised
- discountgot 20% off by ordering from the app
- milk alternativedidn’t charge extra for a milk alternative!!
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- pricesFairly priced too for California prices
Frequently criticized
- priceThe staff is friendly and the decor is pretty, which I also appreciated. However, it’s incredibly like WAY overpriced, especially considering what you get. Lately, I've noticed ice chunks in smoothies, and the food portion is very small – I still feel hungry after eating here.
- basic saladbasic salad was $18
- bread qualityexpensive for bread quality
- chickenTo add chicken they charged $9 dlls
- everythingEverything was overpriced, fussy, and lacking taste
- expensiveIt was pretty expensive
- expensive saladmost expensive salad I have paid in my life
- extra chargethey extra charge for it
- high priceshigh prices, gonna have to retire this place for me
- milk$4 for the milk (high for 8 oz)
If youre looking for good value, this might not be your go-to spot, as many find it significantly overpriced for whats offered. Unless you can snag a discount or don't mind paying a premium for small portions, you might leave feeling disappointed by the cost.
How are the prices at Parakeet Cafe?
On average, you’ll spend around $26 per person – from 121 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps a touch above.
Most diners actually spend in the $11–$30 range, showing prices really cluster around this average, offering consistent value rather than a wide mix of budget and high-end options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 121 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering its a Restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It hits that sweet spot where youre getting good value without breaking the bank. Wed say its a solid choice for a reliable meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Parakeet Cafe
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Charming Little Italy Cafe
My experience at this cute little cafe, tucked right on the corner of Little Italy, was wonderful. The beautiful decor created a lovely atmosphere, and the food was really great. I appreciated the variety, as you can choose to have a coffee, a pastry, or some really delicious food.
It's a really chill place to hang out with family or friends. I would say it's a must-go place if you're in the San Diego Little Italy area.
- decor10
- food10
- coffee8
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Great Food, Lovely View
My experience at this restaurant was really good. The food was delicious, offering healthy ideas for both breakfast and lunch. The atmosphere was clean and nice, and I particularly enjoyed being able to sit outside and watch the view.
I loved it!
- food9
- healthy Breakfast8
- lunch idea8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Best Breakfast Spot in San Diego!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was absolutely delicious, earning a perfect 5/5. The place itself was nice and cozy, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere with a score of 4/4.
We tried several breakfast places while visiting San Diego for Christmas, and this one appeared to be the best so far. The service was also rated highly at 4/4.
- food10
- place8
- atmosphere8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Phenomenal Lunch in Little Italy
My experience at this restaurant was phenomenal. It's a great lunch spot located in the heart of Little Italy. The food is of great quality, and I was particularly pleased that everything is seed-oil free, which is always a huge plus!
- food quality10
- seed-oil free10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Yummy Food and Great Atmosphere!
My experience at the restaurant was wonderful! I enjoyed the squash soup and the Breakfast Burrito, both of which were yummy. I also loved the atmosphere and decor.
❤️
- squash soup9
- Breakfast Burrito9
- atmosphere10
What Parakeet Cafe offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and healthy choices can you find at Parakeet Cafe - Little Italy?
Parakeet Cafe – Little Italy offers a range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert. You’ll find plenty of healthy, vegan, organic, and vegetarian choices, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal in San Diego.
What is the atmosphere like and what services are available at Parakeet Cafe - Little Italy?
Experience a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at Parakeet Cafe – Little Italy. They provide convenient services like outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery. The cafe is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for all guests in Little Italy.
How does Parakeet Cafe generally rate?
Parakeet Cafe holds a `Restaurant Score` of `7.3` and a `Customer Satisfaction` of `72.9%`. Its `Ambience` (8.1) and `Food` (7.6) are highly regarded, while `Service` (6.3) is average, and `Value` (3.9) is often a point of concern.
Is Parakeet Cafe considered expensive?
Many customers perceive Parakeet Cafe as `overpriced`, noting that portions can be small for the cost. While some find it `fairly priced` for the area, others mention specific items like salads or chicken add-ons as being particularly costly.
What is the atmosphere like at Parakeet Cafe?
The cafe is known for its `vibrant ambiance` and `cute interior`, often described as artistic and bird-themed. It offers a spacious and welcoming environment, though some guests have found it to be `loud and noisy` at times, and it does not offer WiFi.