Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Rosemary & Thyme – San Diego
Rosemary & Thyme - San Diego
Photo from Rosemary & Thyme
Rosemary & Thyme at a glance
San Diego Egyptian Quarter
- 🍽️ Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 11 – 20 €
mentioned by 108 of the guests
#68 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#15 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Excellent
8.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
655
Reviews
90.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Service
- Delicious Food
- Garden Ambience
Frequently criticized
- Value Perception
- Limited Parking
- Service Lapses
The restaurant Rosemary & Thyme, nestled in San Diego’s vibrant Egyptian Quarter, is a must-visit spot. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying their great coffee.
Whether you’re starting your day with a delicious breakfast or grabbing a healthy lunch, this cafe offers a delightful experience. With convenient service options like outdoor seating, curbside pickup, and dine-in, you’re sure to find what suits your needs.
Overview: Introducting Rosemary & Thyme
Rosemary & Thyme offers a delightful escape, often praised for its charming garden patio and the generally high quality of its breakfast dishes. Many guests appreciate the attentive service that complements the experience.
However, some find the overall value inconsistent, with a few feeling certain items are overpriced. There are also occasional remarks about the initial entry hall being a bit off-putting, though the interior often redeems it.
Excellent
8.7
out of 10
655
Reviews
90.4%
Satisfaction
53
negative
10
neutral
592
positive
Rosemary & Thyme earns a strong overall assessment, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 8.7 and an excellent Customer Satisfaction of 90.4%. This positive sentiment is built on 655 customer opinions, with 592 positive remarks against only 53 negative ones, suggesting a consistently good experience for most patrons.
Digging deeper, the Service (9.1) stands out as exceptional, closely followed by the Food (8.6) and Ambience (8.8), all scoring very well. While the Value (6.8) is rated as good, it’s a point where some customers have expressed reservations, indicating it might not always align with expectations compared to other aspects.
What people like
- Exceptional Service
- Delicious Breakfast Dishes
- Inviting Garden Ambience
What people don't like
- Value Perception Issues
- Limited Parking Access
- Occasional Service Lapses
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.8, Rosemary & Thyme is generally a solid choice, particularly if you prioritize a pleasant setting and attentive staff. It’s a place that often delivers a very satisfying breakfast experience.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it a bit steep for what’s offered. If you’re seeking a charming spot with good food and service and don’t mind potentially paying a little more, it’s certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Rosemary & Thyme
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a strong score of 8.6 and a customer satisfaction rate of 89.2%, which is definitely good! Out of 315 total opinions, 281 were glowing about items like the delicious Benedicts, flavor-packed breakfast burritos, and crispy potatoes, often paired with refreshing mimosas. However, there are a few areas that could use a little love, with 28 opinions noting some room for improvement.
Some found the hollandaise sauce lacking, while others mentioned issues with burnt or raw potatoes, flat pancakes, or flavorless French toast. It seems consistency might be key here.
Food
315
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
28
negative
6
neutral
281
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Benedicts
- Flavor-packed breakfast
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Burnt/raw potatoes
- Flat pancakes
- Flavorless French toast
Often praised
- foodI was initially hesitant due to the dark entry hall, but venturing further revealed a lovely shady garden in the rear. The restaurant offers a great selection of delicious breakfast dishes at very affordable prices. The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated 5/5, and the food was equally impressive with a 5/5 rating.
- pancakesThe staff was very friendly and helpful. The food was fantastic; we enjoyed the breakfast burritos, pancakes, and a fruit bowl that was so juicy and refreshing! I waddled away so full and happy.
- chorizo burritoParking was also easy in the morning. We ordered the chorizo burrito and avocado toast with eggs 😋.
- Eggs BenedictEggs Benedict, buttermilk pancakes, and chorizo burrito.... faux mosa was yum too
- breakfast burritoThe service was amazing, with everyone being incredibly friendly and helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed the food, especially the wonderfully fresh avocado toast, the gray herbed potatoes, the fabulous breakfast burrito, and the best thyme Benedict. I highly recommend ordering the passionfruit mimosa!
- chorizo scrambleSo grateful to have spent our morning here; best customer service, amazing food 🤤 we’d be here every morning if we lived in the area. Got the veggie scramble and husband got the chorizo scramble. Excellent food!
- eggs BenedictFrench toast and eggs Benedict which were both bomb
- BenedictI absolutely loved the crispy potatoes and the fluffy pancakes with perfect crisp edges. The Benedict was delicious, especially with the homemade Hollandaise. It was a truly enjoyable breakfast.
- French toastshared the French toast and it was some of the best I’ve ever had
- delicious foodand delicious food
Frequently criticized
- foodThe location is hidden away and boasts a beautiful atmosphere with all the plants and decor. However, it appears the cost of upkeep has caused the food to be horrible. I ordered eggs Benedict, but the yolk was solid, not runny.
- French toastmade with the same store bought bread as the avocado toast (so flat) and they were HARD, so stale you couldn't cut into them
- pancakesthey are certainly not for French toast or pancakes.
- potatoesside of potatoes that come with it also had no salt or seasoning, they just tasted burnt and dry
- Avocado Toastcharges $13 for a warm piece of store bread with 10 slices of avocado and a sprinkle of red marinated onions (no flavor) as "Avocado Toast"
- Eggs BenedictEggs Benedict tasted insanely weird
- Flapjacksthese were flapjacks because they were FLAT, not fluffy at all
- avocadomenu says it comes with avocado but there wasn’t any
- blueberriesBlueberries? Maybe 5 tiny ones.
- brioche French toastThe “brioche” French toast was a few pieces of flattened milk soaked white bread with a minuscule amount of fruit and virtually devoid of flavor.
Overall, the food here is a solid choice, especially for breakfast and brunch classics. While a few dishes might miss the mark, the high satisfaction suggests youre likely to find a delicious meal with generous portions. Its definitely worth a try for a satisfying start to your day!
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
The service here truly shines, earning an excellent score of 9.1 and a stellar customer satisfaction of 92.9%. Based on 158 positive remarks out of 170 total, guests consistently praise the super friendly and attentive staff, including specific shout-outs to servers like Jessica and Keith, and the gracious owner, Alex. Many appreciate the quick service and minimal wait times, making for a welcoming and smooth experience.
However, a small number of 11 comments point to some areas for improvement. A few guests found the sign-in process strange, noting a lack of a host or having to bring their own menus. There were also isolated instances of feeling ignored by servers or orders not being taken promptly, which can certainly be frustrating.
Service
170
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
158
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Gracious owner
- Minimal wait time
What people don't like
- Strange sign-in process
- Actively ignored
- Order never taken
Often praised
- service‼️⚠️ HIDDEN GEM ALERT! ⚠️‼️ Hillcrest's newest Secret Garden has everything; a beautiful, shady garden patio, delicious breakfast foods, impeccable service, and mimosas 🥂 We ordered the breakfast burrito, which came with herby crispy potatoes, and the french toast which was loaded with fresh fruit! The portions were healthy, and the food was hot and fresh.
- staffI also enjoyed a delicious mimosa that complemented the meal perfectly. The service was top-notch; the staff were friendly and attentive. I highly recommend this place for a delightful brunch experience!
- ownerI had one of the best Benedicts I've ever tasted. The food was delicious, and the service from the friendly server and owner was excellent. The atmosphere in the adorable green space was also a highlight.
- serverserver IMMEDIATELY stated that for a party of 6 or more, the tip is auto included
- KeithThe eggs were perfectly poached, and the hollandaise sauce was delicious. Keith was attentive and professional throughout our meal, even expertly handling a challenging table nearby. We look forward to coming back again soon before heading back to Australia.
- waitWhile I found it a bit pricey, I'm very glad we came. The wait was minimal, even with a farmers market happening next door. I would definitely come back.
- wait timeWe got there right as they opened so we didn’t have trouble finding a table.
- excellent serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The beautiful environment, excellent service, and delicious food made it a truly memorable visit. I can't say enough about this hidden gem.
- friendly staffand friendly staff
- Alex and his teamBig thanks to Alex and his team
Frequently criticized
- bacon instead of hamAsked for bacon instead of ham and they didn’t do it
- greens on topasked for greens on top and got completely ignored
- hostthere’s no host
- menusbring our own menus from the front, which is weird
- order takenour order was never taken
- seatI had a very tasty experience at this cute little spot for breakfast. While there aren't a ton of tables, meaning you might have to wait for a seat, it's definitely worth it. The eggs Benedict was delicious.
- server attentionactively being ignored trying to get the attention of a server
- serviceThe service and atmosphere, strange
- sign-in processThe sign in process is very strange
- waiter hatwaiter wearing a “I <3 Wieners” hat at work
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and attentive staff, youll likely have an excellent experience here. While a few minor hiccups in the initial process or occasional inattentiveness were noted, the overwhelming sentiment is one of outstanding service that makes this spot worth trying.
Ambience (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning an excellent 8.8 score and an impressive 92.2% customer satisfaction! Guests consistently rave about the beautiful patio, lush garden, and peaceful paradise that create a jungle hideaway feel. With 141 positive remarks out of 153 total, it's clear the dog-friendly patio and overall calming vibes are a huge hit, offering a wonderfully relaxing outdoor experience.
However, a few guests noted some minor quirks. The hidden location and dark entry hall can be a bit tricky to find, and some wished for better signage. There were also comments about limited tables and limited parking, which might require a bit of patience.
Despite these small points, the overwhelming sentiment remains highly positive.
Ambience
153
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
141
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful garden patio
- Peaceful outdoor oasis
- Lush greenery
What people don't like
- Hidden location
- Limited parking
- Tricky entry hall
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was a pleasant surprise. I was initially hesitant due to the dark entry hall, but venturing further revealed a lovely shady garden in the rear. The restaurant offers a great selection of delicious breakfast dishes at very affordable prices.
- patioThe patio is stunning with tropical plants wall to wall
- ambianceBeautiful ambiance and so much love is put into it
- placeThis place is so cute
- gardenMy experience at this cafe was wonderful. It's a great cafe with a garden that's tucked away and filled with foliage, offering a lovely atmosphere. The classic breakfast was delicious, and I especially enjoyed the potatoes.
- ambienceThe ambience only adds to its experience!!
- beautiful patiosuper cute new spot with a beautiful patio
- cute spotSuch a cute spot
- greeneryThe service was also great. The restaurant is tucked away in a back patio, offering a lovely atmosphere with great greenery.
- lovely patioThe service was great, the food was delicious, and the value was good. I particularly enjoyed the lovely patio. The eggs benedict were especially good, featuring perfectly poached eggs.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe service and atmosphere, strange
- entry hallDon't be dissuaded by the dark entry hall
- hidden locationit’s very hidden in this hair salon building in the back
- outdoor kitchenkitchen looks to be outside in the back of the patio
- parkingI will definitely be back for sure. A small note: parking is limited.
- real restaurantThis is not a real restaurant
- signageRecommend they get better signage
- tablesThere's not a ton of tables
- thrifted utensilsdo not wanted to be eating at a restaurant with thrifted utensils
If you're seeking a serene escape with a stunning outdoor setting, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Its charming garden and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal choice for a relaxing meal. Just be prepared for a slightly hidden entrance and potentially limited parking, but the payoff is a delightful experience.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners feel theyre getting a good deal here! With 12 positive sentiments out of 17 total, guests often praise the value, price, and fairly priced options, noting that the prices are very reasonable. The overall score for value is a solid 6.8, indicating a good experience, and customer satisfaction sits at a strong 70.6%.
However, not everyone agrees, as 5 opinions suggest some find the experience a bit steep. Some guests felt it was pricey or overpriced, with a few even mentioning specific high costs. While the majority found the pricing fair, it seems a minority had expectations that werent met, leading to a less satisfying perception of the overall cost.
Value
17
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fairly priced dishes
- Good value overall
- Excellent price-quality
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Overpriced dishes
- Waste of money
Often praised
- pricebest fruit bowl I’ve ever had at a restaurant for the price
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a hidden gem in Hillcrest, offering yummy food, wonderful friendly service, and good prices, all within a beautiful garden patio environment. I highly recommend it.
- valueambiance, and the overall value was excellent
- fairly pricedThe atmosphere was enhanced by friendly faces. I enjoyed fairly priced, rustic and tasty dishes. It was a nice brunch experience, and I'm thankful for it.
- price-qualityThe price-quality, this is one of the best breakfast places
Frequently criticized
- price41$ for this and a plate of pancakes with juice and coffee. Overpriced
- $40A sad waste of $40.
- priceyit's a bit pricey
If youre looking for a place where many feel the price is right, this spot is generally a good bet. While a few found it a bit pricey, the majority of diners believe youll find good value for your money here, making it worth a try.
How are the prices at Rosemary & Thyme?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 108 diners. That puts it in the 11 – 20 € category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend within that 11 – 20 € bracket, though a good portion also opt for the slightly higher 21 – 30 € range, showing prices cluster nicely around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 108 reviews.
A comparison of this restaurant’s value for money against similar establishments in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in San Diego. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Rosemary & Thyme
Price per Person
- 21 - 30 €
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Cute Plant Oasis with Friendly Service
What a cute hidden gem in a plant-filled oasis! The service was friendly too, and we enjoyed our time there with no wait during our early morning visit. I recommend they get better signage so people walking by can find the spot easier from the street.
- service9
- no wait10
- signage4
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Charming Secret Garden Brunch
This is such a cute little place, offering a secret garden/quiet terrace environment. We arrived shortly after 12 pm and were seated promptly with only a short wait for our table to be prepped. Our server was great and very professional.
Although they only offer black coffee, our server patiently accommodated my request for vanilla in the half and half. The food was fantastic, specifically the chilaquiles and tres leches French toast. We also enjoyed the passion fruit mimosa and Moscow mule, which were also fantastic!
We will definitely be coming back.
- cute little place9
- secret garden/quiet terrace environment10
- wait8
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Food and Kind Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. The food was incredible, and the staff was so kind. It was a really lovely experience overall.
I will definitely be visiting again the next time I’m in town!
- food10
- staff10
- experience9
Price per Person
- 21 - 30 €
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Cute Cafe with Friendly Staff
My experience at this cafe was quite pleasant. It's a cute cafe with a few parking spots available in the small lot next door. Although there were many outdoor seating options, the heavy rain led us to sit inside.
The indoor space, while having fewer tables, was nicely decorated. The staff were very attentive and friendly, and the food arrived pretty fast. Everything tasted fresh and was nicely seasoned.
I especially highly recommend their homemade salsa.
- cute cafe8
- parking spots6
- indoor space7
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Awesome Service and Great Food!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! Our server, Keith, was incredibly kind and attentive to our family. The food was very good.
We will definitely be coming back!
- Keith10
- food9
What Rosemary & Thyme offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Rosemary & Thyme?
At Rosemary & Thyme Cafe, you can look forward to a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. They serve delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch options, alongside tempting desserts. With comfortable seating and table service, it’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy your meal, whether you’re dining alone or with company.
Does Rosemary & Thyme Cafe offer healthy or vegetarian options, and is it accessible?
Yes, Rosemary & Thyme Cafe prides itself on providing healthy and vegetarian options, complementing their excellent coffee. For your convenience, the cafe is fully accessible with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Free and paid street parking are also available.
How does Rosemary & Thyme generally perform?
Rosemary & Thyme achieves a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.7 and an excellent Customer Satisfaction of 90.4%. Its Service (9.1), Ambience (8.8), and Food (8.6) are highly rated, though Value (6.8) receives a good but comparatively lower score.
What makes the ambiance at Rosemary & Thyme special?
Customers frequently praise Rosemary & Thyme’s ambiance, describing it as a lovely shady garden, stunning patio, and a cute spot with beautiful greenery, offering an inviting and tucked-away atmosphere.
Are there any common concerns about Rosemary & Thyme?
Some customers have noted concerns regarding the value, finding certain items overpriced. Others mention the hidden location, limited parking, and occasional service inconsistencies like ignored requests or a strange sign-in process.