Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Cafe de L’Opera – San Diego
Cafe de L'Opera - San Diego
Photo from Cafe de L’Opera
Cafe de L'Opera at a glance
San Diego East Village
- 🍽️ Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 11 – 20 €
mentioned by 84 of the guests
#181 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#32 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
717
Reviews
82.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Pastries & Coffee
- Friendly Service
- Cozy Atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Service Delays
- Inconsistent Food
The restaurant Cafe de L’Opera in San Diego’s vibrant East Village offers you a delightful culinary escape. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot where the atmosphere is always welcoming.
Known for its great dessert, this trendy establishment is perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or enjoying a relaxed lunch, you’ll find a menu crafted to please your palate, including healthy and vegan options.
Overview: Introducting Cafe de L'Opera
Cafe de L’Opera offers a delightful experience, particularly noted for its delicious pastries and coffee. Many appreciate the friendly staff and the generally pleasant atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for a quick bite or a relaxed moment.
The croissants and sandwiches often receive praise for their quality. However, some visitors have found the prices to be a bit high, and there are occasional remarks about service delays due to staffing.
While the food is largely well-received, a few items like certain lattes or pastries have not always met expectations, and the ambience can sometimes be inconsistent.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
717
Reviews
82.7%
Satisfaction
95
negative
29
neutral
593
positive
Cafe de L’Opera generally leaves a positive impression, reflected in its solid Restaurant Score of 8.1 and a strong Customer Satisfaction of 82.7%. These figures, drawn from over 700 customer comments, indicate a well-regarded establishment.
The high number of positive remarks, nearly 600, significantly outweighs the negative ones, suggesting a consistently pleasant experience for most patrons. Digging deeper, the Food (8.3) and Ambience (8.3) are clear standouts, often described as excellent.
Service (7.5) also performs well, contributing positively to the overall visit. However, the Value (6) is perceived as average, with some guests noting that prices could be a point of consideration.
This balanced view helps set expectations for your visit.
What people like
- Delicious pastries and coffee
- Friendly, attentive service
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Occasional service delays
- Inconsistent specific food items
Cafe de L’Opera comes with a strong Recommendation Score of 8.3, indicating it’s generally a place worth visiting. If you’re seeking a pleasant spot for quality pastries and coffee, often accompanied by genuinely friendly service and a comfortable setting, it’s likely to meet your expectations.
However, be mindful that some items might feel a bit pricey, and occasional service hiccups can occur. Overall, for a reliable and enjoyable cafe experience, especially for its baked goods, Cafe de L’Opera is a solid choice, but manage expectations regarding value and efficiency during peak times.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
160
97.5%
- $$
- Torrey Hills
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
123
95.9%
- $$
- Miramar
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
157
96.2%
- $$
- East Village
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
462
96.5%
- $$
- Civita
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
750
95.7%
- €€
- Mid-City
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
437
92.4%
- $$
- Linda Vista
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Cafe de L'Opera
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 85.5%, its clear that many diners are delighted. Out of 462 comments, a whopping 395 rave about the amazing croissants, delicious coffee, and a wide array of pastries and breakfast sandwiches, often highlighting their freshness and quality.
However, not every bite is perfect, as 52 comments point out some areas for improvement. Some found the coffee bland or burnt, while others experienced dry or inconsistently flavored food. There were also occasional frustrations with desired items being unavailable, suggesting a bit of a mixed bag at times.
Food
462
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
52
negative
15
neutral
395
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing croissants
- Delicious coffee
- Fresh, quality food
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland/burnt coffee
- Items unavailable
Often praised
- coffeeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed their delicious made from scratch pastries and bagels, and the good coffee was a perfect complement. The friendly staff made the visit even more pleasant, and the cozy atmosphere contributed to a wonderful time.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It offers the best organic coffee, tea and food in the neighborhood, making it feel like sitting in a Parisian cafe. The food, service, and atmosphere were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- croissantsThe selection of pastries is extensive and varied, ensuring there's something to please every palate. The croissants are an absolute masterpiece; their flaky and buttery layers melt in your mouth, transporting you to pastry paradise. And let's not forget about the delectable macarons and cupcakes, each a work of edible art.
- pastriesWhether you're seeking a tranquil moment alone or a friendly catch-up with loved ones, Cafe de l'Opera caters to all your needs from breakfast to baked goods to take home or to the office. Now, let's talk about the real star of the show – the pastries! I must say, whoever is in charge of their baking is a true culinary genius.
- sandwichesI appreciate the home-cooked style whole foods they serve here that strike the right balance between healthy and satisfying. The homemade soups are great (although I usually can’t resist getting the lentil every time) and their sandwiches are fresh and hearty. I especially like their breakfast sandwiches.
- FoodThe staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. I would definitely come again because the FOOD IS SO GOOD!
- almond croissantMy experience at this lovely little French-styled cafe was delightful. I enjoyed a delicious Quiche Lorraine and an almond croissant. The coffee was tasty, and the atmosphere, with its proverbial French setting, was comfortable.
- croissantIt's a must-do breakfast or snack stop. The coffee was great, and the croissant was yummy. The service was with a big smile.
- breakfastreally good for a quick grab and go breakfast
- breakfast sandwichesMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional, setting a very high standard for French bakeries in San Diego. I tried several pastries and their breakfast sandwiches. The almond croissant was simply amazing, with a perfect balance of almond dough that wasn't too sweet.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food and latte were really mediocre here.
- coffeeThe service was friendly, and we really enjoyed the food overall. However, I wasn’t a big fan of the cappuccino, as it lacked foam and the coffee was a bit too strong for my taste. Aside from the cappuccino, everything else was good.
- avocado toastHowever, the food really fell short of our expectations. The omelette was more of a scramble, and the avocado toast had too much lime juice on it. The service was great – no complaints there; the food, unfortunately, fell short of the mark.
- chocolate croissantThe service was kind and thoughtful, and the lattes were delicious. My husband's chocolate croissant looked amazing, but it was unfortunately hard as a rock. 😔 Due to one woman making all the lattes and orders, it took some time to receive our craft items.
- croissantsCroissants must have been confused with someone else’s order
- iced coffeeI'm disappointed because I would love to visit this place every morning and afternoon if I could consistently order what I want. The croissants here are amazing, and the sandwiches are pretty good, although I go across the street for better iced coffee. However, on my last 8 visits, the item I wanted was "unavailable" for various reasons.
- latteWorst latte I’ve ever had… too bland, too hot, doesn’t taste like latte/milk but more cocoa.
- pastriesEverything was very nice, but the pastries were too sweet. The price is a bit high; they should be more affordable.
- pastryI ordered a Neapolitan for takeout. Unfortunately, after returning to my hotel, I discovered the pastry was frozen. The custard had to be cut with a knife, and the once fluffy pastry was soggy.
- CappuccinoCappuccino tiède
If you're seeking exceptional croissants, delicious coffee, and a variety of fresh pastries, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some food items might occasionally fall short, so manage your expectations for certain dishes.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.5, indicating a good experience for most. Customer satisfaction also looks good at 73.8%, reflecting that many guests leave happy. Based on 126 comments, with 93 positive remarks highlighting the friendly staff, quick service, and welcoming owners, it seems theyve got a lot going right.
However, not every visit is perfect. About 27 comments pointed to some areas needing attention, such as occasional long wait times, staff feeling overwhelmed, and a few instances of awkward or unpleasant attitudes. While these are fewer, they suggest theres room for improvement in consistency, especially concerning staffing levels and customer acknowledgment.
Service
126
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
27
negative
6
neutral
93
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Welcoming owners
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Staff overwhelmed
- Unpleasant attitude
Often praised
- serviceI discovered amazing croissants that were truly delightful. The great service was a highlight, as it led me to try a London Fog tea, which was a pleasant surprise even though it wasn't made with Earl Grey. Overall, a very positive visit.
- staffI enjoyed their delicious made from scratch pastries and bagels, and the good coffee was a perfect complement. The friendly staff made the visit even more pleasant, and the cozy atmosphere contributed to a wonderful time. It's easily one of our favorite spots in SD!
- ServiceService:5
- peopleMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The coffee here is perfect, and the people are very pleasant as well. I highly recommend it with a 10/10 rating!
- baristaThe barista is super nice, very helpful and hard working.
- customer serviceincredible customer service
- StaffStaff is very friendly and helpful
- waitWorth the wait on the beverages
- EveryoneEveryone is very nice
- Great ownersGreat owners as well
Frequently criticized
- servicejust looked and stared at me, didn't speak nor acknowledge
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was marked by great food, but the service was significantly impacted by a lack of staff. Our server was clearly overwhelmed, running around because she was the only one on duty on a Saturday morning.
- acknowledgementdidn't speak nor acknowledge but rather just stared
- baristasuspect the barista was somewhat unfamiliar with espresso drinks
- business hoursclosed during your listed business hours
- coffeetook more than 10 min for the staff to bring us coffe
- dine inI asked for dine in but all were in paper wrappers (my neighbors get plates & cups though).
- food servicechallenged to bring food out at the same time
- long waita long wait
- online orderI’ve been ordering here for breakfast or lunch and usually have a fair to good experience. However, today, I placed an online order and they did not process it on time. I had to wait just to get my order.
Overall, you can expect a generally positive experience here, especially if you value friendly and efficient interactions. While there might be an occasional hiccup with wait times or overwhelmed staff, the good service often shines through. Its definitely worth a visit if youre looking for a place where hospitality is a priority.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to ambiance, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.3 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 87.9%, it's clear most visitors adore the vibe. Out of 107 opinions, a whopping 94 were positive, frequently praising the cozy place, French style environment, and overall atmosphere.
Many describe it as a clean, welcoming, and quiet space, often feeling like a charming Parisian cafe with lovely music. However, not everyone was entirely swept away, with 7 negative opinions noted. Some found the atmosphere a bit blah or the design mixed.
A few mentioned external factors like a noisy street or issues with the bathroom cleanliness, which could detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
107
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
7
negative
6
neutral
94
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy French atmosphere
- Quiet, clean space
- Welcoming environment
What people don't like
- Noisy street outside
- Mixed decor
- Bathroom needs cleaning
Often praised
- atmosphereI enjoyed their delicious made from scratch pastries and bagels, and the good coffee was a perfect complement. The friendly staff made the visit even more pleasant, and the cozy atmosphere contributed to a wonderful time. It's easily one of our favorite spots in SD!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeLove this place. Small, can be busy
- cafeThe cafe was an absolute delight
- ambianceWith a heart full of satisfaction, I can confidently rate them 5 stars. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance of a small neighborhood cafe. The interior creates an atmosphere that is relaxing.
- environmentit's a nice environment
- music selectionthe most enjoyable music selection
- noise levelThe noise level was quiet, easy to talk
- seatingThis is a very cute spot in downtown to grab a coffee and food. The pastries are delicious, and there’s good seating for people watching.
- spaceMy experience at this cafe was very positive. It's a very nice cafe with good space to work and relax. The people working here were very nice and took care of me.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere was a bit blah
- bathroomthe bathroom needs a bit more cleaning
- decorationDecoration of the cafe was very mixed up
- designEnvironmentally could be a bit more intentional with the design
- homeless peoplethere were homeless people camping in front of the store on the road. ... the smell was horrible in front of the cafe.
- music Ambientemusic Ambiente a rave form Berlin Kreuzberg. Could be better.
- streetHowever, the street is very noisy
If you're seeking a cozy, French-inspired retreat with a welcoming and quiet atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some external elements like street noise or the bathroom might not always match the charming interior.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
Many guests find the prices here to be quite reasonable, often highlighting it as a great spot for a daily stop and appreciating the chance to support a small business. With 11 positive remarks out of 22 total, its clear that many feel theyre getting a good deal, with some even mentioning a fair price for a sandwich, coffee, and chips. The value aspect has an average 6 score, indicating a generally fair offering.
However, not everyone agrees on the value, with 9 negative comments suggesting the price can be a sticking point. Some feel the cost is elevated, especially compared to the quality of food, and a few even found it overrated. There have also been mentions of billing issues, where customers were charged full price or for items they didn't receive.
Customer satisfaction for value is a mixed 50%, reflecting these differing views.
Value
22
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Support small business
- Worth daily stop
What people don't like
- Elevated price
- High for quality
- Billing issues
Often praised
- pricesgood prices compared with everything around it
- priceThe people were also great, and I would absolutely recommend coming here for breakfast. Additionally, everything wasn't expensive.
- daily stopWorth it as your daily stop!
- refundrefunded the charge
- sandwich, coffee, and chipsAbout 14 bucks for sandwich, coffee, and chips
- small businesssupporting this small business
Frequently criticized
- priceEverything was very nice, but the pastries were too sweet. The price is a bit high; they should be more affordable. The bathroom needs a bit more cleaning, but it's pleasant to eat inside.
- OverratedClairement surévalué
- billingI still got charged the full price for both drinks
- chargecharging for food I’m not getting
- fast foodIt's not cheap, fast food
- pastries priceall of the pastries have no price listed
If youre seeking generally reasonable prices and a convenient spot, you might find good value here. However, be aware that some guests feel the quality doesnt always justify the cost, and occasional billing issues have been noted. It's a bit of a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at Cafe de L'Opera?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 84 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 (55 of them!) happily spend within this 11 – 20 € range, and a good chunk (21) even find options under 10 €. This means prices really cluster around that average, offering a great mix of budget-friendly and mid-range choices without venturing into super premium territory.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 84 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant, especially given the variety of options available to suit different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cafe de L'Opera
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
8
Cute Spot for Coffee and People Watching
This is a very cute spot in downtown to grab a coffee and food. The pastries are delicious, and there’s good seating for people watching.
- pastries9
- seating8
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Food, Drinks Need Work
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially concerning the food. I found the quality of the food to be amazing. However, there were some issues with the beverages.
The coffee felt a tad burnt, and the chai was watered down. Despite these drink concerns, the overall food quality made for a good meal.
- quality of the food10
- coffee3
- chai3
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
7
Great Donut, Okay Sandwich & Coffee
I arrived around 9 AM on a Saturday morning. The place was relatively full, but I found a place to sit. I had a sandwich, iced coffee, and a donut.
The sandwich was pretty good, though I had to use hot sauce to really get sufficient flavor out of it. The iced coffee was the worst; pretty generic but not bland. However, the donut (with cream cheese in the middle) was to die for – pretty excellent and I would have it again.
The service was decent, but just decent. One girl at the counter was doing her best but was clearly hard of hearing.
- sandwich7
- donut10
- service5
- iced coffee3
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
3
Disappointing Food, Great Service
My experience at this cafe was mixed. While the service was great, the food was a letdown. The coffee was watery and had a burnt taste.
The napoleon was incredibly dry and disappointing, an insult to its namesake. Overall, this cafe feels very overrated.
- service9
- coffee2
- napoleon1
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Charming French Petite Dejeuner Spot
My experience at this restaurant was delightful! It's a great place for your petite dejeuner, breakfast, or coffee, and also perfect for a small lunch. The atmosphere is very French, and the service, atmosphere, and food were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- petite dejeuner10
- breakfast10
- coffee10
What Cafe de L'Opera offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dietary options are available at Cafe de L'Opera?
Cafe de L’Opera caters to various dietary needs, offering you healthy options, organic dishes, and both vegetarian and vegan selections. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a full meal, you’ll find delicious choices, ensuring a satisfying experience for everyone.
What kind of atmosphere and amenities does Cafe de L'Opera offer?
You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at Cafe de L’Opera, complete with outdoor seating. For your convenience, the restaurant provides free Wi-Fi and gender-neutral restrooms, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming experience during your visit.
How does Cafe de L'Opera generally perform according to customer feedback?
Cafe de L’Opera receives a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.1 and Customer Satisfaction of 82.7%. Customers particularly praise the Food (8.3) and Ambience (8.3), with Service (7.5) also rated well. Value (6) is considered average.
What are the main highlights of visiting Cafe de L'Opera?
Many customers appreciate the delicious pastries, especially the croissants, and the quality coffee. The friendly and helpful staff, along with a cozy and inviting atmosphere, are also frequently mentioned as positive aspects.
Are there any common concerns or areas for improvement at Cafe de L'Opera?
Some patrons find the prices to be a bit high, and there are occasional reports of service delays due to staffing. A few specific food items, like certain lattes or the avocado toast, have received mixed reviews, and bathroom cleanliness has been noted.