Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Bica – San Diego
Bica - San Diego
Photo from Bica
Bica at a glance
San Diego Normal Heights
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 105 of the guests
#229 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#22 Café out of 65 in San Diego
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
779
Reviews
79.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh Ingredients
- Great Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Service Delays
The café Bica in San Diego’s vibrant Normal Heights neighborhood offers a truly inviting experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed gathering.
Known for its great coffee, this trendy café also boasts an impressive tea selection. Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or enjoying a leisurely brunch, Bica provides a welcoming atmosphere where you can unwind.
Overview: Introducting Bica
Bica offers a delightful experience where the quality of its fresh dishes and exceptional coffee truly shines. Guests often praise the friendly staff and the welcoming vibes, making it a pleasant spot to unwind.
The outdoor patio is a particular highlight for many, providing a relaxed setting. However, some visitors have expressed concerns regarding the price of certain items, finding them a bit steep.
There have also been occasional mentions of service inconsistencies, such as waiting times, which can detract from the overall visit.
Good
7.9
out of 10
779
Reviews
79.8%
Satisfaction
124
negative
33
neutral
622
positive
Bica achieves a commendable restaurant score of 7.9, indicating a generally positive dining experience, supported by a good customer satisfaction rate of 79.8%. This suggests that most patrons leave feeling content with their visit.
The insights are drawn from 779 customer opinions, with 622 positive remarks outweighing 124 negative ones. Looking closer, the Food (8.4) is clearly a standout, receiving excellent feedback for its quality and taste.
The Ambience (8) also scores well, contributing significantly to the pleasant experience. While Service (6.7) is rated as good, Value (4.8) falls into the average category, suggesting that while the offerings are appreciated, their cost might be a point of contention for some.
What people like
- Excellent Food Quality
- Welcoming Atmosphere
- Friendly, Attentive Staff
What people don't like
- Questionable Value
- Service Inconsistencies
- Outdoor Seating Issues
If you prioritize fresh, quality food and a pleasant atmosphere, Bica is certainly worth considering. Its strong performance in culinary offerings and inviting setting makes it a solid choice for a relaxed meal or coffee break.
Just be mindful of the pricing, as some items might feel a bit high. With a recommendation score of 8.2, Bica generally delivers a positive experience.
It’s a place that excels in creating a good vibe and serving delicious items, making it a strong contender for those seeking a quality, albeit potentially pricier, outing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bica
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot truly shines, boasting a good score of 8.4 and an impressive 86.8% customer satisfaction. With 369 positive comments out of 425 pieces of feedback, guests consistently rave about the quality and fresh taste of dishes. Highlights include the delicious ricotta tartine and tuna sandwich, often praised for their depth of flavor and use of locally sourced produce.
However, not every culinary experience is perfect. Among the 38 negative comments, some diners found certain items overpriced or occasionally bland. There were also a few remarks about tuna sandwich inconsistencies and a desire for more vegan options, suggesting areas for refinement.
Food
425
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
38
negative
18
neutral
369
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- High food quality
- Fresh ingredients
- Creative dishes
What people don't like
- Limited vegan options
- Some items pricey
- Flavor inconsistency
Often praised
- coffeeTwo days later, I dined in for dinner and experienced some of the most amazing, ultra fresh, and creative dishes. While many people stop in for a quick coffee, which is also great with unique options, I highly recommend not skipping a quick bite. I've also visited for Industry Night and enjoyed collaborations with some of San Diego's best chefs featuring pop-up menus.
- foodWhile there's no inside dining, the adjoining patio provides very plain but pleasant outdoor dining. The food was good, and the service was excellent, though the atmosphere was just okay.
- tuna sandwichMy experience at this restaurant was already off to a great start! The Cortado was perfect, and the tuna sandwich was so fresh, making it a perfect lunch choice. I also enjoyed the fresh-made strawberry soda, which was exactly what we needed on a warm day.
- menuI’ve met friends, neighbors, dates…it’s just a nice place to hang. The menu is small but everything is soooo good and fresh with simple, quality ingredients. Love the ricotta tartine and any of their lattes especially.
- pastriesI highly recommend the wild-caught smoked salmon tartine; the combination of fresh, succulent salmon with a perfectly toasted tartine is a memorable culinary experience. The pastries at Bica are a sight to behold and each one is a delicious masterpiece, from morning buns to indulgent scones. The cozy and welcoming ambiance makes it an ideal spot to unwind or catch up with friends.
- cortadoIt was a very good experience. We ordered a cortado and a cappuccino, and the presentation was arguably the best I've seen for coffee. The salmon lox was very good, the bread was perfect, and the overall taste was very fresh – a 10/10.
- sandwichesI love their strong community orientation, consistently hosting pop-ups and events that feature local chefs and creatives. The coffee is excellent, especially the espresso tonic 🤌🏼, and the food is incredible; you truly can't go wrong with any of their sandwiches. It's always a good vibe and so easy to love.
- espressoalways enjoy the espresso here
- FoodFood:5
- breadWe ordered a cortado and a cappuccino, and the presentation was arguably the best I've seen for coffee. The salmon lox was very good, the bread was perfect, and the overall taste was very fresh – a 10/10. The tuna sandwich was just okay, a bit plain.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food...used to be on point but this last time I came in it was lacking a little
- coffeeThe pastries were good. However, after waiting 15 minutes for our coffee, I noticed many customers before and after me come and go, and I still hadn't received my order. None of the workers seemed to notice that we were waiting near the counter an unusual amount of time.
- Bicanot being able to serve a simple Bica
- Dixie cupMy experience at this cafe, named "Bica, " was quite unusual. Naming a place "Bica" for a cafe and then serving mid espresso in a Dixie cup is a wild choice. I felt bad for any other Portuguese visiting this place under false pretenses.
- Guatemala, HuehuetenangoTasted terrible brewed in the Moka pot
- NataThe atmosphere was welcoming. Unfortunately, they didn't have the "Nata", so perhaps next time I'll get lucky. 😃
- box of coffeeSold me a $30 box of coffee that expired in 2023
- breadThe cortado was super; it was robust in coffee flavor yet smooth and rich, just the way I like them. The Avocado Tartine was good, too, but the bread could have used a little better toasting to give that slight crunch factor. The avocado was tasty, and I liked the fresh radishes on top.
- coffee menuwish the coffee menu was a little more expansive
- coffee ordersThe barista didn’t greet us and seemed annoyed to take our order, only warming up after seeing a 20% tip. Both our coffee orders were wrong and tasted bad enough to toss. Thankfully, the food was excellent, and the chef even came out to check on us, which was a nice touch.
If you're looking for a place with high-quality, thoughtfully prepared food, especially tartines and sandwiches, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some items might be pricier, and specific dietary options could be limited.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, but leans positive overall. With a 6.7 score, it's generally considered good, and 61.4% customer satisfaction suggests many leave happy. Based on 158 customer comments, with 97 positive remarks, many appreciate the friendly staff, attentive and super helpful team, and quick and efficient service, making it a welcoming go-to coffee pit stop.
However, 52 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. Customers have reported wait times that can be frustrating, with some experiencing rude baristas or a lack of communication. Issues like unacknowledged greetings and poor customer service also pop up, indicating that consistency might be a challenge for some visitors.
Service
158
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
52
negative
9
neutral
97
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Attentive and helpful
- Quick, efficient service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff demeanor
- Poor communication
Often praised
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was delightful! I enjoyed the delish coffee in a laid-back atmosphere, complemented by friendly staff. The honey sea salt lattes were particularly outstanding.
- serviceThe restaurant offers shaded outdoor seating and featured a live performer during my Saturday morning visit. The overall experience was fantastic, with great vibes, quality service, and excellent coffee.
- ServiceThe avocado was tasty, and I liked the fresh radishes on top. Service was friendly at the counter. They have a very nice outside patio, but there is no inside seating.
- ownersWe had a great time with outstanding service. The staff there are very nice, and the owners are very welcoming.
- hospitalityserves exceptional coffee, delicious treats, and warm hospitality.
- peopleThe food, the people, the vibes, the coffee, the heart and integrity behind it all. All of it top notch.
- teamThe vibes were great. Luv the team!
- BicaBica couldn’t be better
- Cousinthe Cousin seriously his name “cousin”? He’s the vibe we all need
- EveryoneEveryone was super friendly
Frequently criticized
- service" The manager left without addressing the issue. I don't see myself returning due to the wait times, lack of easy parking, and bad service.
- customer serviceThankfully, the food was excellent, and the chef even came out to check on us, which was a nice touch. I’m rating this 4 stars because of the quality of the food and the overall vibe—but customer service definitely needs improvement.
- waiting timeThe pastries were good. However, after waiting 15 minutes for our coffee, I noticed many customers before and after me come and go, and I still hadn't received my order. None of the workers seemed to notice that we were waiting near the counter an unusual amount of time.
- baristaThe barista was incredibly rude
- baristasBaristas are rude and purposefully slow
- GoogleGoogle is not often reliable
- acknowledgmentdidnt receive any acknowledgment at all
- apologyWhen I spoke up to ask about the order, they couldn't find it. They played defense, saying they knew nothing about it and looked at us as if we made up the story about not receiving the order, with no apology. They eventually offered to make the drinks.
- business hoursMy experience was one of frustration due to the lack of clear and updated business hours. I wish the restaurant would learn to answer phone calls or at least post live updates about their operating hours.
- closing timetold “they had to close early”
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and welcoming staff, youll likely have a good experience here. Just be prepared that on busier days, you might encounter longer wait times or less attentive service, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 83.4%. With 151 positive remarks out of 181 total, guests rave about the community vibes, outdoor patio, and cozy atmosphere. It's often described as a kid and pet friendly spot with great energy and lovely decor.
However, some experiences highlight areas for improvement, with 25 negative comments. Concerns include the lack of inside seating, especially on a hot day, and occasional issues with flies on the patio. Parking can also be a bit tricky, which might detract from the overall experience for some.
Ambience
181
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
25
negative
5
neutral
151
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Strong community vibes
- Spacious outdoor patio
- Kid and pet friendly
What people don't like
- No indoor seating
- Flies on patio
- Parking challenges
Often praised
- atmosphereThe pastel de nata is next-level; flaky, creamy, and just plain delicious. If you’re feeling hungry, the tuna conserva hits all the right notes – fresh, packed with flavor, and perfect for munching on while soaking up the atmosphere. The lox tartine and ricotta & peach jam tartine are also solid picks for a brunch hangout or post-run refuel.
- patioI really enjoyed my cortado. The staff was awesome, making it a great place to have a drink and just relax on the patio.
- vibesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's one of my favorite local spots, offering chill and welcoming vibes. The food was incredibly fresh and tasteful.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- outdoor patioThis place truly knows how to balance texture and flavors. I highly recommend visiting on a warm, sunny day as most of the seating is on the outdoor patio. Be prepared for a line if you arrive past 9: 30 AM on a weekend.
- placemy favorite place ever
- vibeThe coffee, the food, the vibe.
- communityThe community, food and drinks are always incredible.
- outdoor seatingenjoying the outdoor seating, which was busy but available
- ambianceThe pastries at Bica are a sight to behold and each one is a delicious masterpiece, from morning buns to indulgent scones. The cozy and welcoming ambiance makes it an ideal spot to unwind or catch up with friends. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or a food lover, Bica is the place to be.
Frequently criticized
- fliesI particularly enjoyed the avocado tartine and ricotta tartine, as well as a pastry 🤤. My only recommendation for improvement would be to add spinning fans on the tables to keep the flies away.
- place to sitThey eventually offered to make the drinks. After finally receiving the coffees, there was no place to sit, so we left.
- clienteleattracts an unpleasant clientele
- crowds into the sidewalkThey're doing the best that I can imagine being possible there with the layout, but they're busy and the line shows it. It just crowds into the sidewalk and makes for a bad pedestrian experience.
- exclusivityThis focus on exclusivity comes across as arrogant
- fly problemaddress the fly problem in the outdoor seating area
- garbage dumpstersgarbage dumpsters just behind the fence
- hand soapabsence of essentials such as hand soap
- hot daycoming here on a hot day
- inside diningNo inside dining
If you're seeking a vibrant, community-focused outdoor spot with a great vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential outdoor-only seating challenges on hot days and plan your parking ahead.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 8% of the guests
When it comes to value, some customers find a silver lining, noting that while it might be a bit pricey, it's often worth it for the quality, with some even praising the low price for specific items or good prices for the portions. Based on 15 customer opinions, with 5 positive remarks, the overall score for value sits at an average 4.8, suggesting a mixed bag of experiences. However, the conversation around value leans more towards concern, with 9 negative remarks highlighting high prices, overpriced dishes, and even accusations of price gouging or extortionate costs.
Customer satisfaction for value is quite low at just 33.3%, indicating significant room for improvement when it comes to perceived fairness of pricing, especially concerning the price increase and tip option practices.
Value
15
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for money
- Fair price for quality
- Low price for some
What people don't like
- High prices
- Overpriced dishes
- Perceived price gouging
Often praised
- pricemore than fair price for what you're getting
- low priceI love the low price for atleast 1 small cup of hot chocolate
- pricesGood prices for the portions
- value for moneyThe restaurant boasts amazingly fresh produce, great coffee, and a superb atmosphere. The food is prepared with evident passion, offering great value for money and a delightful personal touch. It's hard to imagine wanting anything more from a dining experience.
Frequently criticized
- pricefood is way overpriced for very basic dishes
- $17 for that sandwich$17 for that sandwich is extortionate
- $18 for an 8oz bagnot good enough to go back and pay $18 for an 8oz bag
- price gougingI found this price to be egregious. While I understand that many coffee shops here rely on pre-made food options, leading to what feels like price gouging, this establishment wouldn't stand out as anything special in Europe. The food quality was rated a 5, service a 3, and atmosphere a 4.
- price increaseI couldn’t help but notice the price increase
- pricesPrices are high
- tip optionshowing lowest tip option of 20% on the checkout screen at a cafe is absurd
If youre seeking exceptional quality that justifies a higher spend, you might find some items to be good "value for money. " However, be prepared that many customers feel the general pricing is on the steep side, so it might disappoint if youre looking for budget-friendly options.
How are the prices at Bica?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 105 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what folks actually spend, most guests are happily in that $11–$20 sweet spot. While some spend a little less or a bit more, the majority find their perfect price point right in the middle.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 105 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Cafe in San Diego. It offers a good balance for those looking for a quality experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bica
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Worst Service Experience
I truly haven’t experienced worst service at a coffee shop in San Diego. The barista was incredibly rude to us and several other patrons.
- service1
- barista1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Vibe and Tuna Sandwich!
I had a great experience at this restaurant! The chill vibe was perfect, and the Tuna sandwich was as good as I'd heard. I'll definitely be going back to try more from the menu.
- chill vibe9
- Tuna sandwich10
- menu8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Incredible Coffee and Sandwiches!
My experience at this cafe was incredible! I had the best coffee in San Diego, and the sandwiches were super crafted and tasty. It's definitely going to be one of my favorite spots.
The team was incredibly nice, and the vibe was great.
- coffee10
- sandwiches9
- team9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Bica: More Than Coffee, It's Community!
My experience at Bica was fantastic! It's more than just a cafe; it's a true community hub. I love visiting San Diego, and Bica is one of my favorite spots.
My usual order is their matcha and tuna sandwich, but honestly, everything I've tried there has been incredibly delicious and fresh. I call it a community because they host so many great events, like holiday markets, food pop-ups, and wine tastings. I even got a tattoo there once!
I highly recommend visiting Bica if you're looking for good food and great vibes.
- community10
- matcha9
- tuna sandwich9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Wholesome Community, Food, and Drinks
My experience at Bica was incredibly wholesome. The community, food, and drinks were consistently incredible. I consider it my third space.
- community10
- food10
- drinks10
What Bica offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is parking available at Bica Coffee Shop in Normal Heights, and is it accessible?
Yes, you’ll find free street parking available when you visit Bica Coffee Shop. The café is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Bica Coffee Shop?
Bica Coffee Shop offers a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for relaxing. You can enjoy a great selection of coffee and tea, along with small plates, beer, and wine. It’s a fantastic spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a quick dessert.
How does Bica generally perform according to customer feedback?
Bica holds a strong overall score of **7.9** with good customer satisfaction at **79.8%**. Its **Food** (8.4) and **Ambience** (8) are particularly well-regarded, while **Service** (6.7) is good, and **Value** (4.8) is seen as average.
What do customers appreciate most about Bica's atmosphere?
Many enjoy Bica’s “chill and welcoming vibes” and its “nice outside patio,” making it an ideal spot to relax or catch up with friends. The “cozy and welcoming ambiance” is frequently highlighted.
Are there any common concerns regarding Bica's pricing or service?
Some customers have noted that the “price” can be high, with opinions mentioning “overpriced” dishes. Service occasionally receives feedback about “waiting time” and some staff being perceived as “rude.”