Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Cafe California Poppy – San Diego
Cafe California Poppy - San Diego
Photo from Cafe California Poppy
Cafe California Poppy at a glance
San Diego Torrey Hills
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 17 of the guests
#2 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Excellent
9.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
160
Reviews
97.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Welcoming staff
Frequently criticized
- Online ordering
- Business hours
The restaurant Cafe California Poppy in San Diego’s vibrant Torrey Hills neighborhood offers a delightful escape. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Known for its great coffee, this spot is a local favorite where you can enjoy healthy and vegetarian options. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast, lunch, or just a dessert, you’re in for a treat.
Overview: Introducting Cafe California Poppy
Cafe California Poppy offers a delightful experience, particularly noted for its exceptional culinary offerings. Guests consistently praise the flavors and fresh ingredients, with many highlighting the quality of their sandwiches and daily specials.
The welcoming staff and attentive owner, Eszter, also contribute significantly to the positive atmosphere. While the overall experience is strong, a few minor points could be improved.
Some customers have noted issues with online ordering convenience and the visibility of daily specials. However, the inviting environment and cleanliness of the cafe generally ensure a pleasant visit for all.
Excellent
9.4
out of 10
160
Reviews
97.5%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
156
positive
This establishment truly shines, boasting an impressive overall score of 9.4. This excellent rating is strongly supported by an outstanding 97.5% customer satisfaction rate, indicating a highly positive experience for nearly everyone.
These figures are drawn from a substantial body of feedback, with 156 positive remarks against just 3 negative ones out of 160 total comments. Diving deeper, the Food (9.5) consistently receives top marks, reflecting its quality and variety.
The Ambience (9.6) also stands out, creating a very pleasant setting for diners. Service (9.2) is another strong point, with staff often praised for their attentiveness.
Even Value (8.5) is rated well, suggesting guests feel they receive a fair deal for their experience.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Welcoming staff and owner
- Pleasant, clean ambiance
What people don't like
- Online ordering issues
- Unclear daily specials
- Inaccurate business hours
With a strong recommendation score of 9.6, Cafe California Poppy clearly stands out as a worthwhile destination. If you appreciate fresh, flavorful food served in a clean, inviting setting by genuinely caring staff, this cafe is certainly worth your time.
While there are minor points regarding online ordering and specials, these are small considerations against an overwhelmingly positive experience. For a consistently good meal and a pleasant atmosphere, you can visit with confidence.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cafe California Poppy
Food (9.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.5 and an outstanding 99.1% customer satisfaction, its clear diners are consistently impressed. Out of 112 comments, a whopping 111 rave about the fresh, homemade quality, from delicious Neapolitan-style pizza and amazing Hungarian and European specials to incredible bakery items and pastries.
The variety and quality of food are frequently praised. However, theres a minor point to consider, with just one comment noting that the display of daily specials could be improved. While the food itself is celebrated for its freshness and flavor, some wish for clearer communication regarding the available specials.
This is a small detail in an otherwise overwhelmingly positive culinary experience.
Food
112
Reviews
99%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
111
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, homemade food
- Amazing pizza
- Delicious European specials
What people don't like
- Unclear daily specials
Often praised
- foodEszter is great. Highly recommend her food! We’re visiting from out of town and heard great things about her restaurant.
- chicken paprikashtoday's special was chicken paprikash. They were both delicious
- flavorsI had the turkey sandwich with avocado and tomato, and it was SO good. Everything tasted super fresh, and the flavors were just perfect. It's definitely one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in a while.
- freshEverything tasted fresh
- ingredientsmade with the freshest ingredients
- menuThe food was great, and the company was even better. I especially enjoyed the custom pizzas and everything else on the menu prepared by Eszter. I highly recommend it!
- pastriesthe pastries are refreshed almost weekly
- pizzaEzster did pizza, salad, and dessert catering for us
- sandwichessandwiches are so amazing
- varietyI found it to be the best place to get lunch in the area. The food was good, and there was a good variety. I have never been disappointed with anything I've ordered.
Frequently criticized
- specialsdoesn't show all the daily, weekly, monthly specials
If youre looking for a place with consistently fresh, homemade, and incredibly flavorful food, this spot is an absolute must-try. From authentic European dishes to amazing pizzas and pastries, youre almost guaranteed a delightful meal. Don't hesitate to give it a go!
Service (9.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 9.2 and a stellar customer satisfaction rate of 90.6%, its clear guests are consistently delighted. Folks cant stop raving about the amazing staff and the incredibly welcoming owner, often highlighting their exceptional customer service and how they go above and beyond, especially for catering services.
However, among the 32 pieces of feedback, only 2 negative remarks surfaced. Some found online ordering a bit of a hassle, and a few wished the business hours were more consistently updated online. These seem to be small points, not detracting from the overall excellent experience.
Service
32
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Welcoming owner
- Goes above and beyond
What people don't like
- Online ordering hassle
- Outdated business hours
Often praised
- staffThe environment and staff is so pleasant and inviting.
- serviceThe food and service are both incredible
- ownerEszter, the owner was extremely welcoming
- ServiceService:5
- Chef EszterShe was so easy to work with
- EsterEster, who helped me, was amazing!
- Jewish owned businesseslike to support Jewish owned businesses
- catering servicesIf you need catering services, they have so many great options
- culinary skillsEsther, your culinary skills are next level
- customer careYou can tell she really cares about the customers
Frequently criticized
- business hourswhy businesses do not update their business hours on Google
- online orderingOrdering online is a bit of a hassle
If top-notch service and a genuinely friendly atmosphere are what you're after, this place is absolutely worth a visit. While there might be a tiny snag with online ordering or outdated business hours, the incredible staff and owner more than make up for it, ensuring a delightful experience.
Ambience (9.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! Guests are raving about the authentic experience and welcoming energy that makes you feel right at home. With an excellent score of 9.6 and a phenomenal 100% customer satisfaction, its clear everyone loves the atmosphere.
Based on 14 glowing opinions, people consistently highlight the clean environment and the cool vibe inside, making it a definite worth-seeking-out destination. Interestingly, there isnt a single negative word to be found regarding the ambience. All 14 opinions were overwhelmingly positive, indicating a consistently delightful environment for every visitor.
It seems this place has truly mastered creating an inviting and pleasant setting.
Ambience
14
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic experience
- Welcoming energy
- Immaculate cleanliness
What people don't like
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceLove the ambiance
- atmosphereyou will enjoy it
- authentic experiencebringing a truly authentic experience
- cafe cleanlinessThe cafe itself is also immaculate and clean
- cleanIt’s was very clean
- environmentThe environment and staff is so pleasant and inviting.
- interiorInterior is super nice
- table decorationThey decorated our table
- tourist attractionpotential to be the biggest tourist attraction
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place with an absolutely stellar atmosphere, this is it. The welcoming energy, cleanliness, and overall vibe are consistently praised, making it a top-tier choice for a pleasant outing. You can confidently expect a truly enjoyable and authentic environment here.
Value (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 6% of the guests
The value here is truly something to write home about! With a fantastic score of 8.5 and an outstanding 100% customer satisfaction, its clear guests feel theyre getting a lot for their money. Based on 2 positive comments, people consistently praise it for being reasonably priced and offering great value.
It seems you can enjoy some really tasty food without breaking the bank. What's even more impressive is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding value. Out of all the 2 opinions, not a single one mentioned any concerns about pricing or feeling short-changed.
This really solidifies the perception that this place delivers excellent bang for your buck, leaving customers thoroughly pleased with their investment.
Value
2
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent value
- Reasonably priced
- Tasty and affordable
What people don't like
Often praised
- great valueand great value
- reasonably pricedReally tasty and reasonably priced.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a spot where your wallet will be as happy as your taste buds, this place is definitely worth checking out. Customers consistently rave about the excellent value, so you can expect a satisfying experience without overspending. Its a clear win for budget-conscious diners.
How are the prices at Cafe California Poppy?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 17 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.
Looking at what people usually spend, almost everyone falls into that $11–$20 bracket, so you can expect a pretty consistent experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 17 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 restaurant in San Diego. It offers good value for a mid-range dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cafe California Poppy
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Frustrating Experience with Business Hours
I'm unsure why businesses don't update their business hours on Google. It would only take a minute to save customers and diners a wasted trip to their establishment when Google indicates they are open. When calling, they don't pick up, yet online orders are available.
At the very least, they could leave a message on their answering system. In this technology era, this seems like a logical expectation.
- online orders5
- business hours2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
A True Neapolitan Pizza Gem!
My experience at this cafe was truly exceptional! From the moment we arrived, the owner greeted us warmly and provided a detailed explanation of the menu and their well-curated specialties. The cafe itself is immaculate and clean, offering a cool vibe that made us feel very comfortable.
I thoroughly enjoyed the California Poppy Burger; it was cooked to perfection with a juicy beef patty, a soft and warm brioche bun, and incredibly fresh ingredients. However, the real hidden GEM here is the PIZZA! It's authentic Neapolitan-style, a rarity in the USA, boasting a perfect crust that's crispy on the outside with just the right chew for a true Italian experience.
The flavor and texture throughout were amazing, especially the pepperoni with beautifully crisped cupping. The sauce was delicious and not overbearing, served piping hot right from the oven. The coffee experience was phenomenal as well.
Unlike many US cafes that overdo the milk and dry froth, their cappuccino was perfectly portioned, highlighting the bolder espresso flavor. My wife enjoyed the latte, which was creamier and milkier. Having experienced cafes across Europe, including Sicily, I can confirm this coffee is the real deal.
We absolutely recommend this place and eagerly anticipate our next visit!
- owner10
- menu9
- cafe cleanliness10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Berry Smoothie and Ambiance!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The Berry Smoothie was absolutely amazing. I also loved the ambiance and the service.
This has become my go-to place for a protein smoothie.
- Berry Smoothie10
- ambiance10
- service10
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
10
Excellent Catering Experience with Ezster!
My experience with Ezster for our party catering was fantastic. She provided pizza, salad, and dessert, and did a great job. The food was great, and she was so easy to work with.
I would hire her again in a second.
- pizza9
- salad9
- dessert9
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Birthday Celebration!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for a birthday celebration. The staff truly went above and beyond, decorating our table and surprising us with a complimentary dessert complete with a candle. The food was absolutely fantastic; I particularly enjoyed the seafood risotto, which was wonderfully creamy and generously filled with fresh shrimp and scallops.
The wine list was extensive, and the servers were both knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend this place for special occasions!
- staff10
- table decoration9
- complimentary dessert9
What Cafe California Poppy offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
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
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Cafe California Poppy a good choice for families, and is it accessible?
Absolutely! Cafe California Poppy is good for kids, making it a family-friendly spot. You’ll also find it fully accessible with wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What dining options and services does Cafe California Poppy provide?
Cafe California Poppy offers a range of convenient services including delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in with outdoor seating. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dessert, and they even accept reservations for your planning convenience.
How does Cafe California Poppy rate overall?
Cafe California Poppy holds an excellent overall score of 9.4. Its Food (9.5) and Ambience (9.6) are particularly highly rated, followed closely by Service (9.2) and Value (8.5).
What kind of food can I expect at Cafe California Poppy?
Customers frequently praise the fresh ingredients and perfect flavors in dishes like sandwiches, chicken paprikash, and pizzas. The pastries are also a popular choice, often refreshed weekly.
Are there any common issues reported by customers?
While generally well-regarded, some customers have noted minor inconveniences with online ordering and occasionally inaccurate business hours. The display of daily specials could also be improved.