Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » CafĂ© Madeleine – San Diego
Café Madeleine - San Diego
Photo from Café Madeleine
Café Madeleine at a glance
San Diego Burlingame
- đ„ French Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11â$20
mentioned by 93 of the guests
#367 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#2 French Restaurant out of 3 in San Diego
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
477
Reviews
74.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Parisian charm
- Quick service
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Price perception
- Access limitations
The cafĂ© CafĂ© Madeleine, also known as CafĂ© Madeleine South Park, in San Diego’s charming Burlingame neighborhood invites you to experience a slice of France. As a delightful French Restaurant, you’ll discover an authentic atmosphere perfect for any meal.
Indulge in their renowned great dessert, a highlight that truly sets them apart. Whether for breakfast or a romantic dinner, this establishment offers a memorable culinary journey.
Overview: Introducting Café Madeleine
Café Madeleine offers a delightful escape, often praised for its authentic Parisian vibe and impressive food quality. Many appreciate the generally fast service and the welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home.
However, some experiences suggest occasional inconsistent service and concerns about the price point for certain items. While charming, a few visitors have also pointed out specific accessibility challenges.
Good
7.4
out of 10
477
Reviews
74.2%
Satisfaction
107
negative
16
neutral
354
positive
Café Madeleine achieves a respectable overall score of 7.4, placing it firmly in the good category. Customer satisfaction also reflects this positive sentiment, standing at 74.2%.
These figures are drawn from a substantial pool of 477 customer observations, with 354 positive remarks outweighing 107 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Food (7.8) receives high marks, often described as outstanding, while the Ambience (7.5) also garners strong approval for its charming character.
Service (6.6) is generally seen as average, with some experiences being quite efficient and others less so. The Value (4.6) score indicates it’s a more mixed bag for many.
What people like
- Delicious food quality
- Charming Parisian ambiance
- Often quick service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Value concerns
- Accessibility issues
For those seeking a taste of Paris with genuinely good food, Café Madeleine is certainly worth considering. Its delightful atmosphere and well-regarded culinary offerings make it a pleasant spot for a meal or a coffee break, reflected in its solid 7.6 recommendation score.
However, be prepared for potentially variable service experiences and consider if the pricing aligns with your expectations. If a charming setting and quality fare are your priorities, it’s a place to try, but manage expectations regarding consistency in service and overall value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Café Madeleine
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at a good 79.8%, many guests rave about delicious items like the quiche, French lemonade, and Nutella crepes, often highlighting the fresh ingredients. Out of 243 opinions, 194 were positive, praising the French flair and tasty offerings.
However, there are a few areas for improvement, noted in 42 negative opinions. Some experiences mentioned food being undercooked or over salted, and specific items like the caprese sandwich or certain coffees were occasionally disappointing or flavorless. A few guests also felt portions were small or that the eggs were mushy.
Food
243
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
42
negative
7
neutral
194
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious French fare
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Excellent coffee bar
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small portions reported
- Flavorless coffee sometimes
Often praised
- foodThe food quality was outstanding, earning a 5/5.
- coffeeWe had a great little breakfast the other day. The vegetarian crepe was delicious, and my husband loved the coffee. Our little 10-month-old loved it too; they had high chairs, which was awesome!
- crepesI hear the crepes are amazing
- pastriesMakes it a fun spot for people-watching if you choose to sit outside. The pastries are fantastic, and they offer a decent variety. I appreciate that they also serve beer and wine, allowing for indulgent mimosas any day of the week.
- FoodMy husband and I come here frequently. You canât go wrong with anything on the menu, but we fancy the cappuccinos, the quiches, and the crepes.
- goat cheese saladI had the goat cheese salad and it has a very generous amount of goat cheese
- breakfastordered breakfast and left with that perfect sated but not fully feeling
- quicheI enjoyed a quiche and a French lemonade; both were absolutely delicious. The quiche was flavorful and perfectly baked, and the lemonade had a perfect balance of sweet and tart. I highly recommend stopping by for breakfast or lunch if you're in the area!
- quichesthe quiches are so rich
- Croque MadameI had the Croque Madame, which came with a fresh side salad.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was meh and they forgot our order
- coffeereally disappointed with the coffee. It was flavorless
- drinksMy friend and I ordered our food and drinks. Our food came, and we were about halfway done with our crepes and our drinks hadn't arrived yet despite still having a number on the table. We asked a man as he walked by, and he indicated that he would check.
- eggsThe service was lacking; one of our drinks was super late, and the server didnât seem to care. To make matters worse, two of the meals came out late, and the eggs were cold.
- quicheTheir quiche used to be pretty good but now itâs just mushy eggs
- Breakfast PaniniThe Breakfast Panini: lackluster; very under seasoned. It needed help in the flavor department.
- FoodFood:2
- French Spritzerthe French Spritzer since it wasnât the best.
- Nutella crepeit was undercooked
- Pistachio Matcha LattePistachio Matcha Latte: Very heavy on the dairy and I forgot it was supposed to have pistachio due to the lack of that flavor.
If youre looking for a delightful French-inspired meal with plenty of fresh options and a great coffee selection, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while most experiences are positive, theres a slight chance of encountering an inconsistent dish or smaller portions.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, it seems like a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.6, placing it in the average to good range, and customer satisfaction sitting at 63.1%, which is pretty mixed. Based on 84 customer remarks, many guests rave about the incredibly friendly service and welcoming staff, often highlighting great service and quick food delivery, making them feel right at home. The staffs efficiency and positive attitude are frequently praised.
However, not everyone has had such a smooth experience. Around 30 comments point to issues like staff annoyance or a standoffish attitude, particularly at the front desk. Some customers have faced long wait times, problems with service accuracy, or a general lack of good customer service, occasionally due to understaffing or unsmiling servers.
It seems theres room for improvement in consistency.
Service
84
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
30
negative
1
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Attentive and helpful
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Long wait times
- Service accuracy issues
Often praised
- serviceWe had the Madeline BLT and it was delicious! It was busy, but the service was fast and we were able to sit down soon after ordering. Indoor and outdoor seating are available.
- staffThis place just keeps getting better and better with an expansive menu of beverages and eats. I've yet to be disappointed, and the staff make you feel at home. They now have an adequate level of staff that work hard to make things flow and customers happy.
- ServiceService:5
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- attitude at the countermuch improved and friendly attitude at the counter
- baristaTalented barista and thoughtfully made
- feel rushedDidnât feel rushed
- foodthe food came out pretty quickly after we ordered.
- food was made quicklyThe aesthetic and street seating were highlights, strongly reminding me of Europe. I visited around noon on a Friday, and the food was made very quickly. The restaurant is located in a cute area, which I discovered thanks to a nearby hair salon and a Target.
- friendlinessthe friendless
Frequently criticized
- serviceWasnât impressed by the ... service for it being 2023
- ServiceService:3
- customer serviceI want to start by saying that the food is great, and the atmosphere is really nice, like a Parisian cafe! I did have a mediocre customer service experience, however, and it doesn't really make me want to return. My friend and I ordered our food and drinks.
- waiting timeMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. It took too long to receive a single Nutella crepe, and when it finally arrived, it was undercooked. To make matters worse, both my friend and I felt sick afterwards.
- behaviorI noticed her behavior towards other people (that were not of color) & she would grab everything for them
- cleaning outdoor tablesI thought it was ridiculous, and then she proceeded to say "oh, latteeeeee" with a Californian accent. She was also upset we asked if we could have a napkin or something to clean up one of the outdoor tables that was completely smeared with food, and she did it with arrogance. Of course, she only cleaned like half of the table.
- closing earlyThe baked goods are undeniably good, and as a repeat customer, I've never had an issue with their quality. However, their penchant for closing early is a significant drawback. It becomes tiresome and, frankly, unprofessional.
- coffeesthey kept forgetting our coffees
- equipenot so smart the equipe cashier and waiter
- front desk staffwelcomed by this super rude girl/lady at the front desk
If youre seeking a spot with generally friendly and efficient staff, youll likely have a pleasant visit. Just be prepared that some experiences have noted less welcoming attitudes or longer waits, so your mileage may vary.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
When it comes to the ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.5 score and a 77.9% customer satisfaction rate, both indicating a good experience. Many of the 102 positive remarks highlight the charming French vibe, cute place feel, and the delightful outdoor seating that creates a relaxed atmosphere for guests. However, not everyone finds the setting perfect, with 23 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement.
Concerns include cleanliness issues like dirty tables, significant disabled accessibility challenges due to a single step, and occasional complaints about the space feeling cramped or having flies.
Ambience
131
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
23
negative
6
neutral
102
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Parisian vibe
- Outdoor seating
- Cute atmosphere
What people don't like
- Dirty tables
- Disabled access
- Cramped space
Often praised
- atmosphereMy first time visiting this location was a mixed experience. While the restaurant is cuaint and cute, the customer service was lacking. The servers seemed very distracted and preoccupied with other work, rather than focusing on customer service and orders.
- ambianceIt didnât disappoint! It was right on par with our favorite spot in Paris, Boulanger PĂątissier âde Clignancourtâ, and its ambiance is absolutely incredible! It felt like I was transported back to Paris, sitting on their sidewalk cafe table sipping on my espresso â€ïž Do yourself a favor and try the chocolate croissant.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationNice location to visit, grab a drink or bite, then wander the neighborhood.
- spotSuper cute little spot.
- Parisian vibegreat location with a Parisian vibe
- cafeThe cafe is a small, buzzy spot with lots of character.
- outdoor seatingthere are outdoor seating along the side walk
- people watchHowever, the service was great and the atmosphere was great. It's a very busy location and a great place to people watch.
- placesmall parisian looking place
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was cramped and hot
- parkingI'm obsessed with their Lavender Mint Latte! However, parking can be hard on Sundays.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- cleaning productthe cleaning product they use is so strong
- cleanlinessI finally made a morning of it to visit. Overall, the place is very cute but could be way cleaner. I sat inside, and the table next to me, which had been left by the time I arrived, was not cleaned up at all while I was sitting there eating for over an hour.
- disabled accessFor years, the business has refused to address the massive single step to enter, further adding insult to injury. Even after renovating the entire inside of the business and building, they COMPLETELY ignored the barrier to disabled access. If you have a physical disability and want to sit inside with friends or family, it's just too bad; it's likely too much of an inconvenience to add convenience for the disabled.
- disabled accessibilityMy experience was marked by the complete and utter lack of disabled accessibility, which felt like a direct insult to anyone with a physical disability wanting to order or sit inside like a normal part of society. For years, the business has refused to address the massive single step to enter, further adding insult to injury.
- dishesdishes don't seemed to be washed very well
- fliesMy experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing. The atmosphere was cramped and hot, with flies everywhere. The service was lacking; one of our drinks was super late, and the server didnât seem to care.
- indoor seatingthe seatings indoor are limited
If you're looking for a charming spot with a lovely Parisian feel and enjoy outdoor dining, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some guests have noted cleanliness issues and accessibility challenges, so keep that in mind if those are priorities for you.
Value (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, some customers definitely found things to appreciate. With 5 positive remarks out of 19 total comments, patrons highlighted the price per person as reasonable, often finding the prices on point. The free street parking was also a big plus, making the overall experience feel like a great deal for some.
However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, with an average score of 4.6 and a poor customer satisfaction of just 26.3%. A significant 12 negative remarks pointed to the experience being expensive and not worth the price. Many were frustrated by high prices, upsell at the register, and substitution charges, making value a real dealbreaker.
Value
19
Reviews
26%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Free street parking
- Reasonable price per person
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Upsell at register
- Not worth price
Often praised
- Price per personPrice per person:$1â10
- Free street parkingParking options:Free street parking
- priceReasonably priced
- pricesThe prices were on point. Itâs a great value.
Frequently criticized
- pricefood wasn't worth the price
- pricesthe prices are high (even for a Biden economy)
- expensiveit was expensive
- price pointPrice point is a bit high
- substitution chargecharged us for the substitution
- time or moneynot worth your time or money
- tipI wish I could take back my tip too
- upsell at the registerwhy the continual upsell at the register?
If youre looking for a spot where every penny feels well-spent, this might not be your top choice. While some appreciate perks like free parking, many feel the overall prices are too high and the value just isnt there, especially with unexpected extra charges.
How are the prices at Café Madeleine?
Youâre looking at roughly $20 per person â reported by 93 diners. That puts it in the $11â$20 category. For a French Restaurant, itâs comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most folks spend in the $11â$20 range, with a good number also opting for dishes in the $21â$30 bracket. So, while it’s generally mid-range, there are definitely options for a slightly more indulgent experience.
Hereâs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 93 reviews.
How this French restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering it’s a French restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance for those looking for a quality meal without breaking the bank, with room to splurge a little if you wish.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Café Madeleine
Price per Person
- $11â$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
9
Great Coffee, Staff, and Pastries!
As a coffee house, I expected the coffee to be good, and it was great. The staff was also very engaging and adorable. The location on the corner of busy El Cajon Blvd.
Makes it a fun spot for people-watching if you choose to sit outside. The pastries are fantastic, and they offer a decent variety. I appreciate that they also serve beer and wine, allowing for indulgent mimosas any day of the week.
While I haven't tried the sandwiches, they do have a lunch selection available. Parking around the building is very convenient and accessible. I will definitely return for another cup of Joe.
- coffee9
- staff10
- people watch8
Price per Person
- $21â$30
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
6
Mixed Experience with Service Issues
My experience at the restaurant was a mix of good food and frustrating service. While the savory crepe and potatoes were good, and the fruit cup was also enjoyable, the service really detracted from the meal. We repeatedly had our coffees forgotten, and even after asking multiple times, they were still not brought to us.
This lack of resolution, especially when other tables who arrived later received their coffees, was not okay. The process for getting a refund was also lengthy as the manager was unavailable, and refunds couldn't be processed by credit card, resulting in a cash refund. On a positive note, the other food items arrived in a reasonable amount of time, and we did eventually receive a refund and an apology.
It's worth noting that only the North Park location offers a vegan option, which is important if you have a vegan in your party.
- savory crepe8
- potatoes8
- fruit cup8
- coffees2
- vegan option3
- refund3
Price per Person
- $1â$10
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Espresso Price Shock on a Budget
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The coffee was good, and the atmosphere was fine. However, a significant issue arose with the menu: there were no prices listed for coffee drinks.
I was surprised to pay almost $5 for a single shot of espresso, which is a concern for me as a senior on a budget. I strongly suggest listing prices for coffee drinks so customers can make informed decisions about affordability.
- coffee7
- atmosphere7
- prices2
- single shot of espresso2
Price per Person
- $11â$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
9
Beautiful View, Delicious Food & Great Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed the food and the view, making it a very beautiful place. The staff were incredibly friendly, and the cappuccino decaf was also incredible.
I will definitely be coming back!
- food9
- view9
- staff10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Pan-Seared Salmon Disappointment
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. They claim to offer smoke salmon, but what I received was pan-seared salmon. This dish was not worth the time or money spent.
- smoke salmon2
- pan-seared salmon2
- time or money1
What Café Madeleine offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is parking readily available at Café Madeleine South Park?
Finding a parking space near CafĂ© Madeleine South Park can sometimes be a bit challenging, but you’ll find free street parking options available for your convenience.
Can I bring my dog to Café Madeleine South Park?
Yes, Café Madeleine South Park is pet-friendly! You are welcome to bring your dog, as they are allowed outside in the outdoor seating areas.
What is the overall verdict on Café Madeleine?
Café Madeleine holds an overall score of 7.4, indicating a generally good experience. Its Food (7.8) and Ambience (7.5) are particularly well-regarded, while Service (6.6) and Value (4.6) are perceived as more average.
What can I expect from the atmosphere and food at Café Madeleine?
You can anticipate a charming Parisian vibe with a focus on delicious offerings like `crepes`, `quiches`, and `pastries`. Many find the `food quality` to be a significant highlight.
Are there any common concerns visitors have about Café Madeleine?
Some patrons have noted `inconsistent service` experiences and concerns regarding `value for money`. Additionally, `disabled access` has been raised as a specific issue by some.