oChef » Café Madeleine – San Diego » Café Madeleine – San Diego – Reviews

Café Madeleine - Reviews

2248 30th St, 92104 San Diego
All reviews at a glance
477

Reviews

74.2%

Satisfaction

107

negative

16

neutral

354

positive

What people say about Café Madeleine

Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Service Intent
  • Casual Outing
Group Type
  • Couple
Group Size
  • Couple
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Breakfast
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Nikki F.
Review date: 12/03/2025
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
  • $21–$30
Service Intent
  • Casual Outing
Group Type
  • Couple
Group Size
  • Couple
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Breakfast
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Hannah N.
Review date: 11/02/2025
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
  • $1–$10
Service Intent
  • Regular Visit
Group Size
  • Solo
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Suzanne
Review date: 10/14/2025
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
  • $11–$20
Service Intent
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Kateryna T.
Review date: 10/11/2025
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
Ustin H.
Review date: 10/01/2025
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
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Service Intent
  • Casual Outing
Group Type
  • Couple
Group Size
  • Couple
Service Type
  • Dine-in
AABHA K.
Review date: 09/28/2025
9
Great Food and Atmosphere!
I visited the cafe on a less busy afternoon and had a wonderful experience. There was plenty of space, the food was good, and the atmosphere was great! I highly recommend this place, especially for vegetarians.
  • space9
  • food9
  • atmosphere9
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Service Intent
  • Tourist Experience
Group Type
  • Couple
Group Size
  • Couple
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Margaret M.
Review date: 09/28/2025
10
Fantastic Food and Service at Cafe Madeleine!
My experience at Cafe Madeleine was wonderful! The food was delicious, especially the crepes. I had the pear crepe, and my fiancée' had the Nutella banana one. The service from Ariana was outstanding; she was kind, personable, and professional, making us feel at ease despite our anxiety about the San Diego International airport ground stop. The atmosphere was immaculate, contributing to a great overall experience.
  • food10
  • crepes10
  • pear crepe9
Service Intent
  • Delivery
Group Size
  • Solo
Service Type
  • Takeout
Wait Time
  • Long (31+ min.)
Doug S.
Review date: 09/20/2025
2
Understaffed and Long Wait Times
I was trying to come in for just a to-go coffee, but the place was understaffed and perhaps inexperienced, which sadly showed. There were long wait times.
  • understaffed2
  • long wait times2
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Service Intent
  • Casual Outing
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Noise Level
  • Quiet
Gini K.
Review date: 09/19/2025
9
Excellent Crepes and Coffee
My experience at this casual European-style café was very positive. The café offers both indoor and outdoor seating. I particularly enjoyed their very good crêpes, quiches, sandwiches, and salads. The handcrafted soft drinks were also great, and the excellent full coffee bar was a highlight. The atmosphere was rated a 5, service a 5, and food a 5, with a quiet noise level that made conversation easy.
  • crêpes9
  • quiches8
  • sandwiches8
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Service Intent
  • Food Exploration
Group Type
  • Couple
Group Size
  • Couple
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
gaby S.
Review date: 09/15/2025
10
Favorite Cafe in San Diego
My experience at this cafe was fantastic! The atmosphere was wonderful, and the food and drinks were made with quality ingredients. It's my favorite cafe in San Diego, and it's the first place I think of to recommend when people ask for a suggestion.
  • atmosphere10
  • food10
  • quality ingredients10

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