Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Elmisa – San Diego
Elmisa - San Diego
Photo from Elmisa
Elmisa at a glance
San Diego Rancho Bernardo
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 84 of the guests
#224 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#19 Café out of 65 in San Diego
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
451
Reviews
82.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
- Pleasant atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Pricing concerns
- Parking challenges
- Atmosphere quirks
The cafe Elmisa in San Diego’s vibrant Rancho Bernardo neighborhood invites you to discover a truly delightful experience. You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy spot perfect for starting your day or enjoying a relaxed afternoon.
Known for its great coffee, Elmisa Cafe Rancho Bernardo offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can unwind. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this cafe provides a comfortable setting for all.
Overview: Introducting Elmisa
Elmisa offers a pleasant experience, particularly noted for its inviting `atmosphere` and a menu that consistently delivers on taste. Many appreciate the thoughtful touches, from the quality of the coffee to the diverse sandwich options, making it a comfortable spot for a meal or a quick stop.
However, some visitors have pointed out practical considerations, such as the sometimes challenging `parking` situation and occasional inconsistencies in the overall `ambience`. Despite these minor points, the general sentiment leans positive, highlighting its appeal as a local cafe.
Good
7.9
out of 10
451
Reviews
82.9%
Satisfaction
65
negative
12
neutral
374
positive
Elmisa maintains a solid `Restaurant Score` of `7.9`, reflecting a generally positive reception. This is further supported by a strong `Customer Satisfaction` rate of `82.9%`, indicating that most patrons leave content with their visit.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 451 customer observations, with 374 positive remarks outweighing 65 negative ones. Delving into specifics, the `Food` (8.2) stands out as a clear strength, frequently praised for its quality and variety.
`Ambience` (7.9) also scores well, creating an enjoyable setting, while `Service` (7.6) is consistently described as friendly and efficient. The primary area for improvement appears to be `Value` (5.5), where opinions are more divided, with some finding the pricing a bit steep.
What people like
- Delicious food & coffee
- Friendly, quick service
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Pricing concerns
- Parking challenges
- Atmosphere quirks
If you prioritize quality food and a welcoming environment, Elmisa is certainly worth considering. Its strong scores in `Food` and `Ambience` suggest a satisfying experience, especially for those seeking a reliable spot for coffee and light meals.
The `Recommendation Score` of `8.3` reinforces this positive outlook. However, if budget is a primary concern or you’re sensitive to parking difficulties, it might be wise to manage expectations regarding `Value` and accessibility.
Overall, Elmisa offers a good experience, particularly if you’re willing to overlook some minor practicalities.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Elmisa
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.2 and a strong 86.4% customer satisfaction. Out of 279 comments, 241 rave about the delicious food, fresh ingredients, and the impressive variety of sandwiches and healthy food options available. It seems like a solid choice for tasty meals.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 29 negative comments. Some diners encountered issues like mold on a sandwich, cold vegetables, small portions, or a general lack of flavor in certain items. These are definitely areas where consistency could be improved.
Food
279
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
29
negative
9
neutral
241
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- Fresh ingredients
- Diverse menu
What people don't like
- Mold found
- Quality inconsistencies
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I enjoyed the great coffee, delicious food, and the staff were wonderful. They offer a wide array of dietary choices, including vegan pastries and keto bowls, along with various milk options.
- coffeeThey have a great selection of beverages, breakfast, and brunch menu. We were happy to find healthy breakfast and tasty coffee. Elmisa Cafe is a local family business conveniently located near the 15 freeway, with ample parking, and both indoor and outdoor seating.
- sandwichesMy experience at this restaurant was a massive upgrade from the previous Starbucks location. They offer better coffee, better sandwiches, and a better atmosphere with cooler staff. I tried the artichoke sandwich and a cold brew, and every bite of the sandwich was a beautiful experience.
- breakfast sandwichesThe breakfast sandwiches are worth to try!!
- pastriesThe coffee is excellent, with just the right balance of strength and smoothness to kickstart your day. They also have a great selection of pastries in-store, which pair wonderfully with the coffee. The service is quick and friendly, making it an ideal stop for busy mornings.
- Elmisa ToastMy favorite is the Elmisa Toast. It was so delicious
- breadI had the large chicken artichoke sandwich, which was incredibly filling and kept me satisfied for the rest of the day. For $15, the portions were generous, and it came with plenty of sauce and spongey bread. We visited during our lunch break and had ample time because the service was quick.
- FoodFood:5
- RulaThe Rula is another superb sandwich.
- breakfastenjoying some gourmet coffee and breakfast
Frequently criticized
- baconthe bacon was old burnt and crumbly
- foodThe food lacked flavor
- ElMisa Saladno sugar on my ElMisa Salad when I called to complain and one of the added dressings is sweet
- Swiss Water Processingdecaf coffee bean was processed by swiss water processing
- açaí bowlMy açaí bowl was frozen. Tasted weird with fuzzy spots.
- bakery itemsThe bakery items generally make me sad
- cheesethe cheese was melted into one solid mass
- coffeecoffee I tried was undrinkable
- coffee tastenasty taste, like smoked plastic
- coffee with milkgave us coffee with milk and that hurt our stomachs
If you're looking for a spot with a diverse menu and generally delicious, fresh options, this place is worth a try. Just be aware that a few past experiences point to occasional quality control issues, so keep an eye out.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at 76.8%, its clear most diners have a good experience. Out of 82 opinions, 63 rave about the friendly staff, quick service, and attentive employees, often highlighting great customer service.
Many appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and efficient handling of orders. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. There were 17 instances where service fell short, with some mentioning an unfriendly barista or an unprofessional manager yelling at staff.
Concerns about a lack of attention to detail and occasional disorganization also popped up, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency.
Service
82
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
17
negative
2
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Great customer service
What people don't like
- Unprofessional management
- Inattentive staff
- Loud, chaotic environment
Often praised
- serviceFor $15, the portions were generous, and it came with plenty of sauce and spongey bread. We visited during our lunch break and had ample time because the service was quick. They offer both indoor and outdoor eating options.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was a massive upgrade from the previous Starbucks location. They offer better coffee, better sandwiches, and a better atmosphere with cooler staff. I tried the artichoke sandwich and a cold brew, and every bite of the sandwich was a beautiful experience.
- ServiceService by Eddie, the owner, was phenomenal
- peoplethe people are funny and friendly
- employeesThis is an absolutely lovely place with a diverse menu. The employees were very attentive and beyond kind. I ordered a Breve and the prosciutto & fig toast (I added burrata).
- ownerService by Eddie, the owner, was phenomenal- friendly, cordial, and genuine
- EddieService by Eddie, the owner, was phenomenal- friendly, cordial, and genuine
- EveryoneWhich was also fresh and delicious. Everyone is really nice and it has good vibes. Looking forward to trying more of the menu!
- StaffStaff was so nice
- customer servicefive star, customer service
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was horrible
- lose customerGood way to lose customer over this
- ParkingParking is limited
- attention to detailneed to pay attention to detail
- baristathe unfriendliest barista
- customer serviceprovide real customer service
- customers healthsmess up with customers healths
- dietary restrictionsmess up with dietary restrictions
- employeesThe staff looked at me like they had never heard of it. While I understand customers might not know, employees of a coffee shop should definitely know how their coffee beans were processed. It's kind of embarrassing for a coffee shop to have no idea if bad chemicals are in their beans or not.
- manageryoung girl as a manager who's making all wrong decision
Overall, you can expect a generally positive service experience here, especially if you value friendly and quick interactions. While there are a few bumps, the good outweighs the bad, making it a solid choice for a pleasant visit.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
It seems the ambiance here truly shines, with a strong 7.9 score and a fantastic 87.1% customer satisfaction! Many guests rave about the wonderful atmosphere, good music, and relaxed atmosphere, making it a favorite spot. With 61 positive remarks out of 70 total comments, patrons frequently highlight the patio seating and clean, lively setting, creating a welcoming and cozy environment.
However, a few guests did find the atmosphere a bit of a letdown, particularly regarding the music choices. There were also some concerns about a lack of ventilation and the parking situation, described as tight or narrow. The busy intersection near the location also caused some frustration for a handful of visitors.
Ambience
70
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, welcoming atmosphere
- Comfortable seating options
- Overall good vibes
What people don't like
- Difficult parking access
- Poor ventilation
- Specific music choices
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was a massive upgrade from the previous Starbucks location. They offer better coffee, better sandwiches, and a better atmosphere with cooler staff. I tried the artichoke sandwich and a cold brew, and every bite of the sandwich was a beautiful experience.
- placeNice place for coffee and takeaway.
- seatingWe were happy to find healthy breakfast and tasty coffee. Elmisa Cafe is a local family business conveniently located near the 15 freeway, with ample parking, and both indoor and outdoor seating. A unique feature is the free book corner where you can take or donate books.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- cafehow adorable this cafe is
- parkingWe were happy to find healthy breakfast and tasty coffee. Elmisa Cafe is a local family business conveniently located near the 15 freeway, with ample parking, and both indoor and outdoor seating. A unique feature is the free book corner where you can take or donate books.
- shopGreat little shop that's less crowded than mainstream coffee shops
- spotCute little spot
- vibesVery good vibes all around
- Wi-FiThey have Wi-Fi, so you can also work from here.
Frequently criticized
- parkingit's hard to pull into the parking lot
- atmospherethe atmosphere was a bit of a letdown
- busy intersectionComfortable indoor and outdoor seating is available. However, the experience was tempered by the narrow parking lot and busy intersection, which created some frustration. Be careful driving to/from the location during peak hours.
- high school cafeteriareminded me of a high school cafeteria
- lack of ventilationreluctant to visit there because of the lack of ventilation😭
- musicHowever, the atmosphere was a bit of a letdown. The music choice, specifically the constant playing of country music and Taylor Swift songs, was not to my liking. I found myself wishing I could remove the speaker!
- parking lottempered by the narrow parking lot
- sit down vibedon't really expect a sit down kinda vibe
If youre looking for a spot with generally great vibes, comfortable seating, and a relaxed feel, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential parking challenges and the music selection, which might not be to everyones taste.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
Youll find many guests appreciating the value here, often noting items are "well priced" or a "fair price, " especially when considering the "price performance" and generous portions. With 9 positive remarks out of 20 total, theres a clear sense that many feel they get good bang for their buck. However, the value proposition is a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in a customer satisfaction of 45% and an average score of 5.5.
Some found things expensive or pricey, with 10 negative comments expressing concerns about the overall cost and feeling that the quality didn't always match the price.
Value
20
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for money
- Fairly priced items
- Generous portions offered
What people don't like
- Can feel overpriced
- Higher than competitors
- Quality for price lacking
Often praised
- priceThe avocado was fresh, the bread was nicely toasted, the goat cheese was delicious, the balsamic was sweet, and the prosciutto was thinly cut so it wasn't difficult to eat. Overall, delicious food, worth the price in my opinion. Would come here again to support a small business.
- Price$15 and you get generous portions
- fair priceat fair price
- price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- price performancePrice performance is fair for the portion you get.
- pricesMy experience at this nice neighborhood cafe was very pleasant. The seating area was comfortable, and they offer a great breakfast and lunch menu with good prices. We've tried several sandwiches, and they have all been really good.
- well pricedwell priced
Frequently criticized
- pricecharged me the same price for a small latte
- taking advantageThis place just taking advantage of the consumer
- costsolely due to cost
- expensiveThe staff were friendly, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. The only drawback was the cost; it was a bit more expensive than other cafés in the area, and I couldn't confidently say it was worth the extra money, preventing a perfect score.
- oat milkfor a less then a quarter of a finger of oat milk 1 dollar extra
- priceyI am absolutely obsessed with the sandwiches here and order at least twice each month on Uber Eats. The sandwiches are a little pricey but some of the best breakfasts around. I always order two sandwiches and hide them so I can eat both before my boyfriend finds them.
- regular black coffeecharging me for a regular black coffee 3 dollars
- sandwichIt's unfortunately pricier than a few years ago
If youre looking for generous portions and generally fair pricing, this spot can be a good choice. However, be prepared that some items might feel a bit pricier than expected, especially compared to other local options. Its a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at Elmisa?
You’re looking at roughly $16 per person – reported by 84 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.
The good news is, most folks find themselves right in this sweet spot. While there are some budget-friendly options, a few pricier treats are also available.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 84 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Cafe in San Diego. It offers a good balance, making it a solid choice for a casual meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Elmisa
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Fig Toast and Great Small Business Support
If you're thinking about trying this cafe, this is your sign. I tried the fig toast, which featured prosciutto, goat cheese, avocado, and balsamic. The avocado was fresh, the bread was nicely toasted, the goat cheese was delicious, the balsamic was sweet, and the prosciutto was thinly cut so it wasn't difficult to eat.
Overall, delicious food, worth the price in my opinion. Would come here again to support a small business.
- fig toast9
- avocado9
- bread8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Great Cafe with Friendly Staff
My experience at this cafe was overwhelmingly positive. I found the ordering process to be easy with registers and a kiosk. The staff were incredibly friendly, and the food was good.
The prices were also very reasonable. I enjoyed the nice seating and the pleasant music playing, contributing to a great atmosphere. The service was notably quick.
Overall, it's a great little cafe 😊.
- registers and kiosk8
- friendly staff10
- well priced9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Delicious Food, Wonderful Staff!
I visit this restaurant almost every week for lunch as I work nearby. My experience has been consistently positive, with delicious food and great drinks. The staff are wonderful and always welcoming, making every visit pleasant.
I've brought friends and family here multiple times, and they are always impressed by the numerous options and high quality of the food.
- food10
- drinks9
- staff10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Fantastic Prosciutto and Fig Toast!
My experience at the restaurant was absolutely fantastic! I ordered the prosciutto and fig toast and added an egg to it. It was an incredible dish.
- prosciutto and fig toast10
- egg10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
7
Quaint Spot with Delicious Breakfast
My experience at Elmisa Cafe Rancho Bernardo was largely positive, offering a quaint spot with a varied and appealing breakfast menu. The kitchen is constantly moving, and the service is friendly with staff who are knowledgeable about the offerings. I enjoyed the Power Bowl, which was generously filled with walnuts, bananas, strawberries, coconut, dates, and a creamy almond butter.
The Elmisa (Avocado Toast) was also nice, served on a crisp slice of sourdough bread with remarkably fresh and bright sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese. While delicious, I personally felt the dish would be elevated with a soft over-easy or poached egg instead of sliced boiled eggs, due to the cafe lacking a griddle. Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating is available.
However, the experience was tempered by the narrow parking lot and busy intersection, which created some frustration. Be careful driving to/from the location during peak hours. Overall, a nice breakfast spot with lots of promise.
- breakfast menu8
- kitchen7
- service8
- parking lot3
- busy intersection3
What Elmisa offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Elmisa Cafe Rancho Bernardo?
At Elmisa Cafe Rancho Bernardo, you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert, with catering services also available. The atmosphere is cozy, casual, and trendy, providing a comfortable and inviting space for you to relax and dine. You’ll find ample seating for your visit.
Does Elmisa Cafe Rancho Bernardo accommodate special needs like accessibility or pets?
Yes, Elmisa Cafe Rancho Bernardo is fully accessible, offering wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, seating, and restrooms. For those with pets, dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating areas. This ensures a comfortable and inclusive experience for all visitors, including your furry friends.
What are the main strengths of Elmisa?
Elmisa is highly regarded for its `Food` (8.2), offering delicious items and a good selection of coffee and sandwiches. The `Ambience` (7.9) is also noted for being pleasant and comfortable, while the `Service` (7.6) is often described as friendly and efficient.
Are there any downsides to visiting Elmisa?
Some patrons have expressed concerns regarding `Value` (5.5), finding certain items pricey or feeling that the cost doesn’t always align with the portion. Additionally, parking can be challenging due to a narrow lot and busy intersection, and some find the atmosphere inconsistent.
How does Elmisa rate overall?
Elmisa holds a `Restaurant Score` of `7.9` with `Customer Satisfaction` at `82.9%`. While `Food` (8.2), `Ambience` (7.9), and `Service` (7.6) are generally well-received, `Value` (5.5) is an area where opinions are more mixed.