Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Finjan – San Diego
Finjan - San Diego
Photo from Finjan
Finjan at a glance
San Diego Kearny Mesa
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 93 of the guests
#162 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#15 Café out of 65 in San Diego
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
494
Reviews
82.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious offerings
- Inviting atmosphere
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- Limited space
- Inconsistent items
The cafe Finjan in San Diego’s vibrant Kearny Mesa neighborhood is a must-visit spot if you’re searching for exceptional coffee. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing break.
Finjan Coffee Shop Co. also boasts a great tea selection, making it an ideal destination whether you’re starting your day or need an afternoon pick-me-up. Enjoy the trendy yet comfortable setting.
Overview: Introducting Finjan
Finjan offers a delightful experience, particularly noted for its delicious food and unique beverages. Guests frequently praise the friendly staff who contribute to a warm and inviting setting, making it a pleasant spot for various occasions.
However, be prepared for potential long wait times, especially during busy periods, which can impact the overall flow of your visit. While the welcoming atmosphere is appreciated, seating can sometimes be a challenge due to its popularity.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
494
Reviews
82.6%
Satisfaction
66
negative
20
neutral
408
positive
Finjan generally leaves a positive impression, reflected in its solid restaurant score of 8.2. This is supported by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 82.6%, indicating that most patrons leave content with their experience.
The insights gathered from 494 customer observations, with a clear majority of 408 positive remarks against 66 negative ones, paint a picture of a well-regarded establishment. The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring an impressive (8.6), frequently highlighted for its quality.
The Ambience (8.2) also receives high marks for its inviting setting. While Value (7.9) is seen as good, the Service (7.3) score, though still good, suggests some room for improvement, particularly concerning efficiency during peak times.
What people like
- Delicious food and drinks
- Welcoming, clean atmosphere
- Friendly, attentive staff
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Limited seating/crowded
- Inconsistent coffee/baked goods
Finjan presents itself as a strong contender for those seeking quality beverages and interesting food items in a pleasant setting. With a solid recommendation score of 8.5, it’s clear that many find it a worthwhile destination.
If you appreciate a unique menu and a comfortable environment, it’s certainly worth considering. However, if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer a quieter, less bustling spot, you might want to plan your visit strategically to avoid peak hours.
While the offerings are generally well-received, managing expectations regarding potential wait times and seating availability will ensure a more satisfying experience.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Café
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
107
99.1%
- $
- Bay Park
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
317
96.8%
- $$
- Ocean Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
351
99.7%
- $
- Webster
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
203
97.5%
- $
- Sorrento Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
465
98.9%
- $$
- Hillcrest
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
550
94%
- €
- Normal Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Finjan
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to food and drinks, this spot truly shines, boasting a 8.6 score and a fantastic 88.7% customer satisfaction! Guests consistently praise the delicious drinks, from specialty coffee options like the pistachio latte to authentic baklava and flavorful toasts. With 236 positive remarks, many appreciate the creative flavor profiles and fresh, super delicious offerings, making it a go-to for unique treats.
However, out of 266 total opinions, a smaller number of 19 negative comments point to a few areas for improvement. Some found the Turkish coffee preparation inconsistent, or a salted pistachio latte overly sweet. There were also occasional remarks about cold food or tea served with a thick skin, suggesting minor inconsistencies in execution.
Food
266
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
19
negative
11
neutral
236
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique drink options
- Authentic baklava
- Flavorful toasts
What people don't like
- Inconsistent coffee prep
- Overly sweet drinks
- Cold food issues
Often praised
- coffeeThe ambiance is another standout feature; the cozy yet elegant space is decorated with beautiful calligraphy and authentic cultural elements, creating a peaceful, chill vibe. Whether you're here to catch up with friends, get some work done, or simply enjoy a perfect cup of coffee, Finjan is the ultimate destination. It's a true 5-star experience and a must-visit for any coffee or tea lover!
- foodFood and drinks were made perfectly and tasted delicious.
- baklavaIf I could rate this place 1 billion stars, I definitely would! I got a Knafeh (smooth), baklava, and Turkish coffee with light sweetness. I love that this place is open late, which is super helpful for people who work 2nd or graveyard shifts like me.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the unique and delicious drinks, including the lattes, karak tea, and Moroccan Mint tea. The staff were friendly, and the ambiance was nice.
- pistachio latteThe staff were really nice, and the food and drinks were yummy. I particularly enjoyed the honey cinnamon latte, pistachio latte, sparkling punch, parfait, and the fava bean toast with avocado. The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated at 5/5, and the food received a perfect 5/5.
- Turkish coffeeI came here with an open mind and ordered the Knafeh despite not knowing what it was, and I was impressed with how crunchy and cheesy it tasted. The Turkish coffee was so cute and had chunks, which makes it unique.
- honey cinnamon latteThe staff were really nice, and the food and drinks were yummy. I particularly enjoyed the honey cinnamon latte, pistachio latte, sparkling punch, parfait, and the fava bean toast with avocado. The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated at 5/5, and the food received a perfect 5/5.
- teaTheir tea was great and reminded me of our traditional tea
- BaklavaI absolutely loved the Turkish coffee, and the food was surprisingly amazing too. I highly recommend trying the Monkey Toast, Baklava, and Avocado Toast. The establishment was clean, and the service was incredibly friendly.
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- Turkish coffeeI'm giving 4 stars only because the worker with headscarf was very nice. However, you guys don't know how to make "Turkish" coffee. It tasted like espresso just made in a "jazzve".
- Moroccan mint teaWasn’t a fan of the morrocan mint tea
- Not a lot in the cupNot a lot in the cup as well
- baked goodsMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I was expecting more baked goods, but there were only 2 tiny pieces of baklava and no other baked goods in sight. It was only after ordering coffee and paying that we noticed other customers enjoying monkey bread and realized we could have ordered the same open-faced sandwich.
- baklavaMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I was expecting more baked goods, but there were only 2 tiny pieces of baklava and no other baked goods in sight. It was only after ordering coffee and paying that we noticed other customers enjoying monkey bread and realized we could have ordered the same open-faced sandwich.
- better optionsWay too many better options in the area
- blended coffee beansthey use blended coffee beans for their espresso
- chaimy daughter tried a chai, they could prepare it better
- coffeeCoffee was below average
- coffee and pastryMy experience at the restaurant involved an incredibly long wait of over 40 minutes for a single coffee and pastry. This wait time was definitely insane and, unfortunately, the experience was not worth the wait.
If you're looking for a place with truly unique and delicious drinks, authentic baklava, and flavorful toasts, this spot is definitely worth trying. While there are minor inconsistencies with some coffee preparations or occasional cold food, the overall experience for food and beverages is highly praised and satisfying.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
Service here generally hits a good note, with a score of 7.3 and a customer satisfaction of 67.5%, indicating a mixed but leaning positive experience. Many guests rave about the friendly and kind staff, often highlighting their welcoming hospitality and the owners passion, making for a truly pleasant visit, as seen in 77 positive remarks. However, some experiences suggest room for improvement.
A common concern revolves around waiting times, with some finding the service slow and lacking a sense of urgency, leading to frustration over long waits for orders. These points are reflected in 33 negative comments about the staffs pace and overall service speed.
Service
114
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
33
negative
4
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Welcoming hospitality
- Owners' passion
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Slow service pace
- Lack of urgency
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Everything was on point, from the delicious food and drinks to the fast and friendly service. The atmosphere was also great, with music at the right volume, making it a perfect spot for working and hanging out for hours.
- staffWhat a great coffee shop! It's the kind of place where you get to know the staff and they get to know you. Each drink is carefully crafted and it's always clean, friendly and welcoming!
- ServiceService:5
- waitI enjoyed the excellent coffee and tea. While parking can be limited, it is worth the wait.
- ownersEach drink is carefully crafted and it's always clean, friendly and welcoming! The owners are always there too checking in on the customers and just the nicest people you could possibly meet. This shop does community events and they're always supporting charitable, humanitarian and honorable causes.
- peopleI absolutely love this place and the people! It's one of my favorites.
- Friendly staffFriendly staff
- StaffStaff are very nice and friendly
- authentic mannerserved in authentic manner
- baristasThe fava bean toast was incredibly flavorful and satisfying, complemented by a dreamy tahini sauce. The atmosphere was very welcoming, and the sweet baristas made the experience even better.
Frequently criticized
- serviceeven with 4 people working it will take 15-20 minutes
- waitOne thing that drives me nuts is there is always a wait
- waiting timewaiting over the 20 minutes and your coffee has not even begun to be prepared.
- employeesThe employees rude and not helpful
- orderour order didn't come out
- staff attitudeTall black lady was rude
- wait timeHowever, the service was rated at 3 stars because I’ve really only seen the staff move at a super slow pace. For comparison, in Italy, a cappuccino is in front of you in 45 seconds to a minute, but here I frequently wait 10 minutes for the pistachio latte. While I understand people may be ordering large orders online, the appearance of ‘hustle’ doesn’t exist; I’d call it slow and steady.
- counter serviceCounter service only
- cup of coffee20 minutes for a cup of coffee is ridiculous.
- drivingdrove from Mira Mesa to get it
If you value a warm, friendly atmosphere and dont mind a potential wait, this spot could be a great fit. However, if youre in a rush or expect lightning-fast service, you might find yourself a bit frustrated.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 83.2%, its clear most folks are loving the vibe. Out of 107 total remarks, a whopping 89 praise the inviting atmosphere and ambiance, often highlighting the fantastic outdoor seating, cleanliness, and the fact its a great place to work or study with free wifi and abundant parking.
However, its not entirely without its quirks, as 13 comments point out. Some find the indoor seating a bit small or cramped, and the noise level can get a bit high when its busy. A few also mentioned specific seating like bar/high chairs aren't the most comfortable, and the overhead lights can sometimes create a less cozy feel.
Ambience
107
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
13
negative
5
neutral
89
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere/vibe
- Ample seating options
- Excellent for work/study
- Plenty of parking
What people don't like
- Limited indoor space
- Can get noisy
- Uncomfortable high chairs
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great coffee and a cool atmosphere. While the indoor seating area is small, there are more tables available outside.
- ambianceThe ambiance was beautiful, with lovely wooden textures, paintings, and stain glass lamps.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceLove the ambience.
- cleanlinessThe coffee shop is very clean.
- outdoor seatingnice outdoor seating as well
- vibeThe service is always excellent, with everyone being nice, including the other patrons. It's a great place to work or vibe, though it can get a bit busy during weekdays.
- place to workGreat place to work or study
- seatingPlenty of seating both indoors and outdoors
- vibesAmaaaazing vibes
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereplace kind of cold and sterile
- bar/high chairssitting is not plus size friendly when it comes to the bar/high chairs
- find a tableI also enjoy the desserts they serve and recommend trying them all. This place does get crowded at times, so it can be difficult to find a table to do work at, but if you go during hours of low traffic, then it shouldn't be too hard to grab a table.
- indoor seatingnot enough space to sit inside
- indoor smellSmelled like wet dog indoors
- noise levelgets a bit loud because they are busy
- overhead lightsIt was only after ordering coffee and paying that we noticed other customers enjoying monkey bread and realized we could have ordered the same open-faced sandwich. While the service was friendly, the glaring overhead lights created a cold and sterile atmosphere, which detracted from the overall experience.
- parkingParking can be limited
- placeI only wish it was bigger
- seatingSeating is limited and seems to be dominated by people spending all day there
If youre looking for a vibrant spot with great outdoor options, strong wifi for work, and easy parking, youll likely love the atmosphere here. Just be aware that indoor space can be tight and it might get a bit lively, so it might not be your quietest retreat during peak hours.
Value (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 7% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction of 85.7%. Many folks appreciate the fair and affordable prices, with some even noting theyre cheaper than Starbucks! Plus, the mention of free parking is a definite bonus, making the overall experience feel like a great deal, especially for the portion sizes.
However, out of 7 opinions, theres one voice suggesting that some items might be overpriced. While the majority find the pricing reasonable, its worth keeping in mind that not every dish might feel like a steal, especially if the quality doesnt match the expectation.
Value
7
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices
- Free parking
- Good portion size
What people don't like
- Can be overpriced
Often praised
- pricestheir prices cheaper than Starbucks
- PriceMy Iced Salted Pistachio oat latte was excellent, featuring tiny bits of pistachio for a delightful texture. The Fava Bean toast was a good size for the price, hearty, and visually appealing. My only suggestion for improvement would be to enhance the flavor of the toast slightly, which could make it truly exceptional.
- free parkingand it is free.
Frequently criticized
- priceOverpriced the food was cold
If youre looking for a place where your money generally goes a long way, especially with fair prices and free parking, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that a rare item might feel a bit pricey, but overall, its a solid choice for value.
How are the prices at Finjan?
You’re looking at roughly $12 per person – reported by 93 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.
While the average is $12, the price distribution shows a strong lean towards more budget-friendly options, with a significant number of diners spending in the $1–$10 range, alongside the mid-range choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 93 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering its a Cafe in San Diego, we think the pricing feels quite fair. Youre getting good value for a casual meal or coffee break without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Finjan
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Matcha Delight, Coffee Disappointment
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. I tried the Knafeh cold foam matcha, which was delicious and I'd rate it an 8/10. However, the salted pistachio latte was disappointing, earning only a 5/10.
It was overly sweet and lacked a strong coffee flavor. The restaurant offers plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors, but it can get quite loud due to how busy it is. Be prepared for a 15-20 minute wait for your order, also because of the crowds.
I would recommend this place for its matcha, but not for coffee. The parking lot out front is easy and free.
- Knafeh cold foam matcha8
- seating8
- parking lot9
- salted pistachio latte5
- coffee flavor5
- noise level4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Delicious Coffee & Baklava, Missed Monkey Toast
My experience at this cute, small coffee shop was largely positive, especially regarding the coffee and baklava. The coffee was so good, and I definitely recommend the Orange Latte. The Baklawas were also so yummy, offering the perfect combination of crisp and sweetness.
Unfortunately, we never received the Monkey Toast and only realized it after we had left, so I can't review that. It's worth noting that the space is small, and the seating, particularly the bar/high chairs, is not plus size friendly. 🤷🏽♀️
- coffee9
- Orange Latte9
- Baklawas9
- small3
- sitting3
- bar/high chairs3
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic Iranian Tea and Delicious Baklava!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful! I enjoyed their great tea, which reminded me of traditional Iranian tea. The baklava was awesome.
The staff were so nice and friendly, and the atmosphere was full of good vibes ✨🫖.
- tea9
- baklava9
- staff10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Finjan's Teas, Espresso, and Lattes Shine
My experience at Finjan was exceptional! I absolutely loved both their teas and espresso. I also recently tried their seasonal Rose Cardamom Latte, and the flavors were truly divine.
The quality of their beverages is outstanding.
- teas9
- espresso9
- Rose Cardamom Latte10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Orange Latte is a Must-Try!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially with their Orange Latte! I ordered it half sweet, and it was truly to die for. In the past six years, I've visited over 50 coffee shops in San Diego, and this particular drink has stayed with me.
I'm almost glad it's a bit out of my way, otherwise, I'd be visiting every single day!
- Orange Latte10
- coffee shops8
What Finjan offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking options are available at Finjan Coffee Shop Co.?
When you visit Finjan Coffee Shop Co. in Kearny Mesa, you’ll be pleased to find a free parking lot available. There is usually plenty of parking, making your visit convenient and stress-free for any dining option you choose.
Is Finjan Coffee Shop Co. accessible for all visitors?
Yes, Finjan Coffee Shop Co. is committed to accessibility. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
How does Finjan generally perform according to customer feedback?
Finjan holds a restaurant score of 8.2, with strong performance in Food (8.6) and Ambience (8.2). Value also scores well at 7.9, while Service, at 7.3, indicates some areas for improvement.
Should I expect long waits at Finjan?
Some customers have noted significant wait times for orders, with reports of 15-20 minutes or more for coffee, suggesting service can be slow, especially during busy periods.
What is the atmosphere like at Finjan, and is seating readily available?
Finjan offers a cool, beautiful, and clean atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. However, indoor seating can be limited and it can get crowded, making it difficult to find a table at times.