Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Gooseberries – San Diego
Gooseberries - San Diego
Photo from Gooseberries
Gooseberries at a glance
San Diego Hillcrest
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 97 of the guests
#29 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#7 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Excellent
9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
667
Reviews
95.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Homemade Food
- Kind Service
- Outdoor Ambience
Frequently criticized
- Rude Service
- High Prices
- Street Parking
The café Gooseberries kafe in San Diego’s vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood is a must-visit spot, especially if you’re looking for great coffee. This casual and cozy establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy a quick bite or linger over a healthy meal.
You’ll find it’s a trendy destination perfect for starting your day with breakfast or brunch.
Overview: Introducting Gooseberries
Gooseberries offers a delightful culinary experience, with many praising its homemade dishes and thoughtful gluten-free options. Guests often highlight the friendly and attentive staff, who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.
The setting, particularly the outdoor seating, is frequently appreciated for its comfort and charm. While many find the offerings to be of great value, some have noted that certain items can feel expensive.
There are also occasional comments about rude interactions with staff and the outdoor area being chilly at times. Despite these points, the overall impression leans positive.
Excellent
9
out of 10
667
Reviews
95.2%
Satisfaction
22
negative
10
neutral
635
positive
Gooseberries earns an impressive overall score of 9, reflecting a largely positive customer experience. This is further supported by an excellent 95.2% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that nearly all patrons leave content.
These high marks are drawn from a substantial 667 customer remarks, with a strong majority of 635 positive comments outweighing just 22 negative ones. The culinary offerings truly stand out, with Food scoring an excellent (9.2), making it a clear highlight.
Service also receives high praise, rated excellent (8.9), while the inviting Ambience is similarly well-regarded at an excellent (8.8). While still good, Value (7.3) is where some customers expressed minor reservations, though it remains a solid aspect of the experience.
What people like
- Delicious, homemade food
- Attentive, kind service
- Inviting outdoor ambience
What people don't like
- Occasional rude service
- Perceived high prices
- Challenging street parking
Gooseberries comes highly recommended with a strong 9.2 score, making it a compelling choice for those seeking quality food and a pleasant atmosphere. If you appreciate thoughtfully prepared dishes and a welcoming outdoor setting, this spot is certainly worth exploring.
While the occasional service hiccup or parking challenge might arise, these seem to be minor points against an overwhelmingly positive experience. For a delightful meal in a relaxed environment, Gooseberries generally delivers a satisfying visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Gooseberries
Food (9.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.2 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 97.8%, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Out of 401 total comments, 392 rave about the homemade and fresh ingredients, praising the delicious breakfast and overall quality of the dishes.
However, a handful of the 401 comments (just 4, to be exact) did mention minor points like the serving size being a bit small for some, or occasional issues with selection when popular pastries ran out. These are small concerns in an otherwise stellar culinary experience.
Food
401
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
4
negative
5
neutral
392
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homemade food
- Fresh ingredients
- Delicious breakfast
What people don't like
- Small serving size
- Limited selection
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a dog-friendly and gluten-free hangout with satiating food served in a chill outdoor environment. I especially appreciated the gluten-free options and the comfortable covered outdoor seating with couches.
- coffeeIt's a chill spot with owners who are so nice. There's nothing better than enjoying a coffee and a scone in the open air in San Diego. The food, service, and atmosphere were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- avocado toastgot the avocado toast, and did not expect to love it as much as i did
- acai bowlacai bowl which was fresh, beautiful and the right amount of sweet
- breakfastMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I had the very best breakfast and latte I've ever tasted, all of which were homemade and prepared with a unique style. The staff was incredibly fun and friendly, making the visit even more enjoyable.
- French toastFrench toast featured an incredible diversity of toppings
- FoodFood:5
- biscuitthe biscuit was home made that day
- breadmakes everything (bread, pastries, deli meats, etc) from scratch
- gooseberry jamPlease sell jars of the gooseberry jam! It was delicious.
Frequently criticized
- crispy procciutopaid $6 for ONE tiny piece so pretty disappointed
- pastriesthey had run out of some pastries
- selectionif you want more selection
- serving sizethe serving size is small for me
If you're looking for a place with genuinely delicious, homemade food and fresh ingredients, this is definitely worth a visit. You can expect high quality and a fantastic breakfast, though be mindful that popular items might sell out and portions might be on the thoughtful side.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.9 and a customer satisfaction rate of 89.9%, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Out of 148 comments, a whopping 133 praise the owners, staff, and their friendly staff for providing excellent service.
It sounds like youll be in very good hands! However, its not entirely without its bumps, as 14 comments did touch on some less-than-ideal experiences. A few mentioned toxic energy from a terrible attendant and feeling mistreated me, suggesting that service was occasionally less than accommodating.
While these instances are few, they're worth noting.
Service
148
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
133
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent customer service
- Welcoming owners
What people don't like
- Unaccommodating service
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceI can't sing praises loud enough for this amazing gem in Hillcrest. Lee and Melissa serve up an amazing casual curated dining experience in an affordable, affable, open-aired setting. Give this place the love it deserves, because it'll love you right back!
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. It's a delightful local gem with great tasting food and friendly caring staff. The cafe is outdoors in a secluded patio, which is more utilitarian than beautiful.
- ownersThis spot is a hidden gem! The breakfast, homemade pastries, and coffee are all delicious, and the owners are always super kind and attentive. The acai bowl is awesome, and so is the breakfast sandwich!
- peopleAll of the people, we loved. They were so very kind
- ServiceEverything is made in house, from the roast beef to the pickles and pralines. Lee and Melissa are killing it. Hands down, it's the best fresh spot in Hillcrest.
- customer serviceMy experience at Lee and Michelle's was wonderful! Their passion is absolutely on display in their food and cozy customer service. We can't wait to try their whole menu 😋.
- LeeLee came by repeatedly to check up on us
- ownerThe owner is super friendly
- owners and staffThe owners and people that work here are the best, so kind
- Jay the baristaJay the barista was so hospitable and warm and made me feel very welcome
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe owner of this place or the person (she?) who took our order definitely needs some therapy!
- 4:00 p.m. close timeI really wish they would open longer though, I miss the 4:00 p.m. close time!
- accommodate 9 peoplecould not accommodate 9 people
- alohaShe has no aloha and certainly no restaurant experience
- high chairshe got the high chair and slammed it in front of me and scared the baby!
- kid-friendlinessExtra rude people who love scaring babies by slamming the high chair
- mistreated memistreated me, when I told her I was gonna ask my husband
- never coming back againI am never coming back again
- restaurant experienceShe has no aloha and certainly no restaurant experience
- staffthe staff was not very happy
If you value a warm welcome and attentive care, this place is definitely worth a visit. The overwhelmingly positive experiences with the staff suggest you'll likely have a fantastic time, despite a few isolated negative encounters.
Ambience (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youll immediately feel the excellent vibe, reflected in its impressive ambience score of 8.8 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 96.3%. Based on 107 comments, with 103 positive remarks, guests consistently rave about the cute atmosphere, outdoor seating, and dog friendly environment. Many also appreciate the chill vibe and comfortable seating area, making it a truly welcoming establishment.
However, even in such a beloved setting, there were a couple of minor points. Out of 107 comments, only 2 mentioned a slight drawback, noting that the outdoor space' could sometimes be a bit chilly. This is a small consideration, easily addressed by choosing a table with heaters or enjoying the sun.
Ambience
107
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
103
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute, cozy atmosphere
- Dog-friendly outdoor
- Comfy seating options
What people don't like
- Chilly outdoor space
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Gooseberries was absolutely amazing. The care and attention put into their food is unmatched for a small, covered, outdoor eatery. I enjoyed absolutely delicious, imaginative meals.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- dog friendlyThey are also very dog friendly
- spaceSuch a clean and comfortable space to enjoy your meal or drinks
- kitchen arealayout of the kitchen area with glass partitions so you can see how clean and organized
- locationThe location is also a big plus
- outdoor seatingIt's a dog-friendly and gluten-free hangout with satiating food served in a chill outdoor environment. I especially appreciated the gluten-free options and the comfortable covered outdoor seating with couches. My dog absolutely loved the thick-cut fried prosciutto as much as I did!
- outdoor seating areaReally cute outdoor seating area with plenty of shade.
- placeit's just a great place to visit
- seatingThe seating was comfortable
Frequently criticized
- outdoor spaceIt was a bit chilly in the outdoor space
- street parkingThe staff is very friendly. The only downside to this location is the lack of street parking on a busy day.
If you're looking for a place with a truly inviting and comfortable atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Its charming outdoor seating and dog-friendly vibe make it perfect for a relaxed outing, though you might want to grab a spot near a heater on cooler days.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 8% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot seems to hit the mark for many! With a good score of 7.3 and 7 positive remarks out of 11 total comments, customers frequently praised the great value and reasonable prices. Many enjoyed perfectly portioned, fresh meals, calling it an affordable and amazing dining experience.
However, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 63.6%, with 2 negative observations. While the food quality was often appreciated, some felt the price was too high for certain items, describing them as very expensive and easy to make at home, which can be a bit disappointing.
Value
11
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Reasonable prices
- Affordable experience
What people don't like
- Very expensive
- High price
Often praised
- priceI can't sing praises loud enough for this amazing gem in Hillcrest. Lee and Melissa serve up an amazing casual curated dining experience in an affordable, affable, open-aired setting. Give this place the love it deserves, because it'll love you right back!
- great valueI enjoyed a variety of dishes from their menu, eating there about five times. Each meal was perfectly portioned, offered great value, and was incredibly fresh. They were exceptionally communicative and attentive to my gluten-free needs, even providing a delicious fresh-baked gluten-free muffin.
- Reasonable pricesReasonable prices
- pricesAND very reasonable prices to boot.
Frequently criticized
- businessyou would think they’d want the business
- priceThe food was good, with homemade bread being a standout, which was awesome. However, the food was also very expensive and felt easy to make at home. I was particularly disappointed by the price of a side of crispy prosciutto, paying $6 for just one tiny piece.
Overall, the value here is a bit of a mixed bag. If youre seeking generally reasonable prices and a good experience, its worth a try. Just be mindful that some specific items might feel a bit overpriced.
How are the prices at Gooseberries?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 97 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.
Most guests find themselves in this sweet spot, with prices clustering nicely around the average, though a few do splurge a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 97 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, for a Restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It hits that sweet spot where you’re getting good value without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for most diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Gooseberries
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Yummy Cafe for Dieters!
We absolutely fell in love with this little cafe. Due to our diets, finding a place that is so yummy was a delightful surprise. The owners were very sweet, and we can’t wait to go back.
- food10
- owners10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Scratch Kitchen Cafe!
What a cute cafe! It's a scratch kitchen, so everything is made fresh there, and you can definitely taste it in the food and drinks. We got their breakfast plate and avocado toast with some fresh OJ and a latte.
The portion sizes were great and the taste was delicious! They also gave us one of their vegan apple pastries 🤤. I'm not usually a sweet pastry person, but it was so tasty!
- scratch kitchen9
- food and drinks9
- breakfast plate8
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Phenomenal Food and Friendly Staff!
My second year visiting San Diego, and a significant reason for choosing my accommodations was their proximity to Gooseberries Kafe. My experience was fantastic; the food is phenomenal, all home made, and the staff are incredibly warm and friendly. It's truly a great place to visit.
I highly recommend it!
- food10
- home made10
- staff10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Cute Spot with Stellar Service & Tasty Bites
I visited near closing for a quick chai latte and an açaí bowl to go. The place is cute as a button, with a nice patio that's half shade and half sun. The kitchen area is visible and very clean.
The service was stellar. The in-house chai was smooth, and the açaí bowl was fresh, crisp, and tasty. I would definitely come back for a true breakfast.
- chai latte8
- açaí bowl8
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Kindest Staff and Dietary Accommodations!
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive. The folks who work here are the absolute kindest, and I was so glad they could accommodate numerous dietary restrictions. I'm so glad I found this place!
- folks who work here10
- dietary restrictions9
What Gooseberries offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dietary options are available at Gooseberries kafe?
At Gooseberries kafe, you’ll find a variety of healthy options, including dedicated vegan and vegetarian dishes. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a plant-based choice, there’s something for you to enjoy during breakfast, brunch, or lunch.
What kind of atmosphere and service can you expect at Gooseberries kafe in Hillcrest?
You can expect a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at Gooseberries kafe in Hillcrest. Service options include outdoor seating, dine-in, and takeout. It’s also a good spot for kids, and dogs are welcome both inside and outside.
How does Gooseberries rate overall, and what are its strongest aspects?
Gooseberries holds an excellent overall score of 9. Its Food is particularly outstanding (9.2), followed by highly-rated Service (8.9) and a pleasant Ambience (8.8). Value is also considered good (7.3).
What makes the food at Gooseberries stand out?
Customers frequently praise the delicious, homemade quality of the food, including fresh-baked goods and unique offerings. Many appreciate the thoughtful gluten-free options available.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Gooseberries?
Some patrons have mentioned expensive pricing for certain items and occasional instances of rude service. Finding street parking can also be a challenge on busy days.