Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Parakeet – San Diego
Parakeet - San Diego
Photo from Parakeet
Parakeet at a glance
San Diego Carmel Valley
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 80 of the guests
#348 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#32 Café out of 65 in San Diego
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
480
Reviews
72.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Inviting atmosphere
- Quality offerings
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Hygiene issues
The cafe in San Diego’s vibrant Carmel Valley neighborhood offers a truly delightful experience. When you step into Parakeet, you’re greeted by a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease.
It’s the perfect spot to unwind, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely meal. You’ll quickly discover why their great dessert selection is a standout, making it a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth or a craving for quality coffee and tea.
Overview: Introducting Parakeet
Parakeet offers a delightful escape with its cozy and stylish ambiance, making it a popular spot for gathering with friends. Guests frequently commend the quality of their beverages and food, often highlighting the availability of healthy options and a generally positive dining experience.
However, some visitors find the experience to be a bit of a mixed bag, particularly regarding value for money. While the staff is often described as friendly, there have been instances of inconsistent service and occasional concerns about the overall upkeep of the space.
Good
7.4
out of 10
480
Reviews
72.9%
Satisfaction
115
negative
15
neutral
350
positive
Parakeet earns a respectable overall Restaurant Score of 7.4, with customer satisfaction sitting at a good 72.9%. This positive sentiment is largely driven by strong performances in several key areas.
The Ambience (7.9) is particularly well-regarded, creating an inviting atmosphere, and the Food (7.6) also receives high marks for its quality and variety. The Service (7.4) generally contributes positively to the experience, with many appreciating the attentive staff, all supported by 350 positive remarks out of 480 customer comments.
Where Parakeet faces a challenge is with Value (3.2), which stands out as a clear area for improvement. Many customers feel that the prices are quite high for what’s offered, leading to a noticeable divergence from the otherwise strong scores.
This sentiment is reflected in 115 negative comments, suggesting that while the quality is there, the cost can be a significant deterrent for some patrons.
What people like
- Cozy, stylish ambiance
- Quality food & drinks
- Friendly, attentive service
What people don't like
- High price point
- Inconsistent service
- Hygiene concerns
Parakeet presents itself as a charming spot, particularly if you prioritize a pleasant atmosphere and quality food and drinks. It’s a good choice for those looking for a comfortable setting to enjoy a meal or coffee, especially given its strong scores in ambience, food, and service.
However, be prepared for the price point, as the Value score suggests it might feel expensive for some. With a Recommendation Score of 7.5, it’s worth a visit if you’re willing to overlook the cost for a generally enjoyable experience, but those on a tighter budget might find it less appealing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Parakeet
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 76.6%. With 190 positive remarks out of 248, many rave about the delicious acai bowls, healthy options, and excellent coffee. They also appreciate the wide array of gluten-free options available.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 51 negative comments. Some found the avocado toast disappointing, while others noted issues with espresso drinks, inconsistent portion sizes, or overly salty food. It seems there's room for improvement in consistency.
Food
248
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
51
negative
7
neutral
190
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious healthy options
- Excellent coffee & lattes
- Great gluten-free choices
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Salty dishes
- Poor espresso drinks
Often praised
- foodI go every day and have yet to find a latte that even comes close to the one they make for me, especially to my annoying specs! I’m super picky about what kind of food I can eat due to sensitive digestion, and I always feel great after eating there. The cute decor, super clean space and staff are next level.
- coffeeMy favorite local coffee place. I can't say much about the food since I only have some kind of coffee and sometimes an almond croissant 🥐. The atmosphere is great, and the service is excellent, as reflected in the perfect scores.
- FoodFood:5
- acai bowlssingle best place for acai bowls in the entire city
- drinksMy experience at this cafe was great! The WiFi is strong, and they offer good food and drinks, especially the matcha. The vibe is chill, and there's lots of outdoor seating.
- healthy optionsI like that they have healthy options for eating out
- matchagreat matcha, which can be hard to come by
- pastriesThey also have a ton of pastries to choose from
- vegan optionsplenty of vegan options on their food and drink menu
- charcoal wafflesubstituting the toast in that dish with a charcoal waffle, which was also pretty good.
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant yesterday was quite unpleasant. I noticed a significant number of flies all over the food in the pastry display case. When I brought this to the server's attention and suggested removing the affected food, she acknowledged the issue, stating the case doors were broken, but seemed unconcerned.
- avocado toastthe avocado toast is clearly a bagged or premade avo paste
- espressoAnd the barista who made my drink was a little snarky with me. There was no latte art on my to-go cappuccino and the espresso tasted burnt. Will not be returning.
- espresso drinksThe espresso drinks were significantly less strong and too milky tasting
- pastriescontinued selling the pastries to people knowing that there had been flies
- All I want AvoAll I want Avo wasn’t tasty at all. Sour
- ChilaquilesChilaquiles could be better. It was very tangy
- GI issues6 days later and we both are still dealing with GI issues.
- ShaksukaShaksuka was disappointment
- Waffle with eggI tried to give Parakeet another chance, but they always disappoint me : (I ordered a Waffle with egg and it was super salty that I couldn't even enjoy it : (I removed all the avocado, but it was impossible to eat due to the amount of salt.
If you're seeking a place with a strong focus on healthy, delicious options, especially acai bowls and good coffee, this spot is definitely worth a try. However, be mindful that some items, like the avocado toast or espresso drinks, might be a hit or miss, so choose wisely.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 70.3%. Many of the 90 positive comments highlight the friendly service and attentive staff, often praising their warm smiles and passion for quality. Guests frequently mention great service and personalized care, making for a welcoming experience.
However, its not all sunshine, as 33 negative observations point to areas for improvement. Some guests experienced super slow service and long wait times, with drinks taking a while to arrive. There were also instances of rude demeanor from staff and poor customer service, leaving some feeling ignored or facing contradictory advice.
Waiting times, especially wait time to order, ' were a recurring frustration.
Service
128
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
33
negative
5
neutral
90
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Personalized care
What people don't like
- Slow service/long waits
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceThe service was really good, Jaymie was our server and she was amazing.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with great coffee and a great staff. The manager was also very nice this afternoon.
- ZoeZoe rang us up at the register and she was also so kind and friendly
- employeesI appreciate that they offer healthy options for eating out, but consistency among locations is so important. The employees were super nice, but this location did not meet our expectations in terms of the food and drink.
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant has been awesome always! They offer great food and great customer service, which is why I continue to return. I especially love the avocado toasts; they are so good and visually appealing too!
- friendlythey are super friendly
- managerthe manager always makes sure to say hi and remember my name!!
- peopleI’ve loved Parakeet Del Mar and have been a loyal customer for nearly a year, visiting multiple times a week. While I appreciate the great food, great people, and great atmosphere, there are a few areas that need improvement. Firstly, the lack of wifi is a significant issue; it's quite inconvenient for conducting business meetings or getting work done, especially when spending around $70 per visit.
- serverAlso, the people here are the sweetest! Zoe was our server, and she was literally so nice and made sure we had everything we needed. And Sanoe, the barista, made me the best matcha latte ever.
Frequently criticized
- serviceSo many regrets, I should’ve just stuck to what I knew. The service was terrible. There was only one person in front of me but I waited in line for close to 5+ mins since the employee at the register wanted to have a full convo with the customer who already paid.
- staffI waited over 15 minutes for a simple scoop of overnight oats with toppings. Unfortunately, I won't be returning due to the excessive wait time and the unempathetic staff.
- baristaBaristas were busy taking pics of their latte art, and not being considerate of peoples time. And the barista who made my drink was a little snarky with me. There was no latte art on my to-go cappuccino and the espresso tasted burnt.
- baristas chatagile the baristas chat it away smiling
- cashierThe cashier was curt
- completely different dishesthey served completely different dishes to the table
- contradictory advicegive contradictory advice to patrons
- counter serviceUpon visiting, it became evident that the establishment prioritizes style over function. While I had a decent meal, the prices were very high for what amounted to indifferent counter service. It seemed as though employees were more focused on creating content for their influencer identities than on their work.
- drinks arrival timeour drinks took 33 minutes to get arrive
- employeesseems employees are there to get content for their influencer identities than to work
If youre looking for friendly and attentive staff, this place often delivers. Just be aware that some guests have experienced slow service and occasional inconsistencies. Its worth a visit, but perhaps not if you're in a hurry.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youre generally in for a treat! The ambience scores a solid 7.9, reflecting a largely positive experience for guests, with customer satisfaction hitting an impressive 82.7%. Many rave about the "atmosphere, " "decor, " and "vibe, " often calling it a "cute place" with fantastic "outdoor seating, " based on 67 positive remarks out of 81 total.
However, its not entirely without its quirks, with 12 negative comments. Some visitors noted issues like flies near the pastry display, music that could be a bit too loud, or a lack of reliable WiFi. A few also mentioned an unpleasant bathroom smell, which can detract from the overall feel.
Ambience
81
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute decor
- Great atmosphere
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Flies near food
- Loud music
- Bathroom smell
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this cafe was fantastic! It's a great place to gather with friends, offering great beverages and food. I highly suggest you try this cafe!
- ambianceThe ambiance is cozy and stylish, with its charming wallpaper and inviting vibe.
- placePrefect place to go for brunch with friends
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- decorThe decor is also fabulous
- outdoor seatingLots of outdoor seating
- spaceThe space is beautiful
- vibeThe vibe is sooo cute and cozy
- WiFiMy experience at this cafe was great! The WiFi is strong, and they offer good food and drinks, especially the matcha. The vibe is chill, and there's lots of outdoor seating.
- cafeCute cafe
Frequently criticized
- fliesnoticed the flies in the pastry fridge
- musicmusic you guys blast in the courtyard is always just a bit too loud
- wifiyou guys really have to get wifi. It is ridiculous that we can’t have a business meeting
- bathroom smellwhatever you guys use to clean your bathroom smells like literal human sweat
- pastry display caseMy experience at this restaurant yesterday was quite unpleasant. I noticed a significant number of flies all over the food in the pastry display case. When I brought this to the server's attention and suggested removing the affected food, she acknowledged the issue, stating the case doors were broken, but seemed unconcerned.
- poop emojithe poop emoji on the bathroom door.
- shards of glassOur table had shards of glass on it
- style over functionit's clear this is a style over function place
- viewNot much of a view though
If you're looking for a charming spot with a great vibe and plenty of outdoor seating, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that you might encounter some loud music or a few flies, but overall, the positive atmosphere shines through.
Value (3.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
While the overall sentiment around value is quite low, with a poor score of 3.2 and customer satisfaction at a mere 13%, a handful of guests did find some positives. Out of 23 comments, 3 mentioned the price wasnt too bad or felt it was worth every penny, especially appreciating that they dont upcharge for plant-milk substitutions. However, the overwhelming majority, 19 out of 23 comments, painted a different picture.
Many felt the prices were very high, describing them as terrible or even a scam, especially for items like breakfast. There were also frustrations about prices not being posted on online menus, leading to a feeling of not getting what they paid for.
Value
23
Reviews
13%
Satisfaction
19
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the cost
- No plant-milk upcharge
What people don't like
- High prices
- Unlisted menu prices
- Not worth the money
Often praised
- priceIt’s a bit pricey, but worth every penny
- plant-milk substitutionsthey don't upcharge you for plant-milk substitutions
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was that the food was actually really good. However, I wasn't overly thrilled for what I paid for, as it was not for the price.
- pricesthe prices are still pretty high for what it is
- $19For $19 I would expect a lot better
- PricesPrices are a pretty wild here to eat regularly.
- bowlsthe right price point should be approximately $10 less for bowls
- expensive breakfastvery expensive breakfast for 1 Tasty item
- high pricesworth the high prices
- hustleA single cookie cost $7, and the prices were not even posted on the menu. I felt it was a total scam and a total hustle. I advise others not to waste their money at places that engage in this kind of practice and not to be a sucker.
- online menusdon't post prices on their online menus
- prices on the menuthey didn't post the prices on the menu
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially high bill. While some found the experience worth the splurge, the general consensus points to prices being a significant concern, with many feeling its not worth the cost. Go in with your eyes open, especially regarding the menu prices.
How are the prices at Parakeet?
You’re looking at roughly $27 per person – reported by 80 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend in the $11–$30 range, showing prices cluster nicely around this average, though a few diners do opt for a more premium experience.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 80 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Cafe. It offers a good middle ground for diners looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Parakeet
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Best Location, Amazing Burger & Waffle!
This is by far their best location! We got the best burger ever with potatoes and the healthiest waffle ever. Both were so good I couldn’t slow down to take a picture of the food.
Marco was also the nicest and most helpful person ever!
- best burger10
- potatoes8
- healthiest waffle10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Service and Delicious Food
My experience at this restaurant was a joy, largely due to the exceptional service provided by Sophia. The coffee was delicious, and the pastries and food were great. I would all around recommend this place.
- Sophia10
- customer service9
- coffee9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Vegan Options and Fresh Food
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! They offer plenty of vegan options on both their food and drink menu, and even have some vegan pastries. The food portions are great, and the food itself is very fresh and high quality.
I highly recommend trying this place out.
- vegan options10
- vegan pastries9
- food portions9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing First Visit
Unfortunately, our first time here was not a good one. Our table had shards of glass on it, and our drinks took 33 minutes to arrive. We also experienced some odd staff interactions and found the pastries underwhelming.
The drinks themselves were pretty good, but I just wish the overall experience was better.
- drinks7
- shards of glass1
- drinks arrival time2
- staff interactions3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Great place for friends and food!
My experience at this cafe was fantastic! It's a great place to gather with friends, offering great beverages and food. I highly suggest you try this cafe!
- food10
- atmosphere10
What Parakeet offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Beer
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- 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 kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Parakeet Cafe - Del Mar?
At Parakeet Cafe – Del Mar, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any time of day. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or simply indulge in their excellent dessert options. With comfortable seating and a welcoming vibe, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxed meal or a quick coffee break.
Does Parakeet Cafe - Del Mar cater to specific dietary needs and families?
Yes, Parakeet Cafe – Del Mar offers a wide range of options to suit various preferences and needs. You’ll find healthy, organic, vegan, and vegetarian dishes on the menu. For families, they are good for kids, providing a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs to ensure a comfortable dining experience for everyone.
What is Parakeet's overall rating and customer satisfaction?
Parakeet holds an overall Restaurant Score of 7.4 out of 10, with a good Customer Satisfaction rate of 72.9%. This indicates a generally positive experience for most patrons, driven by strong scores in Food (7.6), Ambience (7.9), and Service (7.4), though Value (3.2) is a weaker point.
What do customers enjoy most about Parakeet?
Customers frequently praise Parakeet’s ambiance, describing it as cozy, stylish, and inviting, with fabulous decor and outdoor seating. The food and drinks also receive high marks, with many appreciating the healthy and vegan options, great matcha, and quality coffee.
Are there any common concerns about Parakeet?
Yes, a primary concern for many customers is the high price, with opinions suggesting it can be quite expensive for what’s offered. Some also report issues with inconsistent service, including long wait times or indifferent staff, and occasional hygiene concerns like flies in the pastry display.