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oChef » Point Loma Cafe – San Diego
Point Loma Cafe - San Diego
Photo from Point Loma Cafe
Point Loma Cafe at a glance
San Diego Little Portugal
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 90 of the guests
#309 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#12 American Restaurant out of 24 in San Diego
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
348
Reviews
74.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Food inconsistencies
- Cleanliness issues
The restaurant Point Loma Cafe is a welcoming American restaurant nestled in the vibrant Little Portugal neighborhood of San Diego. You’ll find a cozy and casual spot perfect for any meal, from breakfast to dinner.
Known for its great coffee, this cafe offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can unwind. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, you’ll appreciate the friendly vibe and diverse menu.
Overview: Introducting Point Loma Cafe
Point Loma Cafe offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often highlighted by its warm and welcoming atmosphere and a menu that delivers on flavor. Guests frequently commend the quality of the food, finding many dishes both delicious and satisfying.
However, some visits have seen occasional hiccups, particularly concerning the pace of service and minor inconsistencies in food preparation. While many find the price reasonable, a few note that costs have increased, suggesting a mixed perception of overall value.
Good
7.6
out of 10
348
Reviews
74.7%
Satisfaction
64
negative
24
neutral
260
positive
Point Loma Cafe earns a respectable overall score of 7.6, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 74.7%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from 348 customer observations, with 260 positive remarks outweighing 64 negative ones. Delving into specifics, the Food (7.9) receives strong approval, often described as delicious and well-portioned.
The Ambience (7.7) also scores well, praised for its welcoming feel. Service (7.1) is generally good, though some experiences vary, and Value (6.9) is considered fair, despite a few comments about rising prices.
What people like
- Delicious, satisfying food
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service speed
- Occasional food quality issues
- Minor cleanliness concerns
Point Loma Cafe presents itself as a solid choice for a casual meal, particularly if you appreciate a comfortable setting and flavorful dishes. With a recommendation score of 7.8, it generally delivers a positive experience, making it worth considering for your next outing.
While most visits are enjoyable, be prepared for potential variations in service speed or minor food inconsistencies. If you prioritize a welcoming atmosphere and good food over absolute perfection in every detail, this cafe could be a pleasant discovery.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Point Loma Cafe
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally quite pleased, with a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction sitting at a good 79.3%. Many rave about the delicious dishes, fresh ingredients, and generous portions, especially for breakfast items. With 134 positive remarks out of 169 total, it seems the kitchen is doing a lot right!
However, there are a few areas for improvement, noted in 20 less favorable comments. Some guests have experienced poor food quality, mentioning raw potatoes or inedible refried beans. There's also some disappointment over recent menu changes and inconsistent items like the Baja skillet.
Food
169
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
20
negative
15
neutral
134
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh ingredients
- Delicious food
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Poor food quality
- Inconsistent items
- Menu changes
Often praised
- foodWe had walked past the previous night and decided to try it for breakfast instead of going to our driver's usual fast-food spot. The prices weren't significantly higher, but the food was infinitely better. This was a shared sentiment among the four of us, as we all chose different dishes and were impressed.
- FoodFood was good
- portionsthe portions were good and delicious
- breakfastIf you're staying at the Double Tree, this is the best place to get breakfast. Even if you're not, this is a great place to eat.
- Eggs BenedictI had the Eggs Benedict and coffee. The eggs were perfect and the coffee delicious! The service was excellent!
- biscuits and gravyI enjoyed a delicious side of biscuits and gravy.
- chilaquileswe trythe chilaquiles, omelet for breakfast 10/10!!
- coffeeI had the Eggs Benedict and coffee. The eggs were perfect and the coffee delicious! The service was excellent!
- deliciousgood and delicious
- dishesamazing job with all of our dishes
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food didn't seem to be as good
- Baja skillethard pressed to find any chorizo or peppers
- MeatloafMeatloaf COULD have been great had it not been for being burnt
- Monte Cristocooks said they were out
- bakery itemsno bakery items
- breadWhile the price was right, the quality of the food was pretty poor. I encountered raw potatoes at breakfast and bread that would barely qualify as toasted. It's hard to mess up eggs, and thankfully, those were okay.
- breakfast wrapsNo breakfast wraps are listed on the menu
- chorizomaybe two tablespoons of chorizo in the entire plate
- food qualityquality of the food is pretty poor
- ingredientsreplacing ingredients in the holdover menu items
So, should you go? Absolutely, if you're looking for a place with generally delicious food, fresh ingredients, and hearty portions, especially for breakfast. Just be aware that a few items might be inconsistent, so stick to the highly praised dishes for the best experience.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
The service here generally shines, with a 7.1 score indicating its good, and a 67% customer satisfaction showing a mixed but leaning positive experience. Many of the 77 positive comments highlight the friendly and attentive staff, with special shout-outs to individuals like Irene and Josh for making guests feel welcome and providing excellent service. However, its not always smooth sailing, as evidenced by 34 negative remarks out of 115 total.
Some guests encountered slow service or felt their waiter had an attitude, with instances of no one took our order or long wait times. While not overwhelming, these issues suggest there's room for improvement in consistency.
Service
115
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
34
negative
4
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Exceptional individual service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Poor staff attitude
Often praised
- serviceMy last morning in town was spent at this cute little cafe. The service was exceptional, with a very friendly and attentive waiter and quick service. I ordered the cinnamon french toast with strawberries, and the eggwash flavor was very present but not overwhelming.
- staffThe staff knows what they are doing
- IreneWhile the meal didn't start off perfectly with my order arriving before my family's, the breakfast plates we all had were really good. Irene took very good care of us, and the military discount was a definite plus.
- ServiceExcellent Service!
- waitressMy experience at the restaurant involved a wait for a table and then slow service. However, the food was good, and my waitress was awesome.
- attentiongive us plenty attention
- waiterThe front of house is a reflection of the food quality. The waiter was very accommodating for special requests and asked the right questions to get us the right orders. I got to sample the chorizo, flavorful without the grease and 'weight' from many chorizo made meals, and the pancakes, that were cooked to perfect fluffy texture.
- waitstaffFastest, most attentive waitstaff
- JoshJosh is the best - he always was all smiles and friendly
- LeviLevi was our server and you could tell he was new but he did a great job
Frequently criticized
- serviceAfter the meal, I asked him why my tea was different than the others. He informed me that there are two ways to serve, but I am very sure he never asked me which I prefer. If I believe him and if there are two ways to serve, first of all there shouldn’t be two ways.
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely horrible. We were seated at a dirty table, and it took a while to get anyone to take our drinks. With a hungry 3-year-old, waiting 20 minutes without anyone taking our order was unacceptable.
- waitressOn a positive note, they have good home-made ranch. The atmosphere was nice, although the waitress kept leaving the door to the cold outside open. Levi, our server, was clearly new but did a great job.
- 20-minute waitabout 20 minute wait for our food
- DoorDash orderstold they have a lot of Door Dash orders
- Served customersServed customers who arrived after us before even taking our order
- checkoutTook 10 min to check out
- closing timemiss out on a lot of business now that they close at 1pm
- coffee refillNachfüllen von Kaffee blieb leider aus
- credit card machinesThe credit card machines supposedly broke both times
Overall, youre likely to encounter friendly and attentive service, especially if you get one of the standout servers. Just be prepared for the possibility of occasional slow service or longer waits, which might be a dealbreaker if youre in a rush.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
The vibe here generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at a good 79.2%. Many guests loved the pleasant setting, especially the Marina view and quiet atmosphere, making it a perfect spot. The cleanliness and cozy fire pit tables also received high praise from the 38 positive remarks out of 48 total.
However, its not all sunshine. A few guests found the overall atmosphere a bit meh, ' and parking was often described as confusing. There were also isolated complaints about dirty tables, noted in the 7 negative opinions, suggesting some areas could use a little polish.
Ambience
48
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Marina view
- Quiet atmosphere
- Clean space
- Fire pit tables
What people don't like
- Confusing parking
- Meh atmosphere
- Dirty tables
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Point Loma Cafe was outstanding! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, reminiscent of a cozy, classic diner. The breakfast menu offered a wide array of delicious options, and everything tasted incredibly fresh and flavorful.
- parkingplenty of parking available
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restaurantQuiet and quaint restaurant.
- Marina viewLooking on the Marina and blocked from the airport noise, it's a perfect spot for breakfast or, in the summer time, for a drink while sitting at the pool. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere was also rated a perfect 5.
- airport noiseLooking on the Marina and blocked from the airport noise, it's a perfect spot for breakfast or, in the summer time, for a drink while sitting at the pool. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere was also rated a perfect 5.
- cafeIt was a good cafe
- cleanlinessMmm mmm, very delicious 😋. The place was impeccably clean, and the restaurant is very spacious and pleasant 💯 Satisfaction 🫶🏻.
- fire pit tablesthe fire pit tables made for a very nice atmosphere.
- hidden spotit is a hidden little spot
Frequently criticized
- atmospherehighly racist atmosphere
- parkingOnly oddity is parking
- dirty tableseated at a dirty table
- insideWhile not that impressive inside
Overall, if you're looking for a spot with a nice view and a generally calm, clean environment, this place is worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially tricky parking, and you might want to double-check your table upon arrival.
Value (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found plenty to cheer about, with 11 positive comments out of 16 total. Folks appreciated the well priced and affordable options, especially highlighting perks like breakfast vouchers, happy hour, and even a military discount. The overall score for value sits at a respectable 6.9, indicating a generally good experience.
However, the picture isn't entirely uniform, as reflected by a 68.8% customer satisfaction, which places it in the mixed category. A few guests felt things were a bit pricey for what they received, with some noting that prices had definitely raised or even increased significantly. This contrast suggests that while many find good deals, others might feel the pinch, especially if not taking advantage of specific offers.
Value
16
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable options
- Breakfast vouchers
- Happy hour deals
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Prices have increased
Often praised
- pricereally reasonably priced breakfast joint
- affordableAnd affordable.
- breakfast vouchersThe breakfast vouchers make it worth it
- happy hourhappy hour 5 to 7
- military discountthe military discount was a definite plus
- pricesat fair and market prices.
- well pricedThe food was delicious and well priced.
Frequently criticized
- pricesThe prices had definitely raised
- priceya bit pricey for what you are getting
If youre savvy about seeking out deals like happy hour or using available discounts, youll likely find good value here. However, be prepared that regular menu prices might feel a bit steep for some, so plan your visit accordingly to get the most bang for your buck.
How are the prices at Point Loma Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly $23 per person – reported by 90 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is $23, a good number of guests actually spend a bit less, with most diners finding their sweet spot between $11–$30. This shows a nice cluster of prices, making it feel quite accessible.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 90 reviews.
How this American Restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
For an American Restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank, making it a good choice for many.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Point Loma Cafe
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Excellent Breakfast and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was super good! We tried the chilaquiles and an omelet for breakfast, and they were both 10/10. The service is great; Miss Irene was such a great person, always on top of everything!
I would give this place a 100% recommendation 👌.
- chilaquiles10
- omelet10
- service10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
6
Mashed Potatoes were the best
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food was just okay, described as 'mid'. However, the mashed potatoes were the best thing we had.
The service was also just 'ehh', not particularly great. On the positive side, the price wasn't bad for the meal. Overall, the mashed potatoes were a standout, but the rest of the experience was average.
- food5
- mashed potatoes8
- service5
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
8
Great Food, Worth the Wait!
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive. The food was great with big portions. The service was also great, and I was particularly impressed by the nicest bathroom I have ever seen for a public establishment.
The only drawback was a 20-minute wait for our food, so it's not ideal for a short lunch break. We will be back❤️.
- food9
- big portions9
- service9
- 20-minute wait4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Great Classic Breakfast Spot
My experience at Point Loma Cafe was great. It's a great little place that serves great classic breakfast food without the "gourmet" trend that's so common nowadays. The atmosphere and service were both rated a 4, and the food also received a 4.
There was plenty of parking available with free street parking. The noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
- classic breakfast food8
- atmosphere8
- service8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Exceptional Breakfast and Service!
If you're staying at the Double Tree, this is the best place to get breakfast. Even if you're not, this is a great place to eat. We enjoyed the make-your-own omelette and the Crab Cake Benedict.
Their hollandaise sauce is incredible, rich yet well-balanced and not broken. The crab cake was packed with so much crab, you definitely get your money's worth. I would rank this among the top egg Benedicts I've had in my life.
Beyond the food, the service was the best I've experienced in 5 years living in San Diego. Irene is an amazing human being and was so caring of us. She deserves significant credit for our experience and this review!
- breakfast10
- hollandaise sauce10
- crab cake9
What Point Loma Cafe offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Point Loma Cafe?
At Point Loma Cafe, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and quiet atmosphere, perfect for relaxing. You can enjoy a wide range of dining options, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with table service available. They also offer healthy options, small plates, and a kids’ menu, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Does Point Loma Cafe provide outdoor seating, parking, and accessibility features?
Yes, Point Loma Cafe offers comfortable outdoor seating for you to enjoy the San Diego weather. You’ll find free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The cafe is also fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a welcoming experience for all.
How does Point Loma Cafe rate overall?
Point Loma Cafe holds a good overall score of 7.6. Its Food (7.9), Ambience (7.7), and Service (7.1) are well-regarded, with Value (6.9) also scoring positively.
What do customers enjoy about the atmosphere at Point Loma Cafe?
Many appreciate the warm and welcoming atmosphere, often described as a cozy diner with a pleasant Marina view. The cleanliness and fire pit tables also contribute to a nice setting.
Are there any common service issues at Point Loma Cafe?
While service is often praised for being attentive, some guests have experienced slow service, long waiting times for orders, or delays during checkout.