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Cafe 21 University Heights, San Diego, CA

Cafe 21 University Heights

4.4
4.4
216 Reviews
$30 and under
International

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 5 times today
  • Innovative
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Romantic
Located in the heart of the University District at Adams Avenue and Idaho Street, Cafe 21 is one of the most innovative restaurants in San Diego, we are committed to changing the way our guests think about food. Everything we do is made from scratch and with love, which is one of the many reasons we are referred to as Nature’s Kitchen. From our yeast-free signature breads to our fruit-infused sangrias, something is always cooking at Cafe 21. Committed to sustainability and a true farm-to-table experience, we work with the best ingredients from locally grown produce, hormone-free grass fed meat, wild seafood, and antibiotic free Mary’s chicken. With an eclectic and unique menu offering, we accommodate all dietary restrictions ranging from gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan. We’re serving up brunch, dinner and a complete line of craft cocktails, an unforgettable experience awaits you at Cafe 21!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    International, Californian
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Thu–Sun 8:00 am–3:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (619) 640-2121
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Chef Leyla
  • Catering
    We're a family-owned restaurant bringing you tasty catering for events, corporate affairs, and much more. We provide our customers with great food and fabulous service. So whether you need catering service for a family reunion or you're looking for corporate caterers, Cafe 21 is ready to serve you. Call today to learn more about our mouth-watering menu and our top-quality service!

What 216 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on all time ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4Ambience
  • 0.1Value

NoiseModerate

216 Reviews
  1. jellen

    Palm Springs

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on 30 December 2015

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    always a wonderful place to go, great food and ambience -- the service was a little slower this time

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  2. MarianG

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 12 December 2015

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    My husband and I love this place. I'm vegetarian, he's not, and it's such a pleasure for both of us to have so much to choose from. The service is attentive without being cloying, and the drink options are creative. My only complaint is that the dining area is so small -- Cafe 21 is a victim of its own success, it's so crowded. But well worth it. We'll definitely go back.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 21 November 2015

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was excellent and though the servers were super friendly and accommodating, our food took FOREVER to arrive. We actually couldn't eat and had to take it to go because we had to make a show. We had allowed 2 hours and it wasn't enough... Give yourself PLENTY of time and don't be in a hurry to get anywhere if you are going for dinner.

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  4. Photoman

    San Diego

    41 reviews

    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on 15 November 2015

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything is very good and usually excellent. I have never had complaints. It is a great neighborhood place...go there often and try new thing...some appeal to me more than others but you will not get anything less than Very good!

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  5. LivetoEat

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 7 November 2015

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food, service and hospitality were exceptional. The staff were all attentive to our experience. They were friendly and chatty but not intrusive. The food is what brought us in and it was everything we hoped for. No leftovers to take with us but only because the servings were just the right size to stuff ourselves comfortably. The only interference with a perfect evening and dining experience was the diner next to us who spoke too loudly for such an intimate patio. we ended up moving inside. Yes, we will be back!

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  6. JamesMackayJMM

    San Diego

    160 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    160 reviews

    Dined on 3 November 2015

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A regular restaurant for us and always top notch - brilliant in every way - we will keep going back again and again :)

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  7. Sandiegojeff

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 24 October 2015

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very unique and delicious menu. Place was busy but service was great and we never felt rushed to finish so our table could be turned over. We went for dinner and will definitely go back but we also want to try their brunch. Very nice find in university heights.

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  8. Greg

    San Diego

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on 15 October 2015

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfect for a date night like it was for us. And great with friend for brunch like we did a few days before. I've only lived in San Diego 4 days and have been there twice. I see going there many more times

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  9. JamesMackayJMM

    San Diego

    160 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    160 reviews

    Dined on 14 October 2015

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a superb little restaurant. Friendly talented staff, excellent food and nice one list. Love it!!

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  10. JamesMackayJMM

    San Diego

    160 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    160 reviews

    Dined on 28 September 2015

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic neighborhood gem - excellent food, wine and service.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Cafe 21 University Heights offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 640-2121.

Cafe 21 University Heights is rated 4.4 stars by 216 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 5 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Cafe 21 University Heights

2736 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Idaho
  • Area
    North Park
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Thu–Sun 8:00 am–3:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    International, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Chef Leyla
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Farm to Table, Gluten-free Options, Vegan
  • Phone number
    (619) 640-2121
  • Catering
    We're a family-owned restaurant bringing you tasty catering for events, corporate affairs, and much more. We provide our customers with great food and fabulous service. So whether you need catering service for a family reunion or you're looking for corporate caterers, Cafe 21 is ready to serve you. Call today to learn more about our mouth-watering menu and our top-quality service!
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