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Caffe Calabria
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants Italian Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch, Italian [Edit]
3933 30th St(between University Ave & Lincoln Ave)
San Diego, CA 92104
Neighborhood: North Park
(619) 291-1759
- Hours:
Mon-Tue 6 am - 3 pm
Wed-Fri 6 am - 11 pm
Sat-Sun 7 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
344 reviews for Caffe Calabria
Review Highlights
"It's a mix of espresso, milk, honey, and cinnamon."
(in 94 reviews)
"They roast their own beans and know what they are doing."
(in 9 reviews)
"Really good espresso complimented by some quality Latte Art."
(in 9 reviews)
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344 reviews in English
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Review from Leanna L.
Kailua, HI
1/26/2012
Wow. What a delightful experience.
The Food: The pizza is classic neapolitan pizza with delicious thin crust topped with ravishingly mouth watering ingredients including fresh mozzarella (both fior di latte and mozzarella di bufala), tomatoes, gorgonzola, caramelized onion, crème fraiche, grana, fresh thyme...just to name a few. I highly recommend the Margherita, the Margherita D.O.C., and the Rubino. The almond biscotti and the Coppa Caffè (dessert with layers of vanilla ice cream, espresso, and Nutella) are both heavenly, as well.
The Coffee: Mmmm. I'm a Stumptown Coffee girl and this coffee is right up there with it! It's smooth, silky...a little vacation in your mouth.
The Space: Smaller, intimate feel with warm lighting, cozy brick walls, Italian-themed art, and interestingly, two flat-screen televisions on mute, playing soccer at all times. There is also outdoor seating along the sidewalk that is highly recommended for people watching.
The People: The owner is frequently there making sure people feel welcome and everyone, from the servers to the pizza makers to the baristas to the coffee roaster are excellent. I haven't met one person who didn't make me feel welcome.
Highly recommend Cafe Calabria. -
Review from T-Bone R.
San Diego, CA
1/30/2012
If you like paying way too much for drip coffee, this place is for you. If you like waiting forever for espresso that sucks, this place is for you. If you've never heard of Pizzeria Bruno, you'll love Calabria.
Calabria roasts great coffee, I suggest buying some beans to go and making it at home. Use the entrance in the alley. Don't even waste your time entering on 30th street. -
Review from Patricia C.
La Jolla, CA
1/26/2012
Nice study place. Not too loud and outlets next to every table. Don't depend on the wifi, though. You'll be spending your whole day trying to open a website if you go there to use their internet.
Baristas are friendly. Coffee is good. Had a cappuccino that was a bit more liquid-y than I expected. But the coffee and milk was smooth; so I'll still drink it.
Will be back soon! -
Review from Rachel L.
San Diego, CA
1/30/2012
I must say the customer service is impeccable! Zain was so nice over the phone and accommodated our needs even before coming! Amazing flat breads, pizza is never the same!
Love luv -
Review from Kelly O.
1/20/2012
As a former New Yorker, I am always on the quest for "a good NY slice" wherever I go. However, I've been in SD long enough that I've stopped being a giant douche about it, like most new east-coast transplants are. Yes, I'm talking to you, former NY and NJ people - stop talking about how great pizza is back home. It makes you insufferable. It took me a long time to realize that.
Anyway, none of that matters because the pizza here is legit. The crust was hard where it needed to be hard (heh) and soft where it should have been soft. Toppings were top notch. Tomatoes actually tasted like tomatoes. Snozzberries tasted like snozzberries.
I really enjoy the interior of this place, with the giant tree right in the middle of everything. I just like it. It feels hip without being hipster. (Because you know me-- I know a lot about being hip!)
Go here.Listed in: Fave San Diego Restaurants...…
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Review from Jen S.
1/8/2012
ATTENTION PRETENTIOUS OWNER: Thanks to your rude and abrasive manager, and your pretentious artificiality, I will never spend another cent here and will tell all my friends to avoid this place like the plague.
Now my fellow Yelp followers, here is what happened:
My friend and I turned to Yelp in search of a place that serves coffee and dinner. Cafe Calabria came up number one under Yelp FOR COFFEE SPOTS.
We went inside, inquired with the barista about the pizza (who informed us that they would be serving dinner in 20 minutes) so we decided to stay and wait.
I ordered a latte and a danish, and we took our laptops to a table. The barista said she would bring us a food menu.
Then the manager approached us and his words were this: "we frown on laptops and normally we would send you to the back room but a private party reserved it, so since you aren't eating you have to leave". I shot him a look of disgust, told him we were going to order dinner, and he rolled his eyes and left. I mean, he just assumed we were there to loiter?
Then the stupid owner came by and offered an apology, but he really shot himself in the foot because after is fake, saccharin attempt at making an apology, he re-stated what the manager had expressed to us, and said they were far too classy to be a coffee shop, and that a coffee shop was not the atmosphere they were shooting for.
REALLY??? YOU ARE A STUPID DOUCHE BAG.
Here is why IT IS A COFFEE SHOP: (1) they have an extensive coffee menu with pastries, (2) a bar with outlets directly under it FOR LAPTOPS, (3) their own wireless network with a secure password (the password is calabria), (4) tables and chairs outside that fit the decor of coffee shop furniture, and (5) THEY COME UP NUMBER ONE ON YELP FOR COFFEE SHOPS.
Idiot.
Now, the stupid owner expressed that he was trying to create a "conversational environment" for people who want a nice dinner. REALLY? Because they had several TVs on the wall that were showing the NFL playoff game. This is not classy, nor does it embrace a conversational atmosphere, but then again, this douche bag's attitude was not classy or conversational either.
I should also add that a woman was on her laptop at the bar, and he never once asked her to leave.
The manager came back to announce he was going to bring us menus. I told him that after the rude way we were treated, we decided to leave, and never some back. He huffed and snatched away the plate my danish had been on, and stormed away like a child.
The idiot who owns this place seems to be so focused on aesthetics and his stupid pizza, but no business will succeed if customers are treated this way. Since I didn't see a tie and jacket policy by the door, valet parking, or a michelin 3 star rating, this ass needs to shut up and put an end to his lame little dreams. Or he needs to take out the espresso machine and get rid of his wireless network. WTF?!?
On our way out a woman said to us, "oh, leaving so soon"? I said yes, and explained why. She seemed genuinely sorry we were treated that way, and she gave us a real apology. It must suck working for these assholes. Poor woman.
Coincidently, the latte tasted funny, and the mug was dirty. Filter is much better. They use Lavazza coffee, and they are run by friendly people.
This is one of the WORSE customer service experiences I have ever had. Trust me, you do not want to support this business.Listed in: Most Pathetic Businesses in…
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Review from Aaron H.
San Diego, CA
1/21/2012
They are painfully slow! Do not go here if you're in a hurry. 3 guys and the manager working and we had to wait almost 20 minutes with only 4 customers in front of us. Only go here if you got something to read or a laptop and looking to kill time. I do want to come back and try their food but will expect to have to clear 2 hours out to do so.
Coffees and espressos are very impressive. Even had a guiness with an espresso shot here and very flavorful.
Calabria, if you can't get someone a coffee in 10 minutes with the place less than a quarter full, lose the caffe in your name and skip a few patterns drawn on top of the drinks. The novelty isn't worth the wait! -
Review from alessandra r.
San Diego, CA
2/3/2012
the pizza does not look like a "napoletana" pizza. To me, it looks more like a pizza form Rome, where I am from :)
Anyway, the pizza is really good and the service and the environment are excellent.
I always like when I go to an Italian restaurant and I can chat with the chef and the waitress in Italian. it makes me feel home and it make the whole dinner experience more fun.
So, I strongly recommend this restaurant to anybody who wants to eat a real Italian pizza.
BTW, the desserts are also really good! -
Review from A T.
San Diego, CA
1/21/2012
We've been here a handful of times now and I can't believe I'm just now finally reading the reviews and writing my own. I can't speak to the anti-laptop snobbishness that yelpers are claiming, but I can speak to the quality of food here. The pizzas are my favorite in San Diego. Wait, I might have said that once already about BLAH's pizza (?). OK, well if I did, then I have a new favorite! These are the closest I've come to the ones I've tasted in Italy. The real wood fired taste with chewy good crust and fresh ingredients. They even do the fried egg on one of their pizzas! I'm sure I just made a few people gag on that one, but hey, don't knock it till you've tried it!
I also love that they have a legit coffee bar. We stopped in the other night just for an espresso and the service was great. The Manager was friendly and helpful. Prices are about what you'd expect for the level of quality and overall feel of the place. It's a wonderful place to have dinner with friends, and by that I don't mean you and your laptop and your sad facebook obsession. Enjoy the place, the people you are with, and the incredible food they serve.
The atmosphere is very charming and romantic. I love the sparkly lights and the trees through the middle of the restaurant. Some of the servers and cooks are speaking Italian to each other and for a moment I am transported to a cafe in Italy. -
Review from Esther N.
San Diego, CA
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm giving it a 4 star because the layout is confusing. Is it a coffee shop, a pizzaria or a bar? All at the same time? Only at night? I'm so confused.
But the coffee... It's delicious! And the latte art is beautiful!
Employees are super nice too! -
Review from Kevin W.
San Gabriel, CA
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I went here after a light brunch for a little pick-me-up. The barista recommended a Caffe Viennese. I got it with soy for an additional 50 cents. The medium size with soy came out to around 4 bucks.
I'm not a huge coffee guy, but the Cafe Viennese was amazing. It had a delicious flavor and was lightly sweetened by the honey. My girlfriend who claims she hates coffee couldn't keep her hands off my mug. She couldn't keep her hands off the Viennese either :]
Altogether, the atmosphere of the place, the decorative cream leaf in the cup, and the amazing drink give Caffe Calabria 5/5 stars.
I would gladly go out of my way to come back. -
Review from Caroline O.
San Diego, CA
1/19/2012
This place makes excellent coffee. It is easily the best coffee in San Diego, and I think it even rivals Intelligensia up in Los Angeles. Try the Viennese: espresso, steamed milk, honey, cocoa! They also make killer pizza on the weekends... just like I had in Italia. Beautiful fresh ingredients, excellent thin crust, very tasty sauce... I am hungry just thinking about it.
The ambiance is excellent with high ceilings, magical strings of lights, and soccer jerserys. FORZA AZZURRI! Did I mention it is a great place to watch the world cup? -
Review from Jack M.
Rancho San Diego, CA
12/24/2011 1 photo
This place is very nice and roomy. I like their large bench tables that are good for groups to hang out. I stopped by here early Saturday morning when they were still getting it together. I had the hot cocoa with whipped cream. Still a child at heart. I also ordered a warm almond croissant after I noticed they put them out in the display.
Both, the cocoa and croissant where delicious. The cocoa had a nice spice after taste. The croissant was very moist inside and very flaky on the outside. it was perfect.
The service was nice and friendly. I intend to return to try their sandwiches and pizza's. Very nice place.Listed in: If it's Coffee You Need, Look…
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Review from Janet D.
12/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I begin my pizza reviews with a caveat...I am a pizza snob. Full-fledged thanks to New York City, Chicago and Europe. Now, when it comes to pizza, "best" is extremely subjective...kinda like our attraction to people of the opposite sex. Some people like thin crust, some won't eat anything but thick. Some people like traditional toppings, while others prefer crazy combos. Some people like heavy cheese, some like just a touch.
Here's my idea of the perfect pizza...thin to medium crust with just a hint of salt, lots of homemade sauce made with fresh herbs, minimal cheese (preferably fresh mozzarella), and 1-3 toppings (not usually meat, but I can be won over by some good pancetta).
Guess what? I found it at Caffe Calabria. European-style smack in the middle of North Park (San Diego). Thin crust with a hint of salt...mostly chewy with a slight crunch. Excellent fresh and light tomato sauce. FRESH mozzarella...no disgusting cheese grease to drip onto my plate. Served up by a guy who was easy on the eyes. Great vibe and decor was the icing on the "pie".Listed in: A Quest for the World's Best…
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Review from Adam O.
San Diego, CA
1/11/2012
Authentic Neopolitan style pizza (thin and crisp). Very fresh, I like prosciutto and arugula, but i would think they are all delicious. Friendly service. One nag - the server said my wife and I probably would not be full if we shared one salad and a pizza. We decided to get 0 salad and 2 pies. We could have split one pizza, but I don't tend to like to eat too much so maybe it is just me. I am 6 2 200 lbs, so maybe she just assumed I could eat a bunch. Aside from that, buon appetito.
P.S. - They have the funniest graphic on the to-go box. I won't spoil it, but you will have a hard time not cracking up when you see it. I thought maybe I was just had a 6th grade since of humor, but then my 62 year old mother in law burst out laughing as soon as she saw it too. The box (like almost everything there) is from Italy, so leave it to those wacky Italians I suppose . . . -
Review from Daniel L.
12/31/2011 1 photo
Finally had the chance to stop here for some coffee because I somehow always ended up in the area after 3pm lol.
Many people have written about this place, so I'll make it short.
Spacious, high ceilings? check.
Soccer playing on TV's? check.
Free wifi? check.
An expertly made caffe latte? check.
Am I in europe? nope. But it feels like it.
Love this place, will have to come by and try the food some time :). -
Review from Leia A.
San Diego, CA
12/20/2011 14 Check-ins Here
I am the pink haired girl that you will see here, Hi. I fucking LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! this place best coffee in Diego by far every single person that I bring here is a fan....until I tell them their hours....
Okay I love you Calabria but it's time you and me have a talk. 3pm....Really? it's like your an abusive boyfriend that have to explain to people why I love him so damn much.
"But you don't know him like I know him!"
I'm sure that you coffee magicians have a perfectly good reason for closing your doors at 3 in the after noon but for shit sake I don't want to not have your coffee after 3. I know you sell your coffee and espresso to everyone and their brother but they don't make it right damn it.
Stay open til 10 earn that extra star PLEASE!!! This coffee snob begs!!! -
Review from Meko G.
Santa Barbara, CA
12/27/2011
While I was standing outside of the cafe, this creeper old dude kept walking around me being a pedophile. OK, listen. I know I'm twenty-one, but if you're sixty years old prying on a twenty-one year old, you're disgusting. He kept asking me if I wanted to "take a picture with him"; back the hell off my coochie you creep. Trying to ruin my chi--no bueno.
Anywho--I bought the caffee viennese which has espresso with honey, steamed milk, and cinnamon. It was $3.05
WINNER!!!Listed in: My Favorite Restaurants in San…
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Review from Sarah G.
11/27/2011
Since this place is different in the A.M. than the P.M. I gotta split this two ways.
MORNING:
Hot damn is this some amazing coffee! I understand now why many of my work pals would buy this stuff in bulk and hide it under their desks. It's pretty inexpensive, too, which I appreciated.
The tables are nice and big, good for studying. Food is meh, so stick with the drip.
NIGHT:
My friends and I wandered around aimlessly before agreeing to eat here for dinner one night. Our waitress was straight from Italy and encouraged us to each get our own pizza. At first we regretted our decision, but then every one of each finished our 'za in record time.
The pizza was really, really good. I don't want to say the best ever, but pretty close. If you have Italian friends craving some authentic pie, bring them here. -
Review from Mac C.
La Jolla, CA
12/4/2011 7 Check-ins Here
I am a Cafe Moto guy, but I give everyone a chance. This place was recommended by by an ex-Calabria employee and I was not disappointed. For me, a coffee-shop lives and dies by its espresso. If you can't pull a proper espresso, I have no use for you. Calabria is in the upper echelon of coffeehouses. Period. I love their product. Their espresso is all kinds of tasty. Lingering perfectness, great crema, well presented with carbonated water... nice touch.
Interior is kinda cold, white washed Italian, clean, stone, which really isn't criticism, but just kinda lacked the warmth I love about other coffeehouses in San Diego... -
Review from Natalie F.
San Diego, CA
11/22/2011 3 Check-ins Here
This is one of my favorite hang out/study spots in San Diego.
They have fresh flowers on each table, which is a really nice touch. The decor and atmosphere is really nice and clean and fresh, so I feel pretty good after spending a long time here.
They roast their own beans in this giant roaster, and they roast well! Good coffee for sure.
One star docked because their cappuccinos are too milky. Even though I ask for them dry, they are always too milky for my liking. The art on top of the drinks is nice, though! And they have very good drink variety, good food, and lots of space to spread out. The baristas are very friendly, too, which makes or breaks any coffee place.
Come check this place out!Listed in: Top Coffee Shops
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Review from Svetlana V.
San Diego, CA
Very nice cafe!
Great vibes and delicious drinks!
It's very cute and kind of romantic too...
The back room is pretty quiet and great for hanging out with a larger group of friends. -
Review from Danny W.
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I didn't really know what good coffee was until I came to Caffe Calabria. It's a step above the rest when it comes to a cup of Joe and it's going to make drinking anything else difficult for me from now on.
You'd think you were in a microbrewery the way the ginormous grinder is displayed inside. You get to watch the magic come to life live through a glass window, which only adds to the awesome atmosphere of the spot.
Big time ups to my friend Heidi G for introducing me to my new favorite caffeinated beverage. A Viennese is a sweet but strong way to get through your day, and I highly recommend giving it a go if you're like me and always unsure what to order.
They have food too which I have not tried quite yet. Something tells me I'll be updating soon though on a count of being totally addicted everything else about this place. -
Review from Charissa D.
San Diego, CA
11/14/2011
I love supporting local businesses whose focus is to provide excellent quality and service. I ordered a caprese along with a grande caffe vienesse for brunch, all for around $11. My meal was enough to make me want to come back and become a local, if only I live a walking distance around the neighborhood.
My coffee had a velvety taste that was neither too sweet nor too strong--everything that a cup of coffee should be. Also, my caprese (tomato, fresh buffalo mozzarella, pesto and fresh basil on baguette) was gooey, delicious and filling.
I plan to visit more frequently. -
Review from J V.
Santa Clara, CA
1/17/2012
Went there twice, coffee once and dinner once. Loved it both times. Pizza was yummy. Service was very nice. Good time all around.
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Review from Dung N.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 1/22/2012 2 photos
Wow, I've never felt so embarrassed and unwelcome in my life! I met up with my ex here for some hot chocolate- and coffee for him. I thought he would appreciate their whipped cream! They seated us in the back- this being my second time here- I felt I needed to explain that we might just be getting drinks, not food. My ex wanted to get dessert, so the guy said it was fine. I went to the bathroom and when I came back, he said there wasn't anything he wanted, so we asked if we can sit in the coffee bar area instead since we were not eating- I figure that was the "rule." The waiter started asking us what we wanted, etc. Then he gets pulled away for a while, and I can see this guy was talking to him about us for some reason...Then our silverware gets taken away...strange. Then a group of people next to us sit down and he starts helping them. My ex says that if he doesn't take our order soon, we're leaving. When he was done helping them, I said excuse me, how do we order coffee? The waiter comes back and says, umm, you can order at the bar, but you're welcome to sit here...with that, my ex says, "fu$$ this," and we leave with him giving the place the middle finger as we exited...Upon leaving, the host says , have a nice evening. lol. It felt like a scene from Seinfeld...no soup for you...i guess no coffee for us. :/
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/9/2012
I tried their sausage pizza and Mexican hot chocolate. Both we delicious! The whipped cream was a… Read more »
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Review from L. D.
San Diego, CA
11/19/2011
JAN 2012 update. OK - I'm not as impressed as previously. The menu is extremely limited. First visit is fine but after repeat visits it becomes somewhat confining. I do love the energy and wish they would upgrade both espresso and menu.
OK, I prefer Starbucks espresso. But that said Cafe Calabria has fantastic food and environment - the place ROCKS with positive energy! Just had their Prosciutto Panini which was delicious and cooked to perfection - nice and crispy. I love how their interior is laid out like a Italian outdoor sidewalk setting. The trees and lighting give a nice intimate feel even though the place has loads of happy Customers. I look forward to my next visit - perhaps in the evening when their wood burning pizza oven is going. -
Review from Madhu R.
12/29/2011
Best coffee in San Diego. Cool vibe, outdoor seating, nice barristas, and people actually sitting down to read books. Real books, with paper and everything. Try their coffee/nutella drink...it's really unique.
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Review from Le Chef D.
San Diego, CA
11/4/2011
Really good espresso complimented by some quality Latte Art. Nice atmosphere along with solid service. I also enjoyed the Market, where it is a little cozier and where you can purchase their product.
I would only ask for some more sofas, and comfier seating, as opposed to all the hard wood, which can be rather uncomfortable when attempting to actually hang out for longer than 20 minutes. It might look great and also be good for the night crowd, but please do not forget what "you" started as- A Good COFFEE Spot/CAFE. -
Review from Rae R.
San Diego, CA
Since living in SF, I've been so accustomed to getting really good coffee conveniently everywhere I went. But in SD, it's perdy scarce!
But this cafe, I've had their coffee and mexican mocha! this is a pretty good place to work or study in, it's chill and has plug outlets. Double plus!!!! I definitely like the hustle and bustle of the cafe. The baristas all are very helpful and friendly.
I def recommend to come here often, I do ;) -
Review from Lloyd W.
San Diego, CA
11/14/2011
I like it!
.. but just the Viennese coffee that I got
the barista made two leaves on my coffee
and a winged heart for my friend ..skillage
I didn't have the appetite to try anything else
they might need to work on the look for their sandwich
it doesn't say "hey, I'm delicious"
but the pizzas and dessert look promising enough!
I'll be back for more~ -
Review from Devon O.
1/10/2012 4 Check-ins Here
Best cappuccino I've had in San Diego. Great atmosphere and tons of plugs for laptops though the internet can be a bit slow. It's my favorite place to sip coffee and study yet. In fact, I'm writing this review in Cafe CaLabria now!
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Review from Russell S.
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
1/13/2012
First the good. The coffee taste, quality, and atmosphere in this place is fantastic. They roast it on site. The pizza is the best in town and is artfully crafted with high quality ingredients and baked in a real wood fired oven with that rustic feel.
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Review from Jonathon B.
San Diego, CA
10/12/2011 55 Check-ins Here
FOOD/DRINK: The coffee at Calabria is roasted on site and is my favorite in Diego, and possibly even the entire coffee roasting world. They have several different single origin roasts and blends, roasted to different finishes to satisfy just about any palette.
I usually just treat myself to a Calabria run, one or two times a week and stick to just a plain black medium coffee; dee-lish-us. They sell their coffee to a good number of restaurants and other coffee shops so depending on the management at the places you frequent you may have had a cup or two of Calabria's handy work without even knowing it. I have never really got behind the idea of paying someone to make me a cup of tea (although I will house the complimentary jasmine tea at my favorite Asian eateries) but they have tea there also.
The baguette Panini (or Panino, depending on where you are from) sandwiches are made with Bread & Cie products and are pretty good. They pre-make a lot of them and put them in the sandwich press to order so the earlier in the day you get one the better, especially the caprese variety.
And now for something completely different...and NEW! Calabria's pizza oven, that was completed about six months ago, or maybe even longer, is ready for production. I actually got to sample a sneak preview of the pizza at a charity event Calabria hosted during last month's 30th on 30th event http://the2line.blogsp... The pizza was good, but I need to get back to try some more varieties and whole pies.
They have a beer and wine selection that will please (al)most every beer snob and wine ho.
SERVICE: As I stated before most of the times I go to Calabria I am just getting one or two small black coffees so I don't have too much "service experience" with the staff. I can say that I do not have any complaints and they are all really nice to me when I am there. Yes, free Wifi too.
LOCATION/DÉCOR: To quote one of my teachers "nanna nanna, boo boo, stick your head in doo doo" I can walk to Calabria from my domicile in about three and a half minutes so I never have to worry about parking :-P
Calabria Caffé is right in the heart of North Park just north of 30th and Uni, which is why I have been so confused with their 6 AM to 3 PM schedule. I believe the business could generate a lot of revenue from 3 PM to 9 pm or even till midnight (Filter seems to do OK being open 24 hrs). I would much rather go to Calabria and not be forced to choose between Clair de Lune and Filter for my pre-party coffee fix.
The extra high ceilings and indoor trees combined with some of the outdoor style furniture can give you the feeling that you are eating and drinking at an outdoor European café. There are a few larger wood booths towards the back, past the glass door into the roasting area where you can see the masters at work. Due south from the booths is beautifully renovated bar area with high bar seats and a flat screen over the beer selection showcase, oh, the TV is for soccer. If you are one of the 362 Americans that enjoy soccer you will be pleased to know the owners are pretty fanatical about soccer so if you want to catch games more than once every four years with the rest of the US you can watch them here...as long as they are in the morning or early afternoon.
The interior is really nice and the fixtures, furniture, and even equipment, like the huge cured meat slicer at the end of the coffee bar really add to the experience and speak to the time, effort, and dedication the owners put into their business.
....quiet possibly the best coffee in the world -
Review from Joshua D.
San Diego, CA
1/29/2012
Pizza equals yummy.
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Review from Heidi G.
Now, I loved Calabria when I first tasted them, they were the first coffee place to actually have me appreciate a coffee without adding all kinds of mocha caramel whatever bullshit I had to add before.
Their Viennese is a great hot beverage and their iced coffee was the best I've had in San Diego so far (sadly Blue Bottle in SF still takes the award for hands down best iced coffee in the world)
But today..... today my fellow coffee addicts, I experienced the iced viennese..... this is it my friends, this is what will keep me sain down in San Diego when I can't get my coffee fix up in SF..... thank. god.
Trust me, go try it out, thank me later, oh and did I mention the staff at Calabria knows their shit? Yea, they're pretty much the most educated coffee folks I know. Go there, enjoy. -
Review from Alex D.
9/26/2011
If you can appreciate good coffee, authentic Italian pizza and a New York style ambiance, you will love Caffe Calabria. Tucked away discreetly behind a deceptively simple façade on 30th Street in North Park, this is one of the very best coffee shops in San Diego.
All coffee here is totally amazing, but on your initial visit try the hot Viennese and you'll instantly know what I mean. Take a moment to appreciate the latte art pattern in your cup before ordering a second drink and a bite to eat, perhaps. Speaking of which, the Neopolitan pizzas they bake here are pretty great - with the Margherita being my favorite so far.
You asked for atmosphere to set the mood? Well, you'll certainly find it at Caffe Calabria as this place oozes classy sophistication and decadent Euro-American ambiance. Candlelight, high ceilings and live potted trees decorating the floor are but a few of the outward signs of the inner grandeur you'll experience here. Needless to say, highly recommended.Listed in: Best Coffee in San Diego
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Review from Mark U.
San Diego, CA
9/12/2011
Cafe Calabria's pizza is so good I shouldn't even be writing this review because I don't want it to get any more crowded!
I love pizza - I am from New York and I tend to love New York pizza but I'm not a total snob. I like many kinds of pizza including all sorts of variations on the Cali pizza thing.
Calabria's pizza is simply different. The owner of the place is a really nice American guy who loves Italy - he has spent a good deal of time on the Amalfi Coast in Italy (he sat and talked with me and my girlfriend quite a bit one night). Anyhow, he's also quite the perfectionist and so he built an authentic pizza oven that is at the front of the store but more importantly he spent the time to get an authetic pizza man from Italy to man the stove.
Now, I have heard the word "authentic" a million times and I've honestly never been to Italy so I have NFC and really I don't actually give a rats ass if it's "authentic" or not but in this case I believe him - and - I think that just about every other "authentic" Italian pizza ... is not.
Again - my idea is that this is not "authentic New York" pizza - which - as a New Yorker I am now happy to say that SD in a good number of places - yum - but - before Calabria I have never had pizza like theirs.
Well, what the difference? I can't put my finger on it - the crust is very thin, it's woodfired in an oven that reminds me of Cali Pizza but maybe it's the way the mozzarella is on it - more in disks than shredded - that's a good start. Then, the peperoni is thicker sliced and smaller diameter.
Here's a humorous note - when they first started doing the pizza they wouldn't cut it - they would serve it without slices and they did this because apparently that is the authentic way.
Well, some things don't translate - amazing taste? Yes. Picking up a whole pizza that you are sharing with a group and taking bites? Not so much. They now cut the pizza.
Anyhow - if you want an amazing style of pizza which you won't likely find to my knowledge anywhere else except assumably Italy - check in and feast!
Oh - yeah - I think that they only do the pizza certain nights - check first - it would be a bummer to go and not be able to have it because they aren't making! -
Review from Ruben G.
San Diego, CA
12/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of the best pizza's I have tasted in San Diego. The pizza was amazing. It is a must eat! GO!!!!!
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Review from Jena V.
San Diego, CA
1/2/2012
Favorite cafe in San Diego. Their espresso is perfection. They really know their stuff. Also they show soccer matches. Goooooooooaaalllll.
