On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Categories: Coffee & Tea, Italian [Edit]
Neighborhood: Little Italy"Super spectacular restaurant. highly recommended. This place was a component of a great San Diego weekend. Stayed at the W hotel (also…" read more »
Great lattes (especially the blended ones), great atmosphere, nice guys behind the counter, and good prices (particularly with the B1G1 on their website). Throw in a back patio that is very relaxing to do work at and free wi-fi, and you have a real winner.
I haven't had the food except for some of my fiance's salad, but it was great.
Overall, great place to grab a latte and/or quick bite.
Nice little neighborhood joint.
In addition to the seating inside, they have tables and chairs on the sidewalk and a nice courtyard with a fountain. Standard coffee shop fare. I don't drink coffee but it looked good and seemed to be prepared with reasonable care--you can expect some "coffee art" maybe a nice rosetta in your latte. Decent selection of loose teas.
Great place to bring your laptop or just hang out and watch the world go by. . Soooo much better than the chain coffee joints.
This cafe is my pitstop on mornings when I feel motivated enough to walk to work instead of hopping on the trolley. I'd rather go to the smaller Mom-n-Pop places than dreaded Stalebucks-unless I'm given a free gift card, of course. Then I very well HAVE to go there! I just can't let a gift card go to waste. Don't judge me!
Anyhoo, this place has a fantastic Chai Tea Latte that goes down super smooth. I've yet to try the other drinks on the menu. I'm a slave to the Chai Tea!!
That is all.
Definitely am including this place in my hipster cafe list as it is so close to Hillcrest.
I came here with my friend who told me it was his "most favoritest cafe" and coming from that guy, well, I had high expectation.
HURRAH THEY WERE MET!
The people working there were all really cool and greeted us like regulars even though neither of us knew them. I'm not sure that I fit into the crowed so well there, it was mostly older guys watching some football game, but it still managed to have a nice atmosphere.
Just as a note, Caffe Italia has THE BEST dirty chai I've had in San Diego so far. It makes a big difference to have spicy chai -- that sweet is just foul most of the time.
We came upon this cafe early Monday morning. It's located in the Little Italy part of town. My buddy and I were on a mission to find some good coffee and a newspaper. It's a very inviting coffee shop. They have a wall of newspapers and outstanding magazine selection for sale.
I ordered a small coffee with a single espresso shot. Bought an everything bagel with cream cheese. We sat outside. They have curbside seating on the sidewalk. Plenty of seating inside as well. There was an older gentleman that was just hustling. He must have been the owner. He runs this shop beautifully.
We caught up on some local news. It was a great way to start the morning in San Diego. If you're in the area, give em' a shot.
A nice little cafe spot, with a choice location in center-field Little Italy.
The interior is mostly wooden two-seat tables, with about six comfortably cushioned seats on the bench along one wall. There's also some outdoor seating, especially nice when you can take advantage of the shade as afternoon wears on. By then the area's starting to come alive, so noise can be a factor for students who really are trying to study.
They have a limited menu of sandwiches, desserts, and the coffee standards, priced about downtown-y average. Free wifi a big plus, and they only take cash (ATM onsite).
CASH ONLY - they make a mean cup of joe for a respectable price - white chocolate mocha's and cinnamon buns were off the chain tasty.
They do a lot of volume and do it with a quickness.
The Canolis were disgusting unfortunately, and they ran out of Bagels 3 days in a row before 1030am.
Solid.
Cute shop! Great location. Just like any other typical coffee shop. Salad was large and you should share it. It saved me an extra $4. ;)
Next time I wanna try out their waffles...mmm!
Very good panini sandwiches.
This place is pricy. So, I use the coupon buy 1 entree and 2 beverages. Get 1 entree Free.
I'm not a coffee fan, so I had an Orange Baba drink, which is like a milkshake made from gelato and orange juice. It was just okay. Very thick and little too orangy. My husband had a muddy river, which was made with chocolate gelato. I liked this one much better- it was thinner and easier to drink. We split a cannoli which also was pretty orangy, but the shell was kinda soft. The other desserts looked pretty good. Food/drink experience: 2. I think it's probably better for coffee drinks. Prices weren't cheap.
The staff was friendly, but my favorite part was the little patio inside with it's water feature and aged fresco walls. I liked the seating available outside and the relaxed, community atmosphere. The little vases with rocks and a flower on the table were adorable and elegant. Ambience: 5- averaged out to a 3.5 overall.
I think it is much the cute and charming Italian cafe, short of being in Italia.....
I will gladly spend a few hard-earned dollars on for espresso and a tiramisu, sit down, pretend I'm in Italy, and enjoy my afternoon.
The salads all sound amazing according to the chalkboard menu, but the kitchen had closed so I was unable to sample the chicken and grape salad (doesn't that sound delicious?)
The ambience is refreshing -- it has an airy open feel, large open windows that gives one a view of the bustle on India street, and makes for great people snoopalooping at the alfresco Italian restaurants across the street. (There are a few alfresco tables at this establishment as well.) There's also free wi-fi- big thumbs up!
I'll do this over Starbucks any day.
Caffe Italia is small, looks cute and cozy and is located in the middle of Little Italy, which also makes it a good spot for people watching. I used to stalk this place when I lived close and always wrote or read here. It gives me that real Italy feeling for some reason.
I came back here recently after two years. And came back again. In a world of chains, Caffe Italia is one of those refreshing places that doesn't change. Everything has remained the same: a magazine stand with tons of up to date magazines, same interior, partly outside seating, cute flowers on the tables, wi-fi, Itallian menu names, gelato and coffee drinks, people who spend hours here to read/meet up/study/work. The only thing that has changed is the owner who cut his dreadlocks. Owh the quality of the coffee... it's Italian. They know how to make coffee.
And they still don't take cards. Love it.
Support Your Local Caffe!
Even if I didn't live just one block from Caffe Italia, I would still go there!
I am a basic non-fat latte kind of guy, but it's a damn good non-fat latte!
When I am feeling a bit naughty, dirty and venturesome I always order a "Muddy River" and ask for just a bit of strawberry gelato to be mixed into the dark chocolate gelato and espresso and fresh whipped cream!
Caffe Italia has an awesome brunch after you've walked about the Farmer's Market in Little Italy on Saturday morning. (Brunch is Sunday too!) There is a nice kiosk inside with a good selection of magazines. It's cash only but they do have an ATM inside or there is a Well's Fargo Bank across the street on Date Street.
they let you bring in your dog to order.
hands down 5 stars!
its pretty small, so seating is scarce. the covered patio area is great and the soothing sound of the waterfall is perfect for studying.
Friendly atmosphere, great barristas, but avoid the pastries, they're disgusting. The gelato is good and so is the espresso. And watch out for a local with a dog who does tricks -- he creeps out the ladies.
I love the coffee (moto!), the staff is always super friendly, and the sandwiches and salads on the menu are yummy. they carry Gelato Vero as well -- and US weekly -- what more do you want, people?!
dog friendly, too! they have a glass jar of dog biscuits labeled "bow wow"
my favorite spot to grab lunch in little italy.
i worked in Little Italy for four years and then moved there about a year ago. i am always walking the neighborhood with my dog and love the area. this place just rubs me the wrong way every single time i go in there. i think they pride themselves on being slow. i am not joking.... i will admit, the everything bagel with cream cheese, pesto and sliced tomato is amazing. what is not cool is that a few of the people there are kind of rude and they take forever (at breakfast and lunch). it sucks when you have 1 hour for lunch and they take 30 minutes to make a salad (and you are the only person there) . not worth the $8+ price tag for a salad. you get more for you $$ at mimmos across the street. yikes.
SLOOOOOOOOOOW service. We waited in line for at least 10 minutes just to get a soda and a cup of hot chocolate. Only 2 people before us, and all they ordered was 2 cups of hot chocolate... maybe I was too used to Starbucks or other quick-service franchised coffee shops. But hey, as long as the drink tastes good right..?
Unfortunately, what i got was such a disappointment. The half the cup of my hot chocolate was "foam". by the time i got to "liquid", I was feeling kind of sick. The italian soda had almost no taste. We asked to put more syrup in it but still, i wished i had gotten a regular soda, like coke or mountain dew... or even tap water might have tasted better.
Worst of all, they only accept cash. There was a sign, but it wasn't noticeable enough and we only saw it after all the drinks were ready. They have an ATM inside the store but $2.50 terminal fee?? you could've got another cup of coffee for that.
Overall I didn't have very good experience there. I'll just stick to franchised coffee shops. "It's A Grind" is just around the corner, folks.
Strong coffee, strawberry waffles on Sundays, and a cute mediterranean courtyard to enjoy it in. They have specialty drinks, but the regular coffee is tasty and inexpensive. Just get the small, trust me, it is big enough.
Very awesome service, yummy coffee and nice atmosphere. Check it out! ;D
We are here EVERY SUNDAY! It's like going to Church...uh, actually, we go to Church and then come here. LOL...we ask for forgiveness, and then we go gossip.
Italians have got to gossip. Gotta sin somewhere!
Anyway, Mr. B has to come down here to get his espresso - and that would be a single, short espresso. I just have a single espresso, thank you (didn't I mention I'm a simple girl?).
We sit down with "the boys" (as my kiddo calls them) and talk. Sounds like arguing to many, but we're talking. If you like entertainment on a Sunday morning, come join us!
Nice place to stop for waffles. Yes, waffles at a coffee house! They also have great dessert options. The place is cozy and quaint. A perfect go to before the farmer's market on the weekend or after a bike ride around the bay.
Dude my favorite espresso.
I like the fact that it seems airy and open which in turn feels clean. Everyone that works there is mad chill and they always have good jams. I really enjoy Little Italy and I think this spot is a perfect representation of the community vibe in the neighborhood. Saturday mornings are always nice to grab some coffee and cruise the market mercado. Also they sell a lot magazines and papers. Which is always cool.
Yes still a good 4.5 stars
really enjoy their food! Today tried their Sunday brunch.
It'd be even more awesome if they still served their other food on Sundays as well in addition to their waffles...but still those waffles are pretty good!! I think there are about 6 choices ranging from Strawberry, Apple Cinnamon, and other fruit w/ walnuts n stuff... all around $7-something
I had their Blueberry waffles, comes with whip cream and fresh blueberries.
YUM! Killed em! ; )~
Also tried some of my friends Sesame Bagel with Cream Cheese and Pesto, add Tomato (50cents) Yummy!
Tried their Lemon muffin/pastry thing, Sorry I don't know what it's called but it was sooo good also. What is it? It's not shaped like a muffin, but it's not a danish either. It was sweet with the icing and also had a bit of lemon cream in the center and you could taste the lemon flavor very well. Like soft cake, circular shaped, has little black dots in it?
My friend wondered why the waffle cooker does not wear gloves. He talked on his cell phone as he was making waffles too.
I find sometimes they do funny things here with the service such as they bring you your waffles but then you gotta get up to where he just came from and grab your single serving of syrup or butter? If you don't mind the service can sometimes be a bit lacksidasical then it's totally cool...
As always...Cash Only
maybe even 4.5 stars, but i don't go there often enough...just every once/while
anyways I've known…
Read more »
Caffe Italia is a cool little coffee spot to chillax at if you happen to be hanging out in the Little Italy area.
They have a magazine/newspaper stand inside so you can sip on some coffee while reading some articles, heh.
There is also an outside patio area set up with a good amount of tables and chairs.
This is one coffee shop to hit up if your into doing some people watching as it gets packed with all sorts of peeps. The line was a little last time I came in here but they are quite quick with your drinks and it also taste good.
I have yet to try the gelatos that everyone has been ranting about here though, maybe next time :P
I've got such mixed feelings about this place...
The taste of the coffee is really good, but they Never serve it hot! It's always just warm which drives me crazy. I live around the corner so I go EVERY day and EVERY day it's the same story. Luckily I live close by so I go home and microwave it for 2 mins, but that 's not the point!
When I go with the iced of course it's perfect.
FYI- Cash only
A busy little cafe on a Saturday morning, Caffe Italia serves up more than just a good cup of coffee. Within their doors you'll also find gelato (which seems have made its way into every San Diego cafe), pastries, and a well-stocked magazine rack. Their offerings range from Architectural Digest to Vanity Fair, hitting sailing, computers, and music along the way.
I'm not entirely sure why this isn't more common; a magazine rack seem like a good idea. If you're going to come in and enjoy a hot caffeinated beverage while sitting in an open air courtyard, or in their smallish indoor seating area where you can watch the people go by,, wouldn't it also be nice to have a magazine to flip through?
Good food and even better atmosphere.
We had the Waffles - apple with pecans and carmel drizzle - WOW! Good stuff, just watch out cause it has lots of sugar.
Coffee crumble cake was good too. They also have really good tea for any of you tea drinkers out there. Prices are not cheap but fair. Best part is they have this courtyard area with table where you can eat in the middle of this little boutique hotel. Really awsome and unique. It feels like you are in Europe - a really great experience for breakfast - very different than your typical sit down restaurant.
The staff here is also very cool, they are all very accomodating and work fast to get your order up.
I just moved into an apartment in the Bankers Hill/Little Italy area from the suburbs of Mira Mesa where the only option for a caffe to study in was Starbucks. Ugh. I took the opportunity today to walk around Little Italy and scope out a good place to study. Needless to say I quickly passed the Starbucks on the corner of India and Hawthorn without a thought! After walking a bit down India I stumbled upon Caffe Italia and I think it may have been love at first sight. Or I was just really in need of caffeine.
Anyway, I love the big windows that open up to the sidewalk so that you can sit inside, but feel like your still outside. It's so cute! My vanilla latte was great, too, but a little too sweet for my taste. The place was packed when I ordered my drink, but by the time it was ready - which wasn't very long - a table next to an open window was vacant, which I snagged up promptly only to find that it was wobbly! Wobbly tables are a total pet peeve of mine, especially if I'm going to be studying. I endured the wobble for a while and eventually I was able to move it around so that it was a little more even.
Wobbly table aside, I enjoyed the nearly three hours I spent here. The vibe is great, it's laid back, not at all pretentious and not too hip. One of the ladies working there was totally friendly and her interactions with the other patrons was interesting to watch. Oh yeah, they seemed pretty dog friendly, too.
I still plan to check out some of the other cafe's within walking distance of my place, but Caffe Italia has great potential for becoming my regular spot. I'll just have to get used to wobbly tables.
I ditch the mediocre atmosphere of Caffe Vero and come here for the same gelato and a much better vibe. The cappuccino is decent, the coffee is fine, but sometimes I just have some plain whole milk with my rich chocolate gelato.
This is my favorite after-dinner spot to hang out for a mellow night. There really isn't a bad seat here. If you can't snag a seat on the sidewalk, they always have their huge picture windows open so that you might as well be sitting outside. I recommend the little table in the back if you want some privacy on a sexy date or if you think the live music is too loud in the main seating area.
The staff has always been polite and personable to us.
I love Caffe Italia, never had a bad coffee here. Coffee is always fresh and brewed perfect. Well lit and clean, very friendly staff. Music playing tonight was the Beatles!
One of my favorite coffee shops. Their gelatos are yummy too!
Now on Ken and myself's quest to go on a lunch perv mission today we decided to walk around our hood until we saw something tasty..
Now I must've seen about 3 girls I found tasty before I reached a lunch spot... but being that I am trying to avoid my third strike and goin to the state pen.. I behaved myself and just had that mental sex guys have... ya know? when you look at a girl and just imagine all the raw doggy steez you would do w/her? Kinda like my favorite when the girl's face down on the floor and... well anyways...
Ken and I walk around Lil' illy...aka Little Italy.. and we look at a few restaurants and give it a shrug... We were in the mood for panini... and poonani.. but since a panini spot came up first.. we decided we'll settle for poonani later at night
So up comes Caffe Italia... pretty simple lunch menu of sandwiches and salads.. not tossed by your girlfriend/bf...and a few soups
There are about a few tables for sidewalk seating if you wanna eat your lunch and mad dog stare at girls when they walk by... that stare that guys give to girls when they're trying to mentally get a BJ from girls... you know what im talking about.. you've seen Gregory, Timothy, Bradley and his friends do that stare at Stingaree to you and your group of girlfriends making you feel uncomfortable .. but what makes you feel more uncomfortable is the fact that they all look exactly the same... i mean wearing the same stressed jeans, Aldo shoes, and express shirts they all bought together at the mall... thus causing you to think "What a buncha douchebags!"
So they also have indoor seating in there.. it's nice.. the windows open out wide so if your at the window eating you're pretty much on the sidewalk also... nice setting in there.. gelato, coffees, teas, magazines, periodicals, girls on periods, guys on steroids.. ya know?.. haha just playin..
We got the tuna melt... and no we didn't get some girl wet.. we actually ordered a Tuna Melt.. here it's known as the Tonno Melt... it was good
I order you to try this place.. especially on a busy weekend such as this artwalk weekend coming up!!!
This is doo doo baby!!!!!!! aka the shit!!! aka not bad meaning bad but bad meaning GOOD!!!!
Peace
I don't live in Little Italy, but if I did, this would be my coffee bar of choice. With the glass windows across the front of the store, it is a great place to watch the peeps stroll by. Also the people who come here are really friendly so it is easy to strike up a conversation.
Their espresso is really good....with the awesome creama on top.
I ordered a blueberry muffin from here once early in the morning to eat on the way to work. All was fine until my teeth bit down into something gritty. I spat out what was in my mouth and there was a brown pea sized PIECE OF DIRT in my muffin.
Needless to say, I was so disgusted that I tossed out the rest and tried in vain to disinfect my mouth for about 30 min when I got to work.
Too bad I was 30 min away from this place, otherwise I would have informed management of my little discovery.
This is a great place to get away from it all. Everything is pretty reasonably priced and they're chai lattes with soymilk is sooo GOOD. The staff can be a little snobby at times but if you just ignore that aspect then it's all good.
Cute as can be. With all the selection for homey places in Little Italy, I really enjoy this one. I only had a coffee but I saw on the outside patio for a couple hours doing work, and I was so comfortable there. I hear they have great desserts too. Must try:)
I've been here a few times now and always gotten the cafe au lait and a lemon bar. None of the other pastries are particularly tempting, but I am always a sucker for anything lemon. The lemon bar is really tasty.
Honestly, I couldn't tell the difference between the cafe au lait and what they would serve up as a caffe latte, since there was a few inches of really delicious foam. It's served in a pint glass, not a coffee cup, which was fine. It's really good coffee, even in decaf.
Here's something I noticed the last time I was there. The person at the table next to me got some tiramisu, which was served in a plastic container with a lid. Honestly, that bugged me. Would it be so hard to serve it in a proper dish? You know, like a little creme brulee type of cup? The plastic to-go container may as well be from the deli at Ralphs.
I like sitting next to the wide open windows and people watching, though you should know that the cigarette smoke (and ugh, cigars) will likely waft in from the sidewalk seating. Not sure if there's a way to prevent that.
Good Espresso always enjoy coming here great location friendly staff.
Caffe Italia is located in the middle of Little Italy, which is surrounded by lots of great restaurants. Caffe Italia has been recommended in the http://coffeegeek.com forums as one of the few places in San Diego where you can get good coffee. And by coffee, I mean espresso. This review is based on my taste buds, a coffee enthusiast/snob.
It's true, Caffe Italia is one of the few places in San Diego that does espresso pretty well. However, your experience may vary with the barista. I have found that if you go during lunch time, the barista there is quite bad. Not quite starbucks bad, but I had to force myself to finish my drink. In the morning, the quality is generally good. I used to go almost every day since I worked a few blocks away.
Gelato: Great, they get it from Gelato Vero down the street.
Paninis: Also great, huge portions for 6 bucks. Sometimes sloppy, but tasty.
Pastries: Also very good! Very authentic tasting, probably bought from the bakeries in Little Italy.
Salads: Great as well! Large portions and tasty.
I have yet to try their soups or blended gelato drinks.
Sit around in the cozy cafe or sit outside and take it easy.
Note: Cash only! There is an ATM nearby in the back, just ask the cashier.
Great count: 3
This is a really decent coffeehouse. As a frequenter of Little Italy, I like to meet up here since they serve decent drinks, some food, some pastries, and it has a nice vibe to it. Most people will find something they want here.
If you want to get Gelato Vero's gelato without the attitude, this is the place for you...
Kudos for having a small but decent newsstand in house as well.
Make sure you check out the local Entertainment Guide or other coupon books. They always have a two-fer-one coupon in there for those who want to get their cheap on.
All items are reasonably priced, but one major drawback (-1 star) is not accepting anything other than Lira/Cash.
I love sitting in the back area, it seems like you are somewhere other than one of the business streets in the city. But the front of the house and outdoor seating is perfectly fine for hanging out and staring into the eyes of your lover feeling like you are someplace else whilst drinking a strong demi of espresso.
Featured Tea & Teaware: 10%…
Neighborhood: South Park
Monday Night Steal!
Neighborhood: City Heights
Neighborhood: Little Italy
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Little Italy
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Little Italy
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Neighborhood: Gaslamp
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Neighborhood: East Village
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
These are places that can make it or break…
It is so hard to sound gangsta when you order…
So I just moved here from San Francisco and I'm…
san diego coffee places where i…
we all have to come from somewhere, and…
These are the spots I hit up for relaxation with…
Gelato. It's fancier than ice cream. It's richer…
Places where I attempt to control the caffeine…
Loading...
