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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of San Diego

Chocolate and espresso

A morning espresso is only improved by a piece of chocolate on the side.

Based on 739 Opinions
+736
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Updated May 2026
01
Goldchild Coffee Roasters image 1
Goldchild Coffee Roasters image 2
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Stylish specialty coffee shop with immaculate design and vinyl records creating a laid-back vibe. Friendly atmosphere welcomes those new to specialty coffee, with dog-friendly policies and both indoor and outdoor seating. Hip hop music plays softly, enhancing a cozy yet luxurious environment.

Chocolate saffron pastry stands out as a unique and flavorful treat. Fresh buns come with good chocolate, and the hot chocolate is noted for its rich taste.

Espresso here stands out for its exceptional quality and perfect balance in drinks like the cortado. Creative lattes and a variety of espresso options deliver consistently top-notch flavor.

People are saying

"The coffee here is fantastic and delicious."

"I enjoyed a great espresso with a thick, sweet crรจme."

"You have to try the chocolate saffron bun; it's the best pastry I ever had."

Good to know

1

All coffees are roasted in-house for maximum freshness.

2

Parking can be challenging in the area, so plan accordingly.

3

Iced lattes are served without ice cubes for a unique experience.

02
Coffee Culture image 1
Coffee shop

Mini outdoor food hall design creates a cute, secluded space with plenty of outdoor covered seating. Warm, inviting vibe blends with a cool mural that adds an artsy touch. The atmosphere stays chill and welcoming, making it a relaxed spot for coffee lovers.

Cinnamon chocolate flavors stand out in the Mexican Latte. The Dubai chocolate coffee features pistachio notes. Chocolate pairs with honey in the iced latte and comes alongside a chocolate croissant.

Espresso here is balanced, velvety, and creamy. Double espresso over ice works well, though machine cleanliness might affect taste.

People are saying

"Their matcha is top-tier and generously portioned."

"You have to try the Duo cup at this cafe for two iced drinks."

"The espresso here is super smooth and creamy."

Good to know

1

Coffee Culture is located inside Urban Market, making it easy to explore.

2

Expect a late opening at 9am instead of the 8am listed online.

3

They donโ€™t have any vegan pastry options available.

03
Flor and Seed Coffee Roasters image 1

Cozy coffee shop with Mexican-inspired decor and local art murals creates a calming, open vibe. Small seating area stays uncrowded, perfect for relaxing with specialty lattes and pastries. Back patio hosts a Mexican street food vendor, adding a unique culinary touch.

Chocolate shows up in drinks and pastries with intense real chocolate flavor and a spiced Mexican twist. Kits for making traditional chocolate drinks come with clay mugs and molinillo whisks.

Smooth espresso with no bitterness stands out here. Steamed milk is perfectly sweet and well textured, making each cup enjoyable.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the really good coffee here."

"You have to try the Aztec Mocha cafe; it's rich and delicious."

"The chocolate here is intense and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a nearby pay lot.

2

The coffee shop offers a variety of nondairy and vegan options.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted for convenience.

04
Muri Coffee & Dessert image 1

Cozy cafe with modern Kurdish character and vintage furniture creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating includes a greenery-covered patio that offers a restful space. Occasional live traditional music enhances the calm, friendly vibe.

Chocolate croissant offers buttery, crisp layers with a rich filling. Hot chocolate can be made even if not on the menu, alongside treats like chocolate brownie and chocolate/strawberry Swiss roll cake.

Bold and flavorful espresso stands out here, matching the quality of the pastries. The small Kurdish espresso cup size is notable, and the iced americano highlights the top tier espresso quality.

People are saying

"You have to try the pistachio cheesecake at this cafe; it's amazing."

"I loved the chocolate brownie; I'd get it again."

"The espresso here is bold, flavorful, and top tier."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a challenge.

2

Expect to spend at least $20 per person.

3

The cafe often gets crowded with people working.

05
Bonjour Patisserie image 1

Small, modern bakery with bright, airy design and outdoor seating offers a warm, elegant atmosphere filled with a buttery aroma. Music plays at a lively volume, creating a sweet, energetic vibe. The space suits casual meetups or solo visits, blending a Parisian feel with a trendy neighborhood charm.

Chocolate pastries stand out with almond chocolate croissants that are buttery, soft inside, and crispy outside. Vegan options and unique items like the Dubai chocolate croissant add variety, alongside rich treats like Raspberry Chocolate croissants and chocolate mousse pastries.

Espresso shots come out delicious and pair well with a pan au chocolat or croissants. Lattes and mochas are made perfectly with great espresso.

People are saying

"These pastries are delicious and buttery, with amazing fillings."

"Their dairy-free pastries, especially the croissants, are amazing."

"I really enjoyed the delicious espresso here."

Good to know

1

The croissant costs over $6, which is expensive compared to 1.20 euros in France.

2

There was very limited seating available at Bonjour Patisserie.

3

Bonjour Patisserie offers many allergen-friendly options, including gluten-free and vegan choices.

06
Cafeina Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop blends Latin American and SoCal vibes with a culturally rich atmosphere. Spacious, sunlit back patio offers a peaceful spot with a community library and dog-friendly amenities. Space suits studying or relaxing, drawing a neighborhood crowd seeking a calm, vibrant environment.

Balanced flavors stand out in the mazapรกn latte and mocha chocolate. The Cafe de Olla Latte blends chai and hot chocolate for a sweet twist. Kids hot chocolate offers a simple, good option.

Espressos come out bold and consistent here. The Horchata Cold Brew with an extra shot adds a creamy twist when paired with oat milk on the mazapan.

People are saying

"I loved the sweet, festive coffee flavors here."

"The mocha chocolate here is a sweet blend."

"I considered this place my hidden gem coffee spot."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky if itโ€™s busy; street parking is available.

2

The cafe is dog friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

3

The patio is a nice place to work or relax.

07
Mnemonic Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop offers a cozy, stylish interior filled with local art and a quirky retro diner vibe. Atmosphere feels welcoming and low key, with good music and a friendly, inclusive energy. Seating is limited, creating an intimate space that draws a diverse, neighborhood crowd.

Mocha coffee special blends dark chocolate and coffee with a perfect balance. Hot chocolate offers a rich, smooth chocolate flavor.

Espresso here is smooth and tasty with a sweet, slight acidic taste. It delivers a pleasant caffeine kick and works well in drinks like doppio espresso macchiatos and cortados.

People are saying

"The coffee here is really tasty and well-prepared."

"The espresso here is sweet, smooth, and tasty."

"The chocolate coffee has just the right amount of flavor."

Good to know

1

They only serve oat and almond milk, not regular milk.

2

If allergic to oat and almond milk, this place is not suitable.

3

Parking is often difficult to find and not free.

08
Marta image 1
Coffee shop

Bright, airy space with plenty of seating and natural lighting creates a charming, vibey atmosphere. Both indoor and outdoor areas offer a clean, well-designed environment suitable for meeting friends or working quietly. The energy stays ambient and chill, balancing social and work-friendly vibes.

Chocolate croissants stand out with rich, flaky layers. The Mexican chocolate syrup offers a smooth, spicy flavor. Cookies blend passionfruit and chocolate for a unique taste.

Espresso here is mostly nice and enjoyable with a really good flavor. Some drinks like the latte show a slightly burnt taste in the espresso.

People are saying

"The butter croissant is flaky, soft, and wonderfully buttery."

"I had the best chocolate croissant Iโ€™ve ever had."

"I enjoyed their really good espresso."

Good to know

1

They do not accept cash; only card payments are accepted.

2

The coffee shop has WiFi and plenty of seating available.

3

The menu for drinks and pastries is currently limited.

09
Adore Coffee House image 1

Small coffee shop shares space with a floral and gift store, filling the air with a spring scent and natural light. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting, with tasteful decor and charming touches. Outdoor seating offers a sunny spot to relax, while the vibe stays warm and welcoming throughout.

Chocolate mousse stands out with its rich texture. Drinks include a chocolate mocha and a strawberry/chocolate latte offering varied chocolate flavors.

Coffee beans roast just right for espresso and cortado lovers. Espresso offers amazing flavor notes and stands out among usual choices. Drinks like espresso tonic and rose cold brew add variety.

People are saying

"I found the coffee to be delicious, rich, and nutty."

"The espresso here has amazing flavor notes."

"I thought the chocolate mocha was the best I'd ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Adore Coffee House is dog friendly.

2

There is free 2-hour parking available if you head up the hill one street and turn left into the little lot.

3

The drink menu at Adore Coffee House is unique.

10
Parfait Paris image 1

Parisian cafรฉ style bakery with cozy atmosphere and bistro tables outside invites calm and warmth. Colorful pastries and authentic French treats like macarons and croissants draw steady interest. Nearby kids play area adds family-friendly convenience.

Chocolate croissants stand out with an excellent chocolate and almond combination. Chocolate cake and hot chocolate are available but vary in quality, while the Nutella croissant roll has a pudding-like filling that some find disappointing.

Espresso here is consistently good with options like Italian espresso and lattes. It pairs well with French pastries for a quick treat.

People are saying

"The French food, especially the croissants and crepes, is delicious."

"The gelato here is amazing and uniquely delicious."

"I loved the chocolate croissants and gelato here."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served starting at 8am daily.

2

Parking is free for the first 2 hours.

3

The bakery offers a variety of pastries, crepes, and cakes.

11
Kakawa Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop offers lively atmosphere with DJ performances and good tunes. Space feels warm and welcoming, with limited seating and a grab-and-go vibe using paper cups. Crowd includes interesting people enjoying a chill, friendly environment.

Coffee drinks highlight dark chocolate and coconut flavors, especially in mochas and iced lattes. Some options blend spices like cardamom, but these can sometimes overpower the chocolate notes.

Espresso features a unique blend of high-quality beans with a smooth nutty flavor. The Kakawa Latte offers a flavored espresso option made from these beans.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be truly exceptional."

"I thought the espresso here was the best I'd ever tasted."

"The Arabic coffee had outstanding flavors of dark chocolate."

Good to know

1

Kakawa hosts community events to bring people together regularly.

2

DJ performances occur on select mornings, starting at 9am.

3

There is no restroom available for customers at Kakawa.

12
Tiger Cafรฉ image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop with white and green theme and stained glass windows creates a calming vibe. Atmosphere stays quiet and welcoming with chill music and outdoor seating under umbrellas. Seating is unusual with assigned tables and a small outdoor patio opens onto a busy downtown area.

Chocolate items feature crispy, buttery textures with balanced sweetness. Options include a chocolate mousse ball with caramel filling and a pain au chocolat croissant.

Espresso here is smooth and flavorful with a lingering taste that stands out. Drinks like the espresso-coconut milk-matcha blend add a creamy, nutty twist that complements the espresso well.

People are saying

"The cafe's coffee and breakfast burritos are top-notch."

"The chocolate pastries are buttery, crispy, and delicious."

"The espresso here is so smooth and flavorful."

Good to know

1

You need to order food to secure a table; drinks alone won't suffice.

2

Reservations are required for larger tables, especially during busy hours.

3

Expect higher prices, with lattes around $9 and iced teas at $6.

13
IZOLA image 1
Bakery

Bright, open bakery with heated patios and live local music creates a warm, inviting vibe. Small indoor space fills quickly, making it lively and social with families, dogs, and shared tables. Unique entry by buzz-in adds a speakeasy feel to the experience.

Chocolate almond croissants stand out with rich flavor and flaky texture, rated highly compared to others. The blackberry chocolate croissant offers a surprising twist, and chocolate croissants often sell out quickly, prompting early orders.

Espresso drinks lean bright and balanced, avoiding bitterness while feeling luxurious. Options include a bold mocha with French chocolate and a top-level iced vanilla espresso.

People are saying

"This croissant is impossibly flaky, buttery, and fresh."

"I thought the chocolate almond croissant was almost unbelievable."

"I thought the espresso was great."

Good to know

1

Live music performances happen every Saturday morning.

2

Pre-ordering is recommended as popular items often sell out quickly.

3

Expect long lines on Saturday mornings, especially for croissants.

14
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters image 1

Tap room style space offers natural lighting and comfy chairs with mostly small tables. Atmosphere stays cozy and welcoming with mellow music and a social vibe. Dogs are welcome and a gratitude book adds a unique touch.

Dark chocolate appears in drinks like the dark chocolate mocha and iced versions. Pastries such as the chocolate croissant accompany lattes, though chocolate flavor can sometimes be subtle or missing.

Espresso comes with rich caramel notes and is never bitter or over extracted. Drinks are expertly pulled and consistently tasty whether quick or slow.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be amazing and perfectly roasted."

"The espresso here is amazing, with rich flavors and nice caramel notes."

"I enjoyed the decadent and creamy chocolate mocha."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited and can be difficult to navigate.

2

Reservations are not accepted, and it can get crowded on weekends.

3

Wi-Fi is available but often difficult to connect to.

15
Pappalecco image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian-style cafe features sleek design and cozy seating both indoors and outdoors. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting with a friendly, positive vibe. Outdoor seating offers a charming spot to enjoy coffee or gelato while watching downtown activity.

Rich gelato options include dark chocolate and Nutella with chunks. Croissants come filled with chocolate or hazelnut, paired well with dense, thick hot chocolate.

Espresso here is perfectly roasted with a balance that avoids bitterness and excessive acidity. The authentic Italian style shines through, especially when paired with gelato or a pistachio treat.

People are saying

"I thought the espresso drinks were wonderful and authentic Italian."

"I thought the espresso was pretty close to an authentic Italian espresso."

"The chocolate gelato is rich with cocoa and delicious."

Good to know

1

Paninis are half price on Wednesdays.

2

Parking is available on the street and can be either free or paid.

3

The cafe opens at night, which is convenient for evening visits.

16
Rikka Fika image 1
Coffee shop

Minimalist space with high ceilings and natural light creates a peaceful, zen atmosphere. Small seating area includes a bar by the coffee station and shelves of Japanese magazines, encouraging an unplugged, relaxed vibe. Design blends modern Japanese style with subtle elegance and creative touches.

Chocolate shows up in rich pastries that taste like a fancy Costco muffin and in drinks like fudge tea chocolate and hojicha hot chocolate. Some drinks, like the Rikka Mocha, have uneven chocolate mixing with clumps at the bottom.

Espresso uses a house blend HIBI that tastes sweet and balanced with a hint of fruitiness. Cups are smaller, offering a better milk-to-espresso ratio for drinks like the short latte with cream top and espresso con panna.

People are saying

"The coffee here is excellent, especially the light roast."

"I thought their espresso was some of the best specialty coffee."

"The chocolate pastry has that classic, incredible flavor."

Good to know

1

Rikka Fika is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

2

Expect long lines during weekends, especially in the morning.

3

Parking can be difficult near the coffee shop.

17
Immersion Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Small space with retro Japanese-inspired decor and chic modern design creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Vinyl records play softly, enhancing a calm, refined vibe where coffee preparation is visible and precise. Limited seating makes it better for quick stops than long stays.

Homemade chocolate ganache stands out here. Chocolate chip cookies, including a Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie, taste like classic versions without extra flair.

Espresso here often tastes bitter or sour and lacks consistent quality. Some drinks are served at a reasonable temperature, but overall the espresso is poorly extracted and disappointing.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the excellent coffee and iced latte here."

"The black sesame latte had a really good flavor without being overly sweet."

"The espresso here is beautiful and fruity."

Good to know

1

Only street parking is available here.

2

There is not a lot of seating, so you have to get your drink to go.

3

They do not take cash.

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