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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Hillcrest

Cafes

A cafe that serves actual food instead of just a pastry case that happens to have a coffee machine.

Based on 419 Opinions
+416
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Updated May 2026
01
Mevan Coffee & Desserts & Brunch image 1
Mevan Coffee & Desserts & Brunch image 2
Mevan Coffee & Desserts & Brunch image 3
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Minimalist design with warm natural tones creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Comfortable seating and plentiful outlets support relaxed work or study sessions. The space feels spotless and charming, welcoming a steady flow of people enjoying top-tier food and coffee.

Food features fresh Turkish-style dishes with beautiful presentation and unusual desserts. Coffees and other items taste fresh and come with friendly service.

Coffee and desserts offer unique tastes that stand out. The cafe features a beautiful setting and great customer service.

People are saying

"I found the desserts here beautiful and delicious."

"The food here is amazing, perfectly prepared and beautifully presented."

"The cafe staff are so warm and welcoming, it feels like home."

Good to know

1

Parking in Hillcrest can be an issue, but thereโ€™s a parking lot down the street.

2

Expect to wait for your order during busy hours.

3

Desserts cost around $10 each and are considered worth the price.

02
Hazel & Jade Bakery image 1

Outdoor seating with a covered patio creates a cozy, intimate space limited to just a few tables. The atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful, attracting those who appreciate a calm vibe. All offerings are fully vegan, featuring exceptional pastries that stand out for their quality and flavor.

Food here features plant-based cuisine that suits vegetarians and vegans well. Hazel & Jade Bakery offers quality that surpasses Whole Foods, and the overall dishes are described as heavenly.

Quiet and peaceful vibes create a positive atmosphere. The cafe offers a vegan menu with a bakery selection in a cozy setting.

People are saying

"I found the dairy-free pastries to be the best I've ever had."

"The croissants here are buttery, airy, and absolutely the best I've ever had."

"The cafe's croissants are the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Everything on the menu is vegan, with some gluten-free options available.

2

Parking can be difficult; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Limited seating means not many can dine in at the same time.

03
Amore Caffe image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop with modern, stylish decor and bright, welcoming atmosphere offers indoor seating with Wi-Fi and outlets. The vibe feels cute and homemade, creating a relaxing space for small groups. Unique features include an interactive post-it note wall and dog-friendly policy.

Food features top quality ingredients and real food options. Dishes consistently taste great and delicious.

Bright and very welcoming with inside seating and guest Wi-Fi. Offers tasty pastries, crepes, and is dog friendly in a stylish, clean setting with outlets for devices.

People are saying

"I had the best vanilla latte I've ever had."

"The cafe staff here are always so nice and friendly."

"I thought the food here was outstanding."

Good to know

1

You can park in the back of the cafe with 15 minutes of free parking.

2

The Latte costs $10.50, totaling over $12 with tip.

3

Alternative milk options incur an extra $1 charge.

04
Mostra Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Open space with tall ceilings and natural light creates a bright, minimalistic atmosphere. Seating includes both indoor and a comfy patio area with a bar, supporting work and relaxation. Coffee quality is high-end with a unique Filipino influence, reflected in distinctive drinks and pastries.

Pastries and food pair well with coffee and stand out in quality. Stock levels for drinks and food can be inconsistent.

Offers a good local coffee shop vibe with a cozy atmosphere. Serves as a reliable morning go-to spot for coffee.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee was delicious and expertly brewed."

"This cafe has great coffee and food."

"I love their decadent cookies and rich, flavorful lattes."

Good to know

1

Mostra Coffee is a third wave coffee shop focused on fair wages for Filipino farmers.

2

Prices are higher due to their mission, with small coffees costing around $7.

3

The cafรฉ often runs out of stock on drinks and food items.

05
Bread & Cie image 1

European bakery atmosphere combines with rustic wooden accents and cozy seating to create a welcoming vibe. Indoor and outdoor seating options include a great patio that invites people watching. The space feels like a comforting haven with charming artwork and thoughtful details throughout.

Food features amazing bread like lush levain, fresh ingredients, and phenomenal quality. Pastries and dishes consistently deliver delicious flavors with warm, sincere service.

Offers fresh, artisanal pastries that supply many cafes. Serves French-style cafe drinks with items like strawberry croissants. Has a vintage vibe that adds to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh, delicious bread here."

"I thought the food here was delicious and amazing."

"This cafe has a wonderful vintage French vibe."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends when lines can be long.

2

Expect a chaotic parking situation; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with some items costing up to $8 for small loaves.

06
Starbucks Coffee Company image 1

Full-size patio with umbrellas offers outdoor seating. Quiet atmosphere supports getting work done despite occasional loud music. Mostly older crowd creates a calm vibe, complemented by kind workers and well-prepared drinks and food.

Food and drinks come out with care and pride. Service is fast and friendly, though the menu stays pretty basic.

Offers a cafe mocha coffee with a distinct flavor. Operates with a unique vibe that differs from smaller independent coffee shops. Functions as a well-run coffee shop in a metropolitan area.

People are saying

"The coffee here is served with smiles and makes my morning."

"The food and coffee tasted like they were made with care."

"I thought the cafe's welcoming atmosphere was a positive aspect."

Good to know

1

Mobile ordering is available to skip the line.

2

Expect busy hours during weekday mornings and weekends.

3

They accept major credit cards and mobile payments.

07
Quiet Storm Roasters & Bakers image 1

Open concept space with wall-to-wall windows and outdoor seating offers plenty of natural light and street views. Atmosphere blends chill vibe with friendly energy, suitable for relaxing, chatting, or working. Presence of a cigar lounge sometimes brings smoke indoors, which may affect comfort for some.

Spectacular food, coffee, and wine stand out here, with tasty drinks complementing the menu. Some visits find the food and drinks less remarkable, but overall the offerings include great flavors.

Quiet atmosphere with many plants creates a cozy vibe. Offers a good selection of beverages and a solid spot for getting work done.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee was great and smooth."

"The coffee here is great and has a super rich flavor."

"The food and drinks here were spectacular."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday with discounted drinks.

2

The venue allows cigar smoking, which may affect non-smokers.

3

The coffee shop is cash-free and does not provide receipts.

08
Lestat's Hillcrest image 1

Huge coffee shop with an Egyptian theme and secret upstairs seating offers a funky work and social space. Atmosphere feels unpretentious and lively with country music playing, suitable for studying or relaxing. Plenty of power outlets and large tables support remote work and group gatherings.

Fresh food complements the coffee shop vibe here. The menu offers decent options that support good conversation and socializing.

Long hours and plenty of power outlets make this cafe great for laptop users. It offers decent food and keeps the feel of a neighborhood owned indie coffee shop without any snobby vibes.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was delicious."

"I thought the food here was great and fresh."

"This cafe has a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff."

Good to know

1

Parking is mostly a block away in a residential area, which can be dark at night.

2

The area around the cafe can feel sketchy at night; it's best to avoid walking alone.

3

The establishment is open 24 hours, making it a rare find for late-night study.

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Hillcrest, San Diego

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