CAFE 21

Everything we do is made from scratch and with love. We only work with the best, freshest ingredients

2 Locations:
802 5th Avenue - Gaslamp District (CURRENTLY CLOSED)
2736 Adams Avenue - University Heights

11/02/2024

At the cafe, our farm to table tapa style service is a reminder that good food is best shared 🤍

& What’s brunch without an Espresso Martini this month?! Enjoy our Classic Libations and seasonal twists to our Carajillos, Margaritas, and Sangrias!

We’re now open from Thursday to Sunday from 8am to 3pm ☕️

11/01/2024

Happy November 1st 🤍

Everything from our style of service, to decor, with our dried herbs, spices and techniques are true to what we have grown up with in Azerbaijan!⁠

Carefully picked from our garden, depending on the season ✨ we’re always committed to changing the way our guests think about food, nature, and culture, and where it comes from!⁠

Through our signature breads, our fruit-infused cocktails, to our scratch dishes! Our concept has and always will be small plates, allowing for variety and our guests to indulge in different tastes and flavors.⁠

See you here!

10/27/2024

The Rose Garden Palmer 🌹⁠

Made with organic tea, fresh lemon, and our made-from-scratch syrups, for a unique table side experience ✨⁠

Featuring Rose Corolla, Amaranth, and our signature Rose addition! ⁠

Paired perfectly with one of our classics—⁠
Mushroom Crumpet with a Sunny Side-Up Egg and Butter 🥬 ⁠


Photos from CAFE 21's post 10/25/2024

Azeri Cuisine featuring the Potato Galette with our special in-house Ajika Spicy Spread | V | GF 🥔✨️⁠

From our traditions passed on through our food to you 🤍⁠

Creating a tapa experience that brings people from all over the world to enjoy meal based around unique flavors, family, and community! ⁠

Tell us your favorite C21 addition below 👇🏼 and who you’re taking to brunch next! ⁠


10/21/2024

There's something special about a latte made with love and topped with fresh herbs from our garden 🤍🌿⁠

Fall season is one of those times where all we want is something to keep us cosy and warm up our stomachs, with a little added spice! ⁠

We use organic beans that are carefully roasted with homemade syrups, and decorated with our dried fruit at the farm! ⁠

Whether you’re starting your morning with us or enjoying a midday lunch break, our cafe is meant to enjoy coffee moments with each other!⁠

We’re open till 3pm from Thursday to Sunday!⁠


10/19/2024

Ooh you’re so classic 🍹⁠

Like our Bloody Mary with a grilled cheese on top 😮‍💨 A little kick, and lots of savory flavor! ⁠

Your favorite libations await 🤍 ⁠

10/17/2024

A little after brunch shop ✨🫶🏼 for you to take a little bit of Cafe 21 home with you! ⁠

You can sip in style with one of our infamous Greek God Mugs, enjoy seasonal dried fruit to top off any drink, brew tea in one of our glass pots, or add a little design inspo to your kitchen! ⁠

We’re open till 3pm from Thursday to Sunday! ⁠

10/11/2024

Happy World Egg Day 🍳⁠

You know we love a good traditional egg dish, farm-to-table style! ⁠

Celebrate the incredible versatility in our tapa-style dishes. From fluffy omelets to creamy egg, with azeri spices like sumac, and zatar! ⁠

See you all here till 3pm!⁠

10/07/2024

When the girls ask you to brunch, you take them for Signature Lattes!

Here’s what’s on the menu:

💗 Trained Dragon: Espresso, Pitaya, Rose Syrup, Almond + Coconut Milk

☕️ Peas of Mind: Espresso, Butterfly Pea, Lavender Syrup, Almond + Coconut Milk

💛 Mida’s Touch: Espresso, Golden Turmeric, C21 Allspice Blend. Ginger Syrup, Almond + Coconut Milk

And classic crumpets to pair with 💜

See you all again on Thursday at 8pm!

Photos from CAFE 21's post 10/05/2024

Farm to table, tapa style ✨

With a C21 touch, serving up organic, vegan, and vegetarian dishes with our creative tapa-style tradition!

Each with their own unique fresh, local flavors. From vibrant veggie bites to delightful plant-based pairings, like our Mediterranean platter! We weren’t open for Vegetarian Day, but every day is a celebration over here 🤍

Photos from CAFE 21's post 10/03/2024

Event season is here and we’re ready to embrace the fall season ✨

Step into our farm to table cafe and embark on a culinary journey through Azerbaijan!

Using all organic, locally-sourced ingredients to create small plates that and a touch of California! From intimate dinners to private celebrations, let us elevate your dining experience with a taste of our farm to your table 💜

09/29/2024

This National Coffee Day, we’re crafting lattes that go beyond beans ☕️😌

Each specialty latte is made with espresso, house-made natural syrups, coconut milk, topped with dried fruit straight from the farm!

P.S. We also offer regular house coffee, americanos, and nitro cold brew!

& for our coffee lovers that enjoy a good libation, try out our carajillos or espresso martinis!

09/27/2024

Share the love for small plates and farm-to-table meals ✨⁠

It’s giving fall— warm crumpets, fresh fruit, and sweet syrup, all made with local ingredients! ⁠

This season is all about bringing people together, one delicious plate at a time. ⁠

Share the moment, and taste the season, from our table to yours! ⁠

09/19/2024

For our Avocado Toast Lovers, we wanted to add a little bit of home to your plate, with our traditional spices; Sesame, Zatar, and Sumac.

On the menu— under SANDWICHES + CRUMPETS

AVOCADO TOAST| VEG

Poached Egg, Feta Mousse, Pickled Onion, Arugula, Carrot, Greens, Lemon Vinaigrette, Sourdough

See you all tomorrow from 8am to 3pm!

09/16/2024

Good morning foodies 🤍

Our new hours are here to stay. We are open Thursday to Sunday from 8am to 3pm!

We can’t wait to welcome in to our home away from home, serving cultural dishes, small plates to share, and libations that are made with seasonal touches!

Join us for all the farm to table goodness in the heart of University Heights ✨

09/15/2024

We love a dressed up pancake🥞 But make it Dutch!

One of our favorite additions when we first opened up the cafe. Offering a twist on the traditional version, with blueberries and banana caramel ✨

Everything crafted with local ingredients, made fresh daily! From our kitchen to your table, every day till 3pm 🤍

09/13/2024

Still giving summer till further notice 🍹

For our patio lovers, a farm to table brunch with an Aperol Spritz to match!

APEROL, Italian Herbal Liqueur, Topo Chico, Sparkling Wine ✨

On our menu we offer brunchy and specialty libations to enjoy all year round— From mimosa flights, to traditional sangria, to our mezcaritas, and mojitos!

Spill your favorites in the comments 👇🏼

09/12/2024

When you don’t have to travel to Azerbaijan to get authentic cuisine 🤍✨🤌🏼

Serving you tapas-style dishes that are influenced by the homeland, mixed with inspiration from California to create an array of flavors

We welcome into our fusion kitchen 🤍 open till 3pm!

09/10/2024

Bringing a taste of home to your breakfast table with our 🍅 and 🍳 dish with goat cheese!⁠

A C21 classic that has been a customer favorite since the beginning ✨⁠

Sunny-Side Up Egg. Tomato. Goat Cheese. Sourdough.

*Spices include Sesame, Zatar, and Sumac*

We’re now open Thursday through Sunday. See you all tomorrow till 3pm!

09/08/2024

Hopping on the demure trend, because what is more cutesy than a signature C21 latte?

✨The Trained Dragon✨

The florals, the rose syrup, the espresso, pitaya…very very mindful! The only thing we need after a holiday weekend.

See you here till 3pm!

08/31/2024

Dine al fresco ✨

Because today we’re taking over the patio for ☀️

Come in for the scratch-made small plates, handcrafted cocktails, and simple local touches, and stay for the atmosphere 💜

08/29/2024

A dressed up Bloody Mary walks into the bar ☺️

Filled with your favorite seasonal veggies, fresh tomato mix, in a delicate goddess glass ✨

Visit our online shop or come stop by the Cafe 21 University Heights location to take yours home with you 💜

08/26/2024

Roasted Eggplant Crumpet with a Sunny-Side Up Egg, Feta, Spinach, Tomato, & Mozzarella 🍳

Pairs perfectly with our signature lattes, crafted with house-made syrup, and coconut milk ☕️

Stop by the cafe till 3pm!

Photos from CAFE 21's post 08/22/2024

A sweet start to the morning 💜

We pour our focus into accommodating all dietary restrictions ranging from gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan. Always adding a twist on the classic brunch items such as pancakes, french toast, and crepes!

But here’s to one of our favorites, the Dutch 🥞’s, with banana caramel, and house-made blueberry compote filling. Tag us in everything you order this weekend ✨

We’re open till 3pm daily!

08/20/2024

Local ingredients, bold flavors, from our farm to your table every day 💜

Our open concept and fusion kitchen is here to serve you and your loved ones all of your favorite platters, creative libations, and seasonal touches daily!

With love, from your C21 family ✨

03/30/2020

Receive 21% OFF your first Cafe 21 Takeout order! No code required!
Go to cafe-21.com/takeout to order ahead for pickup!

03/17/2020
03/10/2020

Tickets are on sale NOW for our Novruz Celebration! Reserve your seats for this special evening at Cafe 21 Gaslamp! From a family-style dinner prepared by Chef Leyla, to live music and so much more, you will want to join us for these very special cultural nights at Cafe 21 on March 14th & 15th! Tickets are $100/person and include tax.

Learn more: http://bit.ly/2VsZMG5

Get Tickets: https://conta.cc/3caGVW6

03/09/2020

March 14th & 15th we are celebrating Novruz at Cafe 21 Gaslamp!

Chef Leyla is preparing a family-style dinner for you to enjoy alongside the musical stylings of special guest Sahib Pashazadeh, famous artist and cultural gem of Azerbaijan.

Limited space available to be sure and get your tickets now!

Learn more: http://bit.ly/2VsZMG5

Get Tickets: https://conta.cc/3caGVW6

03/05/2020

Get your tickets to Novruz now!

Experience the exquisite and unique tastes of Azerbaijan as Chef Leyla prepares a family style dinner.

To enhance your Azeri dining experience, enjoy the musical stylings of special guest Sahib Pashazadeh, famous artist and cultural gem of Azerbaijan.

Saturday, March 14th
6:30PM
$100 per person*

Sunday, March 15th
6:30PM
$100 per person*

*Pricing includes taxes.

02/28/2020

Novruz Celebration tickets on sale now! Reserve your seats for March 14th or 15th and celebrate spring with us and a family style dinner experience! conta.cc/3caGVW6

01/18/2020

If it's a day that ends in the letter "Y" that means we have happy hour from 3-6PM!

Check out our full Happy Hour menu here and TAG a friend that needs to know! www.cafe-21.com/happy-hour/

Be sure to stick around for live entertainment 6:30-9:30 every evening!

01/15/2020

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"If you like mimosas and getting dressed up all cute with your girlfriends, I would recommend this establishment. Get the mimosa flight and post it on your Instagram story; it will have all of your friends messaging you asking, 'where is this?'"- Francine, Yelp Elite

01/13/2020

Have you visited the Nature's Kitchen and Market shop inside of our Gaslamp location? Come and browse items Chef Leyla has curated from her world travels and elevate your kitchen and dining experience!

Or shop online at www.natureskitchenandmarket.com

Want your restaurant to be the top-listed Restaurant in San Diego?
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.

Make it Fresh, Make it Delicious

At Café 21, it’s always happy hour! We’re serving up brunch, dinner and a complete line of craft cocktails every day of the week. As one of the most innovative restaurants in the Gaslamp District and University Heights, we’re committed to changing the way our customers think about food. If you’re looking for a delicious, gluten free & organic restaurant in San Diego, then you’ve come to the right place.

As a champion of sustainable farming, we only use locally grown organic ingredients for a socially conscious farm-to-table dining experience. We use hormone-free meats and yeast-free bread to accommodate all dietary restrictions. We’ll even cater your next event, and provide the same level of service that you can expect at our restaurants.

Experience live local music 7 days a week, a soothing atmosphere, and the best happy hour in downtown San Diego. It’s all happening right here at Café 21. Check out our centrally located, University Heights restaurant on Adams Avenue, for an intimate dining experience in a vibrant, emerging neighborhood.

Videos (show all)

Cafe 21 Takeout Options!
Cafe 21 Takeout
Novruz Tickets On Sale Now!
Cafe 21 Cultural Nights
Novruz Celebration tickets on sale now! Reserve your seats for March 14th or 15th and celebrate spring with us and a fam...
Catering by Cafe 21
Christmas Meal, Done For You ✔️
Nature's Kitchen & Market Holiday Sale
Holiday TAKE N BAKES
Cafe 21 Gaslamp Happy Holiday Brunch + Dinner
Nature's Kitchen and Market is officially HERE at Cafe 21 Gaslamp and we are celebrating by kicking things off this Blac...

Category

Address


2736 Adams Avenue
San Diego, CA
92116

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 3pm
Tuesday 8am - 3pm
Wednesday 8am - 3pm
Thursday 8am - 3pm
Friday 8am - 3pm
Saturday 8am - 3pm
Sunday 8am - 3pm

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