Cafe 21 Gaslamp

Name: Cafe 21 Gaslamp
Address: 802 5th Ave., San Diego, CA, United States, 92101
Telephone: (619) 795-0721
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.2

4.2

541 Reviews

$30 and under

International

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Cafe 21 Gaslamp is a farm-to-table restaurant that provides live music entertainment every evening in downtown San Diego's Gaslamp district.

As one of the most innovative restaurants in San Diego, we are committed to changing the way our guests think about food. Everything we do is made from scratch and with love, which is one of the many reasons we are referred to as Nature’s Kitchen. With an eclectic and unique menu offering, Cafe 21 can can accommodate guests with dietary restrictions or are in need of an allergy-friendly restaurant in downtown San Diego's Gaslamp. We work with the best ingredients from locally grown produce, hormone-free grass fed meat, wild seafood, and antibiotic free Mary's chicken.

We are constantly concocting new and exciting drinks at our craft cocktail bar, which is just part of the mastery of Nature's Kitchen. From our yeast-free signature breads to our fruit-infused sangrias, something is always cooking in Cafe 21.

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(619) 795-0721

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
International, Mediterranean, Seafood
Hours of operation
Brunch Daily 8:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 795-0721
Website
http://www.cafe-21.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Chef Leyla
Catering
From simple food delivery to a fully catered event with decor, staff, entertainment, as well as setup and breakdown. Cafe 21 will create the custom experience you need for your next event! Let us connect you with all the beauty that our earth provides and awaken your palette with our superior food artistry and handcrafted cocktails. Be ready to experience Nature’s Kitchen as interpreted by our revered and most inventive Chef Leyla.
Private party facilities
With unrivaled decor and ambience, you can't help but be enchanted by the charm that surrounds you at Cafe 21. From either Gaslamp or University Heights, your next event will be unique and unforgettable, with an alluring atmosphere where old world meets new. With two venues to choose from, we have the perfect space for your next event and can host groups ranging between 10 to 200 guests. Email us at events@cafe-21.com for more information!
Private party contact
Billy Boston: (619) 795-0721

Location
802 5th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Neighborhood
Downtown / Gaslamp
Cross street
Corner of 5th Ave. and F St.
Parking details
We are located in the heart of Gaslamp, corner of 5th Ave. and F St. We provide discounted parking, 2 options that are within walking distance of Cafe 21. Horton Plaza ($8), 4th Ave. and F St., or Premium Valet ($10), front of Keating Hotel on 5th Ave. and F St. Present your parking voucher to your C21 server to receive your discounted validation.
Entertainment
A night of live music, ambience, and amazing food and drinks awaits you at Cafe 21. Live music every night of the week with the best local artists San Diego has to offer. Visit cafe-21.com/events/ to check out our live music and events schedule.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Classic Pancakes$7.00
Raspberry + Kiwi, Maple Syrup, Fruit Gluten Free Pancakes Available Upon Request!!!
Tiramisu Pancakes$8.00
Espresso Maple Syrup, Mascarpone Cream, Chocolate, Cocoa
Bananas Foster Dutch Pancake$8.00
Caramel, Banana, Powdered Sugar
C21 French Toast$11.00
Thick-Cut Organic Sourdough Brioche, Raspberry + Kiwi, Fruit

Eggs + More

Salmon Diamonds$15.00
Spinach Omelet, Beet-Cured Salmon, Avocado, Feta, Mozzarella | Egg whites +$4
Tomatoes + Eggs$14.00
Tomatoes, Eggs, Goat Cheese, Sourdough
Vegetarian Power Bowl$12.00
Green Bean, Tomato, Onion + Egg Scramble, Zucchini Salad, Taro Hash, Avocado Mousse | no substitutions please
Lamb Kufta Omelet$15.00
Bell Pepper, Tomato, Mozzarella, Goat Cheese | choice of 1 side
Short Rib Omelet$15.00
Bell Pepper, Onion, Blue Cheese | choice of 1 side
Feta Omelet$13.00
Spinach, Pesto, Mozzarella, Feta | choice of 1 side
Lavash Burrito$14.00
Eggs, Yam, Potatoes, Onion, Cheddar Cheese, Ajika

Sandwiches

Monte Cristo$14.00
Egg-battered Challah Bread, Turkey, Fontina Cheese Choose Sweet Or Spicy
Chicken or Shrimp Pesto$14.00
Chicken or Shrimp, Tomato, Onion, Avocado, Pesto, Mozzarella
Avocado Toast$12.00
Feta Mousse, Pickled Onion, Arugula, Poached Eggs, Sourdough

Sides

Potato Chips$4.00
Eggs$5.00
Potato Pancake$5.00
Fruit$6.00
Cured Italian Ham$6.00
Soup$6.00
Salad$6.00

Extras

Seasonal Compote, Toast, Salsa or Sour Cream$1.00
Avocado$2.00
Real Maple Syrup$3.00

Specialties

Served all day

Taco Platter$16.00
Pulled Pork, Black Bean Hummus, Turmeric, SSU Egg, Pickled Onion, Marinated Cabbage, Carrots, Assorted Salsas
Duck Pancakes$21.00
Duck Confit, SSU Egg Orange Sauce, Carrot Apple, Ginger, Cucumber + Cilantro Slaw
Mediterranean Fried Rice$17.00
Pulled Lamb + Rice Scramble, Walnut Dill Yogurt, Cucumber Mint Salad, Sumac Onion, Feta Cheese
Mezze Board$16.00
Baba Ganoush, Black Bean Hummus, Carrot Hummus, Green Goddess, Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Sourdough
Borek$13.00
Wilted Greens or Turkey Stuffed Inside Hand-Tossed Dough, Seasonal Chopped Salad, Sumac, SSU Egg
Pork Belly$21.00
Potato Galette, Apple Fritter, Mushroom Bourbon Sauce

Crepe Cakes

Mary's Farm Chicken Crepe Cake$13.00
Mushroom Bourbon Sauce

Soup & Salad

Lentil Soup$8.00
Sourdough croutons
Pulse Slaw$12.00
Chick peas, lentils, spinach, carrots, cabbage, tomato, cucumber, avocado, raisins, lemon zaatar dressing
Strawberry Salad$12.00
Spinach, Fresh Strawberries, Pistachios, Goat Cheese, Raspberry Vinaigrette
Caramelized Pear Salad$12.00
Greens, Almonds, Feta, Honey Balsamic

Burgers

Fontina, Tomato, Onion, House Pickled Cucumber, Live Butter Lettuce, Goat Cheese Aioli, SSU Egg, House Made Brioche Bun

Grass Fed Beef Burger$19.00
Mary's Farm Turkey Burger$15.00

Sweet Treats

Lemon Merengue Crepe Cake$12.00
Lemon Curd, Meringue, Grapefruit
Very Berry Crepe Cake$12.00
Mascarpone, Berry Compote
Chocolate Crepe Cake$12.00
Cocoa Powder, Chocolate Truffles
Beignets$10.00
Candied Cranberry Walnut, Powdered Sugar
Flourless Chocolate Cake$10.00
Vanilla Ice Cream
Seasonal Bread Pudding$8.00
Vanilla Ice Cream
Chia Seed Parfait$8.00
Chia Seed Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt, Raspberry, Seasonal Fruit

Dinner

5pm – Close

Starters

Cafe 21 Fondue$14.00
Toast Points, Seasonal Fruits + Vegetables
Chicken Liver Pate$11.00
Spiced Carrot Butter, Sourdough Toast
Brussels Sprouts$9.00
Pineapple Chili Glaze
Chicken Wings$11.00
Chicharrons, Parmesan, Sage, Chipotle Aioli
Mixed Fries$14.00
Rice Flour Battered + Fried Eggplant, Portobello +Avocado, Zaatar
Chefs Choice Seasonal Flat Bread$10.00
Changes Daily!
Wild Shrimp Ceviche$12.00
Taro Chips

Mains

Gurza Pasta$16.00
Grass Fed Beef Azeri Ravioli, Kumquat Reduction
Catch of the Day Papillote$28.00
Lentils, Leek, Saffron Beurre Blanc, Grilled Lemon
Vegan Party$17.00
Quinoa, Black Eye Pea + Beet, Green Goddess Coconut Curry
Vegetable Cabbage Rolls$14.00
Vegetables, Herbs, Arborio Rice, Tomato Sauce
Kabob Platter$45.00
Lentil Rice Pilaf, Tzatziki, Pickled Vegetables, Sumac Onions, Tomato + Cucumber Salad, Sourdough Lavash
Beef Kabob Skewer$17.00
Lentil Rice, Tzatziki, Pickled Vegetables, Sumac Onions, Tomato +Cucumber Salad, Sourdough Lavash
Lamb Skewer$18.00
Lentil Rice Pilaf, Tzatziki, Pickled Vegetables, Sumac Onions, Tomato + Cucumber Salad, Sourdough Lavash
Chicken Skewer$15.00
Lentil Rice Pilaf, Tzatziki, Pickled Vegetables, Sumac Onions, Tomato + Cucumber Salad, Sourdough Lavash
Slow Braised Short Rib$21.00
Yam Puree
Lamb Dolma$25.00
Grape Leaf, Ground Lamb, Herbs, Citrus Yogurt Sauce
Beef Cabbage Rolls$16.00
Grass Fed Beef, Herbs, Arborio Rice, Tomato Sauce

Cocktails

Vodka

Bottoms Up$12.00
Tito's, Cucumber, Celery, Jalapeno, Apple Parsley
Cardamom$12.00
Tito's, Black Cardamom, Lime

Rum

Cucu Cooler$12.00
Leblon Cachaça, Cucumber, Lime
Silk Road$12.00
Crusoe Spiced Rum, Chai, Cointreau, Orange, Egg White, Lemon

Bourbon

Date Me$12.00
Buffalo Trace, Date Extract, Egg White, Lemon
Say My Name, Peach!$12.00
Old Forester, Honey Peach Papaya Shrub, Lemon

Craft on Draft

32 North, Pilsner the Conqueror 5.5%$7.50
Harland, Blonde 4.7%$8.00
Abnormal, Abnormalweiss Hefe 5.3%$7.75
32 North, Pennant Pale Ale 5.5%$7.50
Harland IPA 7.0%$8.50
Abnormal, Mocha Stout 5.1%$8.25
Juneshine, Seasonal Kombucha 6.0%$9.00
Bivouac SD Jam Blackberry Cider 6.0%$11.00

Gin

Beetle Juice$12.00
CITY Bright Gin, FRUITLAB Ginger Liqueur, Blueberry Beet Shrub, Lemon
Spring Thyme$12.00
City Bright Gin, FRUITLAB Ginger Liqueur, Thyme, Turmeric, Lemon

Agave

Eve's Apple$12.00
Dulce Vida, Apple, Cinnamon, Lime
Cupid's Thorn$12.00
El Silencio Mezcal, Ginja Cherry 9, Lemon. No Added Sugar!

Bloody Mary Bar

Prawn Star$15.00
House Red Mix, Pickled Veggies, Jumbo Peel-and-Eat Prawn
Ol' Yello' Mary$15.00
Fresh Yellow Heirloom Tomato, Horseradish Pickled Veggies, Grilled Cheese
California Greenin'$15.00
House Tomatillo Mix, Vegetable Overload, Grilled Cheese Sandwich Skewer
Classic Mary$10.00
House Red Mix, Grilled Prosciutto, Pickled Veggies

Flights

Sangria
Fruit Infused Wine, Made in House with Simple, Real Ingredients
- Goblet$10.00
- Pitcher$21.00
- Flight$21.00
Mimosa
Flavors change daily! Ask your server about today's mimosa flavors.
- Specialty Mimosa$8.00
- Mimosa Flight$21.00
Mojito
Five Tasting Glasses of Fresh Mint, Rum and Seasonal Fruit Purees
- Magical Mojito Flight$21.00

Shareable Signature Cocktail

Spirit of the Party$50.00
Unique Bottle Service Experience for Groups of 2 or More Ask Your Server About Our Botanically Infused Spirit Offerings

Mocktails

Quince Town$8.00
Quince Shrub, Caramel, Soda
Wisdom in a Root$8.00
Ginger, Pineapple, Strawberry, Basil
Nopaloma$8.00
Grapefruit, Lime, Orange, Soda
Nomezcal$8.00
Black Cardamom, Lemon

Espresso

Espresso$4.00
Italian style espresso shot
Alexpresso$4.00
Espresso, cardamom, raw sugar
Café Cubano$4.00
Espresso, raw sugar
Americano$4.00
Espresso, hot water
Latte$5.25
Espresso, steamed milk
Vanilla Latte$6.25
Espresso, steamed milk, homemade vanilla syrup

Coffee

House Coffee$3.50
Organic Peruvian blend
Hammer Head$5.00
Coffee, espresso shot
Cofftea$7.00
Breakfast tea, cardamom, coffee
Dirty Chai$7.00
Bengal Chai Tea, Coffee

Organic Tea

16 Oz. Specialty Teapot Brewed Fresh to Order. $5 Served Hot or Cold

Black | Caffeinated
Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Bengal Chai, Peach Essence
Green | Caffeinated
Mango Tango, Strawberry Raspberry
Herbal | Caffeine Free
Hawaiian Berries, Rose Parade

Craft Soda and H2o

Caleb's Kola$4.00
Caleb's Diet Kola$4.00
Stubborn Lemon Berry Acai$4.00
Stubborn Classic Root Beer$4.00
Fever Tree Ginger Beer$4.00
Pellegrino Sparkling Water
- 16.9 oz$6.00
Suvida Spring Water$3.00

Juice

Fresh Squeezed

Orange Juice$6.00
Lemonade$5.00
Raspberry Lemonade$5.00
Grapefruit Juice$5.00

What 541 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.2

4.2 based on all time ratings

4.3Food
4.1Service
4.1Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

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F
Foodie4ever
San Diego
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a fun restaurant. The decor was catching and there were so many items on the menu that sounded amazing, it was difficult to decide. Our server offered helpful suggestions and all of it was delicious! Definitely coming back and when we do we’ll try the Mimosa flight.
MA
MargiA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 6, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fresh and delicious. The service was amazing and super funny
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall1food1service1ambience4
Terrible service. We were ignored and had to wave down owner. But the food! New meaning to small plates. $11 for what amounted to 2T of rice with one tiny piece of lamb and lots of (cheap) pickled onions. The spreads we ordered came with 2 thin, small pieces of bread. Lots of spread leftover and no way to eat t. Two additional tiny pieces of bread? $3. DON’T GO!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 29, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Overall great experience. Food was delicious.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on February 29, 2020
overall5food5service2ambience4
Really loved Cafe 21! The tiramisu pancakes are excellent!
YH
YoungH
Austin
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 29, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Picked it out 'cause it was convenient to the show we were about to watch and I wanted to catch up with my San Diego friends. Ended up loving it! And my local friends did too.
S
Starfish
Orange County
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and cocktails, and our server Kale was awesome and gave us great recommendations.
SC
SoCalPrincess
Los Angeles
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience3
Yes, we would. We hit this place every time we go to SD but things were changed on the menu. I always get the Shashuka and it's not that any more. I was sad about that part but the change was still good. We got seated upstairs which was a cool area but it was just two of us and we were celebrating my hub's birthday brunch and would have liked to be downstairs with the crowd. There were empty tables so i don't know why we didn't get to be seated downstairs where the energy was located.
B
Briguy
New York Area
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good food, great friendly waiter. Music was too loud to have a conversation
c
christopheg
Hertfordshire
13 reviews
2.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall2food2service3ambience3
Good flavor overall and wine selection with affordable options. but this place has issues with portions’ size or should be called a small plates restaurant and customers would know what to expect. 6$ for a small bowl of rice with lentils and 7$ for 2 pieces of a potatoes galette which is a kind of a dry gratin dauphinois is completely rip off. Small kebab with 4 tiny pieces of chicken and small lamb mince surely no more than 4oz of meat for around 12or13$ ! not very kids friendly neither
LA
LeighAnnR
Dallas
9 reviews
vip
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall3food4service2ambience3
I really had high hopes for this place. The menu was perfect for my celiac and dairy free daughter. The food tasted good, but there was just very little of it. Our taco platter was a huge plate with 2 tiny tacos on it. The flourless chocolate cake was very good. The main problem was service. It took forever for anyone to acknowledge us. Drinks took forever because “the bar was backed up.” When I asked about where our dessert was, I was told it would be 10 minutes along with a very rude “We are really busy tonight!” And heaven forbid, I asked for an itemized receipt. That sent him over the edge. Why in the world if you know your restaurant is going to be packed on V-day don’t you staff up accordingly? This dinner literally ruined our night.
RM
RonM
San Diego
37 reviews
vip
2.0
37 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall2food1service5ambience3
The new menu is a disaster. Small plates isn't working for us. We've eaten here severall times previously and it was one of our favorite breakfast / brunch places. Not anymore, we will be looking elsewhere for a new spot. Valentines Day Massacre act two.
L
Lolo
San Francisco
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a pleasure ❣️
B
Burgerandabeer
Seattle
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Music was good
AM
AMO1
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 10, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very tasty food from fondue, thru kabobs to surprise chocolate dessert. Also, enjoyed the jazz band. You came highly recommended and we were not disappointed. Looking forward to seeing you again when we return to San Diego.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2020
overall1food2service1ambience2
We had a reservation but the restaurant didn't see it in their system. We had to show our email as proof. Then, after finally being seated, no one ever came to be our server! Not even a glass of water. After 15 mins, we got up and left. Never again.
MA
ManuelA
Mexico City
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great dood
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love it. Would go back again
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, fun atmosphere and live music, interesting and diverse menu with real food.
JZ
JeanZ
San Diego
21 reviews
vip
3.0
21 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2020
overall3food1service1ambience4
I have eaten here twice recently and the first meal was phenomenal, fantastic flavors, unusual and addictive. Unfortunately, as I learned tonight, they recently changed the menu. We sent the overcooked fish back to the kitchen. The duck pancakes, which were superb the first time with a yogurt sauce, were minimized now to one pancake with no sauces. I think my addiction is cured. I want the intricate flavors and do not care about sharing small plates.
MM
MaryM
Grand Rapids
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2020
overall3food5service4ambience4
The food was excellent but several items were eventually not available. The food delivery was very slow and disjointed. Our server ended up comping several dishes which were delivered late in the game. Our reservation was for 6:00 and it was 7:45 when we finally received our first round of food. I don’t know if the kitchen was the problem or our server. Food was excellent and the music was great !
R
Roxie
San Diego
26 reviews
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience3
Convenient location for after theater dinner. The menu offered many options for the vegetarians and the wine list was excellent.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 17, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Pancakes blew my mind. So good!!!!
JZ
JeanZ
San Diego
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food here is AMAZING, like nothing I have had before. And live music! And great service and a full bar.
GI
GIUSEPPEC
San Diego
6 reviews
vip
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2020
overall3food3service5ambience5
Great music great food
r
ragramza
Milwaukee
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on January 4, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a wonderful breakfast at Cafe 21 while on vacation January 2020. Pour-over coffee was amazing and our meals were delicious. We enjoyed the avocado toast, overnight oats, and a skillet with short ribs mixed in. Staff was attentive and friendly.
L
Lourdes
New Orleans
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
El servicio de Benjamin, el chico que atendió nuestra mesa (16 comenzales) fue excelente! El personal de la cocina amablemente accedieron a servirnos del menú del desayuno , aunque ya estábamos fuera de ese horario. El Café 21 tiene un área de tienda con productos deliciosos elaborados por los chefs, así como una selección de tisanas deliiiii!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2019
overall2food2service3ambience3
Disappointing compared the Cafe 21 in University Heights. Frequent Cafe 21 University Heights often, and will continue to do so.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 26, 2019
overall3food3service3ambience5
Hostess was excellent but when we were exchanged to waiters, it got REAL SLOW.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
My friends were very happy to have so many vegetarian options to choose from! We had a great meal. Thank you!
RC
RobertC
Orange County
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2019
overall5food4service4ambience4
Great restaurant and fun place to listen to live music. Food is good and the service was great and so was the atmosphere. We had a wonderful time. I would love to return to try brunch again and to visit during dinner.
j
jesusc
San Antonio
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time at this restaurant. We liked the atmosphere and the service was excellent. The food delicious.
DB
DBLJAM
Chicago
74 reviews
vip
3.0
74 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2019
overall3food4service2ambience2
It doesn’t appear reservations are needed, you’ll wait in line anyway. We showed up on time and waited to be seated behind groups we asked who were walk ups. First drinks were quick, had to the catch the server for a refill. The white sangria was unremarkable, but the flight of mimosas was good once you spooned the yard clippings off them (there was dried flowers and herbs on them that didn’t add to the flavor or presentation of the shots). The food took a while in coming. The over night oats were great. And the tiramisu and bananas foster pancakes were amazing and made up for the service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 24, 2019
overall1food1service1ambience1
This experience was one of the worst! Our party had 5 people in it, one persons food came out 45 minutes BEFORE anyone else’s and it was ice cold when it got to the table. Then after 45 minutes 3 others received their food, at this point we couldn’t wait any longer for the last persons food, everyone had finished eating and one got their check paid and left before the final person received their food. A party of 10 who was sat AFTER us received all of their food, ate, paid and left before we even started receiving our food. We spoke with the manager who said the best she could do was give us a small discount and also begged us (literally stood at our table for 10 minutes asking over and over if we would get some crapes after us repeatedly saying “no”) neverrrrr going back to this restaurant, awful experience.
JP
JenniferP
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
I went here for a romantic dinner. There was live music of Frank Sinatra, great service and great food!
SG
StephanieG
Chicago
103 reviews
vip
3.0
103 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2019
overall3food4service4ambience3
We got passed up on outside seating . We ended up inside. My food came out wrong. I was overcharged initially and when my food arrived the omelet was basically eggs will a small sprinkle of vegetables on top. Wasn’t impressed like I had hoped
TB
TaharaB
San Francisco
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience5
I absolutely loved the mushroom fries. Food was very good, drinks were very good. However kind of pricey for the servings. Can’t go wrong with the Mimosa/sangria flights.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2019
overall4food5service4ambience5
Aside from slow service, everything else was perfect for a nice evening visiting San Diego.
J
Janet
London
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2019
overall1food2service1ambience2
Staff could not be bothered. Lots of used crockery left on tables. We ordered a bottle of wine & food. 15 minutes later waiter arrived with a different, more expensive wine at same time as the food. Take it or leave it attitude. We left it. Ate & departed. Very disappointing. Live band okay but so noisy tables quickly emptied.
NP
NicoleP
San Diego
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2019
overall3food5service2ambience5
The food and drink menu are so innovative and delicious! However, the service was very slow. Our server did not check up on us and we had to flag down employees as they passed by for assistance. We even had to walk up to the host stand at one point to ask for salt and pepper.

FAQs

Cafe 21 Gaslamp offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 795-0721.

Cafe 21 Gaslamp is rated 4.2 stars by 541 OpenTable diners.

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Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(619) 795-0721

Additional information

Cross street
Corner of 5th Ave. and F St.
Neighborhood
Downtown / Gaslamp
Hours of operation
Brunch Daily 8:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Cuisines
International, Mediterranean, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
We are located in the heart of Gaslamp, corner of 5th Ave. and F St. We provide discounted parking, 2 options that are within walking distance of Cafe 21. Horton Plaza ($8), 4th Ave. and F St., or Premium Valet ($10), front of Keating Hotel on 5th Ave. and F St. Present your parking voucher to your C21 server to receive your discounted validation.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef Leyla
Entertainment
A night of live music, ambience, and amazing food and drinks awaits you at Cafe 21. Live music every night of the week with the best local artists San Diego has to offer. Visit cafe-21.com/events/ to check out our live music and events schedule.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.cafe-21.com/
Phone number
(619) 795-0721
Catering
From simple food delivery to a fully catered event with decor, staff, entertainment, as well as setup and breakdown. Cafe 21 will create the custom experience you need for your next event! Let us connect you with all the beauty that our earth provides and awaken your palette with our superior food artistry and handcrafted cocktails. Be ready to experience Nature’s Kitchen as interpreted by our revered and most inventive Chef Leyla.
Private party facilities
With unrivaled decor and ambience, you can't help but be enchanted by the charm that surrounds you at Cafe 21. From either Gaslamp or University Heights, your next event will be unique and unforgettable, with an alluring atmosphere where old world meets new. With two venues to choose from, we have the perfect space for your next event and can host groups ranging between 10 to 200 guests. Email us at events@cafe-21.com for more information!
Private party contact
Billy Boston: (619) 795-0721

Cafe 21 Gaslamp

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Breakfast

Overnight Oats$11.00

Cafe 21 Benedicts

Shrimp Corn Cakes$15.00

Turkey Benedict$14.00

Pancakes & French Toast

Classic Pancakes$7.00

Tiramisu Pancakes$8.00

Bananas Foster Dutch Pancake$8.00

C21 French Toast$11.00

Eggs + More

Salmon Diamonds$15.00

Tomatoes + Eggs$14.00

Vegetarian Power Bowl$12.00

Lamb Kufta Omelet$15.00

Short Rib Omelet$15.00

Feta Omelet$13.00

Lavash Burrito$14.00

Sandwiches

Monte Cristo$14.00

Chicken or Shrimp Pesto$14.00

Avocado Toast$12.00

Sides

Potato Chips$4.00

Eggs$5.00

Potato Pancake$5.00

Fruit$6.00

Cured Italian Ham$6.00

Soup$6.00

Salad$6.00

Extras

Seasonal Compote, Toast, Salsa or Sour Cream$1.00

Avocado$2.00

Real Maple Syrup$3.00

Specialties

Taco Platter$16.00

Duck Pancakes$21.00

Mediterranean Fried Rice$17.00

Mezze Board$16.00

Borek$13.00

Pork Belly$21.00

Crepe Cakes

Mary's Farm Chicken Crepe Cake$13.00

Soup & Salad

Lentil Soup$8.00

Pulse Slaw$12.00

Strawberry Salad$12.00

Caramelized Pear Salad$12.00

Burgers

Grass Fed Beef Burger$19.00

Mary's Farm Turkey Burger$15.00

Sweet Treats

Lemon Merengue Crepe Cake$12.00

Very Berry Crepe Cake$12.00

Chocolate Crepe Cake$12.00

Beignets$10.00

Flourless Chocolate Cake$10.00

Seasonal Bread Pudding$8.00

Chia Seed Parfait$8.00

Dinner

Starters

Cafe 21 Fondue$14.00

Chicken Liver Pate$11.00

Brussels Sprouts$9.00

Chicken Wings$11.00

Mixed Fries$14.00

Chefs Choice Seasonal Flat Bread$10.00

Wild Shrimp Ceviche$12.00

Mains

Gurza Pasta$16.00

Catch of the Day Papillote$28.00

Vegan Party$17.00

Vegetable Cabbage Rolls$14.00

Kabob Platter$45.00

Beef Kabob Skewer$17.00