CAFE 21

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CAFE 21 Everything we do is made from scratch and with love. We only work with the best, freshest ingredients to bring you unique seasonal dishes!
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Alex and Leyla moved from Baku, Azerbaijan to pursue life in sunny San Diego. Initially, Leyla only baked as a hobby. The idea for Cafe 21 came after Alex asked Leyla to bake a plate of baklava for one of their friends who owned a restaurant. The baklava was so impressive, they were asked to continue baking more to sell at the restaurant. Soon, their home kitchen evolved into a full-blown, bustling bakery, until there was no longer room to meet the demand. In 2007, Alex and Leyla opened a restaurant at 2121 Adams Avenue, appropriately named Cafe 2121. Later in 2007 they re-located a few blocks up Adams, and shortened their name to Cafe 21. With a focus on fresh, local ingredients and world flavors, Cafe 21 continued to expand and in 2008, they opened an additional location in the Gaslamp Quarter.

All the love to Cafe 21 🤍 and her family have poured their hearts into every dish, every collaboration, and celebration ...
04/28/2025

All the love to Cafe 21 🤍

and her family have poured their hearts into every dish, every collaboration, and celebration here!

It’s been an incredible experience to share our love for food and community with you! A huge thank you to all who have supported us along the way—you keep us going!

But rest assured, our staff and menu will still carry on!! Here’s to the memories we've created and let them live on by following ’s next chapter!



Full plates & full tables ☺️🤌🏼As we celebrate our last weekend as Cafe 21, we’re soaking in every bite, every laugh, eve...
04/25/2025

Full plates & full tables ☺️🤌🏼

As we celebrate our last weekend as Cafe 21, we’re soaking in every bite, every laugh, every shared moment together ✨

From seasonal favorites to the dishes you’ve loved for years, enjoy all that we have to offer!

P.S. The curated menu and staff will still carry on moving forward!

Tag you were taking with 👇🏼

As you all know we announced the news yesterday about Cafe 21’s closing chapter, and just wanted to take a moment to tha...
04/24/2025

As you all know we announced the news yesterday about Cafe 21’s closing chapter, and just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the outpour of love and support!!

We are excited to share that our menu and staff will still be here at the Adam’s location to continue on ✨

More news coming soon 🤍

Come celebrate with us and as she begins her own journey through catering and events!

Your table and signatures cocktails await!!

After 18 beautiful years, we want to say thank you to everyone who has made Cafe 21 feel like home ✨We will be closing i...
04/23/2025

After 18 beautiful years, we want to say thank you to everyone who has made Cafe 21 feel like home ✨

We will be closing its doors on Monday, April 28th—but this isn’t goodbye, because once one door closes another opens!

We’ve poured our hearts into every brunch, every gathering, every farm-fresh bite shared at our tables. What started as a simple dream grew into something we could never have imagined—because of all of you!

To our guests, our team, our community: thank you for showing up, for growing with us, and for making Cafe 21 a space full of warmth, creativity, and connection! So come join us this week/weekend and bring your favorite plus one!

But stay close. The next concept is coming soon with —and we can’t wait to share more!!

Earth Day at the cafe 🌱Our way of honoring? Doing what we set out to do when first opening— Supporting and serving local...
04/22/2025

Earth Day at the cafe 🌱

Our way of honoring? Doing what we set out to do when first opening— Supporting and serving locally grown and sustainable dishes, from our farm to you!

Offering seasonal items, beverages, and organic produce daily!

Always with purpose 🤍

We’re open for brunch Tuesday to Sunday 8am to 3pm!

Favorite classics for Easter weekend 🥞Our Dutch pancake is golden, puffed, and always fresh from the oven— made to order...
04/19/2025

Favorite classics for Easter weekend 🥞

Our Dutch pancake is golden, puffed, and always fresh from the oven— made to order

Served alongside all your favorite farm to table tapa style plates!

With your choice of banana caramel or blueberries, topped with powdered sugar!

Are you thinking sweet or savory today?! 👇🏼

Gather ‘round— There’s always space for more ✨Our patio awaits ☺️From locally sourced fruits and vegetables to savory pr...
04/15/2025

Gather ‘round— There’s always space for more ✨

Our patio awaits ☺️

From locally sourced fruits and vegetables to savory proteins like lamb, our Mediterranean-inspired dishes bring in lots of color, bold flavors, and touches of Azeri cuisine!

Whether you're joining us for brunch or planning a special event, we’ve got just the place!

Reach out directly to start talking about your next gathering with us 🤍

Meet you here till 3pm!

Gather ‘round 🍋 Full tables & a little spring thyme 🌾Garden greens, sweet citrus, seasonal bites, and fresh tapas, serve...
04/11/2025

Gather ‘round 🍋

Full tables & a little spring thyme 🌾

Garden greens, sweet citrus, seasonal bites, and fresh tapas, served to you all weekend long!

Signature libation of the month—

Locals Only Vodka, Ginger Liqueur, Ginger Syrup, Thyme, Turmeric, & Lemon

Meet you here till 3pm!

“Brunch essentials”A colorful plate with fresh local fruit, homemade crumpets, and a warm signature latte in hand ☕️On t...
04/08/2025

“Brunch essentials”

A colorful plate with fresh local fruit, homemade crumpets, and a warm signature latte in hand ☕️

On the sweet menu—

C21 French Toast
Batter Dipped Crumpet, Brülée Brown Sugar, Syrup & Fruit

Meet in the patio till 3pm ✨

Our Signature Lattes— HOT OR 🧊’d?!💙 Peas of MindEspresso, Butterfly Pea, Lavender Syrup, Almond + Coconut Milk💗 Trained ...
04/06/2025

Our Signature Lattes— HOT OR 🧊’d?!

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

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

💛 Midas Touch
Espresso, Golden Turmeric, C21
Allspice Blend, Ginger Syrup, Almond + Coconut Milk

Meet you here till 3PM!! ✨

Hey University Heights! We have really missed the neighborhood and thought we'd brighten things up on Adams Ave. by serv...
03/27/2020

Hey University Heights! We have really missed the neighborhood and thought we'd brighten things up on Adams Ave. by serving no-contact curbside pickup orders from our UH location this weekend!

THIS Saturday + Sunday (3/28+ 3/29) CALL us at 619-252-5974 to place your individual order.

We appreciate your continued support and would LOVE it if you spread the word by sharing this post or tagging your local neighbors in the comments below.

THANK YOU!
💕 Cafe 21

Our University Heights location will be CLOSED today for beautification. Cafe 21 Gaslamp is OPEN and we are SO excited t...
02/25/2020

Our University Heights location will be CLOSED today for beautification. Cafe 21 Gaslamp is OPEN and we are SO excited to share what we've been working on for you here on Adams Ave!!

Cafe 21 University Heights is in the midst of a bit of beautification. We will be closed ALL DAY on February 18th and 25th. Cafe 21 Gaslamp is OPEN, so be sure to make a reservation if you are looking for Cafe 21 eats, libations, and ambiance.

Cafe 21 University Heights is in the midst of a bit of beautification. We will be closed ALL DAY on Tuesday, February 18...
02/17/2020

Cafe 21 University Heights is in the midst of a bit of beautification. We will be closed ALL DAY on Tuesday, February 18th.

Cafe 21 Gaslamp is OPEN, so be sure to make a reservation if you are looking for Cafe 21 eats, libations, and ambiance.

💕www.cafe-21.com/gaslamp-reservation

If it's a day that ends in 'Y' that means we have Happy Hour!Join us for Happy Hour every day 3-6PM!TAPAS - $6 EACH or 4...
01/18/2020

If it's a day that ends in 'Y' that means we have Happy Hour!

Join us for Happy Hour every day 3-6PM!
TAPAS - $6 EACH or 4 FOR $21
½ OFF SANGRIAS • DRAFTS • MIMOSAS
21% OFF WINES • CRAFT COCKTAILS

What's not to love?

www.cafe-21.com/happy-hour/

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"What an adorable cafe! I love the patio area - it's nice and shaded but still has the feel of being outside. ...
01/16/2020

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"What an adorable cafe! I love the patio area - it's nice and shaded but still has the feel of being outside. Service was good - ordered and got our food quickly. I love the amount of vegetarian options the menu offered yet they still had things to choose from for meat eaters. I got the veggie power bowl which was great and alot of food so I left full."- Autumn

What an adorable cafe! I love the patio area - it's nice and shaded but still has the feel of being outside. Service was good - ordered and got our...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"The best flights of sangria I've ever had...I ordered the avocado toast and it was delicious with the perfect...
01/10/2020

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"The best flights of sangria I've ever had...

I ordered the avocado toast and it was delicious with the perfectly cooked poached egg.

Atmosphere is very comforting, friendly service and not a long wait." -Maridel, Yelp Elite

Address

2736 Adams Avenue
San Diego, CA
92116

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+16196402121

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