Il Giardino di Lilli

Il Giardino di Lilli is a hidden gem in La Jolla! I tried the hazelnut chocolate tart, and it was absolutely delicious—rich, perfectly balanced, and indulgent. The lavender agave latte was a delightful surprise, smooth with just the right touch of floral sweetness. The garden seating area is charming and peaceful, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy great treats. Highly recommend!

+6

Unique decor inside with a fireplace! Lots of pastries that looked amazing but none vegan. We had one of the vegan paninis with potatoes, was quite good.

An absolute familial, vibey atmosphere in a beautiful setting with both indoor and outdoor seating. Feels like somewhere you could spend hours, and I’m sure many do. Solid coffee and pastries, but the atmosphere and service is what will absolutely make me return.

Really liked the atmosphere at this cafe, and the outdoor area was cute. The matcha latte was really good and the pistachio croissants were delicious, it was similar to the pistachio croissants you can find in Italy!

Amazing food and scenery. The matcha lattes and mocha are good. It also has a very good atmosphere to sit in and read for an afternoon Quite busy so may be hard to find a table but once you do get one it’s great. My friend studies here for hours; personally it’s too loud for me to do that but maybe if that doesn’t bother you / you have noise cancelling headphones then this would be perfect. My boyfriend and I enjoyed sitting here to read.

This is the absolute best Italian bakery in San Diego. I've brought so many friends and family here to spread the joy. Everything is extremely fresh and delicious, you'll be coming back for more! I highly suggest the cappuccino and the almond croissant.

Great lattes, croissants, and very large breakfast sandwiches. The scene at this cute restaurant is full of plants and has a lot of character. Really enjoyed breakfast here.

+4

This is by far one of my favorite coffee shops in La Jolla, I’ve been here so many times and their lattes / matcha are so yummy. Not to mention the delicious mouthwatering pastries! This is a place to sit outside and enjoy the La Jolla air and chill on a beautiful patio. I wouldn’t recommend coming here to grab a coffee and run out, if you have time this cafe is an experience. I have had some lovely crafted lattes made by Sophia and Kait and I will 100% be returning over and over again. They also have super fun occasional night time events that get pretty busy and are super fun for some dancing and wine :)

Love, love, love il Giardino di Lilli! Very cool vibe, beautiful setting, all of my senses are enjoying when I come there. I am even okay standing in a long line, bc it’s worth it. I like the charming outdoor sitting, cute wallpaper inside, great selection of croissants, and paninis. Their pistachio croissants are phenomenal, if they don’t have it anymore, I order almond or Nutella ones. My favorite panini is with tuna- but I recognize, not everyone’s cup of tea. Their lattes are delicious and they offer a complimentary refreshments while waiting. I can always hear Italian language while I am there and Italian music, which adds its charm. A tip: try to come earlier in the day to be able to catch a wider selection of desserts.

+6

Cosi eccellente croissants and pastries! 🥐 🥮 ☕️The food is fresh as well and all the plates around me looked craveable! Coffee and espresso drinks are perfect and presented so artistically! There are quite a few tables inside and out! The cottage is the previous Pannikin location near La Jolla Elementary. Street parking is plentiful. One of our favorite cafes in San Diego County!

+2

We came here a long time ago, it was Pannikin before. Now it’s a new Italian bakery & cafe. We ordered two types of sweet breads and two coffee. The chocolate croissant is crispy outside, but inside is too airy, not that flavorful. But the Maritozzo is the next level, it is so creamy and delicious. My husband had a Gianduiotto, it was so delicious with Nutella and espresso, so strong! I had a chai latte, it’s nice as well. The space is beautiful, perfect for chatting or studying. I love this place.

+6

Absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere is just lovely! The staff are so kind and welcoming — it really makes the whole experience feel special. I had the Tartina Salmone, and it was fantastic. I also got the Camelia juice, which was so beautifully balanced. Couldn’t resist trying their croissant and a cappuccino too — and I absolutely loved both 🤍🤍🤍🤍

Absolutely love it here! The croissants are FILLED. And not like just the middle filled, but filled so you get a bit of filling in every bite! Also staff was so sweet and kind!

The best cafe in SD! Great coffee, pastries and sandwiches, all made with high quality, fresh ingredients. Only knock is that it's so popular that waiting in line and finding a table can be a little daunting.

It is a great spot for a quiet break. I had an espresso and a cream-filled croissant (cornetto alla crema). The coffee was very good and the croissant was fresh and tasty, especially considering it was later in the day when pastry can be hit and miss. I spent about an hour there and the place is pleasant, with lots of plants and good sun. The staff were friendly, and overall I would be happy to stop here again.

🥹✨✨So good! Feels like a spot locals really love. The staff are all super friendly and sweet, and the vibe is amazing, so I ended up coming here twice during my San Diego trip.

It was a really good idea to meet my friends for breakfast at this coffee shop. The croissants and other desserts are delicious. I had a matcha latte and it was delicious. There were a lot of people in the place and it's a really popular place. I was satisfied and will definitely come back here.

Il Giardino di Lilli in La Jolla is a charming Italian spot with a cozy, garden-like atmosphere that feels both intimate and inviting. The staff are warm, attentive, and make every guest feel like family. Dishes are made with high-quality, fresh ingredients—simple, authentic, and full of flavor. The menu features crisp, vibrant salads and perfectly crafted Italian-style paninis that showcase the kitchen’s attention to detail. While there can be a wait during peak hours, the ambiance and exceptional food make it more than worth it. A true hidden gem where great service and top-tier ingredients come together in the best way.

I rarely give 5 stars to anyone unless it’s exceptional and this place is definitely exceptional. It’s small / cozy which contributes to the ambiance. The blend of eccentric indoor and green outdoor spaces is so well executed. The service is wonderful - you definitely get a small / family cafe treatment here. It feels homey and comfy, even though you will likely end up waiting in line to order for good 10-20minutes if you come during peak hours. The wait will be worth it. The panino / sandwiches are fabulous! I’m a bread snob, spoiled with Micheline star bakeries as well as the real deal from the old world, and I find Lilli’s levain to be world class, definitely one of the best I’ve had in my life. All the puff pastry is great but I do wish the dough was even more flakey but mainly more buttery. It’s still wonderful regardless. And the coffee! Oh my! I found this place because I was looking for a good coffee in La Jolla while staying here for a few days, and the coffee is from out of this world. Very much Italian quality coffee worth coming over for even if you come from further away. I love Lilli’s and will be coming back on my future visits to San Diego! Thanks for building this wonderful place.

Lovely place. They have seating in the garden, which is really, really nice. Also, the people are very, very friendly and helpful. The coffees are really nice. Their breakfast/brunch items are, however, in my opinion, their best items. For example, their mortadella sandwich is out of this world. Their sweets and pastries are also really nice.

A coffee shop nestled in a garden in La Jolla, this warm Italian-style restaurant has a lush, green, and serene atmosphere. The staff are very enthusiastic, and all beverages and food are made with high-quality, fresh ingredients—you can truly taste the care put into each dish. The presentation is also beautiful, making it perfect for photos! I heard their pistachio croissant is incredibly delicious, but you need to go as early as 9 a.m. to buy it, or it will sell out quickly. This time, we ordered the lavender agave latte, which was absolutely delicious—highly recommended!

Such a lovely spot for coffee and pastries tucked into a serene space (former Pannikin) in LaJolla Authentic Italian cafe. Delicious soft croissants filled with pistachio cream, marzipan or Nutella.

This is what a coffee shop should be. We searched for an Italian coffee shop as we are fatigued with the atmosphere of normal coffee shops. I didn’t think we’d find anything but found this place by surprise. Great atmosphere and seating inside and out. Fantastic coffee, baked goods, and food. They used great ingredients, have whole milk for coffee, and use real sweetener. Dine in and enjoy the experience and soak in the Italian music. It looks like it is run by the whole family. I wish they opened up a place back home! Best coffee shop in La Jolla!

Lilli is truly a hidden gem. The menu has something for everyone, with a standout selection of cream-filled croissants, flavorful toasts, and fresh yogurt bowls. The coffee is excellent as well—rich, smooth, and presented with care, making the whole experience feel special. I only live about 10 mins away and ever since the first time I went I've been going weekly now I love it so much!

I’ve been coming to this amazing cafe for a week since I started my stay in La Jolla. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by the charming staff, all of whom were booming with enthusiasm and politeness. Even during the busiest parts of the day, they remain incredibly customer service oriented and ensure everyone is taken care of. 5/5, best cafe in town.

Favorite euro-style cafe in La Jolla, possibly all of the San Diego area (still have a few more to try). Excellent coffee, pastries, food items, service, and a friendly cozy vibe with indoor / outdoor options and always a new language to listen to in the surrounding air. Come for the buzz, stay for the taste (food + attitude).

i come here often. the vibe is nice and the food, pastries, coffee are all good. it’s consistently good, so it won’t be horrible one day all of a sudden. if I need a pick-me-up, I can count on this place. Edit: matcha is inconsistent🥺

What a charming place, lovely staff and incredible food. I wish I had another week in town as I would eat there everyday until I could try all of the menu. Let's start with the croissants and other baked goods. Just fantastic, texture, taste and the variety of flavors makes it so hard to choose. We had Almond Paste, Pistachio Paste and Chocolate Croissants all were excellent. The coffees were wonderful and the vibe of the place is what you would expect a French Pastry Shop in Southern California to feel like. Want to go back again and again.

One of my favorite breakfast/coffee places ever! Croissants are to die for, their sandwiches are amazing, coffee is really good, and service is amazing. So many options to choose from, you won’t regret trying this place out. Weekends are very busy and there is always a very long line. I went on a weekday and there was no line and they had a lot more options and weren’t close to selling out.

the most lovely cafe i have ever been to in san diego! all of the staff were so warm and welcoming! during conversation in between placing our orders it was casually mentioned that it was my birthday, and before the croissant we ordered was even handed to us over the counter, the staff had already taken the time and thought to grab a candle for it! truly the sweetest thing i have ever experienced in a cafe :,)! and, they even took the time to write out a birthday message on the matcha latte we ordered, which was through and through delicious + highly enjoyable 🍵! on top of this all, the overall atmosphere, music, natural lighting, design, and plants contributed to such a welcoming and special place that almost felt like traveling elsewhere ☺️! i could’ve stayed here for a while, and will definitely come back! (also the apricot croissant was delicious, no notes needed 🥐!)

Il Giardino di Lilli (“Lilli’s garden”) is a beautiful Italian garden café + bakery right in the heart of La Jolla Village 🌿🇮🇹 Pastries I loved: 🍊🍰 Citrus almond cake 🥐 Custard croissant Drinks & savory bites: 🌸☕ Lavender agave latte 🍆🥪 Eggplant panini Such a cozy spot to slow down and enjoy authentic flavors. It does get busy after 10 AM, but the line moves quickly and seating is first come, first serve. A must-stop in La Jolla!

Igor Minar

I rarely give 5 stars to anyone unless it’s exceptional and this place is definitely exceptional. It’s small / cozy which contributes to the ambiance. The blend of eccentric indoor and green outdoor spaces is so well executed. The service is wonderful - you definitely get a small / family cafe treatment here. It feels homey and comfy, even though you will likely end up waiting in line to order for good 10-20minutes if you come during peak hours. The wait will be worth it. The panino / sandwiches are fabulous! I’m a bread snob, spoiled with Micheline star bakeries as well as the real deal from the old world, and I find Lilli’s levain to be world class, definitely one of the best I’ve had in my life. All the puff pastry is great but I do wish the dough was even more flakey but mainly more buttery. It’s still wonderful regardless. And the coffee! Oh my! I found this place because I was looking for a good coffee in La Jolla while staying here for a few days, and the coffee is from out of this world. Very much Italian quality coffee worth coming over for even if you come from further away. I love Lilli’s and will be coming back on my future visits to San Diego! Thanks for building this wonderful place.

Ali Marjaninejad

Lovely place. They have seating in the garden, which is really, really nice. Also, the people are very, very friendly and helpful. The coffees are really nice. Their breakfast/brunch items are, however, in my opinion, their best items. For example, their mortadella sandwich is out of this world. Their sweets and pastries are also really nice.

Momo Zhang

A coffee shop nestled in a garden in La Jolla, this warm Italian-style restaurant has a lush, green, and serene atmosphere. The staff are very enthusiastic, and all beverages and food are made with high-quality, fresh ingredients—you can truly taste the care put into each dish. The presentation is also beautiful, making it perfect for photos! I heard their pistachio croissant is incredibly delicious, but you need to go as early as 9 a.m. to buy it, or it will sell out quickly. This time, we ordered the lavender agave latte, which was absolutely delicious—highly recommended!

David Anton

This is what a coffee shop should be. We searched for an Italian coffee shop as we are fatigued with the atmosphere of normal coffee shops. I didn’t think we’d find anything but found this place by surprise. Great atmosphere and seating inside and out. Fantastic coffee, baked goods, and food. They used great ingredients, have whole milk for coffee, and use real sweetener. Dine in and enjoy the experience and soak in the Italian music. It looks like it is run by the whole family. I wish they opened up a place back home! Best coffee shop in La Jolla!

Andrea Wilkinson

Lilli is truly a hidden gem. The menu has something for everyone, with a standout selection of cream-filled croissants, flavorful toasts, and fresh yogurt bowls. The coffee is excellent as well—rich, smooth, and presented with care, making the whole experience feel special. I only live about 10 mins away and ever since the first time I went I've been going weekly now I love it so much!

Patricia V Waldron

Such a lovely spot for coffee and pastries tucked into a serene space (former Pannikin) in LaJolla Authentic Italian cafe. Delicious soft croissants filled with pistachio cream, marzipan or Nutella.

Sachi R

i come here often. the vibe is nice and the food, pastries, coffee are all good. it’s consistently good, so it won’t be horrible one day all of a sudden. if I need a pick-me-up, I can count on this place. Edit: matcha is inconsistent🥺

Aundya Azarbarzin

Il Giardino di Lilli (“Lilli’s garden”) is a beautiful Italian garden café + bakery right in the heart of La Jolla Village 🌿🇮🇹 Pastries I loved: 🍊🍰 Citrus almond cake 🥐 Custard croissant Drinks & savory bites: 🌸☕ Lavender agave latte 🍆🥪 Eggplant panini Such a cozy spot to slow down and enjoy authentic flavors. It does get busy after 10 AM, but the line moves quickly and seating is first come, first serve. A must-stop in La Jolla!

Leezy

🥹✨✨So good! Feels like a spot locals really love. The staff are all super friendly and sweet, and the vibe is amazing, so I ended up coming here twice during my San Diego trip.

Sarah McCann

Absolutely love it here! The croissants are FILLED. And not like just the middle filled, but filled so you get a bit of filling in every bite! Also staff was so sweet and kind!

Micah Weesner

Il Giardino di Lilli in La Jolla is a charming Italian spot with a cozy, garden-like atmosphere that feels both intimate and inviting. The staff are warm, attentive, and make every guest feel like family. Dishes are made with high-quality, fresh ingredients—simple, authentic, and full of flavor. The menu features crisp, vibrant salads and perfectly crafted Italian-style paninis that showcase the kitchen’s attention to detail. While there can be a wait during peak hours, the ambiance and exceptional food make it more than worth it. A true hidden gem where great service and top-tier ingredients come together in the best way.

Mark Engel

What a charming place, lovely staff and incredible food. I wish I had another week in town as I would eat there everyday until I could try all of the menu. Let's start with the croissants and other baked goods. Just fantastic, texture, taste and the variety of flavors makes it so hard to choose. We had Almond Paste, Pistachio Paste and Chocolate Croissants all were excellent. The coffees were wonderful and the vibe of the place is what you would expect a French Pastry Shop in Southern California to feel like. Want to go back again and again.

Afnan Mansour

Absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere is just lovely! The staff are so kind and welcoming — it really makes the whole experience feel special. I had the Tartina Salmone, and it was fantastic. I also got the Camelia juice, which was so beautifully balanced. Couldn’t resist trying their croissant and a cappuccino too — and I absolutely loved both 🤍🤍🤍🤍

TM

One of my favorite breakfast/coffee places ever! Croissants are to die for, their sandwiches are amazing, coffee is really good, and service is amazing. So many options to choose from, you won’t regret trying this place out. Weekends are very busy and there is always a very long line. I went on a weekday and there was no line and they had a lot more options and weren’t close to selling out.

Ainsley Cobb

the most lovely cafe i have ever been to in san diego! all of the staff were so warm and welcoming! during conversation in between placing our orders it was casually mentioned that it was my birthday, and before the croissant we ordered was even handed to us over the counter, the staff had already taken the time and thought to grab a candle for it! truly the sweetest thing i have ever experienced in a cafe :,)! and, they even took the time to write out a birthday message on the matcha latte we ordered, which was through and through delicious + highly enjoyable 🍵! on top of this all, the overall atmosphere, music, natural lighting, design, and plants contributed to such a welcoming and special place that almost felt like traveling elsewhere ☺️! i could’ve stayed here for a while, and will definitely come back! (also the apricot croissant was delicious, no notes needed 🥐!)

We had a very good experience here and often bring our friends and family to this place. It’s a fantastic spot for breakfast—the staff are friendly and welcoming, the pastries are fresh, tasty, and appetizing, and the freshly squeezed fruit juices are refreshing. Overall, the quality of the ingredients is excellent, and we will definitely be coming back. Thank you to all the staff for a great experience! It gets busy and short of space during certain time and days, which impacts the atmosphere and service for high-expectations.

Tracy Tahiri

Found a new fave café when in La Jolla at Il Giardino di Lilli! The cappuccinos are just right and the almond croissant takes me back to Paris! It can get crowded and at times it is a long wait to get a café, but very much worth it. Lovely outdoor seating as well!

Portiva Portiva

We had a very good experience here and often bring our friends and family to this place. It’s a fantastic spot for breakfast—the staff are friendly and welcoming, the pastries are fresh, tasty, and appetizing, and the freshly squeezed fruit juices are refreshing. Overall, the quality of the ingredients is excellent, and we will definitely be coming back. Thank you to all the staff for a great experience! It gets busy and short of space during certain time and days, which impacts the atmosphere and service for high-expectations.

Il Giardino Lilli Coffee and Tea Pastry, named after the founder's grandmother Lilliano, is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of La Jolla. This charming café offers a delightful selection of coffee and pastries, accompanied by excellent service and fabulous indoor and outdoor decor. Upon entering Il Giardino Lilli, you'll be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The attention to detail in the decor creates a cozy ambiance, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. Whether you choose to sit indoors or outdoors, you'll be surrounded by an enchanting setting that enhances the overall dining experience. When it comes to coffee and pastries, Il Giardino Lilli truly shines. Their coffee is of exceptional quality, offering a rich and robust flavor that satisfies even the most discerning coffee enthusiasts. The variety of croissants on offer is impressive, and they are undoubtedly one of the highlights of the menu. During my visit, I had the pleasure of trying the Pain Au Chocolat and almond croissants. While they were both delicious and expertly made, I found them to be a tad bit stiffer compared to the flakiness of those I've had in Izola. Nonetheless, the flavors were delightful, and they served as a satisfying accompaniment to my coffee. What sets Il Giardino Lilli apart from other establishments is their exceptional service. The staff members are friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about ensuring your visit is a memorable one. From the moment you walk in, you'll be met with warm smiles and prompt service, which adds an extra touch of hospitality to the overall experience. While Il Giardino Lilli Coffee and Tea Pastry may still be somewhat of a hidden gem in La Jolla, it is undoubtedly worth seeking out. With its good coffee, delectable pastries, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service, it provides a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're a local or a visitor to the area, this charming café is definitely worth a visit for a peaceful moment of indulgence.

+6

Cute spot with cozy garden vibes. The food is fresh and delicious. Sadly the matcha is a hit or miss - sometimes perfect, other times clumpy and super watered down (minus one star for that). Fyi the Wi-Fi is pretty weak, so it’s not ideal for working from here unless you have your own hotspot. Great spot for reading though!

Vibe: 9/10 - this is such a cute spot! We loved the outdoor seating Service: 9/10 Value: 5/10 - definitely pricy, but the ambience makes up for it Oat milk macchiato: 7/10 Nutella croissant: 8.25/10 - so huge and perfectly flakey Overall: 7.65/10 (3.825/5) [To clarify our review system: 10 = we’ll never have anything else as good as this in our lives (we use 10 very sparingly!) 9 = extraordinary 8 = great 7 = above average 6 = average Anything below 6 is being critical]

Alexis Capati

Vibe: 9/10 - this is such a cute spot! We loved the outdoor seating Service: 9/10 Value: 5/10 - definitely pricy, but the ambience makes up for it Oat milk macchiato: 7/10 Nutella croissant: 8.25/10 - so huge and perfectly flakey Overall: 7.65/10 (3.825/5) [To clarify our review system: 10 = we’ll never have anything else as good as this in our lives (we use 10 very sparingly!) 9 = extraordinary 8 = great 7 = above average 6 = average Anything below 6 is being critical]

I’d wanted to try this place since they replaced the Pannikin that used to be at this location. I enjoyed their improvements to the outside seating however the interior was a little disappointing. Their menu was a little unclear as I had a hard time telling what their pastry options were. I ended up with a Nutella croissant which was a little underwhelming. I enjoyed their lavender latte but we ordered an extra add shot since it originally tasted like lavender milk. I would consider going back but there seems to be a lot of better options within the area.

​The cafe has a great atmosphere (good vibe). The prosciutto cotto panini was enjoyable. However, the avocado tartine was disappointing. I plan to skip brunch on my next visit and instead focus on trying their pastry selection.

Sara Ar

​The cafe has a great atmosphere (good vibe). The prosciutto cotto panini was enjoyable. However, the avocado tartine was disappointing. I plan to skip brunch on my next visit and instead focus on trying their pastry selection.

Wonderful baked goods but they could use some more training for baristas. I watched them pull a series of espresso shots into paper cups, and then wait to add steamed milk for 5 minutes while talking to co workers and attending to other drinks. Ended up with a bitter drink - not worth the price and not up to their reputation.

Disappointed with our experience. The restaurant heavily advertises cute latte art and beautifully plated food on Instagram, but in reality everything was served in to-go boxes and disposable coffee cups, even when dining in. This completely takes away from the experience shown online and felt misleading. Customer service was minimal, and our table was not clean when we were seated, food was very poor quality and overpriced. Overall, the experience didn’t match the presentation or expectations set by their social media.

got extremely ill after drinking the matcha oat latte. it tasted gross, bitter, and watered down and was made in a rush as it gets really busy. the place is also cramped and inconvenient to wait in line on the stairs and push past people to get your drink. the custard croissant was very dry and did not taste fresh despite ordering in the morning. not worth for the price and wait and seemed unsanitary

soy m.

got extremely ill after drinking the matcha oat latte. it tasted gross, bitter, and watered down and was made in a rush as it gets really busy. the place is also cramped and inconvenient to wait in line on the stairs and push past people to get your drink. the custard croissant was very dry and did not taste fresh despite ordering in the morning. not worth for the price and wait and seemed unsanitary