Kate Miller

Wow, the Flower Child toast changed my life. I'm so sad we don't have Lofty Coffee back home. May have to move here for more. The iced Americano was also wonderful!

Connor Ketchum

So good my wife and I made it a daily stop on our 4 day vacay. Flower Child, Açaí Bowl, and the egg/sausage croissant are amazing. Coffee is delicious!

Ariah H

If you’re in Little Italy and want a breakfast spot that won’t leave you feeling like you need a nap afterward Lofty Coffee is the move. Their “coffee libations” are not just drinks they’re little works of art. I had one from a finca in Honduras that tasted like sunshine in a cup. The menu is full of fresh, quality ingredients that keep you satisfied without feeling heavy: perfectly poached eggs, silky hummus, and French toast that’s indulgent but somehow still feels…clean? The vibe is charming, airy, and perfect for starting your day on a high note. It’s the kind of place you pop into “just for coffee” and end up ordering breakfast too because why not?

Audrey Osburn

Cute, open air cafe that’s dog friendly. The sausage egg cheddar croissant, salted caramel latte, and pastry with egg baked in the middle were all delicious. I heard and saw they make their own almond milk which is nice!

Egen van Zeeland

This is the kind of place you’ll remember if you ever visit SD again, very nice atmosphere, nice terrace, very friendly people working there and un-American like good coffee to enjoy, along with well served dishes. The portions are good, the taste is marvellous. When in SD and looking for a nice cup of coffee, visit Lofty Coffee!

Danielle

I visited this cafe while on vacation with my girlfriend & I wish I could take it home with me! The menu was creative. The london fog is finished with charcoal. They offered a lot of gluten free items. I had the most delicious gluten free pastries here. The coffee was great & the cafe itself is very chic. The patrons were fun to listen to & mesh with. There were a lot of regulars. We ordered the flower child & the encinitas on gluten free bread. The bread was dense & dry, but overall okay for gf bread. I would like to try more of their menu next time. We will definitely visit when we come back to San Diego!

+4

Sarah D

We live near the Little Italy location and decided to stop in for lunch—normally we just grab a coffee, but we had been wanting to try the food. It didn’t disappoint! Everything was fresh, flavorful, and really tasty. We’ll definitely be adding Lofty to our regular list for lunches out. Excited to come back and try more!

JOE THOMAS

Lofty Coffee in Little Italy is hands down one of the best coffee spots in San Diego! From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a perfect blend of cozy and modern vibes. The coffee is exceptional—smooth, rich, and expertly crafted. You can really taste the quality in every sip. I had a Mocha and a turkey avocado croissant!! Super!! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always happy to help with recommendations. Their pastries and breakfast options are just as impressive—fresh, flavorful, and made with high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso or settling in for a relaxing morning, Lofty Coffee never disappoints. Highly recommend!

+13

Stopped here for a cortado while waiting for a table at Morning Glory nearby. The cortado wasn’t like the usual I have, but the barista came over to serve and check if it wasn’t ok she can remake it. Sweet gesture on her part but I had the drink. Trendy setting and lovely courtyard.

Great coffee, pastries and service. Much better experience than the big chains.

Tejas Joshi

We tried a mix of drinks and food, and overall it was a good experience. The Kyoto-style cold brew, salted caramel latte, and Turkish latte were all enjoyable but didn’t quite stand out — I’d give each a 3.5/5. On the food side, things really picked up. The chipotle chicken wrap was flavorful and satisfying (4/5), and the organic açaí bowl was the highlight of the visit, fresh, well-balanced, and easily a 4.5/5. Definitely visit this place, especially if you’re in the mood for something fresh to eat.

Aida Velazquez aleman

I want to share an experience that has happened to me more than once at this location, because consistency matters when it comes to customer service. On two separate visits, I waited in line as usual. Each time, there were several customers ahead of me who were served without interruption. However, when it became my turn to pay, the same staff member stepped away and left me standing at the register, without explanation. After a noticeable amount of time, another barista — who seemed genuinely uncomfortable with the situation — approached me and kindly asked for my order. Only then was I able to place it. What made the experience more awkward was that the original staff member returned immediately afterward and continued serving other customers as if nothing had happened. This type of interaction creates a very uncomfortable atmosphere. When you are paying around nine dollars for a coffee, the minimum expectation is to be treated with the same level of respect and attention as every other customer. San Diego is a multicultural, international city, and Little Italy is a highly visited area. For that reason, it’s especially important that service feels welcoming, consistent, and equal for everyone. I hope management takes situations like this seriously and reviews their customer service practices, because when an experience like this feels repetitive, it stops being an isolated incident and becomes something that truly affects how welcome a customer feels.

Svetlana Mulkaidarova

This place was such a disappointment. The food felt like something out of a Denny’s — both in taste and presentation. Bland, sloppy, and completely forgettable. Definitely not what you’d expect from a place that presents itself as artisan or elevated. We came specifically for the matcha because we read they use house-made almond milk. They do — but when I asked for it unsweetened, I was told it’s pre-mixed with honey and they couldn’t make it without. I asked multiple times if there was any way to prepare it plain, and every response I got — from the barista, the cashier, and the person at the counter — was cold, dismissive, and unfriendly. No one seemed interested in helping or even making eye contact. It felt like a chore for them to answer basic questions. As someone who’s worked in and around hospitality for years, I was honestly shocked. How can a team with this kind of approach be running five or six locations across the city? The quality of food and service was below average fast food — and yet this place carries itself like something special. If you’re looking for good food, warm service, or just basic courtesy — this isn’t the place. I wouldn’t go back, and I wouldn’t send anyone I care about there either.