Best Coffee Shops in San Diego (2025)
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters - La Jolla
Coffee shop · San Diego
A local standard-bearer for direct-trade sourcing and careful roasting, credited with elevating San Diego’s coffee reputation. Recognized as Roaster of the Year by Roast Magazine and still essential for pour-overs at the original La Jolla bar.
James Coffee Co.
Temporarily Closed
Little Italy’s industrial roastery turns out dialed-in espresso, seasonal signatures, and glass-jar cold brew. Regularly recommended by Eater San Diego and expanding locally while keeping a distinctly homegrown feel.
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
Cafe · San Diego
San Diego original famed for the Champ and honey‑cinnamon lattes, plus a South Park tie‑in with Mutual Friend Ice Cream. Covered by Eater San Diego and SanDiegoVille for ongoing growth, including a 2025 Hillcrest buildout.
Caffè Calabria
Cafe · San Diego
North Park’s veteran roaster pulls classic Italian espresso with unwavering consistency and roasts on-site. Featured on Eater San Diego’s 2025 coffee map and praised by local press for its lively pizza-and-aperitivo evenings.
Mostra Coffee
Coffee shop · San Diego
Filipino American–owned and nationally acclaimed, Mostra riffs on desserts like bibingka while nailing serious single origins. Named Micro Roaster of the Year by Roast Magazine and celebrated by Eater San Diego.
Coffee & Tea Collective
Cafe · San Diego
A minimalist roastery beloved by local purists for precise extraction and seasonal single origins. Covered by the San Diego Reader; while the East Village shop closed, the flagship here continues to roast and pour.
Cafe Moto
Cafe · Barrio Logan
Barrio Logan mainstay roasting on a vintage machine powered by solar, with deep neighborhood ties. Noted by Eater San Diego and locals alike for the Cubano cortado and take‑home cold brew by the gallon.
Provecho! Coffee Co.
Coffee shop · San Diego
At Bread & Salt, this Mexico‑focused roaster pours piloncillo‑sweetened lattes and micro‑lot single origins from direct relationships. Included on Eater San Diego’s coffee maps and admired by arts writers for its courtyard vibe.
Saigon Coffee
Coffee shop · San Diego
North Park’s Vietnamese cafe brews with extra‑large phins and serves rich Hanoi egg coffee. Highlighted by Eater San Diego; open daily with limited hours, so plan a late‑morning visit.
Torque Coffee
Coffee shop · San Diego
A City Heights newcomer roasting with a farmer‑friendly proportional pricing model that pre‑pays growers. Covered by Daily Coffee News and local outlets; expect zero‑proof cold‑bar drinks and plant‑forward bites.
Coffee Cycle Roasting
Coffee roasters · San Diego
From a pedal‑powered cart to an Ocean Beach roastery with classes and cuppings led by a noted local roaster. Reported by Daily Coffee News; a mellow patio hang a few blocks from the surf.
Por Vida
Coffee shop · Barrio Logan
A cafe and galería near Chicano Park, celebrated for Mexican mochas and café de olla. Included on Eater San Diego’s coffee guides and embraced by the neighborhood as a hub for art and community.