Kensington Cafe

Love starting my day at Kennsington Cafe! As a local, I always appreciate their cozy atmosphere and the delicious breakfast! We had a baked French toast and pancakes with a side of eggs. Well cooked food and their coffee is always brewed perfectly. The service was attentive, courteous, and quick. The patio is dog friendly!

Love the atmosphere here, a warm and welcoming spot. The staff are always friendly as well. The go-to has to be the pancakes, they’re delicious! The coffee is also great and always reliable. Definitely a place worth coming back to.

I used to live down the street from Kensington Café and it quickly became one of my favorite neighborhood gems. I’d walk my dog over for breakfast or grab a coffee and pastry to go—it’s that kind of cozy, friendly spot that makes you feel at home. They have a full coffee bar (their matcha latte and seasonal drinks are great), plus a solid menu with gluten-free options. I love sitting outside on the dog-friendly patio, sipping an iced tea with free refills while people-watching. I’ve tried a bunch of dishes over the years—omelets, pancakes, sandwiches—but this time I went for the quiche and it did not disappoint. The Spanish Revival is also delicious but very rich, so keep that in mind. The staff is always kind, attentive, and genuinely warm. Even on busy weekends, I’ve never waited more than 10–15 minutes for a table. A true San Diego staple—friendly faces, consistently great food, and the perfect neighborhood vibe.

This place was seriously so good! Our server was attentive and food was delicious and came out in a timely manner. We brought our pup and sat outside under an umbrella, we tried the Mexican mocha, flat white and a strawberry smoothie their bagel sandwich had the fluffiest eggs

This is a super cute corner cafe! I've come a few times and the staff is always very welcoming and sweet! They have a wide variety of options on the menu and drink menu as well. The food and drinks taste very fresh! It's definitely worth checking out if you're in the area. The American dream: (4.5/5) | ordered it with sourdough instead of the everything bagel, it was delicious! The eggs were fluffy, bacon was crispy and flavorful. Iced chai: I ordered it with almond milk and a splash of vanilla syrup. It was perfect! I like mine on the sweeter side.

My wife and I had wanted to come here for years. The plates are generous and well served. I was a bit surprised that a breakfast restaurant wouldn’t offer sunny side up eggs, but aside from that, the coffee, sandwiches, and waffles were all pretty good. I’d give it an 8 out of 10.

Delicious food, I ordered the chilaquiles with soyrizo along with a mimosa. I also got an iced honey lavender latte to go, it was really good! They have outdoor seating available and I was assisted right away with no wait. They have a variety of options and seasonal items on drinks and food. Friendly staff and my food came out fast. One of my favorite places to have breakfast.

Delicious food & very friendly staff. We were a party of 11 with 2 dogs and they went above and beyond to seat us together even though we were ok with sitting separately. Will definitely be back when visiting San Diego.

Kensington Café will always hold a special place in my heart. When I lived nearby, I used to walk my dog here for breakfast or grab a coffee and pastry on lazy mornings--it's that perfect blend of community café and neighborhood hangout. Their patio is dog-friendly, which makes it an easy go-to when the weather's nice (which, let's be honest, is most days in San Diego). The full coffee bar is excellent--their matcha latte and seasonal drinks are favorites--but I'm also partial to their iced tea with free refills. Over the years, I've worked my way through the menu: omelets, pancakes, sandwiches, and now the quiche--which was fantastic. The Spanish Revival is also great if you're in the mood for something hearty, though it's definitely on the heavier side. What really keeps me coming back is the staff. They're consistently kind, warm, and attentive--no matter how busy the café gets. Even on weekends, I rarely wait more than 10-15 minutes for a table, and once you're seated, it's just easy to relax and enjoy. If you're looking for a classic neighborhood café with great food, friendly service, and that welcoming, local feel--this is it.

NEW FAV San Diego brunch spot! We got the cinnamon roll pancakes, cali burrito, the chicken apple sausage breakfast sandwich, a snickers milkshake, and the strawberry matcha!! everything was a 10/10 our waitress was so nice and welcoming! totally coming back

This is a super cute corner cafe! I've come a few times and the staff is always very welcoming and sweet! They have a wide variety of options on the menu and drink menu as well. The food and drinks taste very fresh! It's definitely worth checking out if you're in the area. The American dream: (4.5/5) I ordered it with sourdough instead of the everything bagel, it was delicious! The eggs were fluffy, bacon was crispy and flavorful. Iced chai: I ordered it with almond milk and a splash of vanilla syrup. It was perfect! I like mine on the sweeter side.

With a charming atmosphere and friendly staff, not to mention the delicious and fresh food served there, Kensington Cafe is a perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a delicious meal and the great vibes. The smoothies are fresh and cold, the sandwiches are delicious, the coffee and tea are tasty, and the cinnamon roll pancakes are to die for. As a native of San Diego, I would definitely recommend this delightful cafe to anyone looking for a great time and some very delicious food in a place with a charming atmosphere and authentic and friendly service.

I live for their Asada hash bowls!! They are superior. I love how tasty and fresh they are. Its a perfect blend of the potatoes with the guac and poach egg. The customer service is also great here its always welcoming! The place is located in the corner with pretty easy accessible street parking. Great decor and environment inside. Not to mention, they have great iced coffee my favorite is the Mauna Lau Latte! I always come back here for a quick breakfast or brunch!

The service was good. Food was ok, I ordered the Daniel on a croissant it also came with a side of fruit. I was very disappointed in the size of the side fruit it was pretty tiny. The fruit also was not the freshest. Cafe itself was cute. Street parking wasn't too bad.

This was my first time here. There is a little wait because the restaurant isn't too big, but that's okay. The food and service were worth the wait at least. There is plenty of parking around the area too. You might have to walk less than a block, but at least it isn't meters or paid parking lol. I'd come back and I'd recommend!

The service and ambiance were great! The food was okay, I ordered the chicken and waffles and was surprised that they fried a very thin chicken breast for it. I would've liked to see thick juicy chicken instead. I've had the chilaquiles in the past and I would not recommend those either.

We came on a Sunday morning and got seated immediately. There's both inside and outside seating. Parking on the street wasn't hard to find! Our server was super attentive and sweet. Our food and drinks came out very fast! The strawberry matcha was really good! I got half sweet and it was perfect. My fiance got the Mexican mocha and it was good as well! For entrees, we got the cali burrito and the baumann. Both items were okay. There wasn't any WOW factor to it. The side of fruit was really small but the fruits were super sweet. Overall it's a cute cafe to have brunch at! Maybe we'll try the pancakes the next time we visit!

Kensington Café is such a gem, and I'm lucky it's only about 10 minutes from where I live. I stopped by after Pilates and was seated right away with no wait, which was perfect. Even though I was by myself, I felt totally comfortable and welcomed. My waitress Parker was incredibly friendly and gave me a great food suggestion that turned out to be just what I needed. The vibe here is warm and easygoing, and the staff make you feel right at home. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to often since it's so close.

Delicious food in a nice corner location in the beautiful district of Kensington. I ordered the Chicken and Waffles with a side of eggs and I must say, it was delicious! I normally probably wouldn't be able to finish a meal like that, but the food was so easy to eat. The chicken was more of schnitzel, very tender and fresh! They also have an outdoor seating area that of course allows dogs. Our waitress was amazing and made sure our water was refilled and we got everything we needed. On top of that we did a walk in on a random Saturday and got seated in 15 minutes! Overall great place!!

In the area and hungry for breakfast we stumbled upon this local spot. Parking is only street parking. They have a large outdoor patio for you and your fur babies. We were greeted by Jessica as soon as we opened the door. Trying to eat healthy I choose off of the scramble side of the menu. It was more of an omelet. I decided on the tree hugger which included mushroom, spinach, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese and avocado scramble. Included was toast and cubed potatoes perfectly cooked. The portions were a great amount. I should have given into my inner hungry hippo and tried the hot honey chicken waffles. I am excited to try more on the menu next time. ** they only do scrambled and poached eggs.

my boyfriend and I came to this cafe because we saw good reviews on tik tok! the reviews did not lie, the food was delicious and we only waited 15 minutes to get seated. I did not get our server's name but she was so sweet and efficient! she was attentive and was very bubbly we loved her vibe. We will definitely be coming again

Very nice staff! They had nice outdoor seating with a chill vibe, though I'd avoid sitting next to the hostess stand bc ppl will hover over you. Giving a low rating bc the chicken and waffles were really not good ): tasted like the chicken was j a reheated frozen chicken tender, not freshly fried + the waffles were mid. My friend ordered asada hash and it was good - I'd stick to ordering more traditional egg stuff and steer away from the chicken and waffles!!!

We had the hot chocolate, Bloody Mary, brown sugar buttermilk pancakes, Cali Burrito, & chilaquiles (w/ poached egg & bacon). Everything was very tasty. The poached egg was the perfect consistency & the pancakes were delightful! The chilaquiles should have had more protein.. especially since it's an extra cost. It's a cute little cafe with seating inside & out. Staff were very friendly & seemed happy to be there. W/ tip cost about $70. Definitely worth a visit!

I woke up this morning with my mind on Kensington Cafe. Once my boyfriend and I were ready for the day we skipped yoga and came here for breakfast and me oh my it was scrumpdidlyumptious!!! Wait time was nonexistent and we were seated almost immediately. Service was superb, I wish I got our servers name but she was absolutely wonderful. She wore a cute orange jumper and had tattoos, so friendly! Everything tasted amazing. I had the mimosa flight, baked French toast, and hash bowl!!!

We were the very first people in. The place was quiet and warm and they made us feel so cozy and welcome. We loved the softness of all the decor. Our server was so thoughtful and patient with our kiddos. We all enjoyed a cinnamon roll pancake, a stack of the brown sugar pancakes, a plate of avocado toast, and some warm croissants. Everything was great, the portion size and the flavor pairings made us all happy. We will definitely come back!

Kensington cafe is a nice place to go when you want to try something new and in a cute area but without the stress of going downtown. We came here on a sunday morning and were sat within 15 minutes. All the staff were so friendly and took their time with us, despite it being a busy day. The menu has lots of unique options without straying too far away from a classic breakfast. I got the baked french toast and it was delectable, the berry compote and streusel topping really complimented the flavor and textures of the french toast. I also got an iced white chocolate mocha and it was soooo good. Just the perfect amount of sweetness. The patio allows for tons of people and dog watching on the weekend. I will definitely return here!

If you want to understand why San Diego locals swear by Kensington Cafe, pull up a chair, order breakfast, and let Sami take care of you. Recently, I sat down with Dave Dennis, trusted area realtor and fellow Padres fan, and from the moment Sami greeted us, it felt like we were in the hands of someone who understands that hospitality is both art and instinct. She was warm, attentive, and effortlessly pleasant, the kind of service that makes you feel like a regular even if it's your first time in. Then there's the kitchen, doing what every great local joint should do: serve food that tastes like someone cares. The plates came out with that unpretentious confidence of a place that knows exactly who it is. The atmosphere? A comfortable hum of conversation, sunlight through the windows, and the easy rhythm of a neighborhood spot firing on all cylinders. As a business owner, being served at such an elite level of quality is inspiring. Engaging with service this good is a gift, a reminder of how to deliver the same care, attention, and excellence to my own clients. The inspiration is paid forward. Kensington Cafe doesn't just feed you. It reminds you why supporting local matters, because here, good food and genuine service aren't just on the menu, they're the standard. Eric Atilano Resident Lending Inc. https://linktr.ee/ericloans1

This place has so many options, and I'm excited to come back to try more of them out! We sat outdoors so I'm not sure what the inside looks like, but this is such a cute part of town. Many locals were talking their morning walks and the place seemed to have many regulars, it was genuinely a cute little spot! The servers talked to us like we were old friends and it was really welcoming. Now the food: I am not a grilled cheese at all restaurant type of person, especially for brunch, but their gouda grilled cheese caught my eye. Gouda cheese, grilled onions, and apricot jam on sourdough toast... it really tasted as good as it sounds! I was in love. I got a side of spicy caesar salad on the side, and as a caesar AND spice lover I do have to say I wasn't too impressed. There wasn't much dressing and the spice was nonexistent. I'd say the spice lacking was a trend of the meal, we got the papas calientes and they really just had a chipotle flavor. Don't get me wrong, they were amazing! Just not spicy. I can't knock them too much though, I assume they cater to their demographic-- in the least offensive way possible ;) The flavors were still amazing. My partner got one of their chicken sandwiches, and my friend got an omelette made with vegan egg. Both were huge fans! Spicy red beer is a must try, though the mimosa was available little too average for the price. My boyfriend also got a flying nun coffee and despite having so much espresso it still had a REALLY good, smooth, and sweet flavor. I have family visiting soon and am excited to bring them here. They have so many options, and I feel like I know my preferences a little better now and will order accordingly. I'll be letting people know about this cute little spot :)

This is the quintessential neighborhood cafe. It is so well decorated absolutely adorable so enjoyable to dine at. The baristas are fantastic. The servers are amazing welcoming caring knowledgeable and helpful. They truly care about their customers. The food is incredible the freshest and best ingredients available the menu is extensive everything is delicious. We love coming here it's always clean and well maintained.

This place has been around forever and is just a super reliable lunch/brunch spot, everything's pretty solid. Servers are friendly and efficient. Inside is a little noisy but tolerable. But it's San Diego, ya clod! There aren't many days out of the year when sitting outside wouldn't be better. Try the espresso shake, if you've got the stones for it.

Kensington Café has such a cute niche local spots. The food is so delicious. The service is so kind. There's always a line when I go, but occasionally I am able to stop without one. I highly recommend the American dream or the Daniel on a croissant. 10/10

Kensington Cafe is a cute place to grab a coffee to-go or to sit down and enjoy a meal. Decorated with lots of photos in a wall, you're transported to a place with more of a retro feel. Staffed with lots of friendly, caring, and knowledgeable workers, the staff here makes you feel welcomed and at home. On my visit today, I ordered the Asada Hash Bowl without avocado. Overall, I would give this item 3/5 stars. For the price of $17, I thought the flavor was very lacking. The dish seemed under seasoned and I had to add lots of ketchup to get some taste on my dish. Also, the poached eggs were over poached in my dish so I missed out on a decadent yolk coating my asada hash. While the Asada Hash bowl may not be personally for me, I did try a bite of the Brown Sugar Buttermilk Pancakes and I thought this item was very tasty. The flavor was good and not too overpowering and the dish was the perfect sweet breakfast item. If I were to return, I would definitely try more of their pancakes. Kensington Cafe is a cute little breakfast nook filled with lots of nice people and vibes. With an extensive breakfast and cafe menu, I'm sure there's a dish for everyone here.

Came here on a Wednesday and was seated right away. We ordered The Daniel and Pulled Pork Hash. The Daniel was okay. I didn't think there was anything special about it. The bread itself was a bit too hard to my liking even with the aioli sauce making some parts of it softer. The turkey itself was good but a bit dry. The sauce did help since it was dripping when holding it up to eat. As for the Pulled Pork Hash, I felt like the pork was way too salty. I remember having to ask for water refills several times. The potatoes tasted like regular potatoes. The sourdough was tougher than what I'm used to. Overall, I felt like the environment was great and the staffs were nice, but beware, street parking can be a tough.

Always look forward to their specials. My family and I love coming here and enjoying the fresh air and delicious food.

First time here and shame on me for not coming sooner. The food was delicious and the service was even better. Melissa was awesome! Had the pull pork hash scramble and my girl had a huge waffle topped with strawberries and whip cream. Definitely coming back soon.

The iced strawberry matcha is my favorite. Cute little spot in Kensington. The parking isn't the best and they get busy so order ahead.

Charming, friendly and comfortably upscale with generous selections. Excellent location with frequent visits by locals, dog friendly, nice views of the street scene thru full display windows. Variety of comfortable seating. A neighborhood park with seating across the street to relax and sip your drink. I completely enjoyed the visit and will return. Price is appropriate for the ambience and quality of products. I parked on the street nearby without difficulty.

One of my favorite places for brunch! Amazing food and service! Definitely worth the wait on the weekends!

Was here for the first time at noon for lunch this past Sunday (6/22). By far the best mushroom swiss burger I've ever had. 10/10. Can't wait to be back and try the other items on the menu. I also had the nitro brew but that tasted watery. Not bad but also nothing to write home about.

Super cute corner cafe and restaurant with great service and tasty food! I stopped by for a weekday lunch and enjoyed their half tuna sandwich and corn chowder soup combo. I also got to try their Pancake and it was seriously delicious! You can't go wrong with anything on their menu so be sure to check them out next time you're in Kensington.

We love Kensington Cafe! The staff are amazing and I've loved everything I've tried on the menu. Casual sit down dinning with excellent customer service. Family friendly with a nice kids menu (I recommend the kids pancake with whip cream and fruit). Everytime we have friends or family in town we stop here at least once. Great place for a sit down meal or grabbing a coffee and pastry to go.

Came here on a Wednesday morning and the place was pretty empty. The ambiance gives an old timey feel, with a nice view of Adams Ave. What was really nice was the Yelp check in with 20% off the entire order. It says for dinner, but the hours reported on Yelp don't include dinner hours. Nonetheless we still got the 20% off for brunch. The Daniel- Juicy bacon and plenty of aioli in between an Everything bagel. The bagel itself and the turkey however was a bit dry, so some bites will not be as good as others. 3/5 Pulled Pork Hash- Pork is juicier and more flavorful but is a bit on the saltier side. Not too much of a problem if mixed with the egg and potatoes. Sourdough bread was also on the dry side but there's butter. 3.5/5

Got a bad impression right off the bat... My boyfriend and I were the first people in line and one of the hostesses completely ignored us and claimed the blonde girl behind us was first and asked where THEY wanted to sit before us. Very rude. I can't help but feel that they wouldn't have overlooked us if we looked like them. The food was surprisingly decent. I ordered the pulled pork Hash and my boyfriend got the cali burrito and we both enjoyed our meals, just wish they had some Cholula hot sauce. Furthermore, this is definitely one of those places that claims to put an aïoli on top of everything but it's really mayo so be warned. Overall their menu is very huge so they have a little something for everyone and our server was very nice. The tables and the restaurant itself were pretty small so I wouldn't recommend coming here with a large party. Definitely a more intimate vibe. Pricing wasn't so bad either. Before tip out bill came out to about $36 which was nice. Not sure if I'll be back just off of initial experience, this was my first time eating in Kensington and it wasn't the most welcoming vibe but I could always change my mind if I give it some time.

a post-op appointment necessitated a visit to San Diego. only four weeks since knee replacement surgery, I hadn't been cleared to drive so my seventeen-year old volunteered to do the chauffeuring. I finished mid-morning and since we hadn't eaten and were both hungry, we stopped at the KENSINGTON CAFE for breakfast. parking was a challenge. we had to circle the block several times to find a place in walking distance which was kinda important with my new-and-improved knee. wow. just wow. Wyatt ordered the BROWN SUGAR BUTTERMILK PANCAKES with butter and maple syrup and bacon, egg, and fried potato sides. apparently he was hungry. he raved about everything. I had the DANIEL (bacon, turkey, spicy aoli, and provolone on a toasted everything bagel) with a scrambled egg, arugula, and sliced tomato adds. the sandwich was perfect. the restaurant has a quaint, neighborhood vibe and service was attentive without hovering.

A true neighborhood cafe. I already love Kensington, but Kensington Cafe is just the icing on top! I love meeting up with friends for weekday or weekend brunch here. They have a variety of savory goodies along with sweet treats. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Service is always great and there's a nice laidback environment going on here. Perfect place to just sit outside and people watch or cozy up inside! Parking is always pretty easy on the street around the cafe.

I have to give a shout out to Vee who answered the phone and helped me with my order a couple mornings ago. You can talk about making the world a better place one person at a time, but she actually did it. I was having one of those mornings where I needed some comfort food and I needed it my way with no surprises or ingredients I didn't ask for. I knew it was busy when I called and I didn't care. But Vee did. She was patient and said she understood and helped me find exactly what I needed. Thank you for going the extra., Vee.

Best Cobb salad in SD! And Parker is an awesome server, so fun and happy! We love coming here for the great food and vibes.

We really enjoyed all the options the cafe offered and we enjoyed everything we picked. Their coffee and espresso drinks were also very tasty. The staff was attentive and checked on us a couple of times to make sure everything was OK. They do have a pretty decent covered patio seating, but inside was a little tight, at least where we sat. I wouldn't recommend groups bigger than 6 or 7 because of that, but we did see a party of 6 seated comfortably in the corner. We also liked the location because we could walk around the main street and neighborhood afterward.

This wonderful place has been here since at least 1996, when I moved into the neighborhood, on Marlborough. The realtor and I met in the Cafe to do punch-out paperwork and had some of the greatest coffee in the world. Now, in 2024, I am retired, and the Kensington Cafe is still part of my morning routine and ritual: Sit outside, drink a hot one and watch the world go by on Adams Ave. From Robert J.

My friend and I decided to check out this spot for the first time. The barista was helpful in letting me find my seat. Our server did ok; she didn't give us the energy that she wanted to be there. Didn't smile and wasn't much helpful with the menu. Since the menu didn't have pictures, we were hoping for suggestions on the menu as it was a pretty dense list. I had ordered iced coffee but didn't like it. Their waffles were not bad for what the recipe was for; loved the presentation on that. Our server got my friends order wrong, so we ended up eating different times. I ordered the asada bowl to go for later and it was surprisingly good. It's not an exceptional cafe but it's a decent spot for breakfast. Noticed its a neighborhood cafe to casually meet up with friends or family for casual breakfast talk. Was $38 total, not bad, not bad.

This was my second time trying this place & it's so good. The waiter was friendly & welcoming. The owner of the cafe is super sweet & kind! This cafe is homey & at a perfect location in the heart of Kensington. We got the brown sugar buttermilk pancakes with a side of potatoes & bacon, a peanut butter sandwich with fruit from the kids menu, & a bagel sandwich with eggs, avocado, & bacon. The food was delicious!! I really enjoyed eating here & would totally recommend it to others!

Great service, food, and atmosphere! Cute little place on the corner of Marlborough. Our server was delightful and the food was very good. They have a walk up coffee Togo counter aswell that was averagely busy for a Friday morning.

Service was superb, I will definitely be back. The food was great and the ambiance relaxed and cozy.

Okay okay - this place is a cute neighborhood spot that feels like you're part of the local SD crowd. We came on a Monday morning (9 am) during a long weekend and parking easy + seating. It definitely started getting busy as we left! I opted for the vegan breakfast burrito and the cinnamon roll pancakes. I am a fan of the cinnamon roll pancakes and it reminded me of another favorite breakfast place, Kimmie's! The vegan burrito was also very filling and had beans and vegan egg(?) I think it was egg? Overall, I enjoyed my breakfast and the homey feeling it had and will come back for that early bird breakfast grind!

Came back today with husband. I got the roasted veggie bowl this time around - it came with kale, quinoa, poached egg, pesto and Parmesan, and I'm forgetting what else, but it was filling and delicious. Husband got pancakes with bacon and scrambled eggs. We shared the pancakes and agreed that they're the best ones we've had in a while. Soft and fluffy with edges thinly crisped. It was like eating a funnel cake! Now that pricing has gone up everywhere, this breakfast diner is pretty much on par with pricing everywhere else, so it'll now be in our rotation of places to enjoy within walking distance :)

Kensington Cafe is a cute neighborhood cafe on Adam's Avenue in the charming area of Kensington serving caffeinated beverages, breakfast dishes, lunch sandwiches and salads, beers, wines, mimosas, and cocktails. 5/5 Service: friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. 4.5/5 honey lavender latte: hot, shot of espresso sweetened with honey, lavender syrup (could not taste the lavender) and frothed with creamy whole milk 4/5 pulled pork hash: soft scrambled eggs over pulled pork and hash with a side of sour dough and butter. My friend had the vegan breakfast burrito, and liked it so much I unfortunately did not get to try it. 3/5 parking: there is no dedicated parking lot, but adjacent street parking can be found in the charming streets of Kensington.

Kensington Cafe was AMAZING! Our server Samantha was so so sweet, was so attentive and got us everything we needed so quick! this was seriously the best brunch we've had on our trip to San Diego and so fairly priced as well! the inside is so cute and welcoming, we loved it! don't even think about going anywhere else in this area for brunch!