Little Lion Cafe

Cafe · San Diego

Little Lion Cafe

Cafe · San Diego

5

1424 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107

Photos

Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by Helen I. Hwang
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null
Little Lion Cafe by null

Highlights

Belgian waffles, baked eggs, and lattes near Sunset Cliffs  

Featured in Eater
Placeholder

1424 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107 Get directions

thelittlelioncafe.com
@little_lion_cafe

$20–30 · Menu

Information

Static Map

1424 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107 Get directions

+1 619 756 6921
thelittlelioncafe.com
@little_lion_cafe
𝕏
@littlelionob

$20–30 · Menu

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations
wifi

Last updated

Aug 13, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@infatuation

The Best Brunch Spots In San Diego - San Diego - The Infatuation

"Old-school San Diegans will remember longtime Ocean Beach establishment the Belgian Lion, whose legacy lives on in Little Lion, run by the original owners’ three granddaughters. ”Little” isn’t an exaggeration: this cafe is the size of a quaint beach cottage, with the personality, too. Their seating spills over into the unpaved alleyway outside, so you can enjoy your fluffy spinach and pea frittata amid the tasseled umbrellas and wicker furniture. Little Lion also channels its Belgian roots into an immaculate waffle, so crisp and light that you won’t be too full for a dip in the ocean down the block afterwards." - candice woo, cora lee, ligaya malones

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-diego/guides/best-brunch-san-diego
View Postcard for Little Lion Cafe
@infatuation

Little Lion Cafe - Review - Sunset Cliffs - San Diego - The Infatuation

"Old-school San Diegans will remember longtime Ocean Beach establishment the Belgian Lion, whose legacy lives on in Little Lion, run by the original owners’ three granddaughters. ”Little” isn’t an exaggeration: this cafe is the size of a quaint beach cottage, with the personality, too. Their seating spills over into the unpaved alleyway outside, so you can enjoy your fluffy spinach and pea frittata amid the tasseled umbrellas and wicker furniture. Little Lion also channels its Belgian roots into an immaculate waffle, so crisp and light that you won’t be too full for a dip in the ocean down the block afterwards. RESERVE A TABLE WITH RESERVE A TABLE" - Cora Lee

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-diego/reviews/little-lion-cafe
View Postcard for Little Lion Cafe
@eater

Best Restaurants in San Diego’s Point Loma Neighborhood | Eater San Diego

"The woman-owned Little Lion Cafe is a spot to enjoy brunch classics: eggs Benedict with sauteéd greens, Belgian waffles crowned with organic fresh fruit, peppery shakshuka topped with feta and crunchy radish, and yes, even avocado toast. Inside, it’s beachy and intimate, with a few small tables past the entryway’s striped awning, and from the sidewalk seating you can see the Sunset Cliffs pelicans fly in formation. It’s the perfect destination for catching up over coffee or for a quiet lunch after walking down the shore." - Keri Bridgwater

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-point-loma-san-diego
View Postcard for Little Lion Cafe
@eater

The Best San Diego Breakfast Restaurants | Eater San Diego

"A cozy cottage near Sunset Cliffs houses a tiny breakfast restaurant with charm for days. Run by a trio of sisters who hail from the legendary culinary family behind the Belgian Lion, the petite cafe serves up comforting plates like salmon mousse toast and Belgian waffles." - Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-breakfast-san-diego
View Postcard for Little Lion Cafe
@eater

How to Eat Your Way Through San Diego in 24 Hours - Eater San Diego

"One of the best is Little Lion Cafe, which sits on the edge of one of the most beautiful vistas in the city at Sunset Cliffs. After taking a stroll around the cliffs, stop in to eat—the baked eggs, daily rotating poached eggs special, the prosciutto and mozzarella with romesco toasts and the superfood bowl are popular choices." - Jackie Bryant

https://sandiego.eater.com/2018/9/17/17870122/one-day-san-diego-best-restaurants-24-hour-visit
View Postcard for Little Lion Cafe

Aaron Lutz

Google
I walk the sunset cliffs regularly with my dog and always go by this cafe. Decided to stop in this time and was glad I finally did. Had the Shakshuka which was amazing and their aperol spritz. Great spot for some brunch with my dog.

Victoria Starr

Google
Stopped at Little Lion Café in Sunset Cliffs for a celebration lunch and it did not disappoint. The avocado toast was absolute chef’s kiss perfection, and they even brought out bacon for my pup—major bonus points! The outdoor atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the staff were incredibly friendly. Definitely a hidden gem I’d recommend to anyone looking for good food and good vibes.

Daniel Geloso

Google
We found this place during a gastrointestinal emergency well after hours and the only place that would let us use their bathroom. we struck up a conversation with Josh and the rest of the staff who were incredibly kind, genuine and down to earth. We came back the next day for brunch and the food DID NOT DISAPPOINT. great vibes super fresh and delicious. Do not miss if you’re in ocean beach whatever you do!

Jacquelyn Forrester

Google
Food & Drinks: The lattes were outstanding. My boyfriend had the matcha latte with rose-cardamom syrup, which turned out to be one of the best flavor combinations we've ever tried. The golden milk turmeric latte was equally delicious. For food, we tried the jalapeño duck & bacon sausage, crab cakes Benedict, ricotta toast, and shakshuka. Unfortunately, the gravy was unavailable, so we couldn't try the sausage bowl, but that's just another reason to return. The standout dish was definitely the jalapeño duck & bacon sausage -- flavorful and a real winner. The crab cakes were also impressive; you could really taste the freshness of the crab meat. The ricotta toast was a unique breakfast item, but it was surprisingly delicious. The shakshuka, while good, wasn't quite as memorable as the other dishes. Service: Excellent and attentive service. The food did take a little while to arrive, but it's understandable given the small kitchen, and the wait was definitely worth it. Ambiance: A charming, cozy spot right next to Sunset Cliffs. Parking is limited unless you're willing to pay, but the location is worth it. Dogs are welcome outside, which is a nice touch.

Cassandra Villalobos

Google
One of the best waffles I've had, very light and fluffy! Husbands Turkey bacon sandwich was delicious too

Yuri Castillo

Google
We tried the sausage bowl, lox croissant, and ricotta toast, and each one was a hit. The sausage bowl was hearty and flavorful, with perfectly balanced ingredients that left us wanting more. The lox croissant was beautifully flaky and packed with fresh, quality salmon, just the right amount of indulgence. The ricotta toast was light yet satisfying, with creamy ricotta that paired beautifully with its toppings. Highly recommend this gem for anyone seeking delicious and thoughtfully crafted breakfast options.

Brian Wigley

Google
I'm very glad we found this little cafe! Really great food. Good service. The cafe is small and very busy, so expect a wait to be seated. I went at 1:30pm on a Sunday and was able to get a table for 2 right away but I wouldn't expect that. They also were out of a couple of items on the menu, which is expected late in the day for a place where most things are made in house. I had the brunch tacos and the chia bowl with prickly pear lemonade. It was excellent and I am looking forward to returning! Have some patience with the staff and kitchen, it is worth it. You are just a block from Bermuda beach where you can hang out before or after you eat.

Td Trains

Google
I’ve heard such great things and always drive by Little Lion Cafe so finally got the chance to try it out! It’s such a cute cafe right around the corner from Sunset Cliffs. I highly recommend making reservations, it is very small with not a lot of seating so you could be waiting a bit if you try and walk in Service was great, I thought the food was okay overall. A little on the pricier side in my opinion for what you get We got the California Croissant sandwich with a side of the duck/bacon sausage, turkey and bacon sandwich, coffee cake and two coffees Overall it was a cute place to check out. I’d come back again to try out some of the other food options Highly recommend going for a walk along the cliffs after your meal it’s so beautiful out there
google avatar

Marina B.

Yelp
This place is so good the memories of the food haunt my dreams. We came here November 2024 for a Divine Truth presentation at Marina Village Conference Center and the irony of realizing a food addiction... because we stopped at Little Lion on day 3 for breakfast amd I can't stop thinking about the food!! The service was phenomenal but the food.... was the best. The soyrizo and sweet potato tacos still haunt my dreams as one of the best vegan dishes. Even the chia breakfast bowl, which are usually sort of pgoned in was delicious till the end. I ate it all and a tumeric latte which was also the best Ive ever had. And now, back in Vegas I am without. This place is a sleeper sniper banger of a good spot I have no doubt vegans and normals alike will be very pleased with both the menu selection and service Treat yo'self.
google avatar

Bella G.

Yelp
This restaurant was my dream. It was little and cute and had very nice outside seating. We sat next to two super well-behaved golden retrievers and they brightened my day. I got the golden milk turmeric latte because why the hell not? It was a blend of turmeric, cinnamon and ginger spices, honey, vanilla, and steamed oat milk. I'm glad I got it but I would get the chai-spiced latte if I went back! The eggs benedict was creamy and the eggs were super fluffy but still runny, my favorite. We got the crab cake eggs benedicts and it was a new experience for me. I've never had crab and runny eggs and that is something I will have again. I just love how messily good it is when the yolks pop and the bread get soggy and the hollandaise is everywhere... so beautiful I could shed a tear. The baked egg strata are two scrambled eggs in a cast iron skillet and we got it filled with goat cheese, leeks, spinach, and pesto. This was a fluffy, flavorful skillet from heaven. The goat cheese made it have some creamy pockets and eggs and pesto just work so well. It was great. The coffee cake was super big and super dense. There were chunks of cinnamon sugar folded all throughout the bread. I feel like I needed some sort of cream or jam to pair with it but it was so good by itself too. It was so big so it was a great snack for later.
google avatar

Kelly P.

Yelp
We came by sometime between breakfast and lunch on a weekday, and it was actually busier than I thought it would be! We ended up taking a seat inside; it's cute and they have a handful of tables, but they have a bunch of outdoor seating, with many tables kind of lining the alleyway. We were seated right away and the hostess and our server were both super nice. I got the Golden Milk Latte with a shot of espresso which was spot on! I thoroughly enjoyed it. And for food, I got the Shakshuka without feta. It was supposed to come with radishes and instead I guess they subbed arugula. It was a little weird, but the dish itself was pretty good. The eggs were cooked closer to medium/hard boiled and you can eat the whole dish with a fork. I really enjoyed it (despite the arugula).
google avatar

Liz G.

Yelp
Little Lion Cafe was great. I met with a friend for brunch. I ordered a caramel latte and the brunch tacos, and she had a vanilla latte and the little lion breakfast platter. Everything came out gorgeous, and we both enjoyed our food and lattes. The place is dog-friendly. The staff members are wonderful - We were there until they were starting to close and we never felt rushed or unwelcome. It's a great place to grab food and something to drink and spend some time near the ocean at Sunset Cliffs.
google avatar

Leslie B.

Yelp
Little Lion Cafe is a lovely little brunch spot just steps away from Sunset Cliffs. I have never been, as on weekends, it is super busy since the tiny spot fills up quickly. My husband and I took a weekday off of work to play tourist, and decided to check out Little Lion before strolling along the cliffs. We parked easy almost directly in front of the restaurant on the street with no trouble at all. When we arrived, we were seated quickly at an outside table. Service was friendly and prompt. The menu contained both breakfast and lunch items. I ordered the superfood bowl with an egg. My husband ordered the Crab Benedict. My food was very fresh and delicious. The only thing is that the menu described cauliflower (which I love), and I had trouble finding it in my bowl. However, had I not read that on the menu, I would not have missed it. My husband said his dish was not really much of a traditional Benedict, but that it was also very delicious. I also had a sangria that had a good flavor, but was a bit watery, as maybe some of the ice had been melting in it. My husband enjoyed his mimosa. All in all, this is a great spot in a beautiful area. As long as I can find a time that is not overly busy, I will go back to try some of the other menu items.
google avatar

Emma F.

Yelp
A very cute neighborhood spot right next to the sunset beach trails, but be prepared to wait & for higher prices. We picked this spot as a place to grab breakfast right before walking along the sunset cliff trails. We came on a weekday morning and were lucky enough to get street parking but I can imagine it would be harder on a weekend. The restaurant is very cute, has outdoor seating, and feels like a cozy neighborhood spot. I would recommend coming here when you're not in a rush as service can take a while (which is understandable as they only seemed to have a small staff). Everything seems to be made fresh but they don't do any substitutions so be aware of that if you have dietary restrictions. The prices were also quite high for a breakfast spot (perhaps since it is a small business with fresh ingredients). Nonetheless i found the food quite good. The fruits were fresh and beautifully arranged. The crossiant had a nice toasted outer layer and you can tell everything is made with thought. From the cafe it was a quick walk to the trail so recommend checking that out after! If you don't mind paying a bit more and waiting a bit longer, it was a lovely spot to visit!
google avatar

Mai W.

Yelp
Now THIS is a gem in OB worth trekking for. Came on a Friday around 11. I must've beat the morning rush as I got a table outside pretty quickly for our party. Wait staff was nice and got our orders in. Their mocha was amaaaaaazing. Honestly there was A TON that looked amazing, but my stomach pouch can only hold so much. It was a Friday during lent (IYKYK) so I went for the lox croissant sandwich. JC would've been proud this sandwich was made available to all to enjoy. Everything was just perfect. I can see this place POPPIN OFF on the weekends. Give yourself time for parking and for a wait if you're coming during prime hours. Can't wait to come back and try the rest of their menu!
google avatar

Dylan T.

Yelp
Very cute little spot. Great offerings for brunch and conveniently located to where we stayed for our trip. The only minor knock was that our table wasn't cleaned very well so my girlfriend got some kind of sauce on a brand new phone case that actually wouldn't disappear for a while even after cleaning. Still giving it 5-stars because the food and service was great, and the stain did fade in the next couple of days. It's very small, so when they say seating is limited, it really is. The hours are also somewhat limited so you may actually want to plan ahead vs trying to pop in on a whim.
google avatar

Diane S.

Yelp
Food was fresh and tasty! Service was friendly and efficient. The cafe is charming and has a European feel. Espresso service is excellent! A favorite eatery.
google avatar

Katherine N.

Yelp
This is my favorite place on earth; the food, ambience, and location is absolutely everything. It does fill up quickly so I'd suggest making a reservation ahead of time. The Farmer's fruit market bowl is so fresh and has a good balance of sweet and tart. The eggs Benedict were so creamy and savory, they were so nice to split it into two plates for us. The side of potato's were fried so crispy on the outside but soft and flakey on the inside. The presentation of the dishes also showed the attention to detail and it was so pleasing to the eye. The store itself is quite small inside but I love the vintage decor and intimate vibe. They also have some tables around the restaurant and it's perfect to feel the beach breeze. The service is always friendly and fast, it's enjoyable experience overall. I go here every time I'm in San Diego, 10/10 would recommend!
google avatar

Mel H.

Yelp
Breakfast spot in Ocean Beach. Sat outside since it was a nice day. Had the vegetable omelette with avocado. It was very good with a side of crispy hash brown. This is a small place and we went early. Our waitress was very nice and friendly. We were in and out of there in no time.
google avatar

Catrina R.

Yelp
What a wonderful all around experience this was! We came for breakfast around 11:30 and had a reservation (which we recommend). It wasn't overly busy but on weekends I can foresee this place getting busy as there are a few tables in and outside. Let's start with the drinks. We had a vanilla bean latte and the Carmel latte. They make the vanilla bean and Carmel in house and what a tremendously tasty difference that makes. Would recommend both! We had their cinnamon coffee cake and man oh man! So soft! It's the pound cake/butter cake/cinnamon mixup of your dreams. 15/10. Their eggs Benedict was hella tasty. The hollandaise sauce stole the show here. Their potatoes are also perfectly soft inside but crispy on the outside. The Belgian waffle was different than many we've had. It was crispy but soft inside. In that way it was the best of both worlds. The mascarpone slapped. What really added to the experience is the homey-ness of this place. It seems like you're eating in someone's home and everyone that worked there was absolutely attentive and warm. Low key high key wish we lived nearby so this could be our neighborhood place. It's literally a block from sunset cliffs which is great. There is street parking and then a parking lot to pay for nearby. They have take home meals as well and boozy drinks for breakfasts. Definitely come if you want the cutest experience.
google avatar

Mitch M.

Yelp
What a gem. The location out front and even inside is very unpretentious and unassuming, but the food is incredible. I might be missing informed, but I was told that owners/chefs are big time and wanted to scale down. That seems like a win-win as the food is fantastic, but much more accessible than, some fancy Michelin starred restaurant. Highly recommend that you check this place out if you are in Ocean Beach.
google avatar

Sommer C.

Yelp
The food was fantastic, and there was a nice selection for both of us. My husband is an omnivore and I eat gluten-free/vegan. We will definitely be back!
google avatar

Jennifer D.

Yelp
The food is absolutely amazing! I ordered the eggs Benedict with bacon! The bacon was strip, crispy and delicious! The bread was fresh baked and soaking up the tasty tomato and fresh avocado! All this goodness was topped with perfectly poached eggs! The wait staff was phenomenal and ready with recommendations! The lavender mimosa is a must have! You can taste the flavors bubbling up with every sparkling pop! I love this spot!
google avatar

Maggie F.

Yelp
Great brunch spot! Wait times can be long since it's such a small place, but the cliffs are right there so we usually just go on a little scenic walk while we wait. The food here is great, super fresh and tasty. Again, with this being such a small place food can take a while to come out but it's definitely worth the wait. I love the benedicts here and my dad loves the bowls. The sweet options here are decent too, but I'd definitely recommend going savory instead. Coffee is also great!
google avatar

Chanel M.

Yelp
Way overpriced for what you get. Like absolutely ridiculous biscuit was great, sausage and bacon sub par. Like we each got two sides... sides! And one mimosa and it was 67$ what a joke
google avatar

Christina H.

Yelp
Omg, this is the cutest little cafe!! It was right next to the water and it was a nice quiet location. The only down side was the parking. It is street parking and you might have to park in the neighborhood across the street. But everything on the menu looked so amazing and refreshing! I loved the veggie croissant that I got, all of the ingredients were so fresh! It was a bit pricy but it was worth it for the quality!! I also got the horchata cold brew which was a good level of sweetness. The waitress was very attentive and helpful with her recommendation on the menu, and made sure to check what sweet level I wanted for my drink, which I usually forget to ask about! There was a moderate amount of seating. Mostly small tables, so not ideal for big groups. They had some seating inside and outside as well. This cafe is also dog friendly and had bowls of water for the pups! Highly recommend this place!
google avatar

Genesis R.

Yelp
Food is amazing!! Don't think just go and eat!!! Prices are worth it and even though they are more vegan ish, the food is really good!!!
google avatar

Hany F.

Yelp
Very quaint little restaurant with very good food. Coffee cake was so delicious. Little lion breakfast was amazing. Croissant with chicken salad was so yummy. Highly recommended...
google avatar

Thia Y.

Yelp
Great service and the food was excellent We got the glow bowl and the quinoa bowl and the alkaline lemonade. All wonderful! The green onion biscuit with shishito butter was delicious and so was the duck sausage. Super short walk to Sunset Cliffs if you have to wait for a table (which is likely) Love that it is owned by 3 sisters!
google avatar

John F.

Yelp
Little Lion Cafe has a good vibe and a decent menu. The coffee is super strong and the dishes are prepared to be eye catching. We felt that the dishes were a little pricey for the portion size and I wished that my hot food was hot. But decent overall. I saw an order of breakfast tacos past by that looked good. I plan to give Little Lion another try.
google avatar

Angela B.

Yelp
We finally made it here to try their breakfast without having to wait for a table. The way we achieved that was coming here on a weekday when they opened. This was all influenced by YouTuber Garth's review of this tiny cafe. In the end, the food was tasty but I don't understand the hype. It's crowded on weekends because it's a small place. 3.5 stars

Samantha M.

Yelp
Very rude first time coming to this restaurant stopped for a quick coffee sat down in apparently what the " dinning area " is and was told to move we understand Adam but we are also providing business . From my understanding if we bought a coffee that's considered dinning. Felt very racial profiled
google avatar

Erika V.

Yelp
Hubby brought me here for brunch the first time. Good service from the girls there! Ambiance is very chill and cozy. Good Benedicts there! They were all out of potatoes and said their Belgian waffle maker was not working (we went there to try them). Overall, good experience with what we ordered.
google avatar

Alexandra T.

Yelp
This place was so hyped up my parents came in to town to visit, we made a reservation, still waited close to an hour, then Once we sat down took the server another 20 minutes to get to us, not to mention as she reached over us to hand us menus I got a huge bunch of armpit hair in my face, no exactly enjoyable. My boyfriend's drink she completely forgot about. My mom just got a side salad which was a bowl Bout three inches in diameter filled with microgreens for about $17. My boyfriend got the shakshuka, and it was so bland, along with the rest of the food. Was not impressed. Over priced, not guest oriented no sense of urgency or seeming to give any type of flying horah about people being obviously irritated with wait times, or needing their server. It seems like it's a someone who runs it who's is just use to cooking for their family, not someone who really understands the service industry. Was not impressed, we honestly should have just gone to one of the breakfast spots down on Newport. This place should not have all the hype that is does, bland food long with long wait times and staff that couldn't honestly care less about your experience, seems like they care more about looking cute and rolling silverware than making sure their tables were happy. Will not be back, and again, save your money and go to breakfast republic or one of the breakfast diners on new port.
google avatar

Marjon F.

Yelp
Mom and Pop Style ambiance. Just at the corner Before Sunset Cliffs. Went here yesterday morning for brunch, definitely recommend having reservations it gets pretty busy. Looks like they have a shortage of staff, you can see they're working hard but having multiple duties, took a while for them to get to us to order drinks and food. But overall had a good impression. The food was really good, I ordered the traditional eggs benedict my date ordered the breakfast sandwich. I also ordered Matcha latte with oat milk, and it was steamed just to perfection. It is a little pricey especially for the porition size, but quality is good. Parking shouldn't be too fast to find although it'll just be residential in Street parking. They have a bathroom in the back of the kitchen, so not a true bathroom for guests. Overall, I had a decent experience, but probably not somewhere that wow'd me enough to go again.
google avatar

Alicia L.

Yelp
Darling little cafe! Food was delicious and well presented. I ordered the eggs Benedict with a medium poached egg and they got it perfect Also ordered a mimosa that was a very generous size and not consumed in 2 sips. I noticed several of the chairs had blankets on the back of them to wrap around your shoulders when it gets a little chilly. Nice addition instead of the usual heat lamps that only keeps the side closest to the lamp warm. Due to the size of the restaurant, I recommend coming an hour before you want to eat to get on the waiting list and then go for a walk to see the beach while you are waiting.

Amiel N.

Yelp
I didn't really get the hype of this place. I order the two baked eggs dish, but my eggs were undercooked and a vanilla bean espresso drink, which had the taste of burnt coffee. My guess to why people like it is because it has the feeling of grandmas food and home. A good place if you are in the area, but I wouldn't recommend going out your way to come here.
google avatar

Jennifer M.

Yelp
I went to this cafe almost everyday we stayed in San Diego! The energy is great and the food and drinks were so good. My dad is the picky eater and LOVED this spot! We will definitely go again when visiting San Diego.
google avatar

Becky O.

Yelp
We waited 30 minutes to get seated and another 30 minutes plus to order and get our food. Service was definitely lackluster. Good food, but not worth the bad service and long wait.

Cathy W.

Yelp
Nicest people ever! Also so very cute and cozy inside :) definitely will come back! Great smelling candle in bathroom, very clean and nice overall!
google avatar

Nasim R.

Yelp
I met wanted to meet with my friend that lives in OB and found this cafe. We got there right when they opened at 9 am and there was already a line. But we were able to get a seat outside. Service was friendly, and food was delicious. We order the fruit bowl that came with their home made whip cream (amazing) and curd. We also got the goat cheese skillet to share. As for drink I ordered the Golden Turmeric drink and added espresso to it. Even though my drink did have honey in it, it was not sweat and was quit tasty. However, it was attracting a lot of flys. Food and service was great. However we were sitting on the street side and right next to the mechanic shop, so it was a bit noisy. I would probably ask to sit inside or in the alley next time.

Tim L.

Yelp
What a cool little cafe right by the beach! Met up with some friends this morning for breakfast. The eggs Benedict was delish and the green chili biscuit was too. The staff was attentive and very pleasant. I'll be baacckkk!

Angeline B.

Yelp
We split the breakfast platter n it was delicious. Wait wasn't that long. Great service..
google avatar

Karen K.

Yelp
Food was great! Ordered the egg salad sandwich - very delicious and the bacon was very crispy. Service was a little slow but we had a big party of 9, so understandable. Prices were a little high but might be expected is the area. Overall would recommend.
google avatar

Camille H.

Yelp
This restaurant is very cute! It's really small so I recommend getting a reservation but they were taking walk-ins as well. The staff is very nice and it doesn't feel rushed or hectic despite being busy. The drinks were really good. I got a matcha latte which they make with oat milk and I enjoyed that. My friend got a caramel latte and that was good too! The food was also excellent. Good portion sizes, nice and warm, and delicious. I got the goat cheese and pesto egg strata but they were out of goat cheese so they subbed it for feta which was a good switch. It was made to order and came in a small cast iron pan. My friend ordered a bacon tomato avocado eggs benedict. All good!
google avatar

Martha M.

Yelp
The food and staff are good; but i found it to be VERY pricey 71.00 for 2 orders of waffles and one order of avocado toast, one coffee and one te, plus 20% tip (that is the lowest option they give you when paying with card). The order of waffles was one large waffle cut in four pieces. The presentation was nice with smeared butter on the plate and a few berries. Sadly I will probably not go back
google avatar

Makaela P.

Yelp
If you're visiting Sunset Cliffs, then I highly recommend checking out the Little Lion cafe, a super cute cafe near the cliffs. Very small restaurant with cozy seating inside and outside. Hubby ordered the Little Lion Bistro burger, which was huge and delicious. I opted for the Belgian waffles, which was unexpected. When I read Belgian waffles, I think of fluffy, rectangle shaped waffles. These are more like croissant type of waffles, pretty thin and crunchy. Still good just unexpected. I also got fried chicken which was tasty and a mocha - my very first one ever! - that I enjoyed.

Kelsey R.

Yelp
Stayed in an Airbnb close to here so we came here almost every morning. The vanilla coffee was SO good. Cold foam on top. I was sad to see they were closed the day we hit the road. Also had some good eggs Benny! Definitely worth your money.
google avatar

Cora S.

Yelp
Went here on a Saturday morning and there was a wait for 30-45 minutes. The location isn't that nice with outdoor seating being right by a road and apartments so cars pass through. The food was good but overpriced for what it was. The part that was irritating was the service. We waited close to an hour for both croissant sandwiches to come out and the waitress did not once come tell us sorry or check on us. I had to ask her how much longer until the food to come out, which she then said a lot of people sat at the same time so it became busy yet two people who sat at the same time as us received their order, paid, and left before we even got our food. The comical part was our food required no cooking!!! They both came with a side of fruit too which was a joke. It was 3 blueberries, one strawberry, half a blackberry, and two slices of apples and oranges. These croissant sandwiches with fruit were $17-19 which was a rip-off. Also the espresso machine was broken, which I get is not their fault but it was disappointing because we weren't told until we sat down. There are plenty of other places to go to where it will be worth your while and money.
google avatar

Roz M.

Yelp
This was a nice stop after leaving the airport and before hitting the beach. I will give this tip, be sure to get your name on the waitlist on make reservations ahead of time! We arrived and stood behind some people for while before I decided to ask if we needed to join some type of list, by then at least three groups who arrived after us (and the few groups of us who had not signed in) were seated prior. No one working there ever mentioned it as they were going in and out of the front door. We waited probably 30 minutes and ended up with a seat outside. Be sure to request a small tower fan for your table, they use to keep the flies away. The coffees are a must and I feel that says a lot coming from me because I not a coffee drinks but tried a latte. For food I had the crab cakes benefit along with an extra order of bacon (extra bacon comes with 4 slices) and the Belgian potatoes. Overall I would try them out again, especially the coffee menu!
google avatar

Da C.

Yelp
This is the sort of place that gets inflated rating due to its convenient location next to Sunset cliffs. The servers are friendly but I stopped in to get two waffles and it took an hour. They must have forgotten my order or something because they gave me half off, like I said, good service. But the waffles themselves are pretty small and too crispy so not worth the wait anyway. Just go to Bruxie and save yourself the time.
google avatar

Sam Z.

Yelp
Great food, but it's not cheap. IIRC they don't have any decaf coffee, which was disappointing. Service was minimal - they brought our food and then didn't come back. Ambiance is fine, but there's not a lot of seating, so get there early if you want a table, even brunch on a weekday can fill up quickly.
google avatar

Kristi K.

Yelp
Great brunch spot! My friend and I went for brunch on a Saturday morning we arrived right when Little Lion opened and were able to be seated right away at one of the outdoor tables in the alley. Dogs are welcome as most seats are outside. There are not many tables but we did not have a problem without a reservation. I ordered the brunch tacos and my friend got the Benedict. We enjoyed both! Our food did take quite a while but if you are not in a rush it's a great place to hang out. The staff was friendly:)
google avatar

Chris P. B.

Yelp
A small, busy cafe near Sunset Cliffs, offering a neat selection for brunch. I was surprised by their style of making shakshuka as a baked egg strata, so naturally had to try it. I'd say it was fun to try, but not the most flavorful thing I've eaten. This may be because it was served steaming hot as shakshuka always is, but even as I let it cool, I found that without adding hot sauce to every bite, I was largely getting flavorless egg scramble and canned tomato with occasional (largely flavorless) bacon bits. The belgian waffle was nice, but for $16 I wouldn't say it's necessarily anything to write home about. It's on par with belgian waffles at any number of small businesses that serve brunch. Still, neatly presented with the berries and cream & a small cup of maple syrup. I regret getting the vanilla bean latte as I feel it was a tad on the pricey side at $6 for a glass that was 40% ice. However, the espresso at least had some strength to it, and the vanilla didn't taste super artificial. Next time I'd just get a drip coffee or stick with water, I think. Don't get me wrong, I actually thought the location was neat and the staff were friendly. It's a nice place for brunch if you're looking for a relatively quiet and tucked away spot. However, you may have to wait outside for a table as it seems to get quite busy on the weekends. And most importantly, while the food is ~okay~, nothing we tried really pulls me to return, and ultimately that's why I can't bring myself to give a full five stars. There are definitely reasons to like this little cafe, and it seems as though many here disagree with my opinion on the food, so I'm happy to say it's worth trying for yourself if you happen to be in the neighborhood.
google avatar

Dung N.

Yelp
My friend suggested this place for brunch! I've never heard of this cafe before, but it's so cute. There was a bit of a wait, but it wasn't too bad. We got seated outside and there were a few succulents around the area. I ordered a matcha latte, while she chose the Adaptogen cold brew. My matcha had some cute latte art and it was so delicious. For food, we shared the baked strata, Belgian waffle, and Hobb's bacon. The bacon was crispy- just how I like mine. The strata was great too. My favorite was definitely the waffle! It was served with whipped cream and berries and was so fantastic. The table next to me even raved about these waffles.
google avatar

Craig K.

Yelp
I love this little restaurant! The food is wonderful, the staff are friendly, and the ambiance suits me really well. It is simple and small, bright and interesting. I strongly recommend it.
google avatar

Scott F.

Yelp
It is the cutest place and so delicious. Their drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) were all amazing, and some really unique ones I have not seen anywhere else that we will definitely be back for. Not to mention you can check out Sunset Cliffs for a nice walk after your meal/snack. It's perfect!