Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery

Cafe · San Diego

Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery

Cafe · San Diego

2

444 W Cedar St, San Diego, CA 92101

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Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null
Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery by null

Highlights

Locally roasted beans, pastries, cafe fare, and dog-friendly patio  

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444 W Cedar St, San Diego, CA 92101 Get directions

loftycoffee.com
@loftycoffeeco

$10–20

Information

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444 W Cedar St, San Diego, CA 92101 Get directions

+1 760 230 6747
loftycoffee.com
@loftycoffeeco

$10–20

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Last updated

Aug 21, 2025

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San Diego’s Best Coffee Roasters and Cafes

"One of the major players on the coffee scene, Lofty has shops in Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, La Costa, and Little Italy. (Their beans are roasted in its Encinitas location on Highway 101.) With an expanded breakfast and lunch menu with pastries, wraps, and bowls, Lofty has plenty of room for lingering over coffee, food, and conversation." - Helen I. Hwang, Candice Woo, Eater Staff

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-coffee-shops-roasters-cafes-san-diego
View Postcard for Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery
@eater

A San Diego Dining Guide to the Food & Drink Scene - Eater San Diego

"Lofty Coffee is one of the area roasteries that operates its own cafe." - Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/15955860/san-diego-dining-guide
View Postcard for Lofty Coffee Little Italy Cafe and Bakery

Sarah D

Google
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

Google
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!

Audrey Osburn

Google
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

Google
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

Google
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!

Svetlana Mulkaidarova

Google
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.

Josh Maestas

Google
Showed up at open, they were ready and happy to help. Very good coffee, nice designs. It was really cool to see locals walk in and chat it up with them while getting their regular drinks.

Brian Murphy

Google
Fabulous little coffee shop and bakery! We stopped here for breakfast. Despite there being quite a few people eating and having a drink, the service was very fast. Everything was delicious. I had the Hummus and Avocado toast. I loved everything about it. Good portion, great flavor, and fresh. I also had the cold brew coffee and it was delicious - smooth and perfectly balanced. I would be back. Nice seating outside on the patio or inside the cafe.

Andrew V.

Yelp
I've been coming to Lofty Coffee in Little Italy *daily* for the past 8 years -- and I'm still obsessed. The coffee is always top-tier, the food's fresh and legit, and the vibe is unbeatable. The staff is friendly, the space is beautiful, and it just feels like home. Easily my favorite spot in San Diego.

Crystal R.

Yelp
This place is such a VIBE! Coffee is amazing & the staff are so sweet & the pastries are so yummy! The manager Amy is one of the sweetest people Ive ever met, always has a smile on her face & is willing to help anyone! This place has become one of my regular coffee shops I love to visit.
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David E.

Yelp
I LOVE the vibe and design here. If I were local I would be here on cool overcast days as often as I could afford to be here. My go-to is still... "CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF COLD BREW": -- I did not go back to the menu description but the top layer seems to be a heavy cream sweet cream that slowly drips like condensation in the sky down to the darker cold brew layer -- it is mandatory to SIP it like you would a nitro cold brew coffee so you get sweet cream topper with each sip of bold cold brew and do not run out of either too soon -- one of my favorite iced coffee beverages of all time -- I grabbed a sack of whole bean "Keeping it Klassy Espresso" and will update the review soon with tasting notes The STAFF are friendly and hip. NOTE: this beverage can take up to 15-20 minutes when they are busy on a weekend so bear that in mind
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Christina W.

Yelp
When we got here, there was a huge line but it moved fairly quickly. They have dogs on the patio (which I personally love) and it was definitely happening there. The patio was cute. I ordered the Turkish Latte and the Cedros for breakfast. My girlfriend ordered the Little Italy and shared half of her croissant with me. If she did not share, I definitely would had still been hungry. I left content but not full, so I wish there was a little something more that came with the Cedros. Though at first glance it might look a little sad the flavors were there! I loved the heirloom tomatoes, so tasty. Except for the sausage patty, I wish it had a little more umf of something for me. The latte was delightful, I personally wouldn't get it again though. Seemed kind of pricey for what I got, as do trendy places as such do.
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Alyssa N.

Yelp
I recently visited again and I love their avocado hummus toast!!! Like I'm obsessed with it. I visited on a Saturday morning for a quick bite. Short line and the cashier was very nice. I ordered the hummus avocado toast and an iced Turkish latte since the barista recommended it. Personally I did not like the Turkish latte, I realized that day I do not like cardamom lol. But that is personal preference! But I am obsessed with their hummus avocado toast-- filling, you basically get a full avocado, and the produce is so fresh. Perfectly balanced and beautiful. I will always order that when I stop by!
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Tania C.

Yelp
Lovely coffee spot. To be fair, we arrived almost an hour before closing. They have a great selection of coffee, and some pastries. Ambiance was really nice, although, it was missing some music. Service was good as well and seating areas were spotless. You can tell that this is a very busy cafe. By the way, busy or not, cleanliness is a must for us, it says a lot about the owner/workers' attention to detail. We want to go back to Lofty Cafe at a much earlier time, next time! We think it will be a great space. I will give you an update at a later day. For now, if you are in the area or want a place with great coffee selection, don't hesitate to stop by, and share your experience as well. Happy Coffee time!
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Angel S.

Yelp
So good! My Triple Almond Latte was made to perfection. The staff here are super friendly. Even giving hugs to a patron who's celebrating her birthday. The pastry case looked delightfully. Definitely a favorite.
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Danny W.

Yelp
This coffee shop has a cool atmosphere located in Little Italy with nice outdoor seating. The barista was friendly and answered all my questions when I was ordering my coffee. I had the Salted Caramel Latte and it was decent. I didn't have as much caramel flavor as I would have liked, but overall it was good.
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Colleen K.

Yelp
Delicious and fresh! We enjoyed tasty açaí bowls for brunch on their outdoor patio. Their outdoor space is lovely with a variety of seating in the covered area. I'd never had an açaí bowl quite like this - the açaí was almost like ice cream in texture, and instead of being stacked in layers, it's almost "deconstructed" and arranged like a salad on a plate. Very very good!
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Ken D.

Yelp
Came here the following morning after a IsoKnock concert and was pretty thrilled on the turkish latte. It's nice walking around on a cold ass day and stopping by for some hot coffee . The turkey sandwich was pretty filling as well! I thought it was going to be like your typical hipster sandwich with a mini slice of turkey but they packed it up pretty fat with avocado too. Service was quick and easy and the vibes are immaculate. I'd come back if I was around the area.
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Theresa E.

Yelp
This place is a diamond! I had the most amazing salted caramel latte I have ever tasted, and I'm a coffee nut! In addition, the avocado toast I had was out of this world, and I don't know that I will ever have anything as good as the two things I had when I was here. My companion had a croissant and she said it was magnificent as well. This place is a must do if you are visiting San Diego.
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John C.

Yelp
What a wonderful experience to finally be able to get in as each time I am nearby the lines are quite long. Today I brought my little ball of fluff with me and he is a rescue and very timid and shy. Amanda welcomed us in and gave my dog a treat. He was so happy to see a friendly smiley face. Amanda then asked what I was in the mood for? I said something savory and she recommended the ham Gruyere croissant that had onion jam in it. It was so delicious with a flaky crust. She said everything was made in house from scratch, including all syrups. The staff all work quickly and keep the place so clean and making sure there is a seat for the busy crowd. I saw them wiping down tables and throwing trash away as quickly as the guests were leaving. Was so hungry forgot to take a picture of my order. Can't wait to come back and try other delectable items. Especially Tatar tots
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Evangelia G.

Yelp
Lofty is such a Little Italy staple! I always enjoy my coffee and/or meal when I'm here. Today, my friend and I got Açaí bowls (absolutely delicious) for breakfast post Pilates, and I had an Aztec mocha (has a kick, so if you don't like spice, choose something else) and my friend got a honey latte. Loved both!
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Juan F.

Yelp
Came here for breakfast as this was walking distance from our hotel. They have a large patio which plenty of outdoor seating. We didn't have to wait in any line partly because we got there around 730am. The coffee and the pastries were amazing here. Would definitely come back if I were in the area.
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Norma D.

Yelp
I tried a new spot today. Lofty in Little Italy. Had the Aztec Mocha coffee and a toasted Quickie Toasted to perfection. With avocado and balsamic glaze. Delicious! My coffee was spicy and delicious. Perfect start to the day finding parking in front of the restaurant in Little Italy. I loved this place. It was a great people watching spot and the ambiance was welcoming. The staff were pretty busy but made time to check in with the regulars. Which is always nice to see.
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Sarah D.

Yelp
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 list for casual lunches out. Excited to come back and try more!
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Jasmine S.

Yelp
My friend and I stopped by on a late Saturday morning! It seemed pretty busy, but we were quickly helped & easily found a table. There were plenty seating options outside! No outlets from what I had seen, if that's something you need. I got the Lofty-Style Nola. It was tasty, not too milky! I do wish it were stronger in coffee flavor. The Flower Child toast was also good! There were a couple of overripe pieces of banana (left side) but apart from that, good! I enjoyed the subtle coconut taste + the peanut butter. The staff were friendly and attentive! The space was clean, but that didn't stop a few birds from flying into the patio area.
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Julia S.

Yelp
Came on a Saturday morning and it was busy! Folks were flowing in and out of the establishment - and with good reason. I had an iced Turkish latte, a drink that is infused with cardamom & raw sugar. The cardamom flavor did overpower the drink just slightly since it is such a distinct spice, but I really enjoyed it. Given how popular this place is, you may be hard-pressed to find seating (indoor seating is limited, but there's several outdoor options). The tables were clean, our drinks were made quickly, and my coffee was good. No complaints from me!
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Crystal Z.

Yelp
This place is definitely popular. Visited on a Saturday morning during prime time. Waited in line and ordered a mocha (that I thought was going to be iced but neither I or the barista asked...so my bad for not asking or requesting) and a Kyoto style nitro cold brew. I did not drink my coffee as I don't typically drink hot drinks and didn't have the heart to ask for ice since they were busy--my sweet boyfriend ended up drinking both lol. He said the coffee was decent. The place is cute.
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Michelle N.

Yelp
Just needed some caffeine on our Sunday walk around Little Italy and came across Lofty Coffee. There were a decent amount of people here so we stopped in to see what they had. - PARKING - Parking in Little Italy will always be tough, but once you find a spot, everything is pretty walkable! - SERVICE/ENVIRONMENT - Nice open air patio, decent amount of seating options. They have a menu of all their offerings outside so you can take a look as you're passing by instead of needed to go in. They have a display case of available pastries and bites! - FOOD/DRINK - Salted Caramel Latte ($6.60): I'm a sucker for Salted Caramel anything, especially in my coffee! I opted for Oat Milk and light ice, which ended making my drink a bit lower than full. Nice Salted Caramel flavor, coffee was nicely made. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie ($4.00): Pretty pricey for a cookie although this was a decent size. Nice and soft, good amount of chocolate chips. - OVERALL- If I ever need a quick pick-me-up and am nearby, I might stop in here again!
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Tati V.

Yelp
Awful first experience here. I ordered a simple cold brew with cold foam and ended up waiting almost fifteen minutes for a drink they already had prepped and only had to pour into a cup. The baristas need a better prioritization system so as you're not waiting for 10 hot lattes to be made before you get a cold brew. They also need to assign a cashier to take orders because one of the two baristas was also taking orders. My drink was also expensive for what it was. Never again.
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Paula C.

Yelp
I've been here a few times and absolutely love the experience each time. Food is good, lots of different kinds of coffee you can't find in every shop, and the customer service is always great. Also love the indoor/outdoor patio seating, although I usually just take things to go. Came here in Valentine's Day and they treated us to a yummy shortbread cookie with our drinks, which was one of their flavorful cold brews for this visit. I usually get an iced Turkish Coffee and it's delicious every time. Highly recommend this spot for great coffee, food, and great vibes.

Breanna A.

Yelp
Love love love this coffee spot and the staff is always so kind! Make sure to get the cloudy with a chance of cold brew with an extra shot for the zing zing
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Angela H.

Yelp
My friend and I check out a new coffee place every Monday and we decided to come to Little Italy to check out lofty and I don't know if I would go back. I got the Cloudy with a Chance of cold brew and it was just kind of bland. Nothing stood out to me. I was basically a cold brew with a lot of foam if you like a sweet drink this is not it. I also got a lemon cookie which was good but not $5 good. It is in Little Italy so parking can be tricky. We parked two blocks away and found a free parking spot. Service was just okay. You ordered the counter they give you a number and they bring it to you. Ordering was quick enough but then it did take a while just to get a cold brew and a cookie that was already sitting there at the counter. My friend got the French toast and it came with a side of butter and she said it tasted weird. Just the butter tasted weird. So I tried it and I agree it was like a waxy fatty butter. It kind of tasted rubish and away too. We both did not like it. The French toast however was good though. Them every year it is kind of pricey..i think I paid with tip Eighteen dollars For my two items.
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Leslie G.

Yelp
Never fails to impress! The turkey on croissant is my go to. Love the hibiscus tea and salted caramel latte. The gluten free donuts are a must
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Miranda C.

Yelp
A hidden coffee shop in the Little Italy area of Downtown San Diego. This coffee shop is patio style half indoor half outdoor situation, perfect with the SD weather. They serve breakfast and pastries here as well. I ordered the iced lavender latte and it was on the milkier side but I sometimes prefer my lattes this way when I don't want the espresso tasting too strong. So if you prefer stronger espresso flavor in your lattes, this may not be for you. I liked how the lavender flavor was subtle and not overpowering. Overall a solid 7.5/10 drink.
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Lisa K.

Yelp
This place is very cute and always has people. The service is good, the people are friendly. There is outdoor seating and indoor seating so it is dog friendly outside. I have tried a couple drinks and it was okay. The coffee didn't leave too much of an impression and last time I ordered the matcha drink which was a little disappointing. With the mint freshness with matcha I felt like it tasted like lemonade and the matcha was grainy. I'm not sure what made the matcha grainy but maybe there were other ingredients. I am used to matcha being smooth. My honest review is that I might not choose to come back here but I can totally see why some people might.
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Alex C.

Yelp
Currently traveling with a quick night in San Diego. Woke up to catch our train, and in desperate need of coffee. We literally smelled the beans and walked right to Lofty - our first time here. A very charming cafe with an enchanting staff, and the food and coffee exquisite. The bread on this sandwich is fantastic. A+ Lofty. A++.
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Sarah B.

Yelp
Lovely place with plenty of outdoor seating. Grabbing my usual decaf flat white with heavy cream (and an avocado toast with eggs breakfast. Fueling up before I hit the zoo!) The coffee is blazing hot and I don't mind that a bit. The coffee stands up well to the heavy whipping cream. I'll give you the heads up that I didn't get: it's a $2 up-charge for cream vs milk. I have to knock a star for the fact that my cup is chipped on the rim. I can drink around it, but it's a saftey hazard, sorry yall. Very dog friendly, plenty of locals hanging out. Lots of people watching if you grab a table facing the street. It's a great vibe.
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Kinga H.

Yelp
Yes, is there a coffee shop around every corner in SD? Sure is, but this Lofty Coffee is in my rotation for good reason. Excellent coffee. Delightful pastries, soft yet crispy and flaky, just how I like 'em! My only gripe is that I seem to always get in the mood for them when visiting on a busy Saturday morning when the market is going on. The lines can be long but as long as I'm not in a rush and chatting away with a friend then it's okay and the baristas are pretty quick without sacrificing taste and presentation. Plenty of seats in the outdoor open concept layout. Though still hard to snag on a Saturday unless you're lucky! Great if you're in the neighborhood as parking is street only and we all know how annoying that can be around here.
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Kimber S.

Yelp
We enjoyed delicious Açaí bowls along with our fresh roasted coffee. The service was great, and the bowls were packed with plenty of ingredients that tasted fresh and flavorful. Plus, it's the best spot to watch the neighborhood dogs come and go. We were really pleased with the experience!
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Asceph M.

Yelp
Ambiance was chill, menu was confusing and the item I got was explained to me completely differently. Wish I had looked up photos before I ordered tbh. I'm sure some people don't mind assembling their breakfast for $20 but I prefer mine differently, that's neither here nor there. What was weird was the attitude and snarky comments I heard after I asked to get my food replaced with something else. This review wouldn't have even been a thing if not for that. Made me switch my order to, to-go cause I just didn't feel comfortable there anymore. I get every business that has a staff that knows each other makes comments about customers here and there but maybe don't let them notice?
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Joyce W.

Yelp
Coffee fact: While Brazil may grow the most coffee, Finland drinks the most coffee! A New Orleans Iced Coffee ($6.60, 2% Milk), an Iced Hibiscus Blood Orange drink ($4.00), two Lemon GF cookie ($4.50 ea.), and three Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookie ($4.00 ea.) were order. I was going to see my niece later that evening and she was going to be given a salted chocolate cookie and one of the lemon cookies but I'm a terrible aunt and really liked the salted chocolate cookie so I kept all three for myself. ;) They have a window area to see into the kitchen if you're interested in watching them make their baked goods. I will admit that the drinks weren't it though. The New Orleans Iced Coffee tasted watery and the Iced Hibiscus Blood Orange drink wasn't balanced with it leaning more towards hibiscus than blood orange. Oh well. You can tell this is a well-loved spot in the neighborhood. There was even an adorable dollface Persian kitten sitting in the patio that looked as pleased as can be being outside Lofty Coffee Cafe and Bakery. Stop in, grab a cuppa, and enjoy a leisurely stroll down Little Italy.
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Leilani M.

Yelp
A little pick me up stop before continuing on our walk. The large open doors and patio create a sort of greenhouse cafe. Seats and tables surround the shop. When the line gets long it may dampen your view in some areas but nonetheless a nice little stop for some regular tea or coffee. We had some refreshing drinks here and the best part of the stop was seeing the town favorite mascot. So friendly she decided to have her own little sit by our feet time. Bringing bright smiles to our faces. Sipping the day away we enjoyed our visit.
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Ruslan K.

Yelp
I have been drinking Lofty coffee everyday for a year now. They never disappoint! Out of all of the locations they have this is my favorite, Amy and Anevay are obviously the 2 superstars of this location they are very cordial and welcoming and all their coffees that I have ordered so far come out consistently good which is extremely rare nowadays. All in all a 10/10 spot!
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Jane A.

Yelp
NOT MY FLAVOR I've been to Lofty a gazillion times and have never been disappointed with what I drink and eat but of course I always stayed on the same order. Today, I decided to switch it up and am very disappointed that I felt I've wasted my hard earned money. :: ORDER :: TURKISH LATTE ($6.50) - cardamom and raw sugar. I've had cardamom in hot beverages before such as hot cocoa and it blend well. But the cardamom was strong in this latte and it was not a flavor for me. Sadly I couldn't finish my latte and ended up wastefully tossing it in the garbage. I couldn't take it down, it was that awful to me. DO NOT RECOMMEND. EGG TART (~$7) - this was in a separate glass platter near the register and many people were curious and ordered it. Like myself. I thought the base would have a little crunch or texture of a bagel. Nope it was dense and flimsy. The toppings were an egg, hatch chili, red pepper flakes. Sounds good doesn't it... well let me tell you... I'm not sure where the sweet came from but the overall bite was encompassed by a sweetness that takes away from the savory. I prefer savory over sweet when I'm eating something with an egg. I didn't like the play on it. I again took a few bites and was very underwhelmed and will force self to eat it all to NOT be wasteful. Spending $~14 + couple dollar tips was not worth the $16 I spent this morning. I am not a Starbucks fan but I'd rather would have gotten a drink there and their egg tart and call it a morning. Sorry lofty I really like you but not this morning.
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Jerilyn O.

Yelp
We were looking for a coffee shop close to the farmers market and it was a quick walk off of the main road for the market. It's a cute tiny place but I loved the open concept, very modern, aesthetic vibe. My coffee was super delicious, I would definitely come again when I'm in little Italy!
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Starr P.

Yelp
20 minute wait for a $9 cold brew and barista attitude. Apparently their special cold brew took 15 minutes more to make than the other 3 drinks in our party. Barista behind register was rude when I asked about it. The other gal was too busy checking on her phone to notice. Not worth it

Ian F.

Yelp
Really great quick service breakfast food and solid coffee. Staff is great, even fixed our drink when we ordered the wrong one.
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Ron C.

Yelp
This is honestly one of my favorite places. First off, the coffee? Actually legit. The food? You can tell they care about what they're doing, and everything tastes super fresh. Whether I'm in the mood for a classic drip, a fancy pour over, or something with a little flavor (shoutout to their vanilla oat milk latte), they always get it right. The environment is just good vibes all around. It's got a warm, welcoming feel, the kind of place where you can hang solo or get some work done without it feeling too stiff. They've got great music going and just the right amount of cozy. The staff here is amazing. Everyone is always super kind and helpful. Like, when I come in and I'm not totally sure what I'm craving, they're always down to talk through options and help me land on something I'll love. Big shoutout to Anevey and her daily latte art magic. If you're anywhere near this place and haven't checked it out yet, you're seriously missing out.
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Transbeman S.

Yelp
Coffee is aggressively average - I certainly wouldn't purchase their beans. Staff is quite nice. Rated based only on its a nice place to spend time but unremarkable in terms of product.

Luna R.

Yelp
Croissant was delicious! My husband loved the Turkish latte . And the foam part was stunning . The lack of options for other coffees was disappointing . We ended up going to a different place for a more variety of coffees.
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Denisse R.

Yelp
I randomly found Lofty as I was walking through streets of Little Italy. I decided to stop by for a nice, warm drink on a rainy day. The staff was very friendly. Service was great! It was fairly quiet as most people were there either having in-person meetings or remote video meetings. I originally just wanted a drink which I chose the London Fog. It was so smooth and creamy and not very sweet. As I was ordering it, I couldn't help but notice their scrumptious looking pastries and decided to order a giant chocolate croissant. It was so flaky! I also just found out they have locations in North County so I'll definitely be checking them out again since that's closer to me.
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Steve E.

Yelp
Great coffee and even better vibe. Service was good and they gave a variety of options for breakfast too.
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Emily I.

Yelp
Love it !! Got the turkey with avocado and mozzarella sandwich with the mint matcha. The mint matcha was not my fav but dang was that sandwich loaded up and delicious. 100% coming back
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Ka L.

Yelp
The place is great! My flat white and french toast were spot on. The decor is nice and the service is friendly! Flat white - nice and simple though fee l may be a bit close to a latte French toast - excellent light brioche that does jot feel overwhelmingly buttery or eggy.
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Derek L.

Yelp
I came for coffee this morning with a friend and it was a pretty good experience. I ordered a "cloudy with a chance of cold brew" which is a Kyoto style cold brew with vanilla sweet cream - it was the perfect balance of sweet and creamy with the boldness of the cold brew. It is on the pricier side at $8.75 a pop. I also ordered a savory breakfast scone ($6) which contained kale and cheddar - they offered to warm it up which is a nice touch! You seat yourself at one of the outdoor tables after ordering and then wait for them to bring your drink/food items to you based on the table number placard you're given at checkout. It can get crowded and parking is definitely difficult on Saturdays with the farmers market so plan accordingly! I will definitely be back to try a handcrafted latte and a sweet pastry!
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Brian K.

Yelp
Really kind of a bummer. The staff was friendly and the restaurant looked really nice and clean, but we really disliked the drinks we got. The drinks sounded so inventive and interesting. We got the matcha, mint and milk and the London fog. The London fog with the charcoal dust just had a really weird flavor and aftertaste and the matcha was just really bitter. Not sure if we just had a bad batch but the drinks were really not drinkable and we only lasted a couple sips in. I would definitely say try something besides those two drinks.
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Wayne L.

Yelp
I moved to Little Italy in March of 2022. Sure, its a hip downtown area of San Diego with great restaurants (Vinarius is my fav), little haunts (Amici Park Amphitheater and Amici Park Bocce Ball Courts), the Piazza della Famiglia (a great people-watching spot and street entertainment) and the Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market (outside of Leon France, the best I have been to), But what I like about it best....dogs! There are more dogs per square foot than anywhere I have been. And for those of us that love dogs but are living lives not conducive to parenthood, Lofty is a great place to meet them. Oh sure, the drinks are great. I love the teas ... chilled Moroccan Mint Tea is my go to; for treats I go to the Turkish Latte, or my newest treat... Matcha Honey Oatmilk (think that's what it's called.... it is perfect if you don't want sweetness overkill and syrup residue). And its not just the drinks that they do well. I have had much of the menu over the years.... but the absolute best and my go to... Chipotle Chicken Wrap (CCW) is the bomb. There was a couple that was struggling with what to order yesterday.... the helpful guy that I am told them the facts. They both found me later to thank me for the intro to the CCW. They were so appreciative I think if I had asked them to help me move this weekend they would have gladly said yes. (Humm Note... ways to get people to help you move) But food and drink aside... and even beyond the dogs that roam by and introduce themselves... I love the relationship you get to build with the fellow customers, baristas, and staff: Seeing past staff around town and greeting each other like your old friends (Rachel is an OG); Watching Amanda use her Ballerina moves to avoid people and dogs while delivering orders; Checking in with Esa on those occasions she isn't surfing or tending to a broken/bruised limb; And not only does Brooklynn serve up a mean cup of coffee but when you need to collect and/or analyze data to identify patterns and trends, remove bias and inform decision-making via statistical analysis... she is the queen. She is also a wiz at quickly coming up with the correct change (no small feat in this age of new math... she is my hero). I am here most mornings I am in town. It is like a room in my house... the den, where the family comes together and good things happen; One of the best things, in my opinion, about Little Italy. PS... Who does their Social Media???? She is awesome!!!!