Rikka Fika

Coffee shop · San Diego

Rikka Fika

Coffee shop · San Diego

3

810 13th St, San Diego, CA 92101

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Pastries, coffee & matcha drinks in a minimalist Japanese-Scandinavian cafe  

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810 13th St, San Diego, CA 92101 Get directions

rikkafika.com

$1–10

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810 13th St, San Diego, CA 92101 Get directions

rikkafika.com

$1–10

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Last updated

Aug 16, 2025

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@eater

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"The small-batch bakery that began as a pop-up in Miramar has settled in East Village in an expanding space with a calming Japanese-Swedish aesthetic, using a mix of natural blond wood and concrete. While the shokupan toast, or Japanese milk bread, program is on hold due to kitchen limitations, the black sesame morning roll is to die for. They’re also one of the few places in San Diego with canelés, a traditional French pastry with a custard center and caramelized crust." - Helen I. Hwang, Candice Woo

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A Picture-Perfect Asian Cafe Will Go From Pop-Up to Permanent in the East Village - Eater San Diego

"Rikka Fika, a specialty coffee and bakery pop-up, is moving to a permanent location in the East Village. Known for its Japanese milk bread and other baked goods, it will offer a modern Japanese-meets-Scandinavian design and host coffee and dessert omakase experiences." - Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/2023/8/24/23844361/rikka-fika-cafe-bakery-specialty-coffee-asian-desserts-pastries-east-village-new-opening-san-diego
View Postcard for Rikka Fika

Audrey L

Google
Mediocre matcha and small portion. The matcha latte was drinkable, but it honestly did not taste that good. The matcha lacked depth and richness, really grassy flavor. I was baffled at the cup size I was given, it was so small. Also, I was left with several clumps in my matcha latte, so it wasn’t even whisked properly. I felt that their strawberries in their strawberry matcha overpowered the matcha latte itself, but there really is no flavor to their matcha. The black sesame bun was the best thing we had. The dough was so airy and it wasn’t too sweet!

Meagan McCall

Google
Personal opinion, but I think Rikka Fika has some of the best specialty coffee in San Diego. I was initially drawn to this café after learning of their Summer Passion Soda ($6) an icy fizzy drink with bright flavors of fresh passion fruit, lemon, and lime, with a touch of honey for a refreshing, lightly sweet-and-tart creation. As I was craving an espresso tonic, I asked if it was possible to add a shot of espresso to make it a Dirty Summer Passion Soda, and the barista said yes but suggested I try both the passionfruit soda and the espresso shot on their own first before combining them together. For the espresso they used their house blend HIBI, sweet and balanced with a hint of fruitiness, and I appreciate when espresso can be deliciously smooth on its own. A shot of espresso is $4, and you can also upgrade for single origin espresso for $1 extra. Although my drink didn’t have any milk, I appreciate that they don’t charge extra if you substitute oat milk instead of cow. I’m glad that I took her advice and had them separate first because they were both individually great as standalone drinks, and the combination was also extremely pleasant and exactly what I was looking for. There was a line when we arrived, but it moved rather quickly, as we arrived at 2:35pm, ordered 2:40pm, and drinks were ready by 2:44pm. The staff were efficient and helpful, and the atmosphere was minimalist and modern. They sell their retail bags and have them displayed on a wall next to their La Marzocco espresso machine. We were easily able to find street parking nearby, and they had a decent amount of seating inside as well as a restroom. I’ll definitely be returning for coffee when I’m back in San Diego, and next time I want to stay to get my drink in one of their for-here cups, A few other drinks that I didn’t get to try that looked delicious from their menu: STRAWBERRY CAFFÉ LATTE ($6.50) Espresso + housemade fresh strawberry compote + 6 oz milk RIKKA MOCHA ($7) Espresso + 70% single origin dark chocolate + 6 oz milk COLD BREW YUZU FIZZ ($6.50) Cold brew + house-made yuzu lemonade + fizz

Linh W

Google
This place, hands down, has the best strawberry matcha in town. The strawberry is made with real fruit, and its slightly chunky texture makes it fun to drink and it pairs perfectly with the matcha. The downside is the price, it’s definitely on the higher side for the portion. There’s also usually a long wait, typically 15 to 30 minutes before you get your drink. Pro tip: go in the morning to get the freshest pastries!

Balance Chaos Nutrition & Fitness Coaching

Google
I’m a local, so I go here a lot. The coffee is amazing. Always consistent quality, made perfect everytime. The baristas are friendly & consistently make delicious drinks & beautiful latte art. I love the hot or iced latte, & the hojicha, & the strawberry matcha drink. The matcha scone & cheesecake are also yum. If you want to avoid the lines, go on a weekday or get here before 8:30 on a weekend. It’s a good thing they’re not open Monday or Tuesday or I would spend way too much money here.

Charlene Hsu

Google
The strawberry matcha is pretty standard. Really loved the strawberries in it which tasted really fresh and went really well with the matcha. However, the matcha was super whisked and felt grainy/chunky still. Colors were very pretty though and the ambiance was really nice and well decorated. Not too many seats, but good for grab and go 😆

Bryce Davenport

Google
A Japanese inspired coffee shop that showcases crafted coffees, matcha, and small batched baked goods. They offer a very relaxed setting to enjoy your coffee with a modern and minimalist interior. Accompanied by a staff that always welcomes you with a smile. They truly offer high-quality coffee and matcha inspired drinks here for a reasonable price. Don't forget to grab one of the small bites here to accompany your drink! I would reccomened the black sesame roll here to anyone if it's your first visit, I promise you won't regret it.

Zijun Zhao

Google
Really lovely coffee spot. I’ve never had any strawberry coffee latte before and this drink is as delicious as it looks! I also enjoyed the atmosphere. The black sesame bun is warm and authentic. Will definitely visit again when I’m in SD and try out their matcha drinks!

John W (Papa Biker Ice Cream Club)

Google
This is a new bakery and coffee shop. The bakery offerings are very unique, and quite wonderful. Not too sugary sweet, and with the perfect amount of flavor. Each pastry is perfect with a morning coffee. Take a small bite, sip some coffee - a perfect pairing. The scones are soft and not crumbly - and simply fantastic. They look very tasty and would make a great food gift to bring to any occasion. The location, while in a trendy area, is questionable, but typical of downtown San Diego. I’ll be back just to eat more of their wonderful treats!

Ai S.

Yelp
I ordered an Earl Grey cake. It had a refined taste with just the right amount of sweetness, perfect for Japanese preferences. The matcha latte was also very delicious, and I definitely want to go again. アールグレイのケーキをオーダーしました。日本人好みの甘さ控えめで上品な味でした抹茶ラテもとても美味しくてまたいきたいです。
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Linh L.

Yelp
Best strawberry matcha in town! No one does it like Rikka Fika fr. The matcha itself is not sweet, but the strawberry compote really adds the *perfect* sweetness to the drink, and balances out the matcha so well. I highly highly recommend. The line can get long but service is quick in my experience after you order! Plenty of street parking too for a downtown location
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Soomin P.

Yelp
Coffee is good, here. They make solid iced Americanos. I located the cafe thinking that it is a Swedish-themed cafe, from the name. I realized from the lifestyle and design magazines they have that it is actually Japanese, not Swedish. Minimalist designs, small number of seats inside. There is also a seat outside their "garage door" entrance, for persons seeking more space. Not really suitable as a cafe to sit and read/write, though it is aesthetically pleasing. A good one when you want to get your coffee-to-go, on a stroll on a pleasant day.
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Joy S.

Yelp
Rikka Fika is a small Japanese cafe/bakery in San Diego Downtown with exceptionally crafted drinks and pastries. This shop is on the pricier side but what you pay for comes with the quality of their goods and service. All their items are served in one size but I find it to be perfectly portioned. I purchased the Yuzu Matcha and Tiramisu Scones which was positively receptive amongst friends. Both were very pleasant and tasted great with a refreshing beverage. Their Strawberry Cafe Late was an unique combination hot and it definitely woke me up that gloomy morning. It warmed my soul. Truly! Unfortunately I was not able to appreciate the Ambiance of Rikka Fika since it was packed. Although you can find some cute minimalistic seating right outside their shop. I felt it was the perfect size for someone like me haha! Quick shout out to the Barista who took the time to ring me up, make my drink, AND walk it over to me outside during the rush. Sorry I didn't catch your name! He was a younger man with glasses I believe Anyhow this Cafe takes pride in their work and is worth a visit. Walk the extra block from Asa Bakery and visit Rikka Fika instead if you're looking for something far more special.
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Vivian T.

Yelp
Rikka Fika easily earns a top spot on my list for delicious matcha drinks and an overall space that is calming and bright. Their Short Matcha Cream Top caught my attention and I ordered a Tiramisu Scone. The scone was not too sweet from the cocoa powder. It was a nice soft crumbly texture with cream filling. It was good to try, but I wouldn't re-order this item. My matcha was delicious and felt like I was drinking a cloud. Currently they are having a raffle if your entire purchase is over $20, for some merch items. I definitely will return to try their other offerings and I'm glad a high-quality cafe with great matcha is established in Downtown!
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Sarah N.

Yelp
3.5/5 stars-- we came on a Saturday morning around 10:30am no wait and some empty tables to sit. The pastry selection is very minimal and we decided to try their most popular items like the strawberry matcha and their black sesame bun. My husband picked out a tiramisu scone and he really liked it! He said it had a perfect texture and the center was a nice filling. The black sesame roll which is an Asian twist on the cinnamon roll was actually better than I expected! I was actually prepared to not like it bc I thought the pastries just looked all right but it wasn't dry and the black sesame had the perfect texture amount of sweetness to it. The strawberry matcha latte at first sip was good and I thought it was a good sweetness level but when you pair it with a pastry, the pastries sweetness overpowers the sweetness level in the matcha latte. I wish it was just a tad bit sweeter so it could pair well with the pastry. It also didn't have much strawberry compote at the bottom compared to pictures I've seen. I think more strawberries would have been better as I mostly only tasted the matcha and the smallest *hint* of strawberries. Would I come back? Not for that price! It was nice to try but I can also try other places instead. Ambiance was interesting and minimalistic Japanese warehouse vibes.
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Miranda T.

Yelp
Rikka Fika is a cute, minimalistic coffee shop! Food: Although we didn't try any treats, the drinks itself were fantastic! I was a fan of the real strawberries rather than artificial for my matcha. However, it's definitely on the pricier side, but worthy a try. Service: Expect a wait! We waited about 15 ish minutes on a Sunday morning, but the workers are quite efficient and kind. Ambiance: the cafe itself was adorable, with relaxing music and a cafe library, full of cool books!
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Amelea J.

Yelp
This place is aesthetically pleasing. Designed right and has a very modern look. The strawberry latte wasn't the greatest and I wouldn't recommend it. The blueberry scone has cream cheese frosting in the center and it was super bomb. The employees were nice and attentive. I would try it again but will order something else on the menu.
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Eda X.

Yelp
Rikka Fika is the quintessential minimally chic Japanese cafe that I've been looking for, fusing the most admirable features of both Japanese and Scandinavian culture of aesthetics. The raw materials used for millwork is both minimal and effortlessly contemporary, totally a Scandinavian here and now moment. The crew here is very friendly, especially Rebecca! I absolutely love their croffles, unique scone flavors and matcha drinks. Can't wait to come back for more.
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Xuan N.

Yelp
Pastries were just okay. Miso Caramel Canele (6.5/10): The canele was not as crispy as I would have liked it to be but the flavor was good. It wasn't too sweet and the caramel flavor was definitely present. I could not really taste the miso. Black Sesame Bun (6/10): The dough was super dry but I liked the black sesame flavor. I wish there was more black sesame filling because I enjoyed it more than the rest of the pastry itself. Such a bummer because I had this place on my list and was really looking forward to trying their pastries because of their addition of asian flavors but I was a little disappointed. I might come back to try their coffee but I would say the pastries aren't to write home about. Parking is also difficult since it is in downtown so it might be challenging if you are trying to meet up with friends or even sit down to stay for a while.
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Leilani M.

Yelp
Love love love. I love everything about rikka filma maybe not so much the price but it is a hip cafe in DT San Diego so I can't complain too much. Rikka Fikka is a small open concept cafe serving deliciously curated coffees and matcha drinks. I'd highly recommend trying their matcha drinks as they use good quality matcha. Both the drinks I tried were a part of the honey cream top cold brew and the short matcha cream top. Both drinks were very delicious and perfectly made. Nice and creamy and not too sweet! I do wish the serving size was larger for the price :') though.
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Justin M.

Yelp
Ambiance 10/10 Service 10/10 Pastries 6/10 Coffee 5/10 I wish I could give Rikka Fika a 4 Star review. I want to so bad but I just wish the coffee was worth coming back. Coffee Jelly latte is such a cute name for a drink. But I was just drinking milk with boring jelly. I didn't really feel the coffee jolt to start my morning. The rikka mocha is most definitely dark chocolate as described! Mocha was very dark and rich which makes it a heavy drink. Pastries: Black sesame bun and croissant waffle were the winners of the assorted pastries we purchased. Madeline, cake, and scone were just ok. I could scarf down 10 of those waffles! Aesthetic was so clean and minimalistic. Great energy for a bright morning. $42 with tip for 5 pastries and 2 drinks Would I give this place one more shot? Yes, but only if I was in the neighborhood.
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Eliza N.

Yelp
Love this Japanese inspired coffee shop. They do such a good job balancing their matcha drinks. First time I tried the matcha strawberry latte, the croffle (croissant waffle hybrid), Canelé which were absolutely delicious. The short matcha shot with honey cold foam was nice and refreshing on a hot day. My only wish was that they were back in their pop up shop area (Miramar/UTC) since going to downtown is quite a drive and parking can be a nightmare.
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Alexandra B.

Yelp
Well rounded menu with good variety of pastries and beverages, the aesthetics of the cafe were also very nice. The Matcha Yuzu fizz was tart and bright and refreshing, and the canelé were still warm and I liked that there were different flavors available. The line and wait were a little long, but street parking wasn't too hard to find. There isn't tons of seating but it's definitely worth it to try drinks with ceremonial grade matcha in them and you can always take it to go. Would definitely go back and try more of the menu next time!
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Jack M.

Yelp
I stopped in Sunday morning for a Cortado, but unfortunately, their grinder was not working to make espresso. I was told they were working on it, so I decided to wait for a bit, hoping they could get up and running. One hour later, they still had not fixed it and stated they had to request a new one, so I decided to have their cold brew with whole milk. The cold brew was okay. Its flavor was simple and needed more depth of flavor. I also had a croffle, which was very good but on the small side for $4. The place offers indoor seating. The seating inside is not very comfortable, but it got the job done. Service was friendly enough and definitely apologetic regarding the grinder being out.
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Carmen V.

Yelp
So esthetically pleasant coffee shop and bakery. I loved the concept and the great quality. I was today in East Village and finally was able to give it a try. Small space but so glad that no one was on their laptops and the 'camping' with them is not encouraged. Thanks for that. Nice books to read or browse when having your drink. I loved my cortado and the small yet packed with flavor pastry. Prices are expensive like everything these days, though.
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Dorian C.

Yelp
Very cute coffee shop! Your classic birch wood furniture with green plants studio vibes. I'm so glad they finally opened their shop. My girlfriend and I have been following them since their pop up days. Pros: -Fresh baked goodies -Matcha drinks here are very good -Friendly staff -Quick service Cons: -Downtown parking (good luck) but very nice if you live nearby -Everything is on the pricier side -Limited seating (great grab and go)
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Kathy T.

Yelp
Visited Rikka Fika on a Friday morning. It is a quaint cafe with a variety of drinks and baked goods! I ordered the strawberry matcha latte, which I really enjoyed! The sweetness from the strawberries complimented the subtle, earthy flavor of the matcha perfectly. It is a little pricey at $7.50 but I will probably be back for this latte again lol As for baked goods, I got the black sesame morning bun and an earl grey canale. The morning bun had lots of black sesame paste, but the bun itself was a little chewy. The canale was great! It had the most perfect crust with a beautiful golden brown color. I didn't taste much earl grey, but still a great canale regardless. I'll definitely be back at Rikka Fika to get another matcha latte and to try their other baked goods. Consider adding this cafe to your list of must-visit cafes in Downtown!
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Brooke I.

Yelp
Absolutely loved everything about this place. Street parking was a little tricky, but 100% worth the challenge. Limited seating inside, interesting books to read, an overall cute space. Orders: Hojicha choco: a hot hojicha latte with dark chocolate. Fricken delicious. If you like hojicha, this is a must try. Grass jelly latte: coffee grass jelly, milk, and brown sugar syrup. A bit sweet for my taste, but still delicious! Black sesame morning bun: a large bun heavy with black sesame. Great with hot coffee/tea. Next time, I'd like to take one to go and heat it before eating. Brown sugar croffle: a croissant waffle - how can you go wrong with that? You can't. It was delicious. Canele: they rotate the flavors of these. We had early gray (which was the favorite). Really don't remember the other flavor we had because the earl gray was so good, haha. Of note, it got super busy when the local yoga class got out (line out the door), but the service was fast! Check them out if you're in the area.
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Alyssa N.

Yelp
Came here on a Saturday morning with my boyfriend. No line :) there's street parking and we didn't have an issue finding a spot, but I can see how it might be difficult during busy hour. Cute little shop! staff was really friendly and patient. rdered a croissant-waffle, strawberry matcha, and espresso and milk. loved the croissant waffle, but it was soo tiny. strawberry matcha was delicious, and the espresso with milk was pretty average (we like our coffee on the sweeter side). 4/5 because it's pretty pricey for what you get, but quality food!
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Jema C.

Yelp
Cute & trendy coffee spot in downtown San Diego! We visited on a Sunday afternoon and there were about 4-5 groups in front of us, but the line moved quickly. There are only about 6-7 seating areas, so not the best place for a group gathering. Street parking only. I tried the horjicha coco hot with oat milk and it was a very smooth drink. It was earthy and not too sweet. My husband tried an espresso with milk and that was solid too. We both had a brown sugar croffle, which were continuously being freshly made in the back. The croffle made for a good snack! They were out of the coffee jelly drink during this visit, but when I come back that is what I'm planning to try! Overall, solid addition to the San Diego coffee scene!
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Ashley D.

Yelp
This is such a cute addition to San Diego's cafe scene. I visited this place on a late weekday morning and was impressed by how many people there were. I love the aesthetic of the place as it is Japanese cafe inspired. I ordered a matcha latte and it was delicious, strong, and not too sweet. I really enjoyed borrowing magazines from their library section and I like how they encourage people to have an unplugged cafe experience. There is very minimal seating and I noticed many of the spots were taken by students studying so it may be difficult to get a seat if you visit.
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Melody C.

Yelp
japanese minimalistic inspired mini cafe with unique drinks and pastries! *:.。 i love the ambience of this place, you can tell so much thought and love was put into the smallest details of the cafe from their seating choices to reading options presented on the wall, to their constantly changing pastry menu. i've tried a handful of their coffees and pastries and while i think they're tasty, sometimes the flavors are a bit disappointing and don't fully live up to my expectations. my favorite drink i have tried is the honey soft top cold brew. the workers are always very sweet though and i do stop here maybe once every few weeks! it's not the best spot to study since they don't have outlets or comfortable seating but it's a cute place to check out if you have time
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Ben Carlos D.

Yelp
Hmmm... I've been a fan of Rikka Fika since their pop-up days in Miramar. Their creative collaborations with local partners, sourcing of their coffee and overall dedication to their customers caught my attention. The particular collab that still exists today is their pop-up with Aisu creamery. Sad their location isn't close by my area anymore but glad they were able to find a home in East Village. First impressions: The clean interior decorated with wooden accents, along with their banner and bookshelf is reminiscent of cafes in Tokyo and Seoul. While I'd love to come here to work or study, the small space means opting for a quick grab-and-go. Existing in East Village also means the lack of long-term parking, limiting your visit to 2-hours on weekdays and potentially longer on Sundays. The food: I had the opportunity to sample their offerings during their pop-ups. I'd say the quality has been the same since. It seems they rotate through their offerings which means following them on their IG to be updated on new menu items. For this current rotation, the basque cheesecake was fluffy, light and flavorful. The canelé was also a rare treat. It had the perfect burnt crust and chocolate texture, including a delicious raspberry inside that was the perfect balance of sweet. The drinks: I went for the coffee jelly milk, seeing as they offered it with oat milk. Every place I've been had the coffee jelly pre-made with regular milk and that just sends me straight to the bathroom. It was alright. I was hoping for a richer coffee flavor and more brown sugar taste. If anything, it tasted more like milk with a hint of coffee. My friend enjoyed the strawberry matcha and quite honestly, I'd default to their matcha offerings or even Hojicha offering. I remember double fisting them in the past while carrying my shokupan through the rain. Lastly, our server was friendly and bubbly. The staff had a quick turn around time and constantly cleaned the area to make sure tables and chairs were useable for the next group of customers. 9/10 would come back again.
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Kristelle B.

Yelp
Rikka Fika is one of my most favorite neighborhood cafes! I just went back for the second time after trying them a few months prior. They were still on soft opening then but the baked goods were already amazing. I noticed their selections are bigger this time around and they continuously add more variety on a regular basis. The black sesame bun was delicious and they didn't scrimp on the flavor! I also loved the strawberry matcha latte and it's amazing how they don't charge extra for oat milk. Their space is beautiful and very nicely decorated-- minimal Japanese that is easy on the eyes. They also just opened the area for larger groups to sit on and I love how you can browse their magazine selection as well.
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Casey D.

Yelp
One thing I hate the most is when a coffee shop adds too much milk to my latte. You won't find that here. Rikka Fika is probably my most favorite coffee shop in SD. Interior is minimal, natural, + aesthetically pleasing. Our go-to drink will always be their espresso + milk. It's the perfect ratio every time! As for their dessert case, I love their rolls cakes. & their black sesame morning bun is delicious when it's warmed up. I order their short latte cream top and strawberry caffe latte when I want to switch things up. Out of the two, I prefer the strawberry cafe latte and it's also not too sweet. I've also purchased their matcha powder, which is a great price for the ceremonial grade quality. 10/10 recommend :) The line can get quite long on the weekends, but they're generally pretty fast with making drinks! Parking: metered street parking & there's a few spots with free parking a block or two away if you get lucky.
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Viennelyn M.

Yelp
Rika Fika is the famous specialty coffee and small batch bakery that I've been seeing all over TikTok, and I've had this place bookmarked for a while now, so I was ecstatic to finally try it. Being a fan of matcha lattes, I wanted to visit Rika Fika to try the Matcha Strawberry Latte. It was absolutely delicious and beautifully made. The only comment I have is that I wish more cafes carried other plant-based milk options besides Oat Milk. Oat milk is relatively high in sugar, and most brands are ultra-processed, containing additives that are not entirely healthy. The space itself is just gorgeous, spacious, and the staff is very friendly. I also took home a financier with almonds and fig, and it was perfection. I'd love to come back to Rika Fika again and get the Matcha Strawberry Latte.
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Seth S.

Yelp
Finally got to try Rikka Fika today - this is the perfect spot for a quick, quality drink in the East Village. There's typically a good amount of street parking spots to choose from in the surrounding blocks. The cafe has a monotone, minimalist decor that really makes for a calm and peaceful vibe. Their matcha is pretty great quality! You can even see the baristas preparing the matcha at the bar in a more traditional way. I got the strawberry matcha latte which was refreshing and had a good balance between the strawberry flavor and the matcha. I loved how you could substitute for oat milk for free, although with a $7.50 price tag I guess it's deserved. I came for the matcha but saw the brown sugar croffle and knew immediately that I had to try one. It's light, not too soft, and has a really subtle sweetness that makes for a nice little bite to go with your drink.
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Lianne A.

Yelp
Came in the early morning on a rainy day, but it was still surprisingly busy inside the shop! I ordered a coffee jelly latte with oat milk (which I requested to be a little more sweet) and an Eastern Beauty Cube Cake. The latte was pretty tasty and the jelly had a great flavor and the cake was pretty dense, they paired really well together and I'm glad I got both! The vibe of the spot was bustling and I loved the high ceilings and large floor to ceiling windows- will definitely come back!
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Joey W.

Yelp
Checked out this pop up coffee shop and there was one small table inside. SO on the rock - very smooth and rich. Definitely quality coffee. Hojicha Choco - very chocolately. I was hoping the Hojicha would come through a little more every time I sipped on it. It was very rich and creamy but just wished the flavors were a little more balanced.
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Cindy L.

Yelp
Rikka Fika is a great new coffee shop to the San Diego area. With their Japanese influence, you get to try good quality and delicious matcha drinks and pastries that you don't normally find at other coffee shops. The drinks and pastries are a little overpriced for their portion, but you pay for the ambiance and quality. I would mostly try their matcha drinks! Also note: they only heat the bacon & cheese roll; not any other pastries. The line goes down pretty fast; however, there is not many seating areas.
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Bo C.

Yelp
Aesthetic and minimalistic coffee spot. The matcha drink was pretty good, with a higher grade than many other places in San Diego. However, you could still taste that the matcha was a bit powdery and didn't go down smoothly. For $7-$8, this price is expected for downtown San Diego, but the matcha is definitely mid-tier, not high quality.
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Anna L.

Yelp
Cutest cafe in San Diego! The decor and ambience is everything and so serene. The menu is simple and has quality coffee and tea. I got the coffee jelly latte which was so unique!! The coffee jelly was super strong, and the drink itself was possibly just milk? Would be nice to add to other drinks too. There's a couple of small seats and 3-4 tables. It's not ideal for working because no outlets and no wifi but it's perfect for catching up with friends or just wanting to come to read! Parking in street parking so could be difficult for some since it's near downtown.
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Alex W.

Yelp
Came by on a cold Saturday morning after picking up a friend from the airport. This is there new storefront after being a pop-up for a while now! We came in and ordered at the counter, and the staff was extremely helpful in answering our many questions. Unfortunately there was a private coffee tasting event so we couldn't try any of their pour-overs. Just more reason to come back again! We got two drinks (Espresso + Milk & Latte with Strawberry) that were pretty good and a Jasmine Chiffon Citrus Cake. The cake was very flavorful, and the strawberry latte was a very unique and had a surprisingly well executed flavor! Our group really enjoyed the aesthetic and quiet vibe. It was a bit small since the main seating area was where the private event was, but it was nice to just sit and talk for a bit. Just a note that street parking is not free, but is generally pretty cheap for a coffee shop visit!
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Leeana B.

Yelp
Rikka Fika is a cute, little, aesthetically pleasing coffee shop in East village downtown SD. Came by here to try out something else other than Asa Bakery (also the lines there are still atrocious). I tried the honey cream top cold brew and I was not disappointed. I typically don't drink coffee with any creamer as I typically get a bad aftertaste, but this little drink was very light and refreshing. The pastries on display looked fantastic but I wasn't too hungry at the time of my visit so definitely gotta go back for it and try the kouign aman.
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Caitlin D.

Yelp
I have wanted to come here for a while now and got the opportunity to go with my friend today! We came around noon. It was full of people, but as soon as we ordered they all left. I think they respected the space nicely, this is a spot to come with friends/family or alone. Enjoy your drink or pastry and then go. (No one on their computers taking up the space). I really liked the structure and interior of the place. It was minimalistic and the color palette was neutrals. White, beige, brown, ivory, taupe. They have a few seatings, but not much-- it's quite limited. Off to the right, there was a small case of pastries of the day. You can also check their Instagram for updates about what baked goods will be out. They had matcha canelés which looked incredible but also smaller than I thought! I noticed a lot of the pastries were on the miniature side. No bigger than the size of my pinky-- except for the apple croffle (croissant + waffle)...that one was still mini, but bigger than my pinky! The menu was right in front of the cash register (a cashless place FYI)-- the menu was easy to read and follow. The woman who helped us was very kind and informed us about their most popular drinks and what you may enjoy as a coffee lover or tea lover. I decided to order the "Coffee Jelly Latte." I think I got a bit confused with the ingredients and the name. There's no added espresso shot to the drink-- the coffee comes from the coffee jelly which is made with their smooth cold brew. The coffee jelly texture is more on the soft side than the crunchy one I am used to. In comparison, I would say it has that grass jelly texture! Which is more lovely in a drink...It is said that there is brown sugar syrup as well, but I thought it was all very lightly tasted. The coffee jelly on its own is a sharp and strong coffee flavor. I like that they didn't put too much ice in the drink! Overall, it was good. If you want a coffee-forward drink, I wouldn't recommend this but the espresso + milk drink. If you're someone who is just getting into coffee then this would be the drink for you! My friend got the strawberry matcha latte. The strawberry was fresh, but needed more of that oomph! The matcha was legit, it wasn't sweetened like you'd "expect" from other places. This might throw you off if you aren't used to it being so matcha forward/strong vs sweetened. I tried some of my friend's apple croffle and it was the perfect sweet treat to go with the drinks. It had that apple pie essence without being overly sweet. I wish there were apple chunks, but minimalistic is what Rikka Fika seemed to be going for. Their packaging for the pastries was adorable. I definitely want to come back to try a different canelé and order the iced strawberry cafe latte! That one looked very tasty and more up my alley. I highly recommend coming here to try it out! Such a cute location.
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Thuy N.

Yelp
I heard alot about this coffee shop, but it didn't live up to my expectations. I got the strawberry matcha latte, and it was alright. I liked the strawberry bits, I think it added a nice touch of sweetness to the drink, but the matcha itself was a bit disappointing. For the size of the cup, I don't think it's worth the price. My bf tried the rikka mocha, and it didn't really have much flavor. We also tried the tiramisu scone, it was quite dry. The service is great and super quick. The place is aesthetic and nice, but there's not much seating.
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Eden K.

Yelp
I actually came around here like a week ago so this is a very late review. I actually really enjoyed the matcha here and so did my friend who's is a matcha fanatic. The atmosphere isn't super loud and quite peaceful. I wouldn't say there's that many seating inside, and they do close a bit early, so it was kinda sad. However the staff was nice and the drinks were relatively made fast. Totally would be a stop the next time I come down to SD!!
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Courtney H.

Yelp
Was downtown for an event and realized I was missing out on some good coffee and great pastries. This place is a couple doors down from Lola 55 and has a minimalist interior that feels like a mini relaxing oasis (I mean, as much as one can relax with the construction and general noise of the area). The coffee drinks are inventive - I had a coffee jelly latte the first day and the strawberry latte the next, both iced and delicious. But I really loved the pastries. I had the croffle and the black sesame bun, but all of them looked scrumptious. The croffle is a section of a waffle that appears to be encased in brown sugar and then kind of brulee'd for an exterior crunch. And the black sesame bun is shaped like your typical morning bun with such a deliciously nutty flavor and the right balance of sweetness. Clearly, I was addicted to both since I had them back-to-back mornings. If you find yourself in the area, I highly recommend stopping here. The closest free parking I found is on F St. coming into downtown along the 15th Street block. It's free for 4 hours starting at 8:30 AM, in case you find yourself attending an event or just checking out their lineup of pastries like me.
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Jennifer F.

Yelp
Stopped by here on a Thursday afternoon with friends. The decor was very cute and japandi. We wanted to work at a coffee shop and wanted to try this place out. There was no wifi available for the customers when I asked so wasn't the best place to work. I ordered the Kyoto matcha latte and it was really good! The matcha was strong but doesn't come that sweetened so I had to ask. My friend liked her coffee yuzu drink and my other friend that got the hojicha mocha thought it was alright. I was curious to try pastries but there wasn't much available so I was a bit disappointed. Maybe it ran out in the afternoon?
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Michelle W.

Yelp
- minimal decor but with plenty of seating - in a nice quiet neighborhood with street parking - rec their: (1) cold brew yuzu fizz - so refreshing with a light sparkle of fizz (not the heavy kind that makes you burp), cold brew isn't bitter or burnt but adds a sort of deep flavor to the drink! (2) strawberry matcha latte - fresh strawberry chucks that really add to the matcha, isn't too milky or diluted
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Gladys L.

Yelp
Rikka Flika is my newfound coffee crush, and here's why: the barista knew their beans, and they source matcha straight from Kyoto, Japan - they have ceremonial matcha available. I threw them a curveball by ordering a cortado (not on the menu), and they nailed it The vibes at Rikka Flika are chill minimalist, rocking those neutral tones. They recently expanded the seating, making it a legit spot to kick back. Plus, they're all about that unplugged life, so you'll find an open library just waiting for you to dive into while sipping your brew. I didn't hit the pastries this time, but man, they smelled like heaven. Parking's not terrible in that part of East Village, though it gets busy around 9-11 am - clearly, I'm not the only one hooked. Expect to catch me here more often; Rikka Flika, you've got yourself a regular.
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Dawn B.

Yelp
Love this popup coffee shop in San Diego! The decor reminds me of a European or Japanese cafe. It is simplistic with a purpose, a style I love! Drink wise the simplicity continues with drinks that are not complex, but true to their form... think ceremonial matcha and specifically selected drips that stand on their own without much addition. I tried the matcha latte cold and hot and the ceremonial matcha tea. All three stood out with their bold flavors, perfect for a drink on a nice fall day. Also, their are a bunch of maple leaves outside this place so you can watch the leaves fall. Their staff and ownership is also super sweet, one of our younger family members accidentally knocked over a drink. We tried to clean it up ourselves as we felt terrible about the accident. They actually felt bad for us (definitely didn't need to) and remade our lost drink since it was completely full. Definitely a must try when in town.

kristin y.

Yelp
Great pastries and coffee!!! Can't wait to go back and try more pastries and coffee! Hubs really liked his pour over!
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John L.

Yelp
First and foremost: they are cashless! Around 8 blocks away from the end of the 163 and is at the ground floor of what appear to be apartments, this cute little shop felt almost hidden in plain sight (thank you for the assist, modern phone GPS). Street parking, while appearing plentiful, was mostly occupied at the time of my arrival. The staff were very friendly and the environment was staged well for a relaxing day trip. Coffee roll cake was lightly sweet and lives up to its namesake. The Kyoto Matcha Kouign-Amman was a bit oily on the inside, but does carry layers of matcha on top of a smokey candied base. The Strawberry Caffé Latte tasted and Strawberry Matcha Latte were good, but the Hojicha Choco was the definite star of this visit such that I could drink it daily.
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Alicia K.

Yelp
Saw this pop-up on social media and was so excited to try it! We came here on a Saturday at around 12:45 PM, and there was no wait at all. The pop-up itself is so cute with a clean, trendy interior. There's very limited seating inside, with 3-4 small tables. We ordered a couple of different drinks to try, and across the board, the price is STEEP for the size you get: - espresso+milk (3/5): a little bitter and so small for the price, but bitterness is balanced out by sweet pastries - ceremonial matcha (2/5): nothing special about this matcha and the powder was not fully whisked into the drink, grainy residual at the bottom of the cup - latte with strawberry syrup (4/5): really interesting combo! - pourover (3.5/5): good if you're looking for something bitter, had a sour taste What we did really enjoy were some of the pastries! We ordered the croffle, which was perfectly buttery with a crispy exterior and soft interior (5/5). We also tried the different canele flavors which were just okay. The chocolate orange financier was pretty underwhelming to us.
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Emily C.

Yelp
A super cute coffee and tea pop-up shop located in downtown San Diego! My sister took me here--she had been wanting to try it after seeing this place on Instagram and TikTok. When we arrived at 10:45 AM, the line was already on the sidewalk, with 6 parties in front of us. However, the wait was not that long. I think we waited 15-20 minutes. The menu primarily features coffee and tea, with some specialty drinks sprinkled in (please see the attached images!). You can watch the baristas making the drinks as you wait in line; they look very intricately made. There is a small selection of baked goodies offered in limited quantities. After ordering, you only have to wait for a few more minutes, not too long. The drinks are smaller in size but a perfect portion, reminiscent of those in Europe or Australia. Due to it being a pop-up shop, unfortunately, seating is very limited. It appeared that only three groups were able to sit inside, mostly just two-person couples. Hopefully, this pop-up shop turns into a permanent location! My sister ordered strawberry milk , and I ordered coffee espresso + oat milk. So delicious!! I highly recommend giving it a try, and a plus is that sub-oat milk is included in the price of the drink. Definitely coming back again!
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Elaine G.

Yelp
I love hojicha lattes, and I've gotta say their hojicha choco is my favorite one I've had. Creamy and subtlety sweet with dark chocolate. Strawberry matcha was good as well, and the coffee jelly was alright. They have more unique option on the menu that piqued my interest, such as the strawberry caffe latte. You also have to try at least one sweet treat when you visit. Notable items for me were the croffle and caneles. Crispy on the outside and soft in the center. I also absoutely loved the chocolate basque cheesecake, however, I think that was only part of their valentine's day specials. They also collaborate with relic bageri, who provides baked goods on certain days. Seems to be on Thursday, based on their instagram calendar (@relicbageri). Also check rikka fika's instagram, since they also post any other special items or events such as tastings/experiences.
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Natalie C.

Yelp
Very modern coffee/tea spot with classic drinks (lattes, teas, matcha). Service was great as the staff was friendly and answered all our of questions and the inside had a great vibe. We wished there were more places for indoor seating. Their drinks were a bit pricey given the small portions (and the cups aren't take our friendly since they gave no lids!). Matcha was good but overall felt a bit too sandy with not enough strawberry purée unfortunately
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Han L.

Yelp
The space is great, baristas were knowledgable. The coffee jelly drink was creative and refreshing. Matcha was eh though.