Swami's Cafe

Loved the food and the beach vibes at this restaurant. The chilaquiles were fantastic, as was the veggie omelette. Hearty portions too so enough leftover for a second meal. A large selection of coffees, including organic options, and plenty of outside seating. We’ll definitely be back!

Great breakfast spot that was able to serve us quickly and without fuss. I ordered a denver omelette and multigrain pancake, both of which were perfect (tip: order the real maple syrup to along with your pancakes!). Our table also ordered the chorizo hash, kids pancakes, and chicken quesadilla. Everybody was happy as a clam. Do not think twice about stopping here!

I’ve been coming to Swami‘s for about two decades since I was in high school and it’s always consistently really good. It’s right on beautiful PCH right across from the self-realization center and just above the ocean cliffs. The location truly is one of my favorite parts of coming here. You order at the counter and then they bring the food to you so it’s not a traditional full service breakfast restaurant but that just means the tables turn quicker and the wait times are never too long. It does get especially crowded on summer days, especially when the beach is popular so that something to be aware of. They have a small parking lot next-door, but there is also free street and neighborhood parking close by. For this visit, I chose the El Paso Benedict and really liked it. It’s basically traditional a Benedict, but with chorizo and avocado, which is a great combination for me. One of the things I also love about this place is that you choose what sort of coffee you want from about 10 different options. I chose three different ones while I was there because it is self-serve I was able to make it just how I like. I would definitely recommend to anyone in the area or especially to anyone visiting San Diego.

While they have a great variety of breakfast options most of the food is mediocre. The seared ahi wrap tasted like one of the ingredients had mold, even though the blue cheese wasn't on the ingredient list :) lobster egg Benedicts were not great as well, seafood tasted like a canned version that spent a few years in the storage. Pineapple pancakes were great, the only food item I would recommend! Also love the chill vibe of the place.

This is the original and also the very best Swami’s location. I have been coming here for two decades at least it feels like and the quality and atmosphere have been the same. Amazing! Can’t say enough good things about this location. We live in Vista and have our own swami’s, but being at the this location hits different. The vibes are so good here.

I would personally rate this place a 2 or 3, but my friends really like their hot dogs, so I’ll give a 4 for the food overall. Starting with the service, it was very poor. They didn’t have any coffee available because the espresso machine was broken, so I couldn’t get what I came for. When I asked for chai tea, I was told it was the last packet they had. I ordered waffles, which were served plain with just a few strawberries. It didn’t feel worth the price, and the taste was just okay — I only ate half. On the other hand, my friend really enjoyed his hamburger and said it was one of the best he’s had.

This location definitely needs to work on the quality of cooking their food. I usually go to the Carlsbad location and they have phenomenal food every single time. Here at Encinitas, I gave it a second try and the food was still mediocre. My french toast came out premade from the early morning. It was not fresh or soft like hot french toast is usually off the grill. More like cold and dried out from being under a heat lamp. Then they forgot my potatoes and bacon, after a reminder it came out pipping hot which was good news. The people sitting across from us didnt even touch their food and just left. Both times I've eaten here were during the weekdays. Sadly I won't be coming back to this location until they hire more kitchen staff or improve their cooking.

Great food and wonderful service by Luis! All of us enjoyed our lunch and being treated so well and I was thrilled that they had lots of vegetarian options including soy chorizo. Great job Luis and team!

I've been coming to Swami's for about two decades since I was in high school and it's always consistently really good. It's right on beautiful PCH right across from the self-realization center and just above the ocean cliffs. The location truly is one of my favorite parts of coming here. You order at the counter and then they bring the food to you so it's not a traditional full service breakfast restaurant but that just means the tables turn quicker and the wait times are never too long. It does get especially crowded on summer days, especially when the beach is popular so that something to be aware of. They have a small parking lot next-door, but there is also free street and neighborhood parking close by. For this visit, I chose the El Paso Benedict and really liked it. It's basically traditional a Benedict, but with chorizo and avocado, which is a great combination for me. One of the things I also love about this place is that you choose what sort of coffee you want from about 10 different options. I chose three different ones while I was there because it is self-serve I was able to make it just how I like. I would definitely recommend to anyone in the area or especially to anyone visiting San Diego.

The OG Swamis location that started it all! This location has always been a favorite since my childhood. I love the outdoor seating on beautiful days too. Always pretty hard to find parking but the lot next door makes it a little easier than it was before. Super easy to order first and find seating after. Our food and drinks always come out quickly after ordering, no matter how busy they are. I don't order the same thing everytime but anything off their menu is so worthwhile. My favorite typical order is their açaí bowl. Their açaí bowls started my love of açaí. Their pitaya bowls are also just as good. Their service is fantastic and consistent too. Easy place to grab a good breakfast/brunch/lunch with cool views.

Dillion here at Swami's Cafe' deserves the biggest raise ever!!! please get this message to the right person to make this possible!!! She is the best person in your business!!! thank you in advanc!!!

Dillon is a sweetheart and very thoughtful! She serves our Bible study group every Friday and she's always on her game! She definitely deserves a raise and when you visit Swamis for breakfast, you'll see why! THANK YOU DILLON!!!!

I've been wanting to try this chain for a looong time. Heard it's a great down to earth post surf spot with great food. For a weekday it was decently busy. Order at the counter. The line went quick for ordering. We sat down on the patio and ok ... THE BIRDS. If you are at all scared of birds do not go here. They are not afraid, low flying past our faces and do not fly away when swatted at. Also, bees. Lots of bees despite the clean table. I ordered the shakshuka for like 15$. I tipped thinking they're a nice crew. It def was not shakshuka. It was two poached eggs over crushed tomatoes and a spoon full of some kind of creamy cheese that they said was feta. Didn't taste like feta. The 'sourdough bread' was suuuuper toasty hard I could have broken a tooth. The positives were that the staff didn't rush us out. My friend and I were enjoying time together. Food came out really fast under 5 minutes despite the amount of people waiting. I was shocked. But also maybe it was hastily prepared. Would not go back except for a coffee to take away and avoid the birds. The gal taking orders was pleasant and also the person to take away our plates. She was sweet.

Came here for a late lunch with my family on a Saturday afternoon. We ordered the Tropical Salmon Salad, a BLT, and grilled cheese. Food came out relatively quickly, but quality was mediocre at best. There were a few yellow spinach leaves in the salad and I could be wrong but the salmon might've been frozen. Fruit flies were circling our table while we were eating, which was annoying. But the worse thing that might've turned me off this place for good is the state of the place--cobwebs that looked like they've been there for sometime, dust on every surface (sure, they're on the PCH, but still), and a combination of fresh and caked on bird poop on every single chair. There was a random used plate right next to our table--which was the least dirty one we could find. While we were eating, birds were flying over our heads and one had the audacity to poop right next to the ledge where our table was. If you're into this kind of vibe, by all means check it out for yourself. Otherwise, I can't recommend this place.

This is a nice little place right near the water. The staff were all friendly and helpful. I got the French toast with strawberries. The strawberries were definitely fresh. The potatoes were really good as well. Nice tables outside.

Great food Friendly staff It is a nice location beside the self-realization garden, which is great! Hot latte was awesome

-Order at counter cafe. -Horrible front cashier. She was yelling at people for ordering açaí bowls because they were busy. Not only was she rude to customers but she also was yelling across the restaurant for people to tip and if they did not tip they should leave and not eat at the restaurant. Other staff seemed embarrassed by her actions. -It is outside so it is a bit dirty. -Food was just average nothing to rave about.

This place should probably be out of business. I love a good hole in the wall with a shabby sheik aesthetic, but this place is absolutely filthy. - The fans are covered in dirt and dust, with congealed pieces hanging off of them as they spin. - Walls are filthy, covered in dirt, spiderwebs, and dying foliage. A lot of the wood looks like it is rotting. - Birds have infested this place. I literally had one poop on our table while eating. There are lots of hooks and planter hangers everywhere with no plants. Birds use these to sit above you and watch for an opportunity to grab some food...or poop on your table. They are also using the AC unit condensation drain as a make-shift birdbath. It was hard to find one seat without tons of bird poop on it, so you are literally sitting in it while you eat. I had trouble finding a health rating on the windows but wouldn't be surprised if it's a "C." Perhaps the kitchen is cleaner. Unfortunately I can't give it higher marks because of this, but I wanted to also highlight that the customer service was great. People are friendly, kind, and attentive. Food came out quick and it was prepared decently.

Slate was RAD! We popped in on a Friday morning with our dog and able to find seating outside under shade. There's plenty of seating and some street parking. Service was great. Staff was nice and our food was out quickly. They have self serve soft drink area and fresh juices.

This felt like a food shack next to the ocean. The menu has pretty much anything you can have for breakfast, from American to Mexican, to açaí bowls and green juices. You order at the counter and then grab a seat, there's plenty of seats. The line to order can get pretty long, but the wait goes pretty fast. We ordered the chilaquiles, they were good, no spice in the sauce, they definitely weren't the best chilaquiles, although I wasn't expecting to get that here, they did hit the spot though. The French toast was good too. I would try the Açaí bowl if I went back.

Food was very good, service was quick, and staff were very friendly. Love eating outside here, perfect spot to grab a lite breakfast (or heavy--whatever you're in the mood for). Loved their coffee selection.

Food was good (pricey). Family goes there every year so we just go along. But, be aware, they have you choose percentage for tip on screen. I'm just balancing my checkbook and have 3 receipts. I thought they looked awfully high. They do the tip percentage on the total after tax! I was wondering if other places are doing that now, but looking at all of my receipts they are the only one, everybody else does it on the cost before tax.

Was excited to eat here for the first time and happy to see that had vegan egg as an alternative. My friend ordered the avocado toast and i got a scramble with vegan egg. The avocado toast came out fairly quick and looked great. I encouraged my friend to eat as my food was taking a bit longer. Well i waited and waited and waited some more, my friend by this time finished his meal and after 30 min of waiting, they came out to tell me and i the vegan egg wasn't available. I had no problem choosing another item but sincerely confused about why it took them so long to even tell me. Such a horrible experience, i got a refund and got out of there. I was excited to try this place but after the horrible service and horrible communication, this will never be on my list to watch at. Get better!

Swami's is our fave place to go après beach walks with our goldendoodles sooo delicious and such kind people, great service. Miss Ruby is awesome. Love the coffee, açaí & pitaya bowls , eggs Benedict... you've got to go enjoy this Cardiff by the Sea tradition

The menu changed and some of the best items were taken off. Prices also went up and the food quality isn't as good. This use to be my favorite breakfast spot but I can honestly say I don't think I will be back.

The ABC is one of the best quesadilla I've ever had. It's not on the menu, but if you ask, they'll make it. Service was great and attentive. Food came out quick and really warm.

Swami's is awesome, a San Diego County treasure! It is our favorite after our strolls on Cardiff State Beach with our puppies. Ruby is truly amazing!!! Thank you Team Swami's!

First time today & loved it! Plenty of outdoo/indoor seating. I'm not much into eggs AT all, but their scrambled eggs were SO good! Their home style potatoes right up there too. Plenty of coffee selections. Self-serve, so have all you want. Add your name or ink to the walls or ceiling, if you can find blank space Dylan was such a dear & so friendly!

Sailor please find a new job. She is rude and truly lazy. I asked her if the salad I ordered had organic greens and she just shrugged her shoulders and said I don't know. I asked her to please check check and she was reluctant and bothered. Shouldn't she know the menu for guests? My order (3) meals was a take out order and she said she would call my name when it was ready. I believe she purposely did tell me the food was ready as it was sitting on the counter for sometime. I asked her if this was mine and she said oh yah ! Order was missing the potatoes and sides. Not professional at all.

Such a great spot to grab a chill breakfast/brunch. Lots of seating available and an extensive menu that caters to all foodies. We had the Veggie Rama & Ham and Ham omelets with a latte and dirty chai latte. Overall the food, drinks, and vibes were a 10/10. Will definitely be going back - need to try out there lunch options next!

Haven't been here in a while. And won't be going back. Everything was undercooked. No breakfast or black tea. Muffins were barely toasted and no butter. Lemon/ginger shot was way too strong.

So disappointed, most of the food was all cold. Seems like more places have gone to system where the sides (potatoes/toast) wait in assembly line for entree to cook. So you get a warm omelette and cold other food. Pancakes had no flavor.

Totally love Swami's and try to go every time in the SD area from LA. Went last week and as always loved the food, coffee (so many great choices), chill atmosphere outside and the great service from Ruby and Dylan!

Our favorite place to enjoy breakfast on Sundays! Great and delicious food, beautiful and cozy environment, friendly staff!

so yummy!!! wow I don't know why they have 3.5 stars! portions were big and the prices are good! fresh juices are a must and they have a big patio for outdoor seating. love it

This review is for Swami's Café, Encinitas 101, this is a small restaurant chain. I make the distinction because the vibes are worlds apart. Encinitas 101 has a real beach vibe: old, but functional, building, character, and a casual approach that isn't chainish (a word in my vocabulary). You could tell the regulars from tourists: regulars were engaged with staff and others as if they were in the comfort of their own homes. This is an order and pick up beverage at the register and they will run your food to your table when ready. BTW, we were told that our 2 meals were prepared at 2 different kitchens and so that's why they came out at different times - FYI. What came out first was the Eggs Benedict, so we started with this. The menu price is only $13.95 and states "and choice of one of the following ..... ham..." so I choose ham. It's traditional for Eggs Benedict to automatically come with Canadian-style bacon or ham - not as an option. I was surprised to see that my receipt had the $13.95 plus "$Add Ham $2.00". I realize we are in inflationary times and I further realize the restaurant business is a tough one, but I'd like the actual price to be in a clear format with the menu item - whatever the total, total price may rack up to. But as to the ham, as you can see in my pic, it was generously portioned. The eggs were cooked just right. The Hollandaise sauce had the expected tang. The dusting of, I think chipotle powder, had a nice kick with the Hollandaise sauce. The potatoes were country style. They were cooked well - I liked the crunch and texture of the "bits and pieces" with the fried potato pieces and were nicely seasoned. Next came the Acai Bowl - Swami's Style. This is a bit out of my culinary range, but I liked it. The Acai is blended with apple juice and is presented like a sorbet - it's the purple item in the center of the bowl. It was fruity flavored, incredibly refreshing and quite tasty. There was granola under it which added a nice crunch. The fruit was fresh and melded well with the Acai. I like the nutritional value of the bee pollen, and it balanced out the eye appeal of the bowl. I'd have this again.

Some people complain that this place is not funky enough. It's plenty funky for me! I'd like the menu choices and the quantity and quality of the food. Specially love eating outdoors under the shelter by the banana leand palm trees. We ordered the green omelette, and Belgian waffles - good healthy food!

Friendly people, great setting, and delicious food. I find it hard to improve on a place like this. I've always had a level of consistency with everything I try here. The breakfast burritos rock and the Chiliqiiles hit the spot. When I come here unless it's very crowded the food comes up quickly. Orange juice is fresh squeezed and also really hits the spot. Whenever I'm in town I make it a point to come here and will definitely be back in the future!

Cute little cafe on 101. Seating is all outside, but there are heaters all over. You order at the counter and they bring you your order. We had barely sat down and our orders came. Very fast and efficient. The service was good and the food was delicious. They definitely did not skimp on the lobster for the benedict's. Fun place for a good breakfast.

Swami's13? I've been going to Swami's in Encinitas for decades, now and of all the locations it has always been my favorite because of the great outdoor seating and beach vibe. The service is always nice and friendly The food was a little off today and that kind of goes for the experience. The graffiti all over the walls was always part of the esthetic even if I didn't always agree politically with some of it. I don't know if it's a change of ownership, but the new name "Swami's 13" in Old English font and the amount of ultra right wing MAGA graffiti all over the place really throws off the surfer vibe it used to exude. I don't know what is going on there but a place called Swami's shouldn't feel like biker bar (nothing against biker bars) I'm thinking I may just start hitting the Carlsbad location.

Come early! The line can be to the street. We arrived at 10:30 and there wasn't a line. The poof! 11:00, it was to the street. It is seat yourself after you order. The food comes out fast and the tables do turn over fairly quickly. The coffee is amazing! So many different flavors to try! Definitely a local go to!

Are you interested in a very good outdoor breakfast in a rather eclectic environment along Historic 101? Swami's Café is the place for you. We first came here over 20 years when we lived in Del Mar. This past weekend, we brought friends from LA for Sunday breakfast. Breakfast items included: * Belgium Waffle with 2 eggs & bacon -- nice 1" thick waffle with eggs made to order and two slices of bacon * Eggs Benedict -- two perfectly poached eggs over avocado on English muffin halves, but the Hollandaise sauce tasted a bit cheesy * Huevos Rancheros -- two over easy eggs atop corn tortillas with a very good Rancheros sauce and black beans ( they had me at the black beans!) Grab a table, place your order inside at the counter, and food is delivered to your table. Coffee (delicious) and water are self-service inside. Enjoy!

Amazing food and the service was great. I enjoyed my hash and fresh juice! I don't have more to say other than tasty food.

So so sad, new menu and they changed the Fish Tacos! I would have paid more for those tacos. They were my absolute favorite you could taste the butter it was saute in. Now the fish is tasteless with a smaller equally tasteless tortilla, minimal cabbage and the sauce is just mayonaise. Used to go there twice a week now we will have to move on. Very disappointed I love the location the casualness was great to hang out with a good cup of coffee. Ruby and Mccalla are the best, great spirits, personable and very hard workers. I hope the owners will take into consideration the Locals who frequent Swami's.

Not what it used to be - used to be a funky locals spot with great food, than they franchised it and now it seems the owners / managers are taking all the delicious healthy lunch options off the menu and turning this place into another "generic (fast) food chain" - no longer worth the visit...

So bummed with Swamis experience today. Consistently was my favorite for the broad menu, veggie options, friendly staff and ambience. The menu is missing our 2 fave dishes, prices significantly higher, portions so much smaller than the past and service very poor- we got our smoothie at the end of our meal. We loved the ambience formerly with the stickers everywhere that have now been removed/painted over. Not sure what happened - bring back old Swamis :(

AMAZING AMAZING SPOT I feel so at home here. Love the environment and the staff. John the manager is such a sweet guy! Great prices for the amount of food! Got an omelet, multigrain pancakes, and veggie wrap. All amazing!! My favorite thing: blueberry coffee!! Holy crap that stuff was so good Swami's on 101 rocks

Food was good , service good. Try the blueberry coffee .. yummmm! Probably going to get it to go next time ... birds kept attacking us .. actually landed on my plate while I was eating and took some of my waffle ... the outside patio experience not so good ... bird attack

Been here a few times and decided it's time for a review! This is a perfect brunch spot for after a beach walk or hike! This location has self seating so we got a table pretty soon after arriving. The line to order was rather long though and it took about 20 mins for our food to arrive. The portion sizes for everything were huge! We got the açaí smoothie, chilaquiles, authentic Mexican burrito, and veggie quesadillas. Of everything we ordered the veggie quesadillas were our favorite! They add a ton of veggies inside and not too much cheese. I will say the flavor is pretty moderate... nothing to complain about but also nothing too amazing. Overall love this place because of the atmosphere and variety. There's something for everyone!

Please do NOT GO. We went here for breakfast with our toddlers and we're completely disgusted at how filthy this place was. Every single chair and table was COVERED IN BIRD POOP. Most of our food was inedible and we left it behind as did most of the other tables, which contributed to the bird infestation. I tried to contact them via email to share our experience, but I have yet to receive a response.

love it here! best french toast!!! Mad everyone is so sweet while working and the service is amazing!! And especially since it's by the beach and like a beach shack it makes everything better!! :)

what a disappointment Swamis cafe is now, the Menu changed dramatically to 1/3 years of what it was and the dishes dont include any sides now, you have to pay for them !!! I think it may be under new owner, food quality OK, but not great as it used to be, this was a staple on the 101 not any more!

Everything everything all of it. Home town spots stay connected plus enjoy scenery. Yay!

What feels like a cute little beach shack comes with a huge amount of satisfaction. The vibe walking in is cozy and warm like you would feel at a friends' house with how welcoming the staff are. I haven't tried anything I didn't like but the açaí bowl is what has kept me a regular for literally years now. The food is fresh and delicious yet somehow they nail it every time. It definitely gets busy on the weekends but it's well worth the wait!

I was seriously disappointed in our experience today at swamis. I asked for a menu item that I know be offered at a different location. the server didn't know and did not take the effort to inquire from someone else about this. My order came out completely wrong and with hair on the meal to top it off. I barely received any acknowledgement of the massive error. I then asked for my tofu to be cooked and this just did not occur. It was extremely bland. I just found the entire experience to be very disappointing for such a popular and well known spot. I hope one day to return and have a different experience.

Had the best smoothie this morning - Nirvana Nectar. Ruby was my server and so personable, like a ray of sunshine.

I don't normally leave bad reviews but this was just a disappointment. We waited for over 30 minutes while we watched everyone get their food who ordered far after us. Not one staff member realized we were just sitting there without food for some time. I finally went to the front to ask if our order had been lost. Everyone just looking down no response I went to sit back down and wait another 20 minutes before our food was brought out without an apology or explanation. I will not recommend or return. A simple hey I'm sorry the ticket was lost or anything would be appropriate. You all need to work on your customer service skills. Even if you can tell a customer is upset don't ignore it! Just be a human and apologize simple fix! Oh and the Dr Pepper is root beer!