Best Coffee Shops in La Jolla, CA | TOP 5 for Location + Quality

Discover the BEST coffee shops in La Jolla, CA! These spots are ideal for visitors as they are located in the Village of La Jolla and walking distance from the ocean.

I find myself in Southern California each year to escape the brutal Texas summer heat or random cold fronts in the winter. SoCal boasts moderate and pleasant weather pretty much year-round.

Combine that with awesome restaurants, ocean views, and plenty of outdoor activities…you’ve got one ideal vacation destination. If you’re planning a trip to Southern California, there’s a good chance you’ll wind up in La Jolla.

It makes for a perfect home base or an easy side trip from nearby cities like San Diego and Del Mar.

Once you've arrived, you may be wondering where to go for your daily caffeine fix...and possibly a pastry or two.

This post has you covered! I'll make sure you hit all the top spots. These are the cafes I revisit on rotation and what I think are the absolute best coffee shops in La Jolla, CA.

This map shows the best coffee shops in La Jolla, CA. Specifically, the Village of La Jolla. Click the icon at the top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Click the top right button to enlarge the map. Click the star to save to your own Google Maps account. To access this map once saved (after clicking the star), open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), click the menu button, go to "your places", select "maps", and you will see this map listed.

1. Il Giardino di Lilli

The best coffee shop in La Jolla for pastries, strong Italian-style coffee, and an adorable patio

New to the La Jolla coffee shop scene, Il Giardino di Lilli opened in 2022. Owners Giuseppe Scognamiglio and Stefania Sciomachen have created a welcoming neighborhood cafe.

Stefania is an interior designer from Bologna, which explains the aesthetics of the space and attention to detail. Whether you take a seat inside on the dark velvet benches or outside on the sunny garden patio...you could easily whittle away hours here.

I love this excerpt from the "about us" page on their website "From their first meeting, the couple shared a dream of opening a cafe that pays homage to the traditional Italian way: an appreciation for quality ingredients, attention to detail, and a warm and relaxed atmosphere."

From my experience, Giuseppe and Stefania achieved this and more with their La Jolla coffee shop.

Besides the excellent coffee, the pastries stand out. Many of the recipes are inspired by Stefania's grandmother's recipes. In fact, this cafe is an ode to her late grandmother. The name of the coffee shop means "Lilli’s Garden".

The croissants are light and fluffy, the almond cake is insanely good, and the paninos will have you reminiscing about your time in Italy in no time.

I recommend the panino all'ouvo, panino prosciutto cotto, and the focaccia mortadella.

Iced americano lovers will be in heaven here. They are STRONG. If you're a fan of Nutella, try their specialty Nutellino drink. It's a cappuccino with Nutella spread on the sides of the cup.

Free WiFi is available with a 2-hour limit.

As location goes, it's a 15-minute walk from the ocean/Village of La Jolla. It's a bit removed from the tourist area but 100% worth the few extra minutes walk to get there.

I noticed this is a hit with locals and would be remiss not to mention how beyond-friendly the servers and baristas are.

Between the atmosphere, food and coffee quality, and employees, this La Jolla coffee shop will be a bright spot in your day.

2. Elixir Espresso & Wine Bar

One of the best coffee shops in La Jolla, CA for European-style coffee and a full wine and food menu

Elixir Espresso & Wine Bar not only offers more than the usual coffee shop in terms of food and drink options but everything is done with the utmost care. The coffee quality is outstanding and will please even the toughest critic.

Smooth, balanced, and reminiscent of what you would taste in Europe. Elixir serves some of the best coffee in La Jolla. They use their own branded beans, called Screaming Goat, alongside Stumptown for their draft cold brew and nitro cold brew.

A solid list of loose-leaf teas is available as well as kombucha. 

Stop by for breakfast and enjoy an avocado toast, ham and cheese croissant sandwich, or a colorful acai bowl. Lunch options include a delicious turkey and cheese crepe, prosciutto flatbread, and a veggie baguette sandwich.

Elixir also makes for a wonderful dessert and wine stop. An assortment of gelato flavors, French macarons, beautiful pastries, and dessert crepes are standard menu items.

Gluten-free? That’s no problem at Elixir Espresso and Wine Bar with gluten-free toast, crepes, and bread.

The ambiance is nice and quiet as it’s tucked into a peaceful courtyard. Seating is available both inside and out. The patio area is a perfect workplace as it never gets too loud.

WiFi is available and the service is always friendly.

I think it’s pretty obvious this is one of my favorite coffee shops in La Jolla, CA.

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3. Encanto Cafe

One of the best coffee shops in La Jolla for matcha and central location

Situated at the end of Prospect Street, Encanto Cafe is perfectly located for tourists as it's steps from Sea Cave and Coastal Walk. 

The retro glam vibe and dual patios make for a perfect break while wandering the Village of La Jolla.

Alongside classic coffee drinks, you'll find an extensive list of specialty lattes: pistachio, charcoal mocha, white Caramelo Chocolate, Horchata, and more. Beyond coffee, you'll find fresh juices, smoothies, salads, acai bowls, toasts, sandwiches, waffles, and more.

There's no WiFi, which isn't a surprise considering the location.

4. Better Buzz Coffee

One of the best La Jolla coffee shops for specialty drinks and fun flavors

Better Buzz is a relatively recent addition to the La Jolla Coffee shop scene. In fact, Jake and I first visited during opening weekend.

The place was absolutely packed every time we stopped by, and for good reason. It's calmed down since, but there's still a healthy crowd.

At first glance, I was a little hesitant to like Better Buzz. It reminded me a bit of Starbucks with its wall of branded t-shirts, drinkware, and other paraphernalia. 

My apprehensions were unwarranted. No bitter Starbucks brews here! 

This is the perfect spot for when you have a mixed coffee group. Those who prefer simple and traditional drinks and those who love fun flavor combinations with a little more pizazz.  

Order under the “Purist” side of the menu for traditional drinks like flat whites, americanos, and cortados. Take a look under the “Coffee” side of the menu for flavor combinations like the Hazelnut Divinity made with white chocolate and hazelnut or the Iced Moroccan Spice made with espresso, spices, sugar, and vanilla bean.  

If you don't like really sweet drinks, order 1/4 sweet. I do this with the Iced Moroccan Spice coffee and it's perfect. A very subtle hint of sweetness where the spices are the star.

The kombucha and nitro cold brew on tap is excellent as is the “Best Drink Ever” soft-serve (a coffee vanilla flavor). 

Other menu items include avocado toast, ice-blended coffees, smoothies, sandwiches, and acai bowls.

The look is fresh and fun with a mix of pinks, whites, and blues. It’s a completely open concept, which is perfect for the sunny SoCal weather.

You'll find plenty of seating on the front patio, side patio, and the few communal tables inside. 

5. Brick and Bell Cafe

ONE OF THE BEST coffee shops in La Jolla, CA FOR a local crowd and scones

Brick and Bell Cafe is the place to go if you want an ultra-casual, no-fuss atmosphere. The patio is always packed (no inside seating) and at least half the coffee drinkers pair their drink of choice with a fresh-baked scone.

Choose from flavors like classic blueberry, maple walnut (my favorite), orange almond, or chocolate chip. The scones are massive and have me reminiscing back to my times in the UK.

Finding proper scones in the US can be a challenge. Brick and Bell Cafe does them right. Apparently, the owner goes to the UK for his scone recipe research.

I appreciate that mini scones are available if you want to try a few flavors. The price is right at $1 each!

In fact, Brick and Bell Cafe has been supplying the residents of La Jolla with scones and coffee since 2003.

While the scones may steal the show, there are plenty of other options equally as delicious. I highly recommend the Scottish shortbread, apple rosette, and banana bread.

The acai bowl is one of my favorites in La Jolla. Simple and delicious.

Go for the sunrise sandwich if you want something more substantial. Eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, and tomato are served on your choice of bagel, croissant, wrap, or bread. The avocado toast is also very good as is the house granola.

Coffee-wise, you'll find everything you need here. Hot, iced, alternative milk options, and matcha. Health nuts will be very happy with the Chagaccino, made with Chaga mushrooms, cocoa, vanilla, monk fruit sweetener, and milk of choice.

If you love scones and a chill patio, this is a must-visit La Jolla coffee shop.

Honorable Mention: Parakeet Cafe

One of the best coffee shops in La Jolla, CA for "Instagrammable" latte art and millennial menu favorites

Parakeet Cafe is as cute and as Instagrammable as can be. With a menu filled with photogenic items and a colorful atmosphere.

You’ll find everything that's popular with Millennials including acai bowls, avocado toasts, overnight oats, gluten-free matcha waffles, and quinoa mezze bowls.

Looking for some serious latte art? Try the flat black made with activated charcoal, homemade lavender honey, and milk.

Health nuts will be right at home here. Alternative milks include almond, oat, and coconut. Add MCT, collagen, and adaptogens to any drink. Try the kombucha or nitro matcha on draft or opt for the colorful beet latte.

Chances are if there's a drink trending on social media, Parakeet Cafe will offer it on its menu.

There is also a scrumptious selection of gluten-free cookies, scones, muffins, and loaves.

There are two locations in La Jolla. The original is on Silverado Street in the heart of downtown. The newest addition is by the water on Coast Blvd. 

The one downside is that this is one of the more expensive spots on this list. 

Honorable Mention: Sugar and Scribe

A noteworthy spot for a full breakfast or sweet treats to go

Even though Sugar and Scribe is more of a bakery and bistro, their solid coffee bar earns them a spot on this list. Dark Horse Coffee Roasters beans are used to provide quality lattes and espressos.

Cold brew and nitro cold brew are available on tap and sourced by Bird Rock Coffee Roasters…which just happens to be on my list of the best coffee shops in San Diego. 

If you’re looking to pair your morning brew with a sweet treat, this is your spot. Home to Food Network Champion, Chef Maeve, Sugar and Scribe has a strong reputation in the bakery world and was voted the best bakery in 2017 by San Diego Magazine and La Jolla Village News.

The petit fours are as beautiful as they are delicious and the selection of cupcakes, cookies, scones, danishes, muffins, and macarons make for a difficult choice when deciding what to pick.

Grab a table on the front patio or back dining room to order from the breakfast and lunch menu which serves a mix of American and Irish classics.

If you’re just looking for coffee and a treat, place your to-go from the bakery and coffee bar.

Since Sugar and Scribe is a full-service restaurant, this isn’t a place to order a coffee and work on your laptop like the other La Jolla coffee shops on this list.

In Summary

In my personal opinion, any city worth visiting MUST have a solid coffee game and La Jolla is no exception. Each of these coffee shops is a winner in both coffee and atmosphere and worth a visit. 

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Best Coffee Shops in La Jolla, CA | TOP 5 for Location + Quality

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Are you a SoCal native or visit often? Share your favorite coffee shops in La Jolla in the comments below!