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I’ve been working my way through the best brunch spots in San Diego, and Parakeet Cafe Del Mar has been on my radar for a while. It’s known for being one of the few health-forward cafes that actually delivers on flavor, a claim that most restaurants struggle to live up to.
After trying Parakeet Cafe for myself, I have to say that if you want brunch that both tastes good and feels good, you should definitely add Parakeet Cafe Del Mar to your list.
Quick Answer: Is Parakeet Cafe Del Mar Worth It?
Yes. Parakeet Cafe at One Paseo in Del Mar is one of the best healthy brunch spots in San Diego. The food is fresh, flavorful, and made with clean ingredients — no seed oils, no refined sugars, and nothing processed. The coffee and specialty lattes are excellent, the atmosphere is bright and welcoming, and most of the items on the menu have a gluten-free or vegan option.
At a Glance
- Address: 3745 Paseo Place, Suite 820, San Diego, CA 92130
- Hours: Daily, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Phone: (858) 346-7690
- Price range: $$ (most dishes range from $15–$23)
- Best for: Organic eats, healthy food, solo work sessions, casual catch-ups, post-beach meals
- Must-order: Salted Maple Latte, Mint Matcha Latte, Best Burger Ever, Acai Bowl
- Dietary options: Vegan, gluten-free, paleo-friendly options throughout the menu
- Parking: Free parking at One Paseo
- Other San Diego locations: La Jolla, Little Italy, Coronado, Carlsbad
What to Order at Parakeet Cafe Del Mar: My Picks
Here’s the quick answer if you’re there right now trying to decide:
- Favorite coffee drink: Salted Maple Latte — sweet, salty, maple-forward, and hard to put down
- Favorite alternative drink: Iced Mint Matcha Latte — light, fresh, and one of the more unique matcha drinks I’ve had
- Favorite savory dish: Best Burger Ever — well-balanced, flavorful, and incredibly juicy
- Favorite sweet dish: Acai Bowl — fresh, high quality, and the almond butter ties everything together
The Vibe and Atmosphere
Parakeet Cafe Del Mar is located inside One Paseo, a mixed-use development in the Del Mar Heights area of San Diego. The interior is adorable, and the large patio is perfect for enjoying the San Diego weather. I can see myself bringing my laptop here and sipping on a latte while I write my next article. There’s also a pastry counter up front with a rotating selection of baked goods, which makes it just as easy to stop in for something quick as it is to sit down for a full brunch.
The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, which fits the menu perfectly. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in, take your time, and enjoy your meal at your own pace. If you’re used to restaurants like the Werewolf, you’ll find this to be a different kind of brunch experience — less high-energy, more easygoing.
The One Paseo location also provides free parking, which isn’t always a given in San Diego.
The Service
Service was great throughout. Everyone was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, which is ideal when you’re looking at a menu with a lot of options you’re not totally familiar with. The food came out quickly, nothing felt rushed, and everything flowed at a comfortable rhythm.
What I Ordered
Drinks
Salted Maple Latte — $7.50 (whole milk)
I’m going to start here because this was one of the best lattes I’ve had in San Diego. It has a bit of saltiness, a maple flavor that comes through without taking over, and a coffee taste that holds its own in the balance. The drink is sweet but not overwhelming. You can tell it’s made well, and the proportions are exactly right. I couldn’t put it down.
If you’re a coffee person, order this.
Iced Mint Matcha Latte — $7.50 (oat milk)
This one surprised me. The mint is noticeable but not aggressive. It’s light and a little floral, which pairs well with the flavor of the matcha. It doesn’t taste grassy at all, which I appreciated. It comes with foam on top and has a freshness to it that felt fitting for a Del Mar morning. The aftertaste is clean and pleasant. It’s a unique drink and one I’ll definitely be going back for.
Hot Latte – $6.50 (whole milk)
A straightforward, well-made latte. The presentation is clean and intentional, with a smooth foam finish and delicate latte art that makes it feel more elevated than your average latte. Perfect for when you’re in the mood for a classic.
The coffee here is worth noting: Parakeet sources local organic, fair-trade beans from Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Mexico, and uses house-made syrups crafted with clean ingredients and no artificial flavors. You can taste the difference.
Food
Avocado Toast — $16
I’ll be upfront: this is not a traditional avocado toast.
It’s served on sourdough, which has a nice crunch that holds up well under everything piled on top. The avocado itself is fresh and generous. What makes it different are the toppings: Serrano peppers, pickled mustard, beets, cilantro, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
The Serrano peppers add a kick, so if you have zero tolerance for heat, this dish may not be for you. The mustard is an interesting twist that works better than it sounds. The beets blend in easily without tasting out of place. The cilantro (if you like cilantro) rounds it out.
It’s a healthy, produce-forward take on avocado toast. If you’re looking for a classic avocado toast, you might be disappointed, but for those wanting a unique, healthy take on the dish, this may be right up your alley.
Açaí Bowl — $17
This is one of the better açaí bowls I’ve had in San Diego. The açaí tastes fresh, not like the pre-packaged, frozen base so many places rely on. Instead of the usual thick, sorbet-style blend, this one is thinner. It coats every bite with flavor instead of forming a dense layer you have to dig through.
The biggest strength of this bowl is the balance. The almond butter is excellent; it’s rich and hearty, binding everything together beautifully. The fruits are fresh and flavorful (even the blueberries, which typically get overpowered in açaí bowls) and the granola adds a satisfying crunch. Everything works well together, resulting in a natural, well-balanced blend of flavors.
Best Burger Ever — $23 (served with a side of potatoes)
I was skeptical of the name. I shouldn’t have been.
The burger is served on light, fluffy, airy bread, which sets the tone for the whole dish. Despite being a full burger, it doesn’t feel too heavy of a meal. The first flavor you get is the fresh pickles, then the cheese and aioli hit, and then the meat comes through. It’s a well-sequenced bite.
The meat is cooked perfectly, the cheese is melty and gooey, and every single bite is consistent. The aioli is tangy and flavorful, elevating the entire dish. The pickles give it a nice crunch without overpowering anything else. Nothing is fighting for your attention, and everything works wonderfully together.
The side of potatoes deserves its own mention. They’re garlicky, not too soft or too hard, and well-seasoned. They pair well with the burger.
This is one of the best dishes at Parakeet Cafe.
Poke Bowl — $18
The experience you’ll have with this dish varies depending on how you eat it. The poke bowl at Parakeet features wild-caught ahi tuna, brown rice, pickled cabbage, cucumbers, edamame, carrots, sesame seeds, chives, and spicy aioli. Everything tastes clean and natural, and the ingredients speak for themselves rather than being masked by heavy sauces.
That being said, the tuna is fairly briny on its own, which can feel like a lot if you take a forkful of it by itself. The key is to mix everything together and get a balanced bite with the sauce, rice, and toppings all at once.
It wasn’t my favorite dish on the menu, but it was still enjoyable.
Tip: If you’re big on poke, check out my article on the best poke spots in San Diego.
The Location: Del Mar and One Paseo
Del Mar itself is one of the most beautiful coastal communities in San Diego County, best known for the Del Mar Racetrack (horse racing season runs roughly July through September).
A few things to do nearby:
- One Paseo — the mixed-use development where Parakeet Cafe is located. It combines shopping, dining, office space, and community gathering areas in an open-air setting.
- Del Mar City Beach — a relaxed stretch of sand at the base of the bluffs. Perfect for a post-brunch walk, beach day, or afternoon nap. Pack a waterproof bluetooth speaker and a sand-free beach blanket if you plan on spending a few hours here.
- Del Mar Village — the charming downtown area along Camino del Mar. It houses local boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and ocean views, all within easy walking distance.
- Powerhouse Park — a small beachfront park in the heart of the village. It’s free to visit and offers picturesque views of the coastline.
- Torrey Pines State Reserve — just a few minutes south of Del Mar, this is one of the best coastal hiking spots in San Diego. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle and sunscreen! Note: If you’re into hiking, Annie’s Canyon is another great San Diego hiking trail worth checking out.
Planning to stay in the area? Del Mar and the surrounding North County beaches have some lovely hotels. Search available hotels near Del Mar here.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Online ordering: You can order online at parakeetcafe.com.
- Parking: Free parking at One Paseo.
- Dietary options: The menu is built around clean, natural ingredients with no seed oils, refined sugars, or processed ingredients, and includes vegan, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly options throughout. If you have dietary restrictions, this is the San Diego breakfast spot for you.
Who Is Parakeet Cafe Del Mar Best For?
Parakeet Cafe works for almost everyone, but it especially shines for people who want to eat well without sacrificing flavor. The food tastes great, and it feels great, too.
It’s also a perfect pick if you’re coming from the beach or a hike at Torrey Pines and want something that feels nourishing rather than heavy. The free parking, relaxed atmosphere, and all-day hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) make it easy to work into any kind of day in Del Mar.
Final Thoughts
Parakeet Cafe Del Mar surprised me. I expected healthy, but what I got was healthy and delicious. The Iced Mint Matcha Latte was worth the trip alone, and the Best Burger Ever was a top choice for me.
If you’re building a list of the best brunch spots in San Diego, this one belongs on it — especially if you’re spending time in Del Mar or North County!
Working your way through the best brunch in San Diego? Check out my review of The Werewolf in the Gaslamp Quarter for a different kind of brunch experience. And if you’re spending the day in Del Mar or nearby, my guide to free things to do in San Diego has great options to pair with your meal.
FAQ: Parakeet Cafe Del Mar
Parakeet Cafe is known for healthy, clean-ingredient brunch food made without seed oils, refined sugars, or processed ingredients. The Best Burger Ever and the Salted Maple Latte are fan favorites.
Yes. It’s one of the best healthy brunch spots in San Diego. The food is fresh and flavorful, the coffee is excellent, and the atmosphere is relaxed.
Start with the Salted Maple Latte or the Iced Mint Matcha Latte. For food, the Best Burger Ever and the Acai Bowl are both excellent.
Yes. Most of the menu has gluten-free options or modifications available, and the café is transparent about ingredients.
Yes. There are plenty of vegan options on the menu, and the staff can walk you through modifications.
Dishes range from around $7.50 for drinks to $23 for the Best Burger Ever. It’s moderately priced for a health-forward San Diego café.
At One Paseo — 3745 Paseo Place, Suite 820, San Diego, CA 92130. Free parking is available on-site.
Yes — La Jolla, Little Italy, and Coronado, in addition to the Del Mar location.
It’s a lovely spot for a solo work session. The atmosphere is calm, the hours are long, and the drinks are delicious.
About the Author
Linds
Hi, I’m Linds! I’m a travel writer focused on honest hotel reviews, food guides, and travel itineraries. I share real travel experiences to help travelers make better trip decisions.
