Try our always savory, homemade dishes created with fresh, organic produce from local farms. Or cool down after a long day with our farm-to-bar, refreshing infused cocktails.
Alex and Leyla moved from Baku, Azerbaijan to pursue life in sunny San Diego. Initially, Leyla only baked as a hobby. The idea for Café21 came after Alex asked Leyla to bake a plate of baklava for one of their friends who owned a restaurant. The baklava was so impressive, they were asked to continue baking more to sell at the restaurant. Soon, their home kitchen evolved into a full-blown, bustling bakery, until there was no longer room to meet the demand. In 2007, Alex and Leyla opened a restaurant at 2121 Adams Avenue, appropriately named Café 2121. Later in 2007 they re-located a few blocks up Adams, and shortened their name to Café21. With a focus on fresh, local ingredients and world flavors, Café21 continued to expand and in 2008, they opened an additional location in the Gaslamp Quarter.
"As one of the most innovative restaurants in San Diego, we are committed to changing the way our guests think about food. Everything we do is made from scratch and with love. From our signature breads to our fruit-infused sangrias, something is always cooking at Cafe 21 San Diego. Our concept is small plates, allowing for variety and guests to indulge in different tastes and flavors. With an eclectic and unique menu offering, Cafe 21 is the most flavorful and interesting California fusion kitchen in SoCal. What is important to you is important to us and we are here to meet your tastes, accommodating gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan guests. Be ready to experience Nature’s Kitchen as interpreted by our revered and most inventive Chef Leyla."
