Caffe Carpe Diem

They are open for business.
However, looks like they are remodeling.
Not much going on food-​wise in here. There was a donut, and a few danishes. I mean, who wants a donut? Some nice muffins and scones would be better.
But I got a latte, and it was good.
The interior is very nice with an elegant tile floor, and there is a quaint patio too.
The barista was extremely friendly.
I will try this place again when they are done with the renovation.

A real neighborhood treasure, this location is hidden amongst residential units on 1^st street, and it’s the perfect approximation of why San Diego remains a chill, quirky city with a lot of undiscovered gems. I’ve been a few times since my original review, and I’ve been persuaded to eat breakfast each time. Now, Caffe Carpe Diem ranks as one of my favorite places to get a fantastic omelet in San Diego that is fresh, healthy, and superior in taste.
I love their Carpe Diem Omelet (Turkish sausage, roasted red and yellow peppers, a Romanian cheese) and their Rise and Shone Omelet (spinach, sun dried tomatoes, black forest ham, smoked mozzarella). Each omelet is accompanied with a little side of couscous; a mixed green salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, cheese; a small side of fruit (a strawberry, a piece of watermelon); and a slice of fresh bread cut in the shape of a heart. I love a side of home fries as much as the next person, but I don’t even think about them when I eat here. The mixture of salad and couscous is perfectly filling without being disgustingly so, and the omelets are all top-​shelf. Probably the best in the city, even if the selection is small. Finally, I love the bread so much I usually ask to substitute the little bit of fruit for another slice.
Coffee remains self-​serve and they offer four different varieties. $ 1.75 for 12 ounce is a bit steep, but it’s strong, flavorful stuff. I forgot to bring my travel mug. I hope they still discount for one.
I like being able to sit outdoors, and generally you can find a seat in the shade. They have a couple of umbrellas propped up for people, and it’s a really quiet little area, great for some peace of mind or to catch up on some reading (although they do have a decent number of San Diego magazines inside to peruse while you eat).

Cute place, off the beaten path, a little quirky. Just my style.
Been here a couple of times and have always had a good experience. Employees are nice, service is great and so is the coffee. I typically get the Vietnamese coffee… I just crave it here for some reason. Very strong from what I recall. :)
Ambiance here is interesting… it’s nice, but also feels very dated, in a good way. I can’t put my finger on it, but I feel like I travel back in time every time I step into CCD.

Lovely!
A bit eccentric and barren in the décor for me, but it grew on me the longer I was sitting there. Outside would have been a nice atmosphere, but we happened to go on the 1 rainy day that SD has per year…
I have been to the one in North Park before, and loved it, so my hubby and I decided to check this place out one Sat. Yum! Superb presentation; even the extremely-​fresh toast they serve with omelets was toasted and cut into a heart :-)
Just-​right portions at just-​right prices (ex: HUGE omelet with large side salad, Middle Eastern salad, fruit and the best fresh toast on earth = $ 10).
The smoked salmon omelet was way too salty for my taste — maybe switching up the pairing of cheeses would have helped to cut that down (like a goat vs. a salty feta). Though, admittedly, through hunger, it was still good enough to eat the entire thing :-)
My husband’s spicy turkey sandwich was amazing, and if I had an extra stomach, I could have eaten both of ours! Sounds rather pedestrian, but Wow! Tasty!
Fabulous teas and coffees and way-​reasonably prices.
The staff was pleasing and friendly, and continually checked on us to make sure we were happy.
Easy street parking, and nice, quiet corner in Banker’s Hill area.
We will definitely be back to start the weekend out right again!

Although not technically in my neighborhood, Caffe Carpe Diem is sufficiently close to me that I can pay a visit to it on weekend mornings. The little café is modern, elegant and inviting.
Perfect for breakfast or early lunch; the omelettes are very tasty. My favorite to order is the Atlantis Omelette. The plate comes with a serving of fresh fruit, salad and a piece of toast –which was cut in half and arranged to look like a heart. I loved the presentation.
Their espresso drinks are very good, you have to try their version of a Mexican mocha, it’s outstanding!
Carpe Diem is a great place to read while at breakfast, or for people watching while sipping on an espresso or tea drink.