(858) 272-4762

976 Garnet Ave
San Diego, CA 92109 32.7974 -117.2523

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Neighborhoods: Northern, Pacific Beach, Northern San Diego

Zanzibar

ZANZIBAR

What People Are Saying About Zanzibar

The Editor

Amanda Knoles

Citysearch

In Short – Locals stop in for breakfast all day long but beachgoers and business types congregate at lunchtime for the tasty paninis, gourmet pizzas and healthy soups. Featuring an elegant brick entranceway and paintings from local artists on the wall, it's an inviting spot to have coffee with a friend or grab a quick meal. Omelets and waffles are the stars of the breakfast menu, but the salads, sandwiches and decadent desserts also earn raves from regulars.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/08/09

best cafe in PB

by dustrizing

I’ve gone to this cafe since its inception, and it has only gotten better and better. The vibe is friendly, the workers are pleasant and fast, and the food is very good, especially since they’ve been baking their own desserts. The bread pudding is to die for, as are the coffee milkshakes: the Zanzibana is out of sight (simply bananas, ice cream, and espresso I believe). While they discourage too many students just drinking coffee and studying, since it’s a restaurant now, more have been going there for a great lunch and taking their time working while they eat, which the owner supports, and there is never any attitude coming from the staff--quite the contrary, they’re very accommodating to every client. This is and has been the best cafe in Pacific Beach for as long as I can remember!

  • Pros: consistent great food and service, great ambience
  • Cons: sometimes the food takes a while, but worth it
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/09/08

Excellent Selection of Food

by mejudge1

My husband and I were winding down our vacation to Mission Beach when we decided to have our last lunch in California at Zanibar. We didn't know much about this place except for what we saw on the menu hanging in its store-front window. The menu was very diverse and had some excellent vegetarian selections for someone like me who doesn't eat meat. I ordered the vegetarian chili which comes with a side of corn bread. My husband had a salad/sandwich combo made up of a tuna melt and leafy greens chock full of little veggies. My chili was out of this world! First of all, the bowl was huge. I couldn't finish it. I'd recommend a cup if you are not too hungry. But the chili was full of big chunks of yummy veggies like tomatoes, celery, green peppers, squash, corn, beans, and just the right amount of spices to tingle the tongue with a little bit of heat. The corn bread was just as yummy, which I happily dipped into the chili. My husband's lunch was just as remarkable, according to his review. He left the restaurant saying how glad he was that we ate there. So if you aren't sure where to go for a fun, relaxing, casual meal, try Zanibar.

  • Pros: Diverse menu to please everyone
  • Cons: Parking and crowded streets can be a problem
4 Star Rating: Recommended

12/18/06

Great sandwiches

by echambers3

This is a super place to stop in for a sandwich after a day at the beach. Or sometimes we'll get stuff from here and take it down to the water for a picnic. I've been hearing that they're going to open a location downtown? Can anyone verify?

The Details on Zanzibar

Know Before You Go:

For a quick energy boost, try the Zanzibanana, a banana-flavored coffee smoothie.

Where to Sit:

Sit indoors for a view of the artwork and sidewalk, or dine on the bougainvillea-surrounded patio for a quieter setting.

The Extras:

Be sure to check out the retail section where you can buy gourmet coffee and tea, apparel, mugs and chocolates to take home.

Category:

Restaurants

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