Mimi's Cafe - San Diego, California

Livio Di Cesare

Un paio di volte l’anno fa sempre piacere fare colazione da Mimi’s Cafe

Olive T

Our first visit to Mimi Cafe in Mission Valley was a pleasant surprise as it exceeded our expectations. Parking lot is decent, however, it’s weird that they put the handicap parkings far away from the front entrance. Guessing that the restaurant gives parking priority to the “pickup” orders. We liked the cozy yet charming outdoor seating area by the front entrance. Inside ambiance was calm and relaxing, rustic inspired and the interior had a fake balconies and pictures of bikes and things. This place has an old time diner feel in a nice way. Reading the room, it appears that this place is popular amongst the seniors. We came on a Tuesday around 12:30pm and only a few patrons when we got there so we were seated immediately. Waitstaff was patient, gave us enough time to look over the menu. After taking our orders, waitstaff brought out a complimentary basket of warm bread with butter. We were pleased that the bread were made fresh and served warm. At our request, waitstaff even gave us basket of jams. A nice touch! Our food came out fast and surprisingly delicious. We were not expecting much at this chain restaurant but the food execution and taste exceeded our expectations. Waitstaff was welcoming and helpful and patient. After our meal, waitstaff didn’t rush us out and allowed our group to just sit and chitchat. This place would not be our top choice for restaurants for special occasions but we will visit again because it is located conveniently by the Hazard Center in Mission Valley, easy access to the freeway entrance, decent casual food and attentive waitstaff.

Yongshan

This was an absolutely unacceptable dining experience! The food I was served had visible mold on it (photo attached). This shows a blatant disregard for basic food safety and customer health. The lack of hygiene and proper food management is appalling and completely untrustworthy. Serving moldy food is not only irresponsible but also deeply disrespectful to the customers. I strongly urge you to take this matter seriously and address these issues immediately, instead of brushing them off. I will not be returning and will make sure to warn others about this experience!

stephanie graham

Enjoyed a nice lunch here. The service was very good. The bread basket is always welcomed. My husband was disappointed with the "loaded potato" because it had very little cheese and no bacon.

SC Photography

Mimi’s Café: A Thanksgiving to Remember in San Diego

It is rare to find a dining establishment that captures not just the taste but the soul of a holiday feast, and yet, Mimi’s Café in San Diego managed to do exactly that with their Thanksgiving offering. Walking into this unassuming gem, you’d never guess that behind its warm, family-friendly facade lies a team capable of crafting a culinary experience that rivals the artistry of Michelin-starred chefs.

From the moment I placed my order, it was evident that Mimi’s Café runs like a well-orchestrated symphony. The staff displayed not just professionalism but a palpable passion for their craft. They walked me through every detail of the menu with precision, answering questions with the kind of knowledge and enthusiasm that can only come from a genuine love for food.

The Thanksgiving feast itself arrived with the clarity and organization of an exceptional dining experience—but make no mistake, this was no sterile exercise. Each dish came with simple, foolproof reheating instructions that even a kitchen novice could follow, ensuring the flavors remained as vibrant as the day they were prepared.

And oh, the flavors. Where to even begin? The turkey was the Platonic ideal of its kind: tender, perfectly roasted, and seasoned with a subtlety that elevated the bird without overshadowing its natural richness. The stuffing—a masterpiece of balance—was savory yet nuanced, with just the right amount of herbaceous brightness to cut through its hearty texture. The mashed potatoes, velvety and buttery, served as the ideal canvas for a gravy that can only be described as liquid gold.

What truly set this meal apart, however, was the symphony of contrasts on the palate. Sweetness met savoriness, richness met lightness, and every bite seemed to tell a story of Thanksgiving reimagined. The cranberry sauce, tart and slightly spiced, was more than a condiment; it was a revelation, a nod to tradition with a whisper of innovation. The green bean almondine had the crunch and freshness of a dish that could have come straight from the farmer’s market that morning.

Dessert, as if the meal hadn’t already reached a crescendo, was a triumph in its own right. The pumpkin pie was a silky custard dream encased in a crust that was equal parts flaky and buttery—a rare feat that even fine dining establishments often struggle to achieve.

In the end, what Mimi’s Café delivered wasn’t just a Thanksgiving meal; it was an experience. It felt personal, as though a Michelin-starred chef had taken residence in my kitchen for the day, pouring their heart into every dish. This wasn’t food designed merely to impress; it was food designed to connect, to comfort, and to elevate the very concept of Thanksgiving.

San Diego is blessed to have such a place—a restaurant that understands that great food is more than just technique; it’s a bridge between people, a celebration of flavors, and a memory waiting to be made. If you missed this year’s feast, I suggest you clear your calendar for next year. Mimi’s Café isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a Thanksgiving tradition in the making.

TB

Visiting San Diego and found this gem because it was near our hotel. We are so glad we did because I will be here every time I come to San Diego. We came for brunch and everything was so good down to the drinks! Mimosas are cheaper on the weekends so that was a win. The iced teas and lemonades are also amazing. So many different flavors to choose from. I ordered food off the specials menu. Crab omelette & Peach French Toast. To die for!! I can’t wait to try the regular menu items next time.

Veronica Navarrete

Un lugar bonito.. limpio y de servicio excelente. .la mayoría del personal es bilingüe por lo que puedes cómodamente pedir tus alimentos en español si estás de vacaciones por esta hermosa ciudad..la calidad y sabor de la comida es muy buena..la amabilidad y el lugar son dignos de volver ..los precios van de acuerdo al lugar ..no es barato pero vale lo que pagas sin duda ..

veronica mendoza

Love Mimi cafe! Came to have dinner for breakfast! Samantha our server was amazing! She was very attentive and sweet. Thank you for your kindness . Muffins are so so delicious ?