Eclectic. Welcoming.  Fun for your tastebuds.

Eclectic. Welcoming. Fun for your tastebuds.

A French-ish café, run by a French pastry chef having fun crafting "non-boring" food.

Welcome to your new favorite happy place...

At our café, French roots meet a love for the eclectic. Led by our delightfully nerdy chef-owner, we specialize in food that’s made to order and never boring — whether it’s a shakshuka plate, a Moroccan beet salad, or a just-out-of-the-oven quiche.  Chef's whims dictate what's available on any given day, so come often to try her latest creations.
We also craft rotating collections of small-batch artisan chocolates, dreamed up monthly and made right here in-house.

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Artisan Chocolates, Reinvented Monthly

Each month, we unveil a new collection of handcrafted chocolates — imaginative, bold, and beautifully giftable.
Browse the current line in-store or order from our sister site.

Hidden Gem? Here’s How to Find Us.

We're conveniently located in the heart of the Carlsbad Research Center close to the Carlsbad airport and Legoland.

Look for the yellow and blue  “CAFE” sign from on the south side of Faraday Avenue at the entrance to Carlsbad Research Center.

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Something’s Always Happening Here

From chocolate tastings and pop-up dinners to cozy holiday gatherings, we love bringing people together. Check our calendar or stop by to see what’s brewing next!

"I stopped by for a quick bite and was blown away by the quality and flavor of everything I ordered! The Parmesan bagel with bacon and cheese was absolutely incredible—crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, with just the right amount of savory sharpness from the Parmesan. The bacon was perfectly crispy, and the cheese melted beautifully, making every bite rich and satisfying. As if that wasn’t enough, I also tried the apple pastry with caramel sauce, and it was a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The pastry was flaky and buttery, while the apples were tender with a hint of cinnamon, all topped off with a luscious caramel drizzle that added the perfect touch of indulgence. The staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was welcoming—definitely a place I’ll be returning to! If you’re looking for a spot that serves high-quality, delicious treats, this is it. Highly recommend! "

Terrell

"What a hidden gem! I've discovered the best coffee shop in the area. They have a wide variety of items on the menu-Croissants, breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches, salads, all kinds of baked goods. Elissa, the owner/operator, couldn't be kinder and more pleasant. She bakes and makes all of the items fresh right there. And get ready for this: she also makes her own chocolates! The ambiance is so inviting. My girlfriends and I could have stayed there all day! I'm so happy to have found this place. It is dog friendly also with outdoor seating available. It is a little hard to find-but it's just off Faraday in a business park-but don't let that put you off. There is plenty of parking. You can see the festive umbrellas on the patio and know you're there. Please check this place out. You won't be disappointed."

Heidi H.

"I went by today to try out as I heard it was under new ownership and it was sooooooo good! I ordered the Turkish Chicken Pita, the Artisan Hot Chocolate, and their pastry of the day. I was absolutely blown away! The Pita was everything I had hoped for. The Artisan Hot chocolate was so rich and delicious! If you plan on ordering it though be warned, it is not milk chocolate it is dark so if you are expecting something super sweet, its not going to be for you. The new owner was one of the sweetest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting! She seems very passionate and has brought a good energy to the Cafe. I will absolutely be returning and I am excited to see what pastries will be there on my next visit!"

Tazia L.

Recent Posts

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Summer is salad time, right? Meet our Southwest salad, decidedly on the eclectic side of French-ish: a scoop of chile verde chicken on a bed of mixed greens with baby t...
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Salade niçoise anyone? Before the purists note there is no anchovies, that is an option of course, as is a side of freshly baked baguette from our friends at @pragerbrot...
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