I took my last full bite of food. I felt like I just got off of a roller coaster, disappointed the ride ended but so glad it happened. I didn’t want it to stop. Remnants of my intricately made shrimp corn cakes and streaks of homemade cilantro cream sauce enticed me to take another bite. I suddenly took my fork and scraped the remaining food, starting at the left side of the circular plate and reaching all the way to the right side. I ferociously dragged my fork as if I were in a competition for the cleanest plate at the end of lunch. Unfortunately, the noisy collision of plate and utensil attracted an unwanted audience. After savoring the bite, I looked up to see fellow patrons glaring at me. I sometimes forget I’m in public when I have a love affair with food, which happens every time I eat at Cafe21.
This darling restaurant located in University Heights is known for its neighborhood charm. Once inside, patrons will instantly feel like they’ve stepped out of an airplane and landed in a different country. The atmosphere is rustic, yet romantic, with a homey flair. The restaurant is small, cozy and adorned with a patio full of beautiful plants and vintage decor.
Owners and husband-and-wife duo Alex and Leyla Javadov moved from Baku, Azerbaijan to San Diego. They joined the restaurant business when Leyla Javadov was asked to bake baklava for a Persian restaurant in downtown. Her dish was a hit, so she continued to sell baked goods at the restaurant. In 2007, when the Javadov’s home was no longer big enough to accommodate Leyla Javadov’s culinary talent, they opened up Cafe21.
The Cafe21 staff strives for fresh, organic and locally grown food. The handcrafted menu changes to reflect seasonal variations throughout the year, boasting the finest ingredients served by local farms. Exotic herbs and fruit, together with creative dishes, are a mainstay here.
“The food is good because the quality of the ingredients are great,” ffirst time customer Joe Gardapee said. “It’s as simple as that.”
With world flavors and a touch of Azerbaijan roots, Cafe21’s taste is an eclectic mix of international cuisine that’s hard to label. European and Middle Eastern cuisines influence the menu items. The worldly spices and ingredients keep customers intrigued.
Alex Javadov describes the food genre best.
“It is a fusion. We have a little bit of the whole world,” Alex said.
Cafe21’s food gives a new perspective on the typical brunch items such as pancakes, crepes and sandwiches. The restaurant takes the basics and brings new dimension to them. It is safe to say I’ve never seen another menu like this one.
Cafe21 serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Looking for vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options? Have no fear, Cafe21 has got it covered. Items such as gluten-free spaghetti squash and shrimp and vegetarian layers more than suffice dietary needs.
As much as their cuisine takes the stage, it cannot do without drinks. Cafe21 has a array of beverages to suit any preference. It is known for it’s house-made sangria, available daily in six varieties. From a 16-ounce teapot of loose-leaf tea and fresh-squeezed juice to espresso and crafted cocktails, Cafe21 has a dynamic drink menu to satisfy all taste buds.
Priced low for its quality, the food on the brunch menu ranges from $9-$25 and dinner from $8-$26. All servings are generous in portion size. Offering food so innovative and unforgettable, customers will leave with a future visit already planned.
During the handful of times I’ve been at Cafe21, I felt as if the chefs made each dish for themselves, making each experience a pleasurable. The unique flavors and outstanding service is what sets this eatery apart from other cafes. It’s no wonder Cafe21 is known as a “neighborhood fare with flair.”
