I love this restaurant and always have! We took my sister there for lunch recently and once again, the food and service did not disappoint. Scott, the owner, walked around saying hello to everyone - he is the real deal and so genuine. Heading back soon! read more

This quaint cafe was recommended to us (three ladies) while visiting Fallbrook, from O'side, last week. It was delightful. Our server was a doll, the food was excellent, good prices, and the patio was lovely. The owner came by and was very friendly and inviting! We will be back. Much more on the menu we want to try. read more

Stoped at the cafe because we saw it as we drove by. It was great. I had the meatball flatbread and the wife had the salmon panini. Everything was fantastic. We will definitely be going back to try the rest of the items on the menu. read more

Delightful little spot I recommend to anyone stopping through Fallbrook. Fantastic presentation giving off an artists masterpiece through each dish. One small note is that the paninis might default to herb focaccia so specify when ordering to get the sourdough upgrade. Modest prices for the quality. Will be telling people about this spot! read more

When I visit friends and family in Fallbrook, I enjoy fine dining at Cafe Des Artistes with a stroll through the adjacent Fallbrook Art Center gallery and store. If you're a foodie and connoisseur of good taste, you must put this restaurant on your bucket list. The quality of food and decor presented by Cafe Des Artistes' proprietor & chef, Michael Calvanese, who personally oversees day to day operations, is a "taste of culture" not easily found in San Diego county. Michael knows the importance of providing fresh, organic ingredients, bread baked onsite daily & original salad dressing. Unique, delicious entrees, ranging from soups, salads, sandwiches and paninis, are prepared with the chef's own knowledge and experience in the culinary arts. He has the touch for combining just the right spices and condiments which makes everything taste delicious and nutritious. Some specialty items to try are freshly made espresso, imported healthy teas, wines and low alcohol cocktails. Great desserts & ice cream really round out add the experience. Michael and his staff enjoy their patrons and want each and everyone to feel special. The personal touch is all part of the charm. Thank you, Cafe Des Artistes! read more

Cafe Des Artistes - Dine with the stars! - Cafes Near Me - Fallbrook, California

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Was working in Fallbrook, and decided to have lunch at this place, based on Yelp reviews. What a mistake. The place was almost empty, even though it was lunchtime. The huge sign at the entrance said "Please wait to be seated". I did and was ignored for a couple of minutes by the server who turned out to be the owner. When he passed by me, I asked whether I should just seat myself, to which he replied, with very unfriendly attitude,"I thought the sign was pretty clear, wasn't it?" after which he told me I could pick a table. That's logical... The unfriendly condescending attitude continued throughout my visit. The food wasn't much better. Very overpriced, considering how small the portions are. I ordered an $11.00 panini soup combo: grilled eggplant and bell pepper panino and corn chowder. My panino wasn't really a panino. It wasn't pressed at all - just a very small sandwich, with tasteless pale eggplant and pepper which tasted steamed. It wasn't seasoned well either - just a poor excuse for a panino. What you see in the photo is the wannabe panino, after I asked to press it some more. The soup was OK but had too much garlic, especially for lunch. When I complained about the panino, I got a lot more attitude. Maybe this explains why the place was empty at lunch. Too bad, as the restaurant itself is actually charming. When I told a local, at a business across the street, about my experience with the owner, the person said, "Yep, I'm not surprised. This is how he is..." read more

Cafe Des Artistes - Tiny twice-"pressed" non-panino panino. - Cafes Near Me - Fallbrook, California

First time sitting down in a restaurant in a year and I'm so glad this was our first experience out! The menu has great selections, backed up by organic, locally sourced options, prepared and cooked to perfection! Scott is as attentive an owner you will ever find! Our server Lily made sure every glass was filled and the kids had everything they needed for us to enjoy our brunch. Everything was delicious, fresh and of generous size. Can't wait to go back! Special shout out to Lori holdin it down in the kitchen! Superb frittatas!!! read more

Fantastic food! Excellent service, Lily is the best server and the owner Scott the owner are great!!! Highly recommend this place!!

What a great find in Fallbrook, CA. A beautiful cafe with a backdrop of tasteful and colorful art. Owners are so nice, and service is quick and polite. Our lunch was fresh and delicious. I had the Salmon panino and my husband had the turkey panino; both on rosemary focaccia bread. They are killing it during this difficult time. read more

We ordered the grilled chicken panini, but the waitress kindly informed us they were out of chicken. Instead, we had the grilled cheese with tomatoes. It could have been a better if the sandwich was warm but unfortunately it wasn't. The Cesar salad that came with the sandwich was good. The waitress has a beautiful French accent and is very polite, very accommodating. I'd come back here again to try their many pastries. read more

Such a cool cafe to go to if you are ever in the Fallbrook area!! I was originally going to eat at Main Street, but got so frustrated trying to find parking. I pulled into their parking lot by accident, and saw there was a cafe so I decided to give it a try. The cafe is gorgeous!! It is connected to the art gallery for lunch so you get to pop into the gallery as you wait for your food! Oh and you are surrounded by beautiful paintings as you eat!! Great prices too!! Only $7 for my delicious turkey sandwich! I also had an amazing French onion soup! Service was very nice and friendly too! I recommend anyone who is in the area to come to this cafe for lunch! read more

Cafe Des Artistes - Cool gallery paintings to look at while you eat!! - Cafes Near Me - Fallbrook, California

Cutest place ever..owner and chef is such a great person..food is amazing and great feel..I love this place

Well else can I say, I just love the environment because the name gives it away. It's a café with paintings of local artist. The first thing that caught my eye was a horse that was made for art. The menu they have is interesting because they have sandwiches that have common bread for sandwiches and they had homemade bread. I ordered the chicken grilled Panini (homemade bread) and added a fruit bowl. It didn't take long to get my meal because it was a medium portion (My opinion). The sandwich was nice with the grilled chicken and homemade bread. The fruit bowl had strawberry, pineapple and grapefruit, which was a perfect combination. After finishing it all, I decided to get desert and it was very tasty. The desert was the reason for the five stars. read more

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Order the loose leaf iced tea for sure - many varieties to choose from. I had a half chicken salad sandwich and cup of soup and both were freshly prepared. Loved the art exhibit of watercolors next door. read more

This place is amazing! The owner is very friendly, and informative. This restaurant offers healthy/organic food, which is hard to come by these days. The portions are great, so you don't over eat. You also get to be surrounded by art! I highly recommend to anyone visiting Fallbrook or who just wants a great meal, with quality ingredients. p.s. they have the best tea I've ever tasted!! read more

Went here for lunch this afternoon with my mom. There was about 3 other tables full when we came in around lunch. Michael, the owner, was very friendly and accomidating. My mom ordered the tuna salad sandwhich and tomato soup. She really enjoyed the tuna salad, said that the walnuts were a nice touch and the bread was excellent. I ordered the chicken poblano soup with a side salad. The soup was great, hearty and just the right amount of spice from the peppers. The salad was fresh, with all veggies crisp, ripe and in season. I also order blood orange iced tea, which he brought out freshly brewed in a diffuser that despinsed over ice. The portions here are not the largest, however he uses all organic, locally sourced ingredients. So although you do pay a bit more, he is definitely not skimping on quality. read more

Where do I begin... Open for early/late lunch, serve fantastic fresh organic food such as sandwiches and salads, and delishes baked goods, great italian coffees, they have a soda fountain bar - any flavor and there are many to choose from. You can grab a glass of wine and wander around and look at art, even into the the Fallbrook Art Center. Once a month they serve a planned dinner with a theme. Michael the owner is so cool and friendly! I will be back! read more

Excellent service, reasonable prices, tons of parking, charming atmosphere... We love Cafe des Artistes. Discussing artwork with the children over lunch is also a wonderful way to spend some time! Recently, they've made an effort to include more gluten-free options. Their flourless chocolate cake is decadent. read more

Came in when they opened. Nice location and outside seating area is beautiful. Gentleman that helped me was very nice and provided good conversation and quick service. Just got a bagel and coffee but many delicious looking pastries in case. Would come back for dinner or lunch. Want to try their boar chili. read more

"Organic Eats" Found this hidden gem while art shopping in the front part of the building. I believe this may be the only organic restaurant in Fallbrook. I had a organic wild salmon sandwich with lemonade. Even the lemonade was fresh squeezed without a ton of sugar. My wife had the tomato and red bell pepper soup. Smallish portions but reasonably priced and organic. While it is hidden, it is perfectly placed according to my wife who loves to shop Main Street. Michael, the owner, greeted us and he is a friendly, proud Italian from New York (absent the typical NY attitude). Very enjoyable and perfect for a quick and healthy lunch read more

Fantastic, i was working in the area. Tried the pesto sandwich with tomato soup. Ingredients are good and every mends really well. I enjoyed every last bite! Will come back again! Oh and the iced mocha was awesome read more

Panini's! I had the Salmon panini yesterday and it was fresh & delicious. My colleague's had the Pesto Panini (as usual) and they were happy too. Take a look at the extensive tea list and the dessert counter. The art changes frequently so always something new to enjoy. read more

Pita turkey with clam chowder soup! Trying this place for the first time ! After lunch its off to Main Attraction salon! MY soup was barely warm, Enjoyed my lunch though ! read more

This is probably the best lunch spot in town! If you want a classic soda or an amazing tea this is your spot. The food is delicious and healthy, but not in that too many vegetable kind of way! If you want to eat well I suggest you eat here!! I suggest ordering what ever the special of the day is. read more

This is my go to place to relax have fresh gourmet sandwiches or soups that I don't worry about ordering anything cheap or unhealthy. The owners are nice and I can always kick back and chill. read more

Super cute place, tucked away behind main street (behind the library in Fallbrook). Staff was very nice and attentive. Nice to have option of indoor and outdoor seating. And food and drinks were good as well. I don't eat out often, but will definitely find an opportunity to visit this place again. read more

My sister and I came here for lunch today and absolutely loved it! The owner, Michael, was so kind and welcoming. The food was great (pulled pork sandwich special, caprese salad, potato leek soup, and chocolate Vesuvius cake). The decor was charming and Michael told us all about the murals and the history of the original Cafe Des Artistes. We look forward to returning! read more

Cafe Des Artistes - Pulled Pork Sandwich & Potato Leek Soup - Cafes Near Me - Fallbrook, California

Great tea & healthy food. I love their salads! The owner, Michael is super welcoming and really takes pride in the fine selection of his food and drink offerings. Well worth the visit. It's on the back side of Fallbrook Art Gallery. It faces the library. If you become a regular you might just see me there. ;) read more

What a gem! From the awesome GF panini to the fiesta ware, lunch was a delight. Artful atmosphere as you would expect being in the same building as the Fallbrook Art Center read more

We hosted my mom's 84th birthday party at Cafe des Artistes this past weekend. It was wonderful - Michael and Cynthia were so helpful and the food was delicious. We reserved the separate room, which worked out well as we expected 18-20 attendees but 26 people showed up. There was no issue with additional guests - special menus for the guests were quickly printed. Majority of people had the trio - soup, croissant sandwich, salad which was yummy. Everyone had a wonderful time. We are so grateful for the help in making my mom's party so special! read more

Cafe Des Artistese is a great place to eat in Fallbrook. We have been coming to this place for the last five years. The homemade soups are always delicious. I've tried all of their sandwiches over the years and enjoyed them all. The chicken salad sandwich is the best I've ever had. I'm not a big eater, so the half sandwich and a cup of soup offerings work great for me. The owner, Michael, and his staff are always pleasant and professional. If you happen to find yourself in Fallbrook, give this place a try. read more

This is a little gem of a restaurant for lunch. Everything about the food is top-notch, bespeaking the French touch of the owner & hostess/manager. From the perfect coffee, to sandwiches on home-made bread to die for, to the expresso brownie and other exceedingly delicious French deserts. The cafe is nestled alongside an expansive art gallery. When we were there it was setting up for a wonderful American Watercolor exhibit. The infusion of the artistic element really heightens the dining experience. read more

My husband and I ate at Cafe des Artistes a couple of days ago. We planned to be in Fallbrook around lunchtime, so my husband did a little internet research since we didn't know any restaurants there. The cafe itself is cute, displaying paintings by local artists, and we got a table with no problem. The menu was okay, nothing new or innovative, but they had several different panini and I decided to try the eggplant and roasted red pepper--I love that combo, and even make it myself sometimes. My husband ordered the salmon panino. We both ordered a cup of French onion soup and coffee. The coffee is good, but I asked for cream (or half and half) and was told that they had found out the day before that the cream they had ordered was spoiled. Well, okay, I thought, so why not go out and get some more? I am sure I am not the only person in the world who does not like lowfat milk in their coffee. STRIKE ONE!! The French onion soup came--the broth was weak, the onions scarce, and a few chintzy croutons with perhaps 1/2 tsp. cheese thrown in. STRIKE TWO! The panini came, along with the final insult. I've never had a worse one. A few undergrilled and chewy slices of japanese eggplant, one 1/2" slice of red pepper, not roasted, mind you, just a grilled slice, a bit of mayo, on some kind of bread which tasted strongly of sage. I like sage okay, but didn't like it on that particular sandwich, but it was the only thing about the sandwich which had any taste at all. A little cheese would have been a welcome addition to that sandwich, along with a really gutsy garlic aioli, and please, put some real roasted red pepper in there since you feature it in the name of the sandwich, not one chintzy, undergrilled slice! And it had not been prepared in a panini press, so what made it "panino" rather than just a tasteless sandwich? I was starved, so I ate half of it and left hungry. STRIKE THREE! My husband said his salmon panino was better--he said it was "okay". It was grilled salmon slices on the same strange bread, with mayo (which they describe as "aioli", but seemed like plain old mayo to me), and a few capers. On a scale of one to ten, he gave it a five since he didn't care for the bread either and the salmon was a bit overcooked. We were disappointed enough in our lunch that we opted not to try any of the desserts. read more

Delicious, clean, organic salads, sandwiches, soups, fine wine, desserts, great coffee and teas. It's makes for a fun afternoon having lunch at Cafe Des Artistes and then exploring Fallbrook's Main Street shops and galleries. This cafe is not the place for lunch in a hurry. read more

Had the Portobello Burger (it was the daily special) and it was DELICIOUS. Could've been that I was starving, but I think it was also a nice balance of flavors. It came on a flatbread-type bun, which was perfect because it was so big already and didn't need a bunch of bread. The only thing is this place seems a tad high on pricing and there's not much light, since it's in the back of an art gallery. Other than that, though, I enjoyed it and the served was delightful. :) read more

I was not impressed. Although the food was tasty and the menu interesting, I thought everything was over-priced based on the very small portions. I paid extra for prosciutto on my tiny panini and was surprised to see only 1 very thin slice. It was hard to determine if I actually received more than 1 slice of prosciutto, as it was cut paper-thin. Regardless, it was certainly not worth the additional charge. Neither I, nor my lunch buddies ever plan to eat here again. read more

To day I had lunch with two friends. It was a last minute plan, I didn't have cash on me at the time. Our food was good service slow. When it came time to pay the bill, we all had separate checks. Two ladies paid cash, I put out my debit card. I don't know if the man that came to the register is the owner or not. He said they did not accept cards for less than 10.00. I was in an embarrassing spot. I just stood there stunned. My friend quickly pulled out a 20.00 and paid for my lunch. Even though the food was good I will not return to the restaurant and I live only two miles from Cafe Des Artistes. I will also tell others about this. On the yelp page for Fallbrook it says that they will accept credit cards. Nothing is said about a limit. read more

First time here - we thought it was great. Coffee was very tasty-sandwiches were made with fresh products and the chowder was well prepared. We finished with a flour less chocolate cake that was very good. We are looking forward to trying dinner there! read more

I've been coming here for lunch for at least ten years and have never had a bad meal. There are always one or two soup specials in addition to lunch specials. The ingredients are high quality and the portions reasonable. They don't pile any "filler" items on your plate and that's important to me since I hate to waste food as often happens in a lot of restaurants. One of my favorites is the Salmon panini. read more

The food is always fresh and healthy. The owner is witty and charming. The atmosphere is artistic as the name suggests. I love Michael's special dinners. If you haven't experienced one, what for them. The entertainment and food is great and the atmosphere relaxing. read more