A friend from Idaho informed me that Invita Cafe was trying to be ruined by people who were triggered and unhinged that this family owned business was honoring and paying respect to Charlie Kirk after his assassination by placing "Thank You Charlie Kirk" stickers on their coffee cups. After my friend shared this with me, I was determined to support this business because I couldn't believe people would do that to a business for simply thanking a young man for all that he did during his 31 years on Earth. Despite Invita being far from where I live, I've been blessed to visit their Rancho Santa Fe location on two occasions and both times, I was served delicious coffee and received outstanding customer service. I'm giving Invita 4.5 stars because on my second visit, I ordered a featured coffee, but decided to change it up because it wasn't too flavorful. There are two Invita Cafe locations in San Diego with their Rancho Santa Fe spot and their other location in Carlsbad. As I indicated above, my first visit was the Saturday after word got out that people were disparaging the business and it was jam packed with customers out the door. The Rancho Santa Fe cafe is one of several businesses in Cielo Village. This village can be reached utilizing Del Dios Highway, which is a scenic route surrounded by a lake, mountains, and foliage. There is plenty of parking at this small outdoor strip mall. Invita Cafe is across from Beyond Pilates and Q1 Real Estate. Nuevo is also located here and Invita is next to Goli Pizza Eatery. The coffee shop has brick on the outside and there are outdoor tables and chairs to enjoy your coffee and food. After being in the long line that first Saturday, I finally got to see the inside and the color scheme is black and white. There are accent pics, decorative lighting, and a corner where there's merchandise you can purchase. It's a small space with counter/stool seating. The employees behind the register were diligent handling the crowd seamlessly and they provided friendly customer service. The two times I visited Invita Cafe Rancho Santa Fe were on Saturday. The first time customers were lined out of their door and the second time, I visited at 7:30am, which was 30 minutes after they opened. Both visits, I ordered coffee, but besides coffee, Invita's menu consists of tea, wellness drinks, breakfast items, salad, flatbreads, toast, and sandwiches. When I return, I'll make sure to try their food, but on my two visits, I had to try their coffee since Invita is a coffee shop. During my first visit, I ordered a white mocha with two pumps of hazelnut. After my first sip, I could tell Invita uses quality coffee beans because the coffee was tasty, the hazelnut made it flavorful, it was rich, and it seriously was an enjoyable cup of Joe. During my second visit, I tried one of their featured coffees that was displayed on their counter, but after taking a few sips, I informed the young lady who made it that it wasn't flavorful. I asked her for a white mocha with two pumps of hazelnut, but this time, a young man remade it and it was as delicious as my drink when I first visited Invita. During each of my visits, the staff placed a "Thank You Charlie Kirk" sticker on my coffee cups and I really appreciated Invita's gratitude to the founder of Turning Point USA. Invita Cafe is definitely out of the way from where I live, but I'll make the sacrifice to support a business who recognizes the impact Charlie Kirk had on Americans and the youth of America. Besides the nice sentiment of appreciation for Charlie, I'll return to Invita because they serve really satisfying coffee. read more

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I had one of the better cappuccinos I've had in San Diego County here. It's a nice stop of you're taking the back roads to Del Mar or Solana Beach, which I do often. Cute location in a shopping center and friendly workers. Will be back. read more

Bad coffee and bad service, Starbucks should have a better choice, will not be back!!!!

Pretty location but coffee was nothing special - almost $5 for small brewed and it was cold. The employee did warm it up for me. All the baked items were sold out. Starbucks is much better. read more

Great coffee and service. The staff is always attentive and the food and drinks are fresh. So lucky to have this amazing shop in our town.

Cute cafe with extra seating area. Great tea options. I loved the avocado toast. Excellent customer service. I will definitely be back but hopefully at an off peak time since they are always so busy. read more

This place is an eye sore in the community. Horrible coffee, stale beans, and ignorant owner. I hope this place gets shut down ASAP. read more

My husband and I drive by this place almost every weekend and decided to finally stop in and try it. My husband had an espresso and I had a latte. The espresso was just "ok" and my latte was so gross I threw it out after a couple sips. The staff wasn't particularly pleasant either so we won't be back. read more

Understaffed and took forever since there were only 2 people working. I got an iced dirty chai and it was gross. Tasted like perfume and flowers not very chai-like at all. Don't get me started on the Charlie Kirk thing. read more

Cool and urban, clean and minimalistic coffee shop in the RSF plaza. its definitely off the bitten path, probably known only by locals because of its location. The coffee shop is located at Cielo Village plaza. The whole plaza is perched on the hill overlooking Del Dios road and Santa Fe valley preserve. Invita offers light breakfast options like chia pudding, baked goods and a few breakfast sandwiches. I believe they also serve lunch to go options. Staff was nice and polite, prices are average for the neighborhood. Large latte is $5.50 similar pricing to Starbucks but with better quality coffee :) If you are in the area, stop by and check this place out. read more

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Mediocre coffee at premium prices. Don't even bother with their food unless you're desperate. Service and ambiance were fine.

Food options are limited. Latte was lukewarm. The best thing about this place is that it is conveniently located to the train station. Not sure I'd be back otherwise. read more

The coffee I ordered somehow managed to taste burnt and watery at the same time. The price is cheap but I'd rather pay for coffee that tastes good. read more

Incredible hidden gem. Nestled in a cute corner shopping center. The owner is so sweet Tiramasu latte is honestly the BEST latte I've had in my entire life. read more

INVITA - Tiramasu latte Hot White Mocha Banana Bread - Cafes Near Me - Rancho Santa Fe, California

pretty poor quality coffee. not the friendliest service but nice ambiance I guess If you want good coffee and food go elsewhere! read more

Excellent coffee and great ambiance. One of the best authentic Italian coffee shops in San Diego. Quality of service is top notch. I wish they closed a bit later than 2pm on Saturdays. read more

INVITA - Café Hot Latte - Cafes Near Me - Rancho Santa Fe, California

I visited here after the backlash to whatever the fuck they did while on vacation, I wanted to see if it was actually as bad as the trolls said and yeah, it was BAD. Starbucks prices for Circle K quality, I get better coffee at Kwiktrip with a far better price. I got a cookie with it because it was like a dollar or two and it tasted almost like classroom chalk with some artificial flavoring. There are much better nearby cafes, if you want a GOOD coffee head over to "Time in the ranch" read more

Sweet café, coffee and work space located in a high-end plaza near Rancho Santa Fe. Can expect my visits to always be consistent in food services and quality atmosphere. read more

Super cool coffee shop with a very unique rosé colored coffee machine. Other than coffee drinks you can get great pastries, sandwiches, chia pudding and many more goodies. The service is always impeccable and friendly. I also like that they have a little bit of a gift shop and there are always cute postcards and interesting jewelry. Invita means more or less 'invitation' in Spanish and Italian. My main reason to stop when in El Cielo shopping center. read more

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Food tasted unloved and unseasoned. The coffee was lukewarm for an iced coffee which was unsettling. Service was disingenuous. Won't be back. read more

A real Italian espresso and a tiny cookie for a buck. Cielo Village makes it feel like you're in Italy....almost. read more

It's just coffee. Expectations aren't generally that high unless there's more to it. If it's a latte then don't burn the milk. If it's espresso shots then make sure they're not watery. But all I wanted was a cup of coffee and it was bitter and lukewarm. Life is already expensive enough before throwing away money on a bad beverage before a meeting. Surprised that a cafe could serve something so gross and still be open. read more

Great coffee and vibe. Lives up to the name inviting and has an authentic feel and taste

Bad coffee and bad service. Rather make the drive and hit up other coffee spots and not give my $ to this place.

Crazy expensive Avocado toast without fresh avocado?! Could add greens and or sesame seeds. Consider crispier toast read more

Went here for breakfast. The egg croissant. It was not good. The atmosphere and service were eerie and unsettling. $4.25 for a small can of diet coke is insane. read more

A very cute, clean, authentic Italian coffee experience! Staff are friendly, and the coffee is amazing. You can't beat $1 espresso shots! I highly recommend the Tiramisu latte and egg croissant. read more

INVITA - Tiramisu latte, iced - Cafes Near Me - Rancho Santa Fe, California

Wow! Such a great find. I needed a quick bite and found Invita close by. I got their mambo Italian sandwich. Pretty amazing. Crispy on the outside soft in the inside with the right amount of flavors all mixed up side. Thank you for being just what I needed this afternoon. read more

Great espresso's and latte's with excellent customer service. They have a nice little siting area with board games and books you can borrow! Overall fantastic experience. read more

They'd benefit greatly but investing in a simple neon "Open" sign---even from Costco. As it is they show they'd open but leaving the front door wide open. This is the middle of winter. It's 57 degrees outside right now, about 57 degrees inside too. Not to mention the likelihood of flies during warmer months. This id one of those places that present you with tipping choices upfront----before you've received any service whatsoever. They actually watch as you make your tipping decision. I opted "no tip" so I could see what sort of service presented and tip correspondingly in cash at my table. No one even bothered to carry my sandwich over to my table. They simply left it boxed up on the counter. Extremely limited menu. My tomato soup came out barely lukewarm. They have no way to warm it up. read more

This hidden gem is absolutely amazing. We got a cold brew, decaf latte (probably the best I've ever had) & an americano- all delicious! The lox toast is so yummy. Splurge & add the avocado. The portion was generous. The gluten free brownie had walnuts which I love. It was the perfect combo of crisp & chewy. So many outdoor patio tables around the side surrounded by potted lemon trees. read more

INVITA - Lox toast with avocado is soooo good & large portion. This only half, we forgot to take the pic before we ate the other half. - Cafes Near Me - Rancho Santa Fe, California

Invita cafe offers a delightful experience with its great sandwiches, rich coffee, and an Italian dolce vita ambiance. The flavors and quality make it a must-visit for those seeking a tasty and cozy cafe experience. The menu is updated often but some favorites stay! read more

Absolutely awful espresso. Hard to find good coffee anywhere, this place is one of those that's cool looking but produces bad coffee. Very acidic, not smooth at all, no flavor. Terrible. I always try a shot when I go to a new coffee house, you can tell right away from a shot of espresso. I threw it out after 1 sip. It was disgusting. Add this place to yet another crappy coffee hipster joint. read more

Clean design, relaxed, food is top notch. Coffee is on point. I recommend the Prosciutto Sandwich. Very welcoming attentive service. Great alternative to offerings in Rancho Santa Fe. Unassuming location is the only tricky part. Wish I knew it was there sooner. read more

Fantastic iced Americano! No burnt taste. Just nice & toasty flavored dark coffee perfectness. Perfect staff serving perfect cups. So happy to stop in here on my way to work. Quick & friendly efficiency is a lovely experience that you look forward to as a consumer when it's consistently & reliably well executed. read more

Great staff, always very friendly. The ambiance is cute and small. They always have the best pastries.

I love the atmosphere of this coffee shop. The espresso is so smooth and delicious. I order an espresso macchiato with breve. I love the Lox toast. I always order it with avocado. They drizzle a little olive oil over the top of avocado, salmon, cream cheese on toast. So delicious! There is great outdoor seating and a large seating area next door. read more

Delicious coffee. Beautiful bodum glassware. Super sweet staff! I always stop and grab a latte on my way into RSF. They are open during COVID for takeout so support a small business and order a coffee to go asap! read more

INVITA - a drink being poured into a glass - Cafes Near Me - Rancho Santa Fe, California

This places is......DELICIOUS! Each staff member over met has been friendly and helpful and the lattes are always delicious! Worth the drive if you aren't close by. They have multiple milk alternatives and the espresso is smooth. I get the peanut butter latte with chocolate, less sweet and with oat milk. It tastes like a Reese's. The best part is the price is pretty much what you will pay for a burnt tasting latte at the chain places. If you're just into espresso they do $1 espresso shots as well. Go have a taste. You won't regret it. read more

Saturday past lunch time, and I want to go on a nice drive that will have a nice view and end with awesome coffee. Well, I found it! My 5% Italian blood says this is definitely great coffee, great taste, great decor. I am thinking to come over on the week to work from here. The coffee shop I tasteful, elegant. I got an avocado toast, plus the tomato and feta cheese and a latte. I am licking my fingers! We can seat at the gallery next door, eat, drink and have your visual senses feast. read more

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