I'm glad my friend told me about this French Café. Merci mon amie! It's located in the Cedros Design District which is the heart of Solana Beach. I decided to have brunch there but when I arrived everyone was watching a soccer game...rooting for the French Team. It was pleasant to see the owners, staff, and guests so into the game. It created a welcoming and fun atmosphere...making my French experience more authentic. Just be aware, that majority of the seating is outside with an overhead shade. I looove eating outdoors so the setting was perrrfect. When it was time to order, I went inside to place it at the counter. Not too long afterwards, my warm latte came out then my breakfast...I didn't have to wait at all. Everything was sooo yummy. C'est vraiment bon!! I can't wait to go back to try the other menu items. I highly recommend Madeleine to the Yelp Community :-) read more

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(editing to add this is a French-owned and Black-owned business, in case folks are looking!) I usually come here when I'm doing errands on Cedros - and I usually just want to get my français on and order a café crème and a croissant. But today I needed a little extra je ne sais quoi because my morning was annoying, so I decided to splurge on lunch and not just a pastry here. I asked Steve, the (très beau et gentille!) co-owner what the quiche of the day was. There were two: one with jambon (ham) and one with épinards et fromage de chèvre (spinach and goat cheese). When I hesitated, he told me that the spinach one was amazing. Even though it's $20 for a quiche plate, I decided to go for it. I thought I was going to get a sad little quiche slice for that amount and might regret it. But OMG, it was more than worth it! Already they have a lovely patio on this pretty street in this fancy design district. But it was also a HUGE and exceptionally savory rectangular slice, alongside a DELECTEABLE petite salade. I asked Steve what mustard they use in the vinaigrette, and he said plain old Dijon - but the proportions and the seasoning were EXCELLENT. So it was salad perfection, not heavily dressed at all, just delightful. The patio was full on a Friday with ladies who lunch - but did that include me, as a solo diner, since I am a lady who had lunch? I'm not sure, but you can feel comfortable here no matter what. And now I know Madeleine Cafe is much too good to just come for coffee and for ordering in French from Steve or his co-owner Emmanuel. I don't want to spend that much for lunch every day - but I'll be back! read more

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Came here on a Friday for lunch. The service was really kind and friendly. It was a nice and chill vibe with self-serve water station. Unfortunately we couldn't order the kids chicken tenders for my daughter since their fryer was down. We ordered the tuna and chicken pesto sandwich with side salads. They were delicious and refreshing. The sandwiches were more like a toast not really the typical sandwich style so it wasn't hearty, especially for the price. Overall, we were glad we got to try this place as it wasn't too busy and got served right away. read more

Madeleine Cafe & Bakery - Tuna sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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I found street parking right in front of the bakery, which was super convenient. There was a short line to order food and drinks, but it moved quickly. After ordering, you grab a table in the patio area and they bring your food out when it's ready. I ordered the Chicken Pesto Tartine and substituted the sourdough for a baguette. It came with a side salad, and everything was delicious. I especially loved the dressing on the salad. The portion was perfect for me. Service was great, and I definitely plan on going back! read more

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Seriously? I love this place but I sit in the same exact chair I sat in the last time I ate here. The first time, I got Eggs Your Way to go, the second time, I ate at the table and a YOUNG LADY was standing next to the white man with the accent. It was on a Friday or a Sunday. Those are the only two days I work on Cedros Ave and this is the ONLY place I've ever eaten in the 3 months I have worked here. I walked in and the lunch is on them because they took so long the last time and had to deliver it to me at work. So I was like super stoked no big deal about the last time Anyways right? And I come in and he asks me what I want and I tell him and then I say and a mojito. And he says "we don't do mojitos" I said "that's weird because I had one here before they said they'd make it and they did" he said there is no girl who even works here. Yet this girl handed me my plate at my table. I find it incredibly rude and disrespectful to get an attitude with me and tell me I'm a liar essentially. Like really? Just a rude guy working and I'm not crazy sorry read more

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Sunday brunch with the cuzzos. First visit, I hit a bit of traffic so they were already drinking lattes before I arrived. Such a cute spot. I loved how authentic they were with all the French offerings. I pre-scoped out the menu, so I already knew I wanted the Niçoise salad. But my eye caught someone else's Croque Madame being delivered. Guess I'll need to come back. My cuzzos got the crepe and omelette. Our food was delivered with 10 minutes. I was a smidge disappointed that it was tuna salad instead of seared tuna slices. I still enjoyed my salad nonetheless. My cuzzos both gobbled down their meals too. Will definitely be back! read more

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A charming café where French elegance meets California freshness. Nestled just a few blocks from the ocean, this spot invites you to linger on its comfortable patio, basking in perfect coastal breezes. I've visited multiple times and each experience has been delightful. The authenticity is evident the moment you step inside and are greeted by a lilting French accent and a menu that stays true to tradition (with a California twist). Every dish is light, flavorful, and crafted with the finest ingredients. I typically indulge in a crêpe or quiche. The crêpes are exquisitely delicate, while the quiche is a rich, velvety embrace of custard-like creaminess. And when on vaca a midday glass of wine feels perfectly fitting because why not? If you appreciate delicious French delicacies, explore their expansive menu and treat yourself to a visit. Bonus: plenty of free street parking awaits right out front. read more

Madeleine Cafe & Bakery - Water and Chardonnay. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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Very friendly French cafe! I had egg Benedict with spinach. It came with salad. Also French rose wine was perfect match with dish. We will come back! read more

Madeleine Cafe & Bakery - Egg Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I heard great things about this cafe and recently had lunch there. You order at the counter & they bring the food out to you. We sat outside & we went later in the afternoon so it wasn't crowded. Parking down the street was easy but they don't have a parking lot (not that we saw anyway). The open face sandwiches were decent & came with a small side salad. We felt that the food was a bit overpriced for what it was. read more

Food was delicious. Enjoyed my Croque-Madame which is ham and Gruyère cheese sandwich with a sunny side up egg on top. Loved everything about it, including the side salad. Nicely dressed. Tried my best friend's La Goat Cheese salad and we really liked those crostini with the melted goat cheese on top. About $20 for each of our dishes read more

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The quality and taste of their crepes, omelettes, Benedict's, quiches and croque madame have been unmatched in San Diego. You can taste that they use quality butter and ingredients, along with that amazing salad with the delicious light tangy dressing. Plenty of outside covered seating. read more

Fabulous!!! So cozy, feel like I am in Europe and the soft scrabble is perfection! 1000000% recommend

Brought my French girlfriend here because I was told to come here by another French lady I met. I was told to try the French traditional butter sandwich. The owner knew exactly what I was asking for. We both got them. The french don't use sauces like we do or mayo, mustard, wet sandwiches. The fresh french bread is sliced in half, smeared lightly with butter and cuts of fresh turkey and swiss I think it was is placed on the sandwich with about 5 whole baby cornischon pickles. This was a delicious very simple sandwich. I do prefer a little more wet, like a smear of mayo would have been nice. But when in France.....They also carry an array of French goods like Rose Water and syrups, a few pastries etc.. read more

Stopped in late afternoon ! Wow the avocado toast was delicious! Hubby loved the pesto chicken! Something about their sour dough bread is special ! read more

Wonderful ambiance, food and service. Lovely patio. Will come back for more. Thanks for the nice French experience.

Great little cafe/lunch spot with really good service and amazing high quality salads, sandwiches and pastries. One of my go to spots if I'm looking for a quick bite and to gain back that French bistro vibe. Also, treat the office with authentic French pastries on occasion... mmmmm read more

Madeleine Cafe & Bakery - Le goat cheese salad w/avo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Very nice location and very French excellent food we had chance to enjoy our birthday together again in beautiful California read more

Madeleine Cafe & Bakery - Our breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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Great breakfast spot. Seems to be owner operated the chef is the cashier LOL. I had the Parisiens Omelette (Gruyère cheese and ham) along with a coffee - simple but delicious, made and presented with care. Outside seating area is shaded and nice to sits outside to dine. I thought the food quality was excellent and the other dishes I saw at neighboring tables looked great as well. With the visit. Will say it was a bit expensive @ $17 for and omelette but everything is so much more expensive now especially dining out. read more

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Both me and my husband studied abroad in Paris and enjoy so our French cuisine and culture. Madeleine cafe is a solid reminder of that time for us and a lovely spot for breakfast. I'm a savory person and really enjoyed the crepe and omelette I had here. The fact that they are dog friendly is just the piece de resistance for us. read more

Madeleine Cafe & Bakery - La Crepe Complete - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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I had the best eggs Benedict there of any of the restaurants around. My latte was excellent. I also felt that the prices were a little more reasonable than some of the other north county places. read more

Cute little french cafe located in the heart of Cedros Design District and very close to the beach. Dog friendly outside patio with plenty of seating. Parking is street only. Service is friendly and the person bussing and bringing out the food is very efficient. Their croissants are amazing especially when fresh. They are Flaky, buttery and melt in your mouth ridiculousness. Don't pass on these, take one to go for $5! Worth it. Their quiches are so delicious. Very fluffy, moist, cheesy and full of flavor. I do think that $18 is quite steep for a slice of quiche. Definitely a treat. read more

The food and service were top notch. It's a cute little cafe with nice outdoor seating. A very fun and chill vibe. Had lunch with a friend here and had a great time. Would definitely come again! read more

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I have been several times before but was my first time this year because my friend insisted in their salads being very good. I was expecting a quick bite and a coffee in an informal setting as usually I remember Madeleine like this. However, the prices have gone ridiculously high I don't think I will be going back any time soon. There is no real service, you order in the counter and you sit whenever you can...and $30 for a slim crepe with little substance and a cappuccino. I was super hungry after the gym and this was not enough to satisfy me...but with those prices I went to the grocery store after that to buy something to cook at home. read more

Madeleine Cafe & Bakery - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solana Beach, California

We met some friends here on an early Saturday morning, and it did not disappoint! I made reservations because there were six people, but if you go early enough, I don't think reservations are necessary because there were lots of open tables. You order at the counter, which is always nice for a big group. Everybody loved their beverages and food! Additionally, I have never in my life gotten my food so quickly. We will definitely be back. read more

Madeleine Cafe & Bakery - Croque madame - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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Amazing food! The staff here are so nice and welcoming. Five stars will absolutely return!

Cute French cafe located in Solana Beach. Menu had a variety of breakfast items like omelettes, salads, crepes. I had the California Crepe with chicken and it really hit the spot. Of course, had to get a delicious dessert like tiramisu as well. Friendly staff and cute patio seating. read more

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Perfect weekend brunch spot to go to with the family - obsessed with the Parisienne sandwich and the truffle fries. Owners are exceptionally nice too. read more

Tried Madeleine's last night. Service was friendly and timely. My wife had the portobello burger, which she loved. I had the fish and chips. Unfortunately, very disappointing, my "fish sticks" were so small I had to complain to our server. They did bring me an additional piece of fish but still feel my meal was overpriced for the portion. Especially since the fish sticks were obviously made from frozen. read more

Cute little French café on Cedros in Solana Beach. We came for breakfast/brunch on my birthday. You order at the counter, get a number and they bring your food to your table. The majority of the seating is outside with overhead shade. I thought the prices were a little high for the size of the portions. My friend ordered Nutella crepes ($14 in 2024) and was disappointed it was just one. I had an omelette ($18 in 2024) which came with some lettuce greens. The owner is actually French and they sell a few French grocery items. There is a single stall bathroom for which you need the key. Parking is on the street, 3 hr limit. It's fun to look around Cedros shops afterwards or stroll down to the beach. read more

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They offered classic French staples, so I started with an oat milk cappuccino for $4 and chose the spinach and goat cheese quiche of the day with a side salad for $18. It was a marvelously light and creamy way to start the day. My friend got the chicken pesto omelet for $18 and throughly enjoyed it, giving me a taste of the very moist chicken and bright pesto. read more

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Sad that this is one of maybe two spots on the street to get a bite. If something else opened, this place would not be so busy. The salads are way overpriced and mine didn't have a few key ingredients they advertised. It looked and felt like a sad salad. Also, the bathroom situation is gross. It's shared by two other venues and it's not clean and when I made a comment that it had run out of toilet paper, the counter guy gave me some napkins and shrugged. read more

No wonder this place is empty! I ordered a hot tea made with a crappy tea brand. The menu stated $4.50 but I was charged $6.50 for adding a splash of milk to it. He doesn't even have cream out for you to add it yourself. The food and pastries look below par for a "French" cafe. Just because you have an accent doesn't mean you should open a restaurant read more

A gem on Cedros in the heart of Solana Beach's Design District. It's now part of our weekly ritual: The best quiches we've ever had in our lives (a family recipe), delicious coffee and the best croissants we've had in San Diego (and better than many we've had in Paris!). French owned and operated with a commitment to authenticity and to quality--you can trust that their cuisine is made with olive oil and/or butter NOT Canola oil (most restaurants rely on cheap and toxic seed oils vs. real healthy fats). Everything is fresh and delicious. The service is fast, friendly and witty. Steve and Emmanuel and staff are treasures! And, it's dog friendly, to boot. read more

Madeleine Cafe & Bakery - The world's best ham and cheese quiche with a side of fresh greens dressed with a delicious mustard vinaigrette. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Great brunch place. Not too many options on the menu, but enough choices for everyone. Decent portion sizes. Dessert was the perfect sweet. Prices are a little higher compared to other brunch places. A walk away from the beach. Parking is a bit difficult on Sundays since there is a farmer's market down the street. Outdoor tables and seats available. The patio is covered. Food came out fairly quick. Cashier had a French accent. read more

Madeleine Cafe & Bakery - Vanilla cheesecake - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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The pastries on display are exquisite. I tried the dolce de leche which was a pyramid of chocolate cake bottom with layers of cream, and caramel cream. This was decadent and I loved that it, and several other desserts were gluten free. The crepes and Croque Madame that other dinners were having also looked great. read more

Madeleine Cafe & Bakery - Dolce de leche - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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Their Croque Madame is dangerously good. I laugh as I remember when I ordered it and told my sister that I was just going to eat half of it. And...I inhaled it. I gave my sister the salad as I wasn't too much a fan of the dijon mustard dressing but was very much as fan of the sandwich with a egg. They have self serve water on your left and a good amount of tables outside. When ordering, they have a assortment of French goodies on your right included freshly made pastries. Staff was friendly. Parking was plentiful as we came early around 10am on a Saturday. Looking very forward to coming here again for the croque madame! Stomach is grumbling at the thought of it! read more

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I understand it's an expensive area, so I don't expect much of the food. They were edible. However, the coffees were so terrible that I felt I need to get up here to leave a warning. They were super watered down. My husband ordered a mocha and I ordered a latte, pretty basic stuffs, both tasted like someone accidentally brewed a second cup out of a used keurig pod. I don't understand how they could make such terrible coffee out of a fancy machine. read more

I came here with my boyfriend to get brunch- I ordered a Parisienne omelette and my bf ordered a Californian omelette. We ended up switching because he doesn't like goat cheese, but overall okay. The fries were the best part, crispy and flavorful, and I appreciated the veggies on the side. read more

Madeleine Cafe & Bakery - Parisienne Omelette, Californian Omelette, fries, coffee - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I really wanted to like this spot...i got the chicken pesto toast and it was lacking in flavor and the bread was super soggy, so soggy it broke in half when I picked it up. The salad was also very soggy. I make my own sourdough bread and pesto at home often, I was really hoping this would at-least be decent, but I was truly very disappointed. I would not come back. They did give a good amount of chicken on the toast but again the entire dish was lacking in flavor big time, which says a lot about pesto. read more

I don't remember what croissants tasted like when I went to Europe, but there's no denying this chocolate almond one was absolutely delicious! Whether it was authentic or not, I don't know nor do I care, but something is telling me it was because the gentlemen who worked there were watching the World Cup and speaking French when I walked in. I think my croissant was fresh off the baking pan, and my cappuccino doesn't look good in this photo because that was before I mixed it up, but it was delicious! I'll be back to taste more pastries! read more

Madeleine Cafe & Bakery - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solana Beach, California