i am a vegan and the food at the World Beat Cafe was delicious!! The server was extremely knowledgeable and my food was prepared quickly. I'll definitely be going back for more. read more

A place run by really wonderful people. Big emphasis farm fresh food, with the importance of vegan cooking and increasing access to healthy food for all. The peanut curry and spinach patty were delicious! read more

World Beat Cafe - Outside - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

Ordered through DoorDash while I was in town on business and OMG the African Peanut Coconut Curry was sooooo good. Usually my husband and I split an entree and try 2 different entrees - not this time. We knew we didn't want to share. It was just so warm and tasty and felt like a hug on a plate. We also got the spinach and cabbage patties and you would think that all Jamaican patties taste the same - but no. These really were a cut above the rest. Totally recommend. (written by vegans) read more

great food and people. get the tamales! I am definitely coming back for a community event. cheap food too

This restaurant has great heart and wonderful food. We devoured the Louisiana Creole Plate with Okra and the combo plate. The service was warm, happy, and timely. They're open Fri Sat Sun. We'll be back. Thanks. read more

So happy I was able to experience this lovely cafe. The gentleman behind the bar was there was so pleasant. He answered all of my questions and engaged with each customer in a such caring manner. For dinks they had coffee, regular kombucha, and hemp infused kombucha. (There were probably more options but that's what I saw)Both flavors of the hemp infused kombucha were delicious. That was my first time having hemp kombucha and it totally relaxed my mind and body. I ordered 2 Jamaican patties cabbage & tofu. I had to wait a while because they were being made fresh. When they came out both were so delicious they were seasoned, soft, flaky, and had the right amount of spice. My picky 5 year old loved the tofu patty. This is the best cafe I've ever been to. It's afrocentric, healthy, and everything is of the highest quality! read more

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We really enjoyed ourselves, from the food to the people and the ambience. Really great community culture hub with rich history and healthy food options that are delicious and reasonably priced. Service was great, and we loved talking with everyone there. Not just a cafe, but a place with events like live music, too! read more

Y'all this place is a must go! It's astoundingly affordable and everything on the menu is good. I went every time I could while I was in San Diego. One of the best outdoor patios to take your time and relax too. read more

What a hidden gem! We found this place by luck as we wanted something close by the zoo. The staff were so sweet and gracious. A lot of the food they make uses home grown produce from their garden, which they showed us! The food itself was so tasty, and VEGAN! Would definitely recommend the jerk burger - so flavorful. The prices were very reasonable and we are recommending this place to all our local friends read more

Fun idea to have interesting African food at an off-beat restaurant on the outskirts of Balboa Park! Pros include a combination plate that allows you to try several of the most popular sauces and flavors at once. Pros include no possibility of getting water without buying a plastic bottle of it- they couldn't refill my water bottle or give me a cup or anything, nope, gotta spend extra money on yucky plastic bottle...not cool. Service otherwise was decent, not speedy, buy I didn't feel neglected. Salty sauces made me SO thirsty. Probably not going back. read more

Came by for lunch and had the platter. Delicious and friendly service. Also really enjoyed the cbd drinks they had for sale

Lovely food lovely service and great prices. Don't come here if you're in a rush. Loved the exhibition they had up and lots of seating. I will be coming back here again. read more

World Beat Cafe - Jerk patty burger and combo plate - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

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Amazing food. Hands down FANTASTIC! We have a Jamaican born chef in our friend group who came with us who gave her stamp of approval which is very high praise. Special shout-out to the African peanut curry, the red curry, the Jamaican patties, and the tamales! Very interesting spot with a cool community/cultural history behind it. Prices extremely reasonable and the serving portions were generous. Will defiantly return and recommend! read more

World Beat Cafe - Tamales - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

We had the Peanut Curry and the Jamaican Red Curry and both were delicious. Even more so, the service was fantastic. Thank you for the hospitality! read more

Thank goodness for World Beat Cafe! There aren't many open, sit-down dining options at Balboa Park but this place was open and within walking distance of all the museums. Everything at World Beat Cafe is not only vegan but most of their ingredients are grown in their garden right next to their restaurant! My party and I all ordered the Rasta burger. It's a veggie patty with a sweet and tangy Jerk sauce and comes with a side of sweet potato fries. The food took quite some time to come out, about 30 minutes. Nevertheless, our friendly waiter checked on us often and let us know our was on the way. Our meals were filling and bellies were happy! read more

World Beat Cafe - Rasta burger. - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

Finally I got to try one of the dishes at the World Beat Center. First time eating here so I was pleasantly surprised at the various food dishes, snacks and drinks available. I ordered the African Peanut Coconut Curry. I appreciate all the dishes being vegan as I am lactose intolerant so I did not have to worry about any dairy ingredients. The curry was tasteful and the veggies were enough to fill me up. Overall the dish was good and it came with a small salad. I wish the food portion was bigger bc it was pretty good, but overall it is a decent size. I'm definitely coming back to try other dishes and partake in one of their dance classes. read more

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Food was so good and filling. You can tell it was made with love. The server was attentive. I really liked the meat pies! Warm and a great snack for later. One of the dishes were spicy and the server gave us a glass of oat milk. So sweet! The space has a lot of info around the wall for you to learn. Overall a great vibe! Would def come back again. read more

The food was delicious, flavorful, and well priced. It was pretty empty when we went which made it great for looking around at the art and history exhibit. The cashier was super friendly, and we met the owner, who was lovely to chat with! Overall, a great experience and I'd love to visit again. read more

World Beat Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

This is the spot!!!!!!!!! I did the combo plate and it was absolutely hands down the best food I've tasted at a restaurant!!!! The combo plate is most definitely a plate for HUNGRY HANGRY ppl. It's so filling and flavorful! I tried stopping myself when I became full, but the greediness I don't claim got the best of me. I ate every inch of it and left nothing! When I walked into this sanctuary for the first time it was breathtaking for me. I was so excited, amazed, and thrilled to see the many pieces of art and the wealth of knowledge here! The owner is a LEGEND! I really want to go more into detail on how amazing and uplifting this space is, but it's really one of those places you just have to EXPERIENCE it for yourself. You have to check it out, because it will be really WORTH YOUR TIME! read more

World Beat Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

This place was recommended to me by a friend and it was such a great experience! They were extremely friendly and I ordered the mix combo plate to go. It was nice to try a little bit of everything and the curry flavor was amazing! The interior design felt like you were walking into a museum. I hear they do a lot of events with live music and such. I will have to check it out another day! 5/5 experience! read more

I'm not vegan. I will not ever be vegan. And this food is GREAT. The spinach patty and coconut curry (with micro greens) are absolutely delectable. And this jazz band that just started up is setting an entire Sunday afternoon MOOD. I'm just stopping through SD for the day, a friend wanted to stop by this spot and now I'm having a whole-ass experience. read more

My boyfriend and I had been wanting to try this place for a while and we finally made it over there today. They are doing take out options or you can dine on their cute outdoor patio. I got the Cheezy bean burrito and my boyfriend got the Veggie Jerk burger. Both were a 10/10. The chili that was on top of my burrito was *chefs kiss*. We've been trying to eat more vegetarian and vegan meals. It's nice to know that this place is right in our neighborhood and absolutely killed it in the vegan flavors. Service was also top notch, we will definitely be back! read more

World Beat Cafe - Cheezy Bean Burrito - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

Well, I was met with one flavorful and satisfying meal after ordering the combo plate. Easily could feed 2 people but I went solo and enjoyed it all myself! Super tasty and glad I got to experience all there was to offer. The plantains were SUPERB, my favorite part. But also the spice from the chili was a delightful note. Really, you can't miss with this plate. I also got the moringa smoothie and it was delicious! I'm vegan so getting to enjoy an entirely plant based meal without worry was ! Would 100% come back to try something new or order this again! Definitely get your money's worth and the service is very friendly! read more

World Beat Cafe - Combo Plate - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

Stopped by this place 2x in one week. Can't vouch for anything else BUT the patties are great. I had the spinach(my fav) and the cabbage(attached pic). My friend enjoyed the spicy tofu! Hopefully next visit I'll try something else...lol Nice ambiance, music and pat tees :) read more

World Beat Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

Highly recommend the combo platter. Plenty of neat stuff to look at while your food is being prepared.

An unassuming counter service joint within an ornate cultural center. The food is way better than what you'd expect from a museum / gallery stand. And it was so great to enjoy vegan takes on Afro-Caribbean cuisine. African Peanut Curry: The sauce was kinda light and not that peanuty compared to some Senegalese peanut curries I've had. But it was still tasty. The real star here was the cornucopia of nature's bounty: plantains, sweet potatoes, zucchini, carrots, kale, cabbage. Felt so dang wholesome! Louisiana Creole Gumbo: This was probably my favorite dish. A rich gumbo filled with some many flavors. The corn kernels and okra slices were just perfect veggie choices. Loved that the okra wasn't slimy at all. The collard greens on the side did a good job of tempering the richness of the sauce. Tofu Jamaican Patty: This had an unexpected and nice kick. A little softer filling than a Jamaican beef patty, but still quite filling. The crust could have been flakier, but it was still pleasant. Grilled Cheese: The only item I wasn't crazy about. The "cheese" tasted like that powered stuff you'd get in Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. Also, there was no stringiness; it was like the "cheese" got absorbed into the bread. The bread itself was nice and toasty though. read more

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1) Food takes forever and there's no warning. If you go here, anticipate from the time you place your order to getting your food to take an hour. They don't tell you it takes long and it's a huge disappointment when you're excited to try a place and the service is awkwardly lacking. 2) Pick up process is unclear and a waste of time. I waited in line for my online order only to be told I have to go to the back to get it... only to be told they gave my order to someone else and I had to wait an extra 15 min on top of my 45 min wait upon order placement. I've eaten here probably 6 times and each time they have the same issues. At first I thought it was Covid adjustments but it's been 2 years and they should have their stuff together by now. TL;DR: Pros: - people are nice - food is spectacular Cons: - takes an hour and they don't even tell you that ahead of time - pick up process is unclear resulting in added wait time - they don't have free drinking water to patrons and only sell bottles of water I want to love this place but they keep taking too long and not communicating it. :/ 1 hour of wait is unreasonable for a combo plate. read more

Finally made it to World Beat Cafe yesterday after having learning about them last year, and it was delicious! Moringa smoothie (from their own garden?) was so refreshing, and spinach patty (similar to an empañada) made me want more than the two we had bought--I could have eaten just those for a meal. The combo plate is a great way to try entrees and figure out your favorites for a next visit (my favorite of them was the jambalaya, which was mild with vegetables that were cooked but not mushy). A very nice lady that I'm guessing is the owner was so sweet and came to the car while our order was being prepared to suggest listening to their localized radio broadcast at 101.1 while we waited. and also thanked us for supporting them during this time. Order 30 min ahead by phone, and they'll bring your order to your car parked in front if you call when you arrive. read more

Servers are friendly and prompt. Expect a line nonetheless. Food is very good, though don't expect the cafeteria-style preparation to compare to made-to-order dishes at a sit-down restaurant. The flavors and texture of the gumbo seemed a tad muted, but the fare is designed to serve the masses rather than culinary critique. The convenience of the location is a big draw, but they continue to have good business even when there are competing food vendors right outside. read more

The employees are very kind and the food is amazing!!! I got the combo plate and I can't wait to come back and try more.

This place is the epitome of positive energy. Coming here is just like their sign says, "welcome home." No matter who you are, all are welcome. The food is all vegan, you can tell it is home cooked and made with love, so good. The hours are not entirely accurate, I've come here up until closing time and it's still been open and after late night events, the following day they may open a little later, but that's very much in alignment with the spirit of this place. Come for the food and stay for the energy and music always playing. I absolutely love this place and am so thankful it is apart of the SD community. read more

World Beat Cafe - Combo of 3 - peanut curry, chili and gumbo - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

Wonderful and healthy fresh food and everyone was so friendly, sat on the beautiful patio.

If you are looking to step off the usual path, eat here. My wife an I split the sampler platter for a taste of the highlights. Then we throw in a burrito, which is fantastic and full of flavor. The guy working there is always friendly and the food is pretty quick. Super casual. read more

Combo plate is so good! Really delicious flavors. Best of all it's healthy. The vibe of the place is great

Food was amazing! I got the combo plate and it was delicious. Huge portions and incredible flavor. Will be back. Staff was also very friendly. read more

World Beat Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - San Diego, California

so much fun and outdoor garden seating. friendly service. music not too loud but live music. food very generous and delicious

WONDERFUL. Get the combo, and a Jamaican patty to share and you got a lunch date for two. All the food is placed neatly together, FULL of flavor, vegetables are never mushy, beans/rice so good too! No meat and no lacking in flavor. I CAN'T COMPREHEND why their patties are so good, there's so much flavor in the crust, the texture is addicting, and the oil on the paper bag tells you it's dam good but you wouldn't even thing it's greasy the slightest read more

Food was AMAZING!! My friend and I ordered the Jamaican Red Curry and the African Peanut Coconut Curry and we were completely satisfied...it was full of flavor and decent prices. Definitely recommend vegan or not. read more

Visiting San Diego and always looking for vegan spots. This place popped up and can't believe they don't have enough reviews! The food is rich in flavor. I would say the food we ordered is hearty and healthy. You have all the nutrients you need. You have your beans, fruit, greens, spices etc. I would the combo plate we got is whole plant based food. The food tastes better than it looks. Homemade is always the best! I would recommend sharing the combo plate with someone as it is filling. It may/may not look like it but it def is. The combo plate has chili, curry, gumbo, collard greens and salad. The combo plate has a great balance and wanted to try multiple dishes. This is a great way to do it! Tamales is unique- I'm used to just the leaf and tamale itself. But for them to add a little chili, sweet corn, cheese and a little side salad it was so delicious and well balanced! My goodness the best part is it wasn't dry. Jamaican veggie patties....... okay they are so good as well! We got the spicy tofu and spinach. I am at loss for words as all the dishes we ordered was amazingly tasty and full of colors! The moringa drink is light and healthy. It has a little kick and sweetness to it at the same time! Never had a drink like it and I could drink it all the time. Everything is proportioned and cooked to it's perfection. Please visit this place because they deserve to be well known for their cultural food. Their staff were friendly as well. You won't regret it! Love love loveeeee and def coming back here when I visit San Diego again!! read more

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Balboa park is fun but exhausting. Lots of people running around and lots of museums to go through. Well when you are exhausted and it's lunch time and it's super hot and you are wondering what is available to eat where you don't have to leave the park. I'm thinking there would be only burgers and hot dogs cuz usually these kinds of places try to appeal only to the masses. Well this is when World Beat Cafe comes in. I about flipped when I saw this giant building with a sign that said fresh cut coconuts, vegan ice cream, moringa smoothies, and freshly made vegan food. To the left of the entrance are these two exotic birds greeting you and then you walk into this giant community center. I have no idea what this place is used for but in a small corner of the center is where the cafe is located. Anything Caribbean is totally going to lean me to the red stars, then when the sign says it's made from fresh ingredients in their garden and I'm more than blown away. So the best deal in the house is for $12 you get all 4 of their entrees which consist of Louisiana creole gumbo, spicy red curry, costa chica chili and African peanut curry. If you don't want all that food they have a bunch of vegan burgers, grilled cheeze, and burritos, soups and salads. Nothing is more than $10 a plate. The day I went they were out of the Spicy Jamaican curry so I asked for a side salad instead. I also had their Kombucha on tap. Just to note the seating here is a bit limiting and even though it's a chill environment it's not a place where you can come with a group of people and hang out. It's more of a self serve place where you order at the cash register and then take a seat at the communal bar seating and wait for them to bring your dish out. Not sure where the kitchen is because it's not anywhere to be found in the tiny space. I'm guessing there is another kitchen in the center somewhere were they make everything. The guy working there is pretty friendly and stands behind their healthy foods. All the foods were very tasty and went well together. My favorite was the gumbo and the chili. The peanut curry was coconut based and a little sweet for my taste but it still was good. They also serve a craft draft cold brewed coffee which you can bring in your growlers to fill. They also serve Jamaican pockets filled with different veggie items that are displayed in a hot oven. They are imported from Jamaica frozen and they are vegan. I took a tofu and spice one to go and I liked it but there are a bit greasy so I'm not sure how healthy they are. Overall to have a place like this in Balboa Park is pretty amazing. When you are burned out from museum viewings take a break and come over to this place you will not be disappointed. read more

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