A Welcoming Coastal Cafe by the La Jolla Cove
What appears like a charming coastal home is, in fact, a casual and cozy brunch destination with something on the menu for everybody. Priding themselves on fresh ingredients and vegan options, Blue Whale’s menu brings a new creative culinary perspective.
Review by Content Creator, Stephanie Niebergall
Blue Whale Cafe
Approaching the cafe, it truly does resemble a quaint beach house. Except this house has a patio full of tables spilling out to the sidewalk, soothing weekend background music, and a staff that doesn’t seem to catch a break! Every table is filled with people enjoying their food and drinks, while still maintaining a laid-back Sunday morning feel. The menu is full of options for any palate and mood. From a staple breakfast plate, classic french toast, acai bowl, or toast with lox and fresh heirloom tomatoes.
My choice was the ube pancakes and matcha latte. As someone who had never had ube, I was somewhat skeptical about how I would like it. Prior to my Google search while standing in line… I was not familiar. Ube is a vibrant purple yam originating in the Philippines, the color is definitely what drew me to the dish. It's known for having a sweet nutty flavor and has gained popularity in different desserts, pastries, and other sweet treats. Of course also for its distinctive taste and striking color.
Ube pancakes & matcha latte
The dish was served with ube-infused cream, shaved coconut, and berries, it was the perfect level of sweetness. All around it was delicious, and I appreciated the simple toppings which complemented it well. However, given its distinctive flavor, it’s not something I could eat all in one sitting. The ube flavor was prominent, offering an intriguing twist on pancakes that can often be overly sweet with traditional toppings. The matcha latte was made with honey and oat milk and was a fitting addition. Made with a great balance, not too overpowering in terms of earthy flavor, but light and refreshing. The rose petals were a bonus added on top.
If you plan on dining here, don’t hesitate to branch out and try something new while enjoying the charming decor and bustling environment. The line often stretches out the door but moves quickly. Grabbing a table on the weekend can be challenging, given the cafe’s popularity and limited seating.
