Rikka Fika

810 13th St, San Diego, CA

★★★★4.3(242 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

Rikka Fika is a serene San Diego refuge where Japanese minimalism meets serious coffee craftsmanship, with staff who genuinely guide you through ceremonial-grade matcha selections and elevated pastries like their signature canelés with impossibly crispy exteriors. The whole operation radiates intentionality—from thoughtfully sourced beans to hand-selected pastries—creating a calm space that feels less like a caffeine pit stop and more like a moment of reset.

What to expect

Slow sitSpecialty drinksEspresso focusedPastriesTraditional drinksLaptop friendlyMeetings

Google Reviews

Nena
★★★★a month ago

The flavors of the vanilla and matcha canele were good and different. Instead of a custard like center it was a light airy cake like consistency. The "burnt" outside was canele perfection. I tried their cortado and it hit the spot. The seats were mostly taken up by people on computers and or scrolling the phone inside the cafe. There is outdoor seating but no tables.

Kristina Meza
★★★★★3 months ago

If you are looking for a spot that takes pastries and lattes to the next level, Rikki Fika is a must-visit. I’m already planning my next trip back! The Highlights: • Chocolate Pastry: This was incredible. It reminded me of the iconic Costco chocolate muffin, but the "fancy version." As a huge fan of that classic flavor, this was the ultimate compliment. perfectly executed. • Scallion Pastry: A standout savory option! It was beautifully balanced with a surprising kick of black pepper that really tied all the flavors together. • Matcha Latte (with Oat Milk): Honestly, I’m still chasing this taste. It was perfectly creamy and flavorful easily one of the best I’ve ever had. The quality here is top-notch. Whether you're a fan of sweet or savory, you won't be disappointed!

Jessica Lane
★★★★★3 months ago

I loved this place! Rebecca was the one who helped me figure out which matcha to get, and she was very knowledgeable and sweet! My matcha was perfect! The matcha was ceremonial grade from Kyoto, and I just got matcha with whole milk. I love the taste of good quality matcha with fresh milk and that’s what I got! I would recommend this place highly to anyone who’s a matcha lover!

danielle
★★★★★3 months ago

this has been my favourite café in san diego since shortly after they opened the permanent location! absolutely love everything about it: the owners’ passion for international coffee culture, dedication to quality craft, design aesthetics, and it all shines through in the barista team they hire as well. i only now post this review because i’ve been gone studying abroad for the entirety of 2025, but i’m finally back and can say i’ve seen this café grow from its early days to now an expanded interior space paired with a patiently curated collection of items. come in the morning to see the natural light stream into the space BEAUTIFULLY. this kind of café is not for everyone, and i think especially in the states, the deep appreciating coffee culture is not as prevalent or mainstream yet. i still love it tho and i hope u find some joy in visiting ♡

rated by maryam • food critic
★★★★★4 months ago

Rikka Fika feels like a little reset button. Calm, minimal, very Japanese in the best way, quiet confidence, respectful energy, and everything is done with intention. We started with a cortado using their more floral blend and it was beautifully pulled. The latte art on a cortado, especially with a lighter roast, is not easy, and they nailed it. We also tried a flat white with the regular blend and it was phenomenal, creamy, balanced, and just the kind of cup that makes you pause for a second. The pairing matters here. The passionfruit scone was the standout with the light roast, crisp on the outside, prepared beautifully, and the fruit note played perfectly with those floral tones. The croissant waffle, on the other hand, leaned richer and went better with the milkier flat white, buttery, crisp, and super satisfying. If you care about coffee craft and a calm vibe, this one is worth the stop. More on social media: @ratedbymaryam

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