Our Green Affair Cafe, a health-focused, community-driven cafe, has been serving Solana Beach residents fresh, nourishing meals since opening in May 2024 at 905 Lomas Santa Fe Drive.
The cafe was founded to offer food that is both nourishing and fun, providing options for a variety of dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor. The owners, Jacqueline and Jeanette Gaistman, chose Solana Beach for its coastal charm, walkability, and community energy, believing the town’s wellness-focused lifestyle aligned perfectly with the cafe’s “healthy-ish” concept. With its vibrant, small-town feel, Solana Beach enables businesses like Our Green Affair to quickly cultivate regulars, fostering a sense of connection between the cafe and its neighbors.
From the beginning, Our Green Affair Cafe, located within the Lomas Santa Fe Plaza, has focused on high-quality ingredients and made-in-house preparations. Menu items range from all-day brunch dishes like avocado toast and baked chilaquiles omelettes to açaí bowls, gluten-free French toast, and high-protein pancakes. Salads and wraps, such as Shake Your Cauliflower, Seize Her, and Thai Me Up, highlight the cafe’s commitment to bold, satisfying flavors, while sandwiches like the Steak Sandwich, Crispy Bacon Banh Mi, and Greens Sandwich offer hearty, flavorful options. Sides and add-ons, including corn ribs, roasted tomato soup, roasted veggies, and a selection of proteins, allow customers to customize their meals to fit personal tastes and dietary needs.
The cafe is designed to be accessible and convenient without sacrificing quality. Online ordering for pick-up and delivery ensures that meals arrive fresh, and catering services allow Our Green Affair to bring its menu to local events, office lunches, and private gatherings. Sustainability is also a key part of operations, with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients minimizing environmental impact and highlighting the produce’s natural flavors.
Launching and running a cafe, the owners admit, is far more demanding than it appears. Maintaining ingredient integrity amid fluctuating costs and availability is a constant challenge. As a small business, Our Green Affair has had to find creative ways to attract customers and compete with larger restaurants with bigger marketing budgets. Educating the community about the “healthy-ish” philosophy has also been important, emphasizing that food can support wellness without sacrificing taste.
Operational challenges include staffing, training, and consistency. With a smaller footprint, every decision matters, from kitchen flow and prep to service speed and seating arrangements, particularly on busy patio days. Despite these hurdles, the owners remain committed to providing a seamless, high-quality experience for customers every day.
Looking ahead, Our Green Affair Cafe plans to expand its catering offerings, introduce seasonal menu specials, and collaborate with local brands and community partners. The owners are focused on refining the guest experience, ensuring that ordering, dining, and interactions with staff are effortless and enjoyable. Growth for the cafe is measured not just by revenue but also by how well it deepens the customer experience and strengthens community connections.
Beyond food, the cafe fosters a positive, wellness-focused environment. It’s a space where people can pause, connect with friends, and enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals in a welcoming setting. This emphasis on energy, atmosphere, and community engagement has helped Our Green Affair build a loyal following in Solana Beach.
Jacqueline Gaistman tells What Now San Diego in an exclusive interview, “We created Our Green Affair to be a place that feels good — not just because of what’s on the plate, but because of the energy. We’re a local, community-driven cafe, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received. If you haven’t been in yet, come by and say hi — and if you’re a regular, thank you for being part of what we’re building. We want every visit to feel like a little reset: delicious food, friendly faces, and a moment to enjoy your day.”
Our Green Affair Cafe is currently open at 905 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM, and Saturday & Sunday, 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM.
