A brand new breakfast-focused cafe, Cherries and Batter Cafe, is getting ready to make its debut in the heart of Hillcrest at 420 Robinson Avenue, Suite A.
The new morning eatery is set to move into the former home of Au Revoir French Bistro in the Robinson Plaza, according to intel received by What Now San Diego. Owner Jose Roberto tells What Now that he hopes to open Cherries and Batter Cafe on May 15, specializing in pancakes and coffee. This second-generation restaurant space will sit at the intersection of Robinson Avenue and 4th Avenue in Hillcrest, joining several other tenants already in the plaza, including Einstein Bros, Roberto’s, and Goi Cuon.
The location is surrounded by national tenants including Whole Foods, Vons, Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS/pharmacy, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase Bank, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, and Pinkberry. It offers on-site and street parking, as well as convenient access to State Route 163, Interstate 5, and Interstate 8. The area has a population of nearly 530,000 within a five-mile radius and a daytime population of 397,333, according to details from Loopnet. While additional details about what will be offered at this restaurant have yet to be revealed, it will likely do well with this amount of foot traffic. Unfortunately, landing in a high-volume area means there will be plenty of competition.
Cherries and Batter Cafe will enter a competitive market with several popular breakfast destinations nearby. Among its main competitors are Einstein Bros. Bagels, known for its quick breakfast options like bagels and egg sandwiches; Crest Cafe, which offers an all-day breakfast menu with dishes like French toast and omelets; and Snooze A.M. Eatery, serving creative breakfast items like crab cake benedicts and pineapple upside-down pancakes. Additionally, The Cottage, another local favorite, specializes in fresh, locally sourced breakfast and brunch options. Despite the competition, Cherries and Batter Cafe aims to carve out its niche in this vibrant dining scene with pancakes and coffee.
“Cherries and Batter is not just another breakfast cafe. It’s a place where every morning feels special, and every bite takes you closer to a perfect day,” according to the company’s website. “Our journey started with a simple dream—bringing the best pancakes and fresh breakfast dishes to the heart of our community. At Cherries and Batter, we specialize in pancakes—fluffy, warm, and made to order. Whether you prefer classic buttermilk or something more adventurous, we’ve got you covered. Our pancakes are made with fresh ingredients and served with the best toppings, including juicy berries, maple syrup, and whipped cream. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you want to start every day with us. We offer a full coffee bar to pair perfectly with your meal, giving you the ultimate breakfast experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a strong espresso, a frothy latte, or a cold brew, our coffee will give you the boost you need to start your day. Combine that with our signature pancakes, and you’ve got a meal you’ll want to return for!”
