Saya Brasserie, a cafe and dining concept from Dubai known for American-inspired breakfasts, brunches, and all-day meals, is preparing to open its first U.S. location in San Diego at 411 Broadway.
The cafe will occupy approximately 4,500 square feet, including a patio, in the former home of Gaslamp Fish House, according to a press release. The Downtown location, owned by franchisees Lena Holguín and Yuliana Cardenas, will bring Saya Brasserie’s Instagram-friendly cafe experience to local diners. Cardenas tells What Now San Diego that this location will have a soft opening from April 1st to April 16th, followed by a grand opening on April 17th.
Founded in Dubai, Saya Brasserie has grown to five locations before its U.S. expansion. The concept blends hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with specialty coffee and desserts, all served in highly stylized, social-media-focused spaces. The San Diego location marks the brand’s first step into the American market, bringing its distinctive visual and culinary approach to the Gaslamp Quarter.
The Downtown San Diego site seats about 170 customers and will maintain the brand’s emphasis on immersive, photogenic dining. A chef from Dubai will travel to San Diego to train staff and ensure that quality and presentation standards remain consistent with those of the original locations. The cafe is designed for brunch gatherings, casual coffee dates, and a visually engaging dining experience that encourages social interaction.
This will be an excellent landing space for Saya Brasserie, given the Gaslamp Quarter’s mix of tourists, office workers, and nightlife traffic. The area’s foot traffic and proximity to cultural destinations make it ideal for a concept focused on shareable, visually appealing food and beverages.
Location Matters represented the landlord in the leasing transaction, with Mike Spilky representing the landlord and Hannah Sierpina representing the tenant. The company has a track record of bringing destination-worthy restaurant concepts to San Diego, supporting the growth and diversity of the city’s dining scene.
