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Welcome to Gourmet Island Bistro

At Gourmet Island Bistro, we celebrate the essence of community and flavor through our diverse menu, which caters to a variety of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options. Nestled in San Diego's business district, this family-owned establishment offers a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for breakfast or lunch. Our passionate team delights in crafting dishes from fresh ingredients, ensuring every meal is a memorable experience. Customers rave about our innovative sandwiches, hearty omelets, and friendly service, making it a beloved spot for locals and office-goers alike. Join us, savor our delicious offerings, and become part of our culinary journey.

Gourmet Island Bistro: Reviews & Ratings

Nicolas M.
Nicolas M.

This place is awesome!!! I have gotten lunch here 6 or 7 times. Everyone hint has been exceptional. The family that owns this place is incredible with wonderful personalities. My favorite items have been the chicken club and the Greek gyro! The patio is the perfect lunch respite from my busy sales office down the street.

Faith D.
Faith D.

This is such a cute, small, family-business type spot. Their menu is pretty diverse, I've only tried their sandwiches here. I've tried the big kahuna and their grilled cheese with tomato soup. The big kahuna is turkey, lettuce, tomato, bacon, and avocado - kind of a basic sandwich but really good! Their grilled cheese option lets you choose two cheeses and that was just a classic with the tomato soup, it definitely hits the spot! They're super friendly and very quick!

Rohini M.
Rohini M.

This is a very casual, nice little space that operates only for breakfast and lunch hours on weekdays only. This is a family owned business that is super friendly and very accommodative with our diet preference. People who serve are so warm and friendly. They have many many good vegan and vegetarian options in the menu and also they are open to make meat option into vegan food on request which is super sweet of them, which makes vegetarian like me super happy as I get to choose rather than just opting for only one available vegetarian/vegan option out of no choice. I love their vegan omelet and vegan egg sandwich, too. The only bummer is that they are not operating on weekends, so I am not able to spend a family brunch time here :(. I absolutely recommend this place for all, especially for vegans and vegetarians looking for breakfast options

Tate V.
Tate V.

This place is hidden but after you have been once or twice it will be hard to miss. I went here with a coworker and was met with kinda greetings from the family that owns this bistro which was such a cozy vibe. The woman was eager for us to try a new vegan oatmeal cookie she made fresh out of the oven minute ago. I ordered an everything bagel with cream cheese and a coffee. The bagel was great! The coffee was pretty standard but for both items and tip to be under $10, it was solid ! I have heard their sandwiches are very good as well. For vegan folks, the vegan menu was quite large. This place is a mom-n-pop bistro that caters to the many offices that surround it. Support this local business, I know I will continue to do so :).

Tammy c.
Tammy c.

I met a friend here for lunch because of the good reviews. The location is surprising because it's in more of an industrial/business area. Based on days/hours it serves the weekday working community being open Monday through Friday 6A through 2P. They do delivery and catering as well as sit down. They have a lot of places to sit. Some seating inside and some outside. Definitely a deli atmosphere. No fountain drinks but plenty of drink options in their refrigerator. they have a very extensive menu and nice selection of vegan food. My friend got the Bacon, lettuce tomato and avocado and I got the roast beef. They were both very good. There is so much on the menu that I want to try. Lots of nice looking salads and lots of good breakfast options as well. Daily specials and it looks like three soups per day as well. It definitely has a family feel, and the people were very friendly.

Chelsea C.
Chelsea C.

OH MY GOODNESS. I absolutely adore this spot! My husband works right next door and we meet up for lunch every Thursday and we ALWAYS get their specials! Dareen, Fay, and the rest of the team are so warm and welcoming that it feels like we're visiting family whenever we walk in. A few favorites we've had so far are the salmon special, the Greek lemon chicken soup, and the matcha shake! Dareen also mentioned a mocha shake that is a MUST TRY so I'm definitely getting that next time. If you're in the area or if you just want to come to a spot that feels like home, stop on by! You won't regret it

Melissa C.
Melissa C.

This is the Thursday special! The salmon is so good with crisped glazed skin on top! Cauliflower purée and veggies! So good! I suggest getting lunch here if you're in the neighborhood! They have daily specials and soups! Family ran restaurant! Amazing people and amazing food! 10/10 highly recommend! I also recommend the cobb salad! One of thee best cobb salads in SD!

Richard F.
Richard F.

I was impressed with the service and amazed by the food! The Gourmet Island team catered a large lunch event for me and every step of my experience was great. I ordered the holiday feast for an office lunch party of 50 plus ~10 custom lunch boxes and everything turned out fantastic. They worked with our budget and packed everything efficiently and easy to serve. The turkey was moist and covered in gravy, the mashed potatoes were soft and smooth, the stuffing and green bean casserole tasted homemade with high quality ingredients. It all hit the mark of a holiday family dinner I was going for. Thank you!

Denise V.
Denise V.

I love this place! It's like a lil mom and pop shop and the family is so nice. I love their sandwiches and breakfast sandwiches. My favorite thing to order is the Vegetarian sandwich on Sourdough add bacon. lol yes bacon with my vegetarian. Clearly I'm not a vegetarian but I do like all the veggies including sprouts with cream cheese and avocado and of course my bacon. Stop and try it and let me know if you liked it!

Melissa C.
Melissa C.

Good food. Great customer service! They have a large variety of menu items to choose from. I ordered the Thursday special and let me tell you.. Delicious! The salmon was cooked perfectly and the pineapple chutney on top was yummy, it also came with mixed veggies which made for a nice healthy lunch.

Location

Welcome to Gourmet Island Bistro, a charming little eatery nestled in the heart of San Diego at 5625 Ruffin Rd #140. This delightful bistro blends the warm ambiance of a family-owned café with an extensive menu that caters to diverse dietary preferences, making it a perfect spot for both casual diners and those seeking health-conscious options.

As a food reviewer for Res Menu, I have had the pleasure of experiencing the culinary offerings at Gourmet Island Bistro, where the focus on fresh and healthy ingredients truly shines. From gluten-free delights to a variety of pescatarian and vegan options, there is something to tantalize every palate. Diners can enjoy dishes that are not only nourishing but also bursting with flavor.

  • Variety and Quality: The menu boasts an impressive selection, including vegan sandwiches like the Incredible Vegan Sandwich and the Beyond Meat Burger. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, the Eggplant Parmesan and Garden Burger are top contenders.
  • Perfect Lunch Spot: Several patrons have praised the bistro for being a cozy escape from the bustle of everyday life. The outdoor seating is a favorite, making it an ideal locale for enjoying a leisurely lunch in a pleasant atmosphere.
  • Customer-Centric Approach: The owners are known for their friendly service, welcoming diners with warm smiles and a willingness to accommodate dietary needs. For many, the personal touch sets this bistro apart from larger chains.
  • Grab-and-Go Options: For those on the run, the grab-and-go section offers delicious snacks like hummus with vegetables and fresh cut fruit, perfect for a quick meal without sacrificing quality or taste.

With reservations available, alongside the convenience of delivery and takeout options, Gourmet Island Bistro is committed to providing an enjoyable dining experience that seamlessly fits into your busy lifestyle. Whether you're seeking a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or catering for a special event, this bistro rises to the occasion effortlessly.

As I reflect on my visits, I can't help but feel the warmth of this community-driven bistro. Each bite is a testament to their dedication to good food and creating a welcoming space for all. I wholeheartedly recommend Gourmet Island Bistro for a delightful meal that satisfies both the stomach and the soul.

For more information or to place an order, you can reach them at (858) 268-7717. Be sure to support this wonderful local gem that embodies the spirit of San Diego's culinary scene!