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Cafe Secret Reviews List
Cafe Secret
We are delighted to share with you our humble
versions of traditional Peruvian flavors from our childhood memories. Come join us!
See more Cafe Secret details
56 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 56 reviews
5 stars
(22)
4 stars
(25)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- great for outdoor dining(38)
- fit for foodies(34)
- neighborhood gem(33)
- romantic(16)
- great for lunch(14)
- great for brunch(7)
Cafe Secret Reviews List
Review 1 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A MUST DINE
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This restaurant has got to be on your dining list. The location is perfect and food is delicious. I must admit i had never heard of it but my wife is Peruvian and i wanted to take her and her mother somewhere special on Mother's Day. I choose Cafe Secret and i have to say it was an excellent choice. We will be back again."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, kid-friendly, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Mother's Day Secret
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It wasn't a secret, really, and the restaurant had to call and reschedule my brunch ... not a big deal but still the service was not very attentive. That said, I loved my egg white vegetarian omelet and my husband enjoyed his burrito. Great coffee. Love the people watching from the curbside table!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
a little chaos but good food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Though we had reservations and showed up a bit early there still was confusion about seating us. One waiter did take drink orders while we were standing there waiting (though they didn't arrive until we got seated). Once we were seated the food was just great. The lamb stew was great the last time and when our friends ordered it this time it was still fantastic."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Terrible Experience
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Tried to dine here for Mother's Day with an 11:00 AM reservation and when we showed up they made us wait for 15 minutes even though there were 2 available tables. They offered my party of 3 a table for two with an extra chair sitting on the sidewalk (this is an outdoor cafe). When I refused and asked to be seated at the available table for 4, I was told it was being held for a party of 5. No apology, and no offer of any alternative. Not the way anyone should be treated ever, especially on Mother's Day."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 5 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Quaint restaurant on the main thoroughfare in Del Mar with only outdoor seating. Nice menu with authentic Peruvian dishes, award winning Ceviche. Food was well prepared, tasty, with nice portions. Wine & Beer to complement the menu. Service was very good, server's multi-lingual so no communication problems. Ate here passing through from out of town, would try again next time in the area."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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Review 6 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Something different with excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Something different with excellent food. A truly enjoyable place to eat."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 7 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Stopped here on our way to
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Stopped here on our way to San Diego for the weekend. Great little find in Del Mar. We had the empanadas which were delicious and large enough for a meal. Service was excellent and we will return to sample other dishes."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2006
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 8 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
This was our second visit
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our second visit to Cafe Secret. Although we were very satisfied with our dining experience last summer, this recent visit was very unsatisfactory. Although we had a reservation and arrived on time, we were not greeted upon arrival and we waited awkwardly at the counter for numerous minutes while 2 waitstaff were busy with other tables. Basically, they had too many patrons for only 2 waiters. We had to ask for everything--place setting, glass, one dinner arrived 10 minutes after the other two (order had been forgotten), appetizer arrived with 2 dinners. All in all, it was one of the worst dining experiences we had all year. Staff was overworked.
Food was average this time. Will never return."
Food was average this time. Will never return."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2008
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Review 9 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food excellent, ambience charming
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food excellent, ambience charming Del Mar street side. Service - spotty but well meant."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 10 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was just okay...ceviche
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was just okay...ceviche was sour (too much lime) and was topped with an overabundance of red onions. The scallops with cheese appetizer was a ripoff...not much to eat. The main seafood dish was pretty good, but was served lukewarm.
We were seated under a lightbulb that was glaring into our eyes...I felt like I was about to be interrogated.
Ambiance did have a European feel, though, which I liked."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 11 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Hidden Secret.. You BET This
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Hidden Secret.. You BET This place was fantastic. Ceviche was probably the best I've ever eaten."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
REALLY nice spot great options
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"REALLY nice spot great options for dishes you might not normally have to choose from."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view
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Review 13 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
outstanding food. service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"outstanding food. service was slow, but i know you guys were extremely busy and that you do everything from scratch. your staff is terrific!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 14 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was my second time having
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was my second time having Peruvian food and it was delicious again. The ceviche was amazing!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excelent Peruvian food in
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excelent Peruvian food in a lovely beach town of the San Diego area. The owner -- Bratzo (sp?)-- was actively engaged and very welcoming and patient with our group which included 3 rambunctious kids."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 16 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lomo Saltado was amazing.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Lomo Saltado was amazing. Soft and savory at first with a really nice bite at the end."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 17 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Cafe Secret is a secret that
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Cafe Secret is a secret that needs to be exposed"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 18 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was delicious but ceviche
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was delicious but ceviche was a bit too spicy.. Service has improved greatly. I love the way you get the bill now, such smart way to promote Peruvian writers and novels. I would recomend this place in a heartbeat"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, hot spot
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Review 19 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not sure if this is the best
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Not sure if this is the best night to review a restaurant, but we went there on Vday night and had a nice meal, but the menu was not wide open and the service was slow due to the volume. We ended up at a wobbly table that was squished in between a heating unit and another table...felt like we were eating at a slant the whole night. Liked the food and the staff was very friendly...pet peeve my glass was empty most of the night and was not offered one refill.....we will try again on another night"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2006
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Review 20 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
South American Heaven
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We came for the food, and we were NOT disappointed! The cevice is wonderful; spicy, citrus-y, delicious. I had an ahi "stir fry" that was fantastic: a great blend of flavors and textures. My wife had the Pescado Sudado, a fish dish with wonderful, subtle flavors. Top it off with some quatro leches cake and you're in South American Heaven. Highly recommended. Nice, casual dining."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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Review 21 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I have visited several Peruvian
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I have visited several Peruvian restaurants in the west coast and by far, this is the one that keeps the flavor.
Keep the good job..."
Keep the good job..."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 22 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Loved it here!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Enjoyed the valentine's special they had here. The food was tasty and flavorful. Definitely a place that I would like to go again."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was excellent. Their
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was excellent. Their ceviche was by far the best ceviche I've had anywhere."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Cozy neighborhood joint.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The ceviche and empinadas were amazing!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
sudado and chupa de camarones
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"sudado and chupa de camarones were fantastic. Ceviche really was best in town.
Service was attentive, warm and personal.ante peruano
And don't forgot the alfajores for dessert. Best cookies around."
Service was attentive, warm and personal.ante peruano
And don't forgot the alfajores for dessert. Best cookies around."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 26 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We've been there twice in
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We've been there twice in last two weeks. Going back this week for our anniversary. Ted"
Dined on 02/01/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 27 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The owners of this charming
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The owners of this charming restaurant are passionate about Peruvian food. I had some of the best ceviche I've ever tasted. Going again and taking friends and family to share this fun dining experience."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 28 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great, fresh food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had lunch with five co-workers from varied ethnic backgrounds. The staff was very patient explaining items on the menu and making sure everyone was comfortable with their selections. Food was great! Sangria was really good. One of party ordered the Inca Kola and was fun to see everyone's reaction to it. Will defintiely be back with friends to share the experience."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 29 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I was lucky to find this restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was lucky to find this restaurant. Great food, ambiance and owners personally dedicated time to my party and made us feel comfortable. I highly recommend this place."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 30 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The mixto ceviche is amazing!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The mixto ceviche is amazing! So many flavors. This is our second time a "Cafe Secret" and the food was outstanding both times.I totally recommend "Cafe Secret""
Dined on 01/27/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 31 for Cafe Secret
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome unique food. I will
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Awesome unique food. I will be here quite often. Very reasonable prices"
Dined on 01/18/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Cafe Secret
Based on the average of (25) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
3 out of 4 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate