Baci Coffee House is tucked at the top of a massive Mission Valley hill, and the climb leads to much more than a simple coffee counter. The space is huge, with individually designed rooms, flowers, greenery, pumpkins and plenty of seating to explore.
The fall theme was everywhere during our visit. Seasonal decorations filled the café, and a full seasonal drink menu made it feel like a true fall coffee destination in San Diego.
Baci absolutely nailed the fall atmosphere. We would come back for the space and the pistachio croissant.
We liked the pumpkin spice latte with cold foam, and the Emperor pistachio croissant was flaky, buttery and fluffy with delicious pistachio cream. Lana’s tiramisu latte leaned a little too far toward milk for her taste. The coffee and milk did not feel completely balanced, and an extra shot of espresso would have helped the coffee flavor come through.
After ordering, we received a table number and explored until we found a room we liked. The drinks and food were brought to the table, which gave us time to take in the Italian market and all the decorative details.
A love letter to Italian coffee culture
Baci means kisses in Italian, a name chosen to represent the place where love meets flavor. The café says it began with a passion for creating a cozy space where people could experience the artistry of Italian coffee culture. That shows up in the Lavazza coffee, the Tuscan inspired rooms and the housemade Italian pistachio butter used in its lattes and croissants.
Baci also connects one of its drinks to a larger mission. The café says all net proceeds from its Women’s Warrior Drink support Children of the Immaculate Heart and its work serving survivors of human trafficking.
Read Baci’s story ↗Start with the pistachio croissant.
Emperor pistachio croissant
Flaky, buttery and fluffy, with delicious pistachio cream inside. This was the clear favorite from our visit.
Famous pistachio latte
Baci makes its own Italian pistachio butter for its lattes and croissants, so this feels like the natural next order.
Seasonal pumpkin spice latte
The cold foam and warm fall flavors worked well together. This is the drink we would choose again from the seasonal menu.
What we would order again: The Emperor pistachio croissant and the seasonal pumpkin spice latte with cold foam.
The details worth knowing
The hill is real
Baci sits above Camino Del Rio South, so expect a noticeably steep approach before reaching the café.
Explore every room
The interior is much larger than it first appears, and each room has its own decorations, seating and personality.
Check the seasonal menu
Fall decorations and drinks can change, so look at the current menu before making a special trip.
Current hours: Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 2 PM, Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM and Sunday from 9 AM to 3 PM. Hours and seasonal offerings can change.
