New year, new beans! San Diego coffee shops to try in the new year

For me, a new year means new coffee shops to explore! Thankfully San Diego is in no short of coffee, so this January, I committed to visiting 3 new coffee shops (new to me at least 🙂). Each one brought a different vibe, but I’d say they’re all great options to incorporate into your new year routine! 

1. Izola

Izola has been on my list since they moved to a new location in East Village, closer to where I live. It’s mostly known as a bakery, but I’d say their coffee deserves a shoutout too! I had visited their old location on 13th Street and was already impressed with their pastries, so I was excited to see what their new space had to offer. Walking in, I was greeted with a bright indoor-outdoor layout and a lofty interior with plenty of seating. 

I ordered a chocolate croissant and double cappuccino, and found a seat outside to enjoy the fresh morning air. Both were absolutely phenomenal—the cappuccino was velvety and perfectly bold, and the croissant? A flaky, buttery dream. The vibe, service, and presentation were all top tier. I will say their pastries are on the pricier side, but totally worth every penny for what you get! 

 

2. Mostra Coffee in Banker’s Hill 

Tucked away in what looks like just an apartment building, Mostra is an unassumingly neat coffee shop. It’s modern and inviting, and their menu offers unique drinks, including lattes inspired by Filipino desserts. You can tell the baristas really care about the craft - the latte flavors and house made syrups really bring their coffee to another level. There’s lots of cozy seating inside, including benches, bistro tables, and a cute courtyard if you’re looking for a quieter space to focus. 

Even better, the owners started Mostra on the foundation of giving back, and were awarded “Roaster of the Year”, a title given to only a handful of the best coffee roasters in the world. Great vibes and great coffee to start the year, what more can you ask for? 

    

  

3. Bica

Last but certainly not least, Bica on Adams Ave. is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your New Year coffee list. Inspired by modern European cafes and San Diego’s rich tuna fishing community, Bica is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a place that brings people together. The inside is small with no seating, but right outside I was met with a large, welcoming patio buzzing with conversation, and plenty of pups! I ordered the honey salt latte, and it was pure perfection—beautifully balanced, creamy, and bold in espresso flavor. 

While I was waiting for my coffee, I perused their website and found that they host regular events for the community to connect over local food, music, and coffee. Bica’s good vibes and thoughtful concept is proof that we need more places like this in San Diego. I’ll definitely be back soon!