Looking for an authentic French cafe in Encinitas that serves genuine Parisian flavors? French Corner Cafe brings the taste of Paris to the California coast, offering everything from flaky croissants to savory crepes made fresh every day. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast or a light lunch, this family-owned spot on Coast Highway delivers quality you can taste in every bite.
A Taste of Paris in Leucadia
French Corner opened its doors in 2012 when Alexandra Palombi-Long, a Master Chef from Paris, decided to share her culinary heritage with the Encinitas community. What started as a catering business and a presence at the Leucadia Farmers Market quickly grew into a beloved cafe at the corner of North Coast Highway 101 and Phoebe Street. Alexandra’s commitment to authentic French cuisine at affordable prices has made this spot a local favorite for nearly 13 years.
The cafe operates with a simple philosophy: everything is made from scratch daily using organic ingredients sourced directly from local farms. This farm-to-plate approach means you’re getting the freshest possible food, prepared the way it would be in a Parisian neighborhood cafe.
What Makes French Corner Special
The menu at this French bakery in Leucadia reads like a love letter to France. Start your morning with a café au lait in a bowl-sized mug, and pair it with a buttery, light almond croissant. The breakfast sandwiches feature fluffy eggs on fresh-baked baguettes, perfect for fueling your day.
For lunch, try one of their signature baguette sandwiches like Le Caprese, which layers fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on crusty French bread. The crepe menu offers both sweet and savory options, from La Provence, filled with ham and cheese, to La Nutella for those with a sweet tooth. Other standouts include homemade quiches, organic salads, and specialty coffee drinks that rival anything you’d find in France.
The cafe also makes beautiful cakes and cookies, perfect for special occasions or just for treating yourself on a cool afternoon. Everything is prepared in the small kitchen where Alexandra and her team work their magic daily.
Supporting Your Neighborhood
French Corner represents exactly what makes small businesses vital to Encinitas. As a family-owned operation, every dollar spent here stays in the community. Alexandra has created jobs for residents and has become a familiar face to regulars who stop by for their morning coffee or weekend brunch. The cafe’s presence at farmers’ markets and involvement in local events shows a commitment to being more than just a place to eat; it’s part of the neighborhood fabric.
Discover more amazing local businesses that make our community special at Encinitas Coastal Connections, where you’ll find guides to other neighborhood favorites worth exploring.
Plan Your Visit
French Corner is open daily from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to stop by for breakfast or lunch. The cafe features a small outdoor patio with limited seating, making it perfect for intimate gatherings or for grabbing food to go. Street parking is available nearby, and the location is just a couple of blocks from the beach, making it an ideal spot to pick up a picnic lunch before heading to the sand.
Find French Corner at 1200 N Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas. Call ahead at 760-568-5362 to place a takeout order, or stop by to experience this slice of Paris on the Pacific. Support the heart of our community and see more neighborhood favorites featured at Encinitas Coastal Connections.
Sources: frenchcorner.com, yelp.com, French Corner Facebook Page, French Corner Instagram Page
Header Image Source: French Corner Facebook Page
