Founded in 2019 by Diego González, Quimérico has built a loyal following in Baja California with two popular locations in the Marrón and Palmas neighborhoods of Tijuana. The café is celebrated for its vibrant presentations and playful yet thoughtful reinventions of classic dishes - ranging from matcha pancakes and banana-bacon French toast to three regional variations of chilaquiles: red, green, and mole.
Quimérico’s name, derived from the Spanish word quimera - meaning a fanciful or dreamlike illusion - serves as a mission statement of sorts. The brand’s food philosophy emphasizes imagination, bold flavor combinations, and artistic presentation, blending nostalgia and innovation on a single plate.
The Encinitas location will mark the company’s first venture across the border. The space will continue Quimérico’s tradition of offering an eclectic menu anchored in breakfast staples but rounded out with hearty lunch options like soups, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Signature dishes like the avocado toast and breakfast burrito are expected to make the jump stateside, alongside seasonal specials tailored for the Southern California market.
The expansion is being guided by Tyche Food & Beverage Consulting, a San Diego-based firm that specializes in launching cross-border hospitality concepts. Their collaboration has helped navigate the unique regulatory and cultural challenges of opening in the U.S., while preserving the café’s original creative intent.
Encinitas, with its laid-back vibe and focus on community, wellness, and coastal living, is a natural landing spot for Quimérico’s whimsical yet nutrient-conscious approach to brunch. The new café will join an already competitive breakfast landscape but is poised to stand out with its artistic plating, elevated comfort food, and roots in Mexico’s culinary traditions.
Quimérico Café is expected to open in mid-July 2025 at 345 S. Coast Hwy 101, Suite J, in San Diego's North County city of Encinitas. For more information, follow @quimerico_mx on Instagram.
Originally published on June 27, 2025. Information first reported by Beth Demmon for San Diego Magazine.
