I wanted to love this place. Glimmer is absolutely stunningāa true visual escape right in downtown Delray Beach. Think ornate French vibes meets Bali chic. Real agate stone tables? A living tree inside? Gorgeous lighting and dreamy dĆ©cor? Check, check, check. Itās a whole aesthetic dream. You feel transported the moment you walk in.
But unfortunately, thatās where the magic ends.
As someone who lives a health-conscious lifestyle (like most folks in this area), I was seriously disappointed by the menu. No gluten-free optionsānone. And when I asked, the girl at the front said I was the first person to ever ask. In Delray? One of the healthiest cities in Florida? Thatās not only unlikely, itās tone-deaf. There are so many people here who need or prefer gluten-free. Itās 2025āhaving a simple gluten-free bread option is not difficult or expensive.
Then thereās the milk situation: every milk option (Califia, Pacifica, etc.) contains seed oilsāand thatās a real issue. Most people donāt realize this, but seed oils like canola, sunflower, and safflower oil can:
*Disrupt thyroid function (thanks to goitrogens, which interfere with hormone production)
*Act as endocrine disruptors, mimicking estrogen due to phytoestrogens and throwing off your hormonal balance
*Cause inflammation, especially when high in omega-6s, contributing to long-term issues like autoimmune flare-ups and sluggish energy
There are cafes literally across the street who donāt carry milks with seed oils. Itās absolutely possible to do better. Why not use MALK, Three Trees, or make your own nut milk in-house if youāre claiming to be high-end and wellness-forward?
Glimmer looks like a gorgeous book cover you want to fall in love with. But once you peel open the pages, the inside doesnāt match the outside. The menu sounds trendy and health-conscious, but the actual ingredients tell another story. And if you're truly trying to attract a health-forward crowd in a place like Delray, that disconnect is going to be obvious real fast.
Iām writing this as a top Yelp reviewer not to tear them down, but in hopes that the owners listen. This place has major potentialābut only if theyāre willing to step up and get truly aligned with what health-conscious customers are looking for. Otherwise, itās just pretty smoke...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreGlimmer Cafe has recently opened and I've been so intrigued that I've already visited 4 times.
Let's start with the location. Right off of Third Street and Third Avenue, Glimmer Cafe could not have picked a better location. This area has been in dire need of a place where you can grab breakfast/lunch/coffee throughout the day, 7 days a week. Glimmer fills that void, and the crowds are proof-positive that they have filled it well.
The decor is simply lovely. It is cheerful, clean, and beautiful, reminiscent of many European cafes I have visited (yes, in Europe).
The service has been hit or miss, but again, this place is new. During my third visit I ordered an Americano that was not brewed well, and I couldn't drink it. I had no problem getting a fresh brew and it was perfect. I applaud the customer service!
For breakfast today I ordered the Prosciutto Avocado Toast, with poached egg. Not going to lie -- Glimmer is not inexpensive. Upon seeing my order being brought to my table, this was not only a beautiful presentation, but there was an abundance of Prosciutto and Avocado. You really do get what you pay for. Hooray! The bread, which was a country seed style was delicious, although I wish it were better toasted (my bad, as I didn't request that. I will next time, because I will be re-ordering this dish!). The egg, while I did make a point of asking for it very soft/runny, was overcooked. This happens. It happens more than I'd like, but I'll give it another shot in the near future.
My friend asked for cutlery, and after waiting 10 minutes or so had to go inside to get it herself.
Again, growing pains.
The owner's son, Sebastian, came over to see how our meal was going. This is a family-owned business that cares. You can tell by the way the staff treats you from the moment you walk in.
If I can use one word to describe this place that isn't food specific, I'd say "happy". You walk into Glimmer Cafe and it's hard not...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreOne of the most memorable cafĆ© experiences Iāve ever had.
From the moment I stepped into Glimmer CafĆ©, I felt transported ā like Iād wandered into a beautiful dream. The atmosphere is absolutely enchanting: soft lighting, elegant dĆ©cor, warm neutral tones, and music that sets the perfect mood. (They were playing āThe Sweetest Tabooā by Sade when I arrived ā thatās when I knew I came to the right place.)
The staff here are truly special. Colette, the cashier, deserves a huge shout-out ā she was such a total sweetheart. Her kind energy set the tone for the entire visit. Everyone I interacted with was helpful, patient, and genuinely welcoming. You can tell the team here really cares about creating a great experience for every guest.
Now for the food ā immaculate. The salmon bowl was light, fresh, and full of flavor. Every bite felt thoughtful and balanced ā the greens, veggies, chickpeas, and dressing all worked together so perfectly. My friend and I found ourselves slowing down just to savor it.
And then dessert⦠wow. The chocolate cake was rich, moist, and absolutely heavenly, while the banana cake was surprisingly incredible ā and this is coming from someone who doesnāt even like bananas!
The entire cafĆ© was spotless and beautifully maintained. Even the small details ā the lighting, the vintage mirrors, the greenery ā make it feel like youāve stepped into a peaceful dream.
I live quite far away, and I came here to celebrate a very late belated birthday. It ended up being one of the best decisions Iāve ever made. This cafĆ© gave me such a warm, joyful experience ā the kind that lingers long after you leave.
I might just consider moving to Delray just based on this experience alone. Thank you Glimmer- you...
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