Ki's Restaurant — Restaurant in Encinitas

Today is the last time I will go to Ki's and I am not kidding when I say that over the years I have likely been to Ki's over 200 times. I always raved about this place and often took people there. I've often had brief conversations with Ki and expressed appreciation for the good food and good service. From these conversations I know that Ki's and Jim's anniversary is on Valentine's day and that they married 3 weeks after they met and have had a wonderful marriage. About 2 years ago I moved down to LJ and do not come to Ki's as often...but over the last few visits I have noticed multiple aspects going downhill. Today I had a Dr appt in Torrey Pines and decided to drive up to Ki's for a late breakfast. Once I had placed my order I went upstairs, got a cup of coffee, sat down and immediately the table rocked causing a coffee spill for me to clean. So you need to make sure your tables are stable and do not rock. Tables that rock and cause spills, are a trait of fast food places with low standards. I waited a bit longer than I thought it should take, before the server brought my scrambled eggs. The eggs and toast were cold...not warm...cold. A mouthful of cold scrambled eggs ruined my appetite. The eggs had more brown and orange portions than the fluffy yellow I would like to see. The orange and brown splotches looked like they were scrambled in a skillet that never get cleaned. Hardly appetizing...more towards ugly. Something that happened today that has been becoming typical in my last visits, is that the server, frown on his face, dropped my plate on the table, snatched the Number, and quickly walked off...not a word. Guess if he had stayed a moment I might have had the chance to ask him why the eggs had these very obvious orange and brown areas. Since I'm not coming back I shouldn't be putting this much time in this review...but I am very disappointed in Ki's. It had always been so good in years past. I suggest a review of any cost-cutting measures Ki's has implemented over the last year and consider the loss in quality that...

I have been coming here for almost three decades.

As a preschooler, I loved the food, coloring the kid’s menu, and the giant staircase to go upstairs. I always felt like I was climbing through a tunnel to another world. It still feels that way.

As a teen, I came here with my grandmother. It was our favorite special place and there was something delicious for both of us. I learned to really appreciate how unique and chill this restaurant is.

In college, I brought one of my first dates here. It was sentimental and felt romantic. We had a wonderful time together.

Now, almost three decades later, I brought my husband and children to experience the magic of Ki’s. My kids loved their smoothies and food, commented on the plentiful and unbroken crayons, appreciated the beach view while my husband ate in peace, and loved the staircase to another - world just like I did as a kid. My husband appreciated the self-service salsa and necessities bar, how we paid up front, the view, and of course the amazing food.

Ki’s is certainly a special place. You could come for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a quick coffee/snack for the road. No matter your reason or timing, you are going to LOVE it. Please continue to support Ki’s so my children can grow up...

It's a really great place for breakfast or lunch.

First order your food on the first floor, pay your food, take your number then go up to the second. Pick your table. Either you sit on the balcony or sit inside. Where ever you sit, you always have a nice view of the ocean.🌊 For me, I always pick a table next to the window for a better view of the wave while I'm enjoying my meal, or watch people go by. 🌞🚶‍♂️Beautiful! sounds romantic! But this particular day, I was disappointed. My oatmeal breakfast was cold. I'm not sure exactly how they cook their oatmeal but it looks like they just poured the hot water, put the fruits on top and Wala there's your oatmeal. By the time it gets to your table, it is cold. Your appetite is gone. Totally disappointed.

Also, water is self serve. There's a counter with the water jug and stacks of glass next to it. So, my husband brought us two glasses of water on our table. You know when you see a nice and clear glass on the counter, nicely stack together of course you assume that the glass is clean right! WRONG. Better pay attention because one of our glass has lipstick mark on the rim of the glass! Red lipstick! 💋 Gross!!😬 Anyway...