The Crema Cafe — Restaurant in Seal Beach

I was a little disappointed in my weekend visit on Sunday to Crema Cafe in Seal Beach. Normally during weekdays you walk in right away at the counter get your coffee (which is good) and your breakfast is served at your table. In weekends I discovered they have a hostess and serve at the table. When I walked in no one was at the hostess counter to seat me so I walked in. One cashier told me I had to wait for the hostess but when I looked out and pointed that no one was there the other cashier said I could take a seat since they weren't crowded. After a minute a hostess came over and asked me for my order but since a hostess hadn't seated me I was never given a menu. I knew what I wanted however and ordered the scrambled eggs and a coffee.

I asked for a paper cup and the hostess obliged bringing me a coffee in a paper cup. When I took off the lid there was something floating like a piece of paper or plastic that might have come off or a blade of grass. I took the coffee to the cashier and got a new cup but no one was free to pay attention to me so I could let them know.

I think Crema should have two review categories, one for weekends when they Run hostess and table service and another for weekdays when they run counter service. Just seems like a different place with slightly lower service than on a weekday. I'll continue to visit on weekdays but be aware it's just different on weekends.

New opening December 2017: Still same food. But the counter staff had trouble with taking the order so they are still learning. The new layout opens up the whole interior. Tables ar set aside for Service but with the open plan sone people from coffee bar would sit at the tables. Kind of frustrating for people waiting on a table I could see. Things are a little slow here but it’s a beach town vibe so that’s to...

Crema Cafe brings back so many nostalgic and wonderful memories. I've only eaten here twice (pre-COVID), but both times were unforgettable. The first time I ate here was on the first date with my now, husband back on July 13, 2014. Time sure does fly by so quickly. We went back a little over a year later on September 26, 2015. We were living in DTLA, so it was a bit of a drive for us. We said that we'd make it a tradition and come back every year. Well, we skipped a few years, but we've been living in the OC area for the past four years, so it's much closer now. I rediscovered this gem when I was searching for a good breakfast place in our area. When we went, it was called "The Crema Cafe & Artisan Bakery" and now it's just "Crema Cafe". We will most definitely be coming here more often though. Today is January 4, 2021, and we have a baby girl due next month. We look forward to taking her here and telling her stories of how Daddy and Mommy met. Also, we got seated at the same exact table both times. Coincidence?

The breakfast burrito never disappoints. I ordered it both times I was there. In addition, the potatoes are out of this world! I'm a potato aficionado and could eat the sweet potato crinkle fries and breakfast potatoes...

Update: got sick after today’s visit and all my day is from one restroom to another one. I didn’t eat or drink anything else anywhere else. “Thank you so much.”

Update 2 years later from my first visit...: Came here again and very disappointed... Got dirty knife and fork, got my crepe with potatoes instead of fruits, I asked to bring small 1 shot americano coffee WITH crepe, so my coffee would be hot and my crepe would be hot - got crepe, but no coffee... Had to wait for it. And finally got 2 shots coffee instead of 1 shot, so I had just to leave coffee because it was too bitter and strong for me. Had no time or wish to ask and wait for a new coffee. Complimentary water had taste of very old ice... now need a gum or candy to bit this bad taste in my mouth... :((

Overpriced and food is just very OK this time. Crepe was very very thin and fatty... :( Not tasty at all. Very disappointed this time. Just thrown away $20 for 1 person. Staff was friendly. That’s why 2 stars, but not 1.

2 years ago: Wanted to rate it 5 stars, but will give 4, cause they don't show the prices per each item in the bakery for the deserts and other...