Is Olala Crepes worth the trip to Gaslamp Quarter, or is it just okay?

If you're a crepe person, yes—the made-to-order crepes are legitimately good, and watching them get made is part of the appeal. The sweet options (like Nutella-based crepes) consistently get praise. That said, reviews suggest their savory items (bagels, breakfast sandwiches) are inconsistent and sometimes feel like they're using lower-quality ingredients. Go for the crepes, skip the bagels.

Can I just walk in, or do I need a reservation?

They take reservations and handle walk-ins, but since they're in the Gaslamp Quarter tourist zone, expect a wait during peak brunch and dinner hours. Walking in works fine for lunch or late-night dessert. If you're coming with a group, a reservation takes the stress out of it.

Is there parking near the spot?

You're in Gaslamp Quarter, where street parking is tight and paid lots are your main option. There are a few parking structures within a 2-3 block walk. Budget extra time and a few dollars, or grab an Uber if you're not familiar with the area.

Can I bring my kids here?

Absolutely—they're kid-friendly and have both sweet and savory crepes that appeal to younger palates. The casual vibe and quick service work well for families. Just note that if you come during peak hours, it can get crowded and louder.

What should I order on my first visit?

Get one of their signature sweet crepes (reviews rave about Je Suis Curieux and the Nutella varieties) and see them make it fresh. Pair it with their coffee—just ask for it warm, not hot, based on reviewer feedback. Skip the bagels and breakfast sandwiches unless you're curious; they're not the draw here.

Do they have vegan or dietary options?

They offer vegetarian crepes and can likely work with dietary requests, but one reviewer reported the staff refused to customize sweetness level on a matcha drink. It seems they're willing to accommodate, but don't expect flexibility if you catch them on a bad shift. Better to call ahead if you have specific needs.

When's the best time to go without a huge wait?

Late afternoon (3–5 p.m.) or late-night dessert runs tend to be quieter than peak brunch (9–11 a.m.) and dinner (6–8 p.m.). If you want the full experience without feeling rushed, mid-lunch around 1–2 p.m. is your sweet spot.

Olala Crepes and Sweets — San Diego

“Olala Crepes and Sweets does made-to-order French crepes on wooden boards in a neighborhood drowning in tacos and bar food.”

**What makes this different:** The Gaslamp runs on late-night tacos and pre-club fuel, but Olala carved out space for something slower—French crepes made to order while you watch, served on wooden boards if you're dining in. It's the rare downtown breakfast spot where you're not rushing through a microwaved bagel before a conference or nursing a hangover burrito. You're watching batter hit the griddle, waiting for your order to come together, and pretending you have time for this kind of thing on a Wednesday morning.

The menu splits between sweet and savory, which sounds like hedge-your-bets menu design until you realize they're actually good at both. The Je Suis Curieux gets called out repeatedly—a savory crepe that reviewers describe as "perfection of a meal all in one," which is the kind of praise that doesn't come easy in a district where most breakfast is an afterthought. The banana-strawberry-Nutella crepe does the expected dessert-crepe thing, though the batter runs thicker than the Parisian ideal (if that bothers you, this isn't your spot).

Service swings wildly depending on who's working—some shifts you get warmth and patience, others you get someone who visibly doesn't want to customize your matcha. The coffee runs hot enough that multiple people mention waiting for it to cool, which is either commitment to temperature or a calibration issue.

The bagel situation is dire—microwaved eggs, untoasted bread, the kind of shortcuts that feel insulting when crepes are clearly where the effort goes. Stick to what they do well, which is the crepes themselves. Outdoor seating exists if you want to people-watch Fifth Avenue foot traffic. Prices land moderate for Gaslamp, which means higher than it should be but lower than the clubs-and-cocktails joints surrounding it.