The first cafe opened in La Jolla in 2007 after founders Carol Roizen and Jonathan Goldwasser turned to food as medicine for their daughter , Michelle , who was born with a rare disease . As the couple used locally sourced , organic ingredients to help her heal , they decided to offer the same in their restaurant , resulting in dishes that are vibrant , fresh and — most importantly — healthy .

The brand spread its wings and flew north last summer , nestling in Crystal Cove Shopping Center in a whimsical space featuring a colorful tiled mural , curved ceiling , wallpaper depicting outlines of parrots and lemons , and a neon sign that reads “ love at first flight .” Step up to the counter to order , then peruse a selection of ceramic mugs , sweatshirts , baseball caps and prepackaged coffee while you wait .

There are ample coffee drinks to choose from in addition to organic teas , lemonade , mimosas , fresh fruit smoothies , cold-pressed juices and kombucha on draft . Enjoy an array of signature sips — like the honey cinnamon , salted maple , Mayan mocha , lavender or artisan chai lattes — that are crafted with house-made syrups or opt for one of Parakeet ’ s

PARAKEET CAFÉ 7972 Pacific Coast Highway 949-990-4300 ; parakeetcafe . com Hours : 7 a . m . to 7 p . m . daily

superfood wellness lattes , such as the green-hued magic mushroom matcha , vibrant blue mint magic latte or the flat black with activated charcoal .

All-day brunch can ’ t be beat , so tuck into the eatery ’ s All I Avo Wanted , a blue corn waffle layered with smashed avocado , an over-easy egg , shaved radish , feta cheese , hemp seeds and chile flakes with a side of house-made salsa macha . Another menu highlight is the eggs Benedict on toast , with crisp bread coated in spinach pesto , topped with two poached eggs and blistered tomatoes , all drizzled in a roasted poblano hollandaise sauce .

Speaking of toasts , there are plenty to sample : Try the standard avocado toast ; the Harvest , topped with juicy chunks of heirloom tomatoes , creamy avocado , pickled onions and basil ; the almond butter accompanied by fresh berries ; the savory mushroom , with spinach pesto , goat cheese , arugula and white truffle oil ; the salmon , with beet-cured fish , dill , cucumber relish and labneh ; or the Truffle Scramble , covered with eggs , mushrooms , goat cheese , pesto and truffle oil .

Other breakfast delights include the French omelet sandwich , green chilaquiles , overnight oats , shakshuka , an acai bowl with fresh fruit and a breakfast burrito wrapped in a spinach tortilla .

For lighter fare on cooler days , opt for the soup — tortilla , squash or classic chicken noodle — or enjoy a fresh salad , like the colorful Kaleidoscope , with seasonal greens , heirloom tomatoes , charred fennel , pickled carrots and golden beets in spiced Greek yogurt and basil limoneta , or the Golden Goddess , which pairs arugula , spinach and baby gem lettuce with avocado , shaved radish , dill , chives and turmeric in a lemon vinaigrette .

If you ’ re hoping for heartier lunch options , you won ’ t be disappointed with one of Parakeet ’ s bowls , which are all gluten-free and vegan ( though grilled salmon can be added ), or the vegetarian Surfer Burrito , with charred broccoli and cauliflower “ chorizo ” married with eggs and potatoes . A grilled chicken sandwich and the Best Burger Ever round out the menu .

And don ’ t forget to take a peek at the pastry case — whether you select a chocolate pie , Raspberry Kiss croissant , zucchini loaf or something else entirely , these sweet treats are the perfect ending to a meal that will leave you chirping the praises of Parakeet Café . NBM

LEFT AND MIDDLE : ASHLEY RYAN ; RIGHT : DIANA ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY

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