Courtyard Caf

The Courtyard Café and Tea Room brings a glowing touch of European charm and a savory luncheon menu to picturesque Jackson Square in Fallbrook. Its bold indoor ambience is reminiscent of a Parisian café, while the outdoor dining area, with its cobblestone walkways and fountains, is a perfect film setting for a European bistro scene.

“[Courtyard Café] takes you back to a European, relaxing style,” said Yvonne Duran. “It’s very peaceful.” French melodies capture indoor diners, setting the tone for a wonderful dining experience.

Clientele will enjoy the intimate outdoor and indoor surroundings, coupled with ambrosial soups, salads, wraps, sandwiches and desserts. Recognized for their culinary talent, Courtyard Café won the 2007 Taste of Fallbrook award.

Duran loves to cook and her talent makes her a standout. A culinary graduate of the Art Institute of California San Diego, she has a deep-rooted passion in the creation of her bistro fare. Being able to finally own her own restaurant gives Duran complete satisfaction.

“It’s a dream come true,” shared Duran, whose eyes cast a glance around her restaurant. At this quaint café, Duran assures that her diners will be catered to while their taste buds remain ever-satisfied.

Duran savors creating new seasonal additions to her menu. For the fall, she will be offering original hearty soups and gourmet grilled sandwiches.

Prior to her January purchase of the establishment – formerly known as the Tea Room – Duran worked there for a year. Though she kept some of the entrees the same, she added some new salads, soups, wraps and sandwiches to her menu.

One new item is the hot ‘Ham and Brie’ sandwich, served on a ciabatta roll. It is truly a combination of a melt-in-your-mouth and out-of-this-world experience.

For waistline watchers, the Jackson Square Salad is a new favorite. Baby greens are accompanied with candied walnuts, pears, goat cheese and champagne vinaigrette dressing.

“The Jackson Square Salad is really popular,” shared Duran.

For those whose top priority is satisfying a sweet tooth, this European-style café offers specialty desserts, including a heavenly Honey Lavender Crème Brûlée.

While Duran has kept popular Tea Room favorites, she has undoubtedly added her own culinary craft to enhance subtle new flavors in these dishes.

The Tea Room portion of the café remains a popular Fallbrook site.

“There are a lot of people who have never had a full tea service,” explained Duran. The service is offered in courses, giving Duran the opportunity to fully pamper her guests.

The Courtyard Café and Tea Room is an ideal destination for an intimate lunch, group lunch and small parties, such as those arranged for bridal showers or baby showers.

This family-owned café is opened for lunch and/or tea service Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

Courtyard Café and Tea Room is located at 119 North Main Avenue, Fallbrook. Call (760) 728-0209.