Cream of the Crop

AMAZING sandwiches and very nice staff. Prompt service and a very calm and relaxing grocery shopping experience. A very cozy market.

Tucked amidst the hustle and bustle of the California coast just north of Carlsbad is this amazing little grocery store that appeals to those looking for some good eats and healthy options.

My husband and I discovered Cream of the Crop while driving up the coast. We decided to stop and see what this cool little store was all about. The storefront is small but very inviting. They boast their specials and fresh fruit right outside and when you enter you know you're going to find some delicious items. We did not get a chance to try their sandwiches, but from the looks of it they make incredible delicacies between bread; I'll have to try one next time. The inside is small and cramped but it has to be cramped in order to stock all the incredible foods they have. The fruit and vegetables are beautiful and in abundance. It's like Trader Joe's meets Whole Foods. They have organic options and something for just about every tastebud. We just purchased a few things, all of which hit the spot.

The service is laid back and friendly. It's as if you leave with more friends than you came in with. The prices are fair for the area, but I wouldn't go here to save money, it isn't that kind of store.

Cream of the Crop is a fun little grocery that is worth checking out and purchasing some perfect produce and treats. We will be back soon.

Needing a sandwich for a long-haul drive? This place is the spot. I came here twice each time I was in Oceanside and the deli sandwiches are amazing. You can of course also get fresh produce and a variety of organic offerings. Think of it as a mini whole foods.

Always high quality selections they carry a wide selection and the deli makes great sandwiches and smoothies

PLENTY OF VEGAN ITEMS
Usually stop here before a day at the beach because they have a great deli window, which allows you to order food to-go like their popular sandwiches! Will definitely have to recommend the veggie sandwich. It is so fresh!

Fantastic small market with a lot of great gems inside. Healthy oriented products, really good produce, amazing deli sandwiches and smoothies. Very friendly and helpful staff. Highly recommend. Go there and check it out!!

Great selection, pretty high prices. The deli makes amazing sandwiches but the wait can take a while. I'd recommend calling ahead but the phone is disconnected, so I recommend just gettin food somewhere else.

This lil family owned market is a welcomed sight in the sea of big box grocery stores in North County.

I don't come to this place nearly enough. It's not on InstaCart or DoorDash. They're not constantly running specials or mailing out flyers. But you always know you're getting, quality items and a relaxed, cozy shopping experience.

The smoothies and sandwiches at the deli are straightforward and generous in size. Employees here are always very warm, and the store is never jam packed. It's a great spot to browse and discover some new things.

If you're into veg/vegan, there's lots of goodies for you!

By far some of the highest quality organic and fresh products you're ever going to find in north county. Also if you're in the mood for a satisfying and delicious healthy sandwich they are definitely a must stop!

They carry my favorite pastured eggs, Happy Hens which are both local (Ramona) and rated in the top best by the Cornucopia institute, raw dairy, and source a fair amount of their organic produce locally (tomatoes grown in Encinitas, strawberries from Valley Center). They take good care of their produce whereas at Ralph's it's going bad before I buy it. I'm very committed to shopping local as much as possible; this store is a delight.