Crepe Cafe is deliciously authentic

There aren’t many places where you can get authentic French crepes on this side of the world, so it’s no wonder that Bibby’s Crepe Cafe is a popular lunch and breakfast spot in downtown La Jolla.

Bibby’s heavenly crepes are made with buckwheat flour. As the menu explains, “Buckwheat isn’t related to true wheat. In fact, it isn’t a grass at all.”

Buckwheat (known in French as “ble noir” or black flour) is part of the rhubarb family and it offers health benefits over other kinds of flour. That makes these crepes even more appealing - but in the end, it’s the delicate taste that will have you coming back for more.

You can enjoy these tasty, paper-thin French crepes in all their glory from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. every day but Monday.

If you thought crepes were only filling enough for a light meal or dessert, take a look at all the fillings available at Bibby’s. Of course, there are well over a dozen sweet-filled crepes on the menu. However, the assortment of savory crepes is even larger. They include everything from a “simple” crepe with melted butter and a sprinkle of sea salt ($3.50) to chicken smothered in bechamel sauce with sauteed mushrooms, gruyere cheese and French pickles ($10.95).

We loved the Californian ($9.95), a hearty crepe filled with turkey, cheddar-jack cheese, avocado, bacon, spinach, tomato and the special sauce.

If you’re in the mood for sweet crepes, there’s more than the famous crepe Suzette ($10.50). Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a crepe filled with Grand Marnier and orange, then flambeed and lightly drizzled with Belgian chocolate. This signature crepe creation is topped off with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.

Peach melba ($10.25) mixes peaches with fresh raspberries and crushed almonds. This too has ice cream and whipped cream on top. Or try the banana special with warm Nutella and homemade vanilla pastry cream ($6.95).

Bibby’s also serves Belgian waffles until 1 p.m. We loved the fresh fruit-topped waffle. All the decadent fruit waffles come with vanilla custard and whipped cream.

There are several omelets on the menu, along with salad and soup du jour. A big salad bowl sells for $7.50. Soup (served with a thick slice of homemade garlic bread) costs $6.95.

You can enjoy a delicious assortment of teas and coffees.

When you’re looking for something a little more fun than typical sandwiches, eggs or pancakes, try Bibby’s Crepe Cafe - where everything on the menu is guaranteed to make you smile.

Bibby’s Crepe Cafe is at 723 Pearl St. For more information, contact them at (858) 459-0558.