By Steve O SanDiego
I stopped by Val’s Coffee Corner’s newest location, right on the corner of Voltaire and Ebers, to check out their soft opening. They’re still fine-tuning some of the small details, but the place is fully up and running.
Owner Val Fiorini already has a well-loved spot on Cable Street, just half a block south of Newport Avenue, sharing an alley with Kilowatt Brewing. She brings together strong Brazilian roots and easygoing San Diego vibes, creating a space that blends the best of both worlds. She’s the kind of person who remembers your go-to order, your name, and yep, probably your dog’s, too.
For Val, it’s never just about what’s in the cup or bowl. It’s about the moment, the connection, and those small sparks of joy that come with every visit. She and her crew serve up organic, feel good favorites that leave people smiling whether it be a hot coffee, a smooth açaí blend, or a cheesy pão de queijo.
So while checking out the menu at the new spot, something caught my eye that I didn’t even know I needed, the açaí smoothie. Wow. This bold, berry packed blend starts with organic açaí purée and is mixed with banana, strawberries, blueberries, and apple juice. But what really sets it apart is a white powdered milk called leite ninho, a common ingredient in Brazilian desserts.
Leite ninho is essentially instant whole milk powder, but it’s not your average milk. Thanks to its high fat content and the way it’s processed, it brings a creamy, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor. In an açaí smoothie, it adds just the right amount of richness to balance the earthy, tart notes of the açaí. The result is something closer to a dessert milkshake being smooth, mellow, and pretty addictive.
Pro tip: you’ll start sipping it through a straw, but be sure to grab a spoon too. You’ll want to scrape every last bit from the sides of the cup.
This new location is a welcome addition for folks on that side of town. It carries the same warm, friendly vibe as the original and Val has a knack for hiring the kindest people. On my visit, Thaís and Gabriela were behind the counter, and they were an absolute joy to meet and chat with.
I’m already looking forward to going back and trying more of what Val’s Coffee Corner has to offer. I now have my eye set on the Golden Glow Smoothie, and their Mermaid Smoothie.
Address: 4694 Voltaire St, San Diego, 92107
