About Us
From the moment the Spanish missionaries sailed up on the California coast and set foot on Orange County's soil, it forever changed the landscape and future of the area. The Mission San Juan Capistrano was created as a spiritual center. Its role evolved over time, but throughout the generations, one constant remained: the Mission was always a center of hospitality. For the weary visitors who sailed from oversees to the horseback riders on the King's Highway to the many San Juan Capistrano communities, there was always bread to eat and a place to rest a weary head. The spirit of hospitality is embodied in the story of El Café Real. We offer a place to discover the rich history and heart of California, while creating place for nourishment and renewal that has been true to our location for ages.
At El Café Real, we encourage individual expression. Come work, come play, come enjoy all we have to offer.
Los Angeles is where Chef Obregon's culinary story began as a student in Le Cordon Bleu. Upon graduation, he moved to Mexico City and joined BIKO, one of the world's top 50 restaurants alongside renowned chefs Mikel Alonso and Bruno Oteiza. From there, Chef Obregon opened his own seafood restaurant in Mexico City before bringing his skills back to his hometown of San Diego, California and the Guadalupe Valley.
Chef Obregon joined the Marriott family in San Diego, creating a Bohemian lifestyle restaurant, ALBACA, inside the newly renovated Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa. Now he brings his expertise to the local community of San Juan Capistrano as the Executive Chef for El Café Real and Ysidora Restaurant and Lounge.
The classic benedict. A dish that you can have any time of the day, which brings back memories of my childhood summers in San Diego, CA. No matter what language you speak the BENEDICT, is known in every kitchen.