9 dollars for a GIANT cannoli with chocolate chips, candied orange peel, and beautifully plated! It was delicious and you can taste that it's freshly made. They allow multiple people to share one so don't feel like you need to eat an entire cannoli yourself. Service is quick and usually lots of seating. Cool casual cafe vibe. Great place to hang out after a nice dinner in North Beach. read more

Cavalli Cafe - Cannoli - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Was walking around little Italy in SF with a tour group and we ended up here as last stop for a sweet treat! It's a cute cafe with lots of history on the walls, with a sleek interior and patio seating. We got their tiramisu! I typically don't like tiramisu but their slice was moist, decadent, and not too sweet! Would recommend here for a quick treat! read more

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I only recently learned that Caffé Cavalli is a true North Beach legend, with roots stretching all the way back to 1880. Originally known as A. Cavalli & Co., it began as the first Italian bookstore in the United States, founded by Flavio "George" Cavalli to give Italian immigrants access to newspapers, music, and literature from the old country. Over the years, the business moved around North Beach, including a stop near where City Lights Bookstore now stands--before finally settling into its current Stockton Street location in 1934. I found myself back here on a rainy day after a quick stop at the bank. I ducked in for what I thought would be a quick espresso, but once I sat down and started reading more about the café's history, I realized how little I had known when I first reviewed this place nearly nine years ago. Back then, I was focused purely on the excellent coffee and pastries, especially the cannoli. What I didn't fully appreciate was just how central Cavalli once was to neighborhood life. In its bookstore days, it served as a cultural hub, and in the 1930s, speeches broadcast from Italy were reportedly played over loudspeakers to crowds gathered outside on the sidewalk. For decades, the shop was run by the Valentini family, with printing presses humming and Italian records spinning for generations of North Beach locals. The biggest transition came in 2006, when Naples native and chef Santo Esposito purchased the business. Recognizing that imported newspapers were no longer the lifeline they once were, he transformed the space into an authentic Italian café--replacing bookshelves with pastry cases and printing presses with a serious espresso machine. Crucially, he kept the historic name and much of the old soul intact. Today, Caffé Cavalli is widely known for having some of the best cannoli in San Francisco, filled to order so the shells stay perfectly crisp. If calories and sugar weren't a concern, I'd probably have one every time I walked past. One fun detail I picked up this time around: the "A" in A. Cavalli & Co. stood for Angelina, Flavio Cavalli's sister, who helped run the shop in its earliest days. It's details like that that make this place feel like more than just a café. You're not just stopping for a cappuccino, you're sitting inside a living piece of North Beach history, watching Stockton Street roll by as it has for well over a century. read more

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Nice atmosphere, quiet place to find caffeine and a sugar fix. Solid espresso. Enjoyed the chewy almond cookies. read more

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My current fixation? A wet, creamy, soft tiramisu cake. A friend and I have been trying out different tiramisus and she said that this spot had a good tiramisu. Unfortunately, it did not hit for me. It was on the drier side which isn't how I personally like my tiramisu. But the space is super cute and we came pretty late on a weeknight and people were doing work on their laptops. Staff is also very friendly. read more

Cavalli Cafe - Inside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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With the many yelpers praising their cannoli, we had to give this a try. Unfortunately it's not to our liking. It's got the zing from orange zest and the shell is okay. For $9, we expected it to blow our minds. It's nice to be hand filled and the have mini chocolate chips on one end and crushed pistachios on the other. Yes, we are cannoli snobs so give it a go if you are in the hunt to compare, give this place a try. They had some outside tables and a cozy indoors. read more

Cavalli Cafe - Cannoli time - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

The cafe is a North Beach staple, however, I was disappointed in general. The sprinkle cookie was stale, but the espresso was good. Will go back to try the tiramisu but overall I was underwhelmed. read more

Cavalli Cafe - sprinkle cookie & espresso - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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such a charming 2-storey cafe overlooking the bustling north beach! I went up to the second floor to read my book and lots of natural light poured in. I enjoyed the tiramisu ($7) and cannoli ($9) very much--the tiramisu was massive and balanced, not too sweet or soggy. the cannoli was also made fresh and the cream was light, although I wish it was slightly cheaper :") read more

Cavalli Cafe - tiramisu, cannoli - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Excellent spot for coffee! I don't typically drink hot coffee but it is my birthday and I wanted to switch it up today. I ordered the white mocha and my boyfriend ordered the cappuccino. Both EXCELLENT! Cute decor and ambiance inside. We sat upstairs. The baked goods look heavenly but we didn't order any! Maybe I will find my way back during this trip to and try some cannolis read more

Cavalli Cafe - White mocha and cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Still love this cafe, they do indeed have tiramisu. It's not in the display, it's in a Pyrex stored away but just ask! $7ish for a slice, i quite liked it! read more

Located at the start of Little Italy, this café exudes old world charm with its antique facade, black and white pictures of San Francisco and its many locations, and wooden panels. Order at the register, pick a booth or table, and your order will be brought to you. The three of us sat at a corner booth on the 1st floor, which was really comfy. Our order: Mocha ($6.50): Requested 2 pumps of chocolate instead of 3 +Drinkable temperature: Hot, but doesn't burn your mouth/tongue +I'm glad I adjusted the sweetness because it was just right. +Very creamy and foamy -No latte art Latte ($6.00): +Drinkable temperature: Hot, but doesn't burn your mouth/tongue +Not my drink, but I took a sip: Rich espresso with creamy milk -No latte art Tiramisu ($7.00): +It had orange zest, which was unexpected! It was refreshing and cut through the cocoa and mascarpone. +Not too sweet: Bitter cocoa and coffee contrasted the sweet and creamy mascarpone. -Ladyfingers were a tad dry: Needed to be soaked longer. Side notes: 1.) Restrooms available for customers. 2.) MUNI 30 & 45 bus stop is right outside. *Verdict: Homey Italian café featuring homemade sweets and good service. I had some questions about the menu, and the cashier helping us was patient. Based on my observations, it seemed like a local favorite for an afternoon coffee break. Next time, I want to sit upstairs and people watch! read more

Cavalli Cafe - Menu (2/2025) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The big lady who is the manager mixes the drinks w her finger very concerning coming here

If you're in the mood for a quick coffee run that feels like a teleportation straight to Europe, Cavalli Café is where it's at. We swung by here for a little caffeine and tiramisu fix, and man, this place just oozes authenticity. The second we walked in, it hit us--the smell of coffee, pastries, and yeah, that faint vibe of Europeans lowkey puffin' cigs outside. It's got that raw, no-frills charm of a mom-and-pop spot where you can tell the people behind the counter aren't just punching a clock--they're real ones, passionate about what they're serving up. We grabbed some coffee and tiramisu because, let's be real, that's what the ladies were craving. And let me tell you, the tiramisu? Straight fire. Creamy, balanced, and just enough espresso kick to remind you it's legit. The cannoli looked pretty tempting too, but we had tunnel vision for that tiramisu, so maybe next time. This is a nice chill spot to relax for a minute too. read more

Cavalli Cafe - outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Mille-feuille was so delicious and rich! This is a perfect study spot. They have a printer and lots of outlets upstairs. read more

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Very comfortable and clean. I came here for coffee after dinner and ordered the dirty chai latte and it was delicious! There's 2 stories and a lot of people working from their laptops. It seems to be a nice spot to get delicious coffee, tea, smoothies, pastries, and sandwiches. read more

Great place to stop in for some coffee and cannoli! We were getting dinner in the area and was looking for some dessert and trying to avoid the cold wind. Not a cannoli expert but I would say it was probably one of the better cannolis I've had. It paired really well with my hot white mocha. They also have seating upstairs, it was a great spot to unwind before heading home. read more

Cavalli Cafe - Cannoli and white mocha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

The best tiramisu I've had in SF. Perfectly balanced in marscapone, coffee flavor and lady fingers. On Friday night it wasn't too busy and it was fairly quiet. read more

One of my favorite cafes in the city Great location _super close to the 45 bus stop Very comfortable Plenty of space Fantastic mango smoothies read more

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Second time having a cannoli from this place and it's just as good as the first time. Staff not super talkative, but they don't have to be with how fire the cannoli is. read more

Cavalli Cafe - Cannoli - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Super view from upstairs ...old fashioned Italian master cafe ..cookies ...ghostly ..upstairs view at window read more

Cavalli Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Such a cute spot. I came for a late night tiramisu. For $7 before tax, you can dine in or take it to go. The tiramisu was delicious, there was just the right amount of powder on top which a lot of places struggle with. I would love to come back during the day, grab a pastry and a drink and sit down. read more

Cavalli Cafe - Outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Made to order cannoli: the pistachio & olive oil side has a smooth, yet complex nutty flavor and the dark chocolate chips side tasted deliciously decadent. The candied orange sliver was a nice touch. The filling itself was mid making the toppings the star of the show. Nice view available from the 2nd floor Service was fast and they brought my food to me on the second floor so plus points for that. read more

Cavalli Cafe - Cannoli - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

They aren't lying on their sign, some of the best cannolis you will try. The quaint little cafe makes you feel like you are in Europe. The dessert display is stacked full of heavenly treats. The little cafe tables are lined up neatly and clean. And don't skip over the mezzanine access via the steps in the back where you can sit above the crowd or the bustling street out front. Make sure to bring a friend and order a few treats to split. While I am a glutton for my own treats, I am glad I split with a friend. These are rich and delectable and the more flavors/treats you can try, the better! Load up! read more

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Super chill and local cafe. Effect to enjoy a cappuccino or espresso on a winter night! We had exactly that and shared the tiramisu, which was delightful! The upstairs is more chill, has a printer so would be great for those looking for a place to work. Friendly staff, loved it! read more

Cavalli Cafe - Cappuccino with love! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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My favorite tiramisu I've tried in North Beach (based on my preferences for tiramisu). It was a very moist and soaked tiramisu, and the coffee flavor was pretty strong. I also loved the fresh layer of cocoa on top. I will say, we got two slices and one was drier than the other. My friends and I chatted for like 3 hours at this place alone - obsessed with cafes that are open until the late evening to hang out in! read more

Cavalli Cafe - Tiramisu! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

$9 for a cannoli!!! No way I am "dropping the gun" for your overpriced cannonli. It's probably cheaper than whatever you're assembling there. (wholesale priced shell plus made in the house cream.) You probably get a better deal flying to Italy to have cannoli there than eating in this cafe. read more

We went after getting dinner nearby. The cannoli was the best I've had in the city - they do them the "traditional" way and the candied orange rind adds a good aroma as well as a nice flavor. I personally preferred the pistachio side of the cannoli but all of it was great. They have infused serve yourself water. They have plenty of seats, I preferred the balcony seats. Many students were posted up studying. Service was quick and friendly. read more

Cavalli Cafe - Canoli - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Wow! This place used to be a real gem when it was owned by an Italian. It had the best cannoli i ever had in my life and fantastic espresso and cappuccino. Everything used to be great. Now...? A far cry from the. The cannoli are sub par, the almondini cake = meh.. We didn't get parts of our order, but probably paid for it. Hot tea was served in a giant plastic glass . I had to ask to have it in a porcelain cup. Oh, and the table was dirty. Never again. read more

Come for the cannoli! Very good cannoli with a light crispy fresh shell, delectable ricotta filling, chocolate chips & candied strips of orange peel. So good. The almonds cake with strawberry was good too, a tad bit dry but otherwise good. Coffee drinks and Italian sodas offered. I had a cafe latte that was strong but good. The vanilla lavender Italian soda was good too with just the right amount of combined flavors. Cute place with seating on the street level as well as an upstairs area that overlooks the downstair area, up a steep staircase. Good service and nice, clean & pleasant environment. read more

Cavalli Cafe - Cafe latte. This is a double size. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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We came here after we had Golden boy pizza. I was craving for tiramisu which is my favorite dessert. Their tiramisu is exactly what I expected. It was homemade and delicious. The service was great, and the little coffee shop is cozy and charming. They have many other deserts available but unfortunately I have to leave so I would definitely want to stop by and try their other deserts when I am in town next time. read more

Cavalli Cafe - Outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Love these guys!! Open late. Huge menu and outdoor seating. Fair prices. Perfect if you were in the neighborhood drinking yourself silly. You can take a break from that. Just because its St Patricks day doesn't mean you have to drink nonstop from morning till night. Perfect Tiramisu. Very nice flavor, light as air and had this perfect dusting of chocolate on top - done right before it was served. Usually this stuff is too sweet but not here. Its made in house and its made right. Paste Di Mandorle... thats to die for. What more can I say? There is so much more on the menu than dessert and coffee - but probably one of the best bets is to come here after dinner at Flour and Water or the other popular restaurants. On St. Patricks day the patio was buzzing with patrons super late night enjoying the warm weather. Perfect place to have a smoke. Nice vibe of happy people. Prices are reasonable. You can get many different cookies for a dollar. The kiss tiny circle ones, butter cookies, almond cookies - usually these things are weighed and costs more in the end I think. I feel like I've exhausted most all the bakeries in North Beach. This one has its place as being open the latest and having reasonable prices. read more

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I actually want to recommend this as a people watching spot. Their upstairs seating has a row of seats that's next to the window, and the seats are a little precarious but getting to look over one of the busiest intersections in North Beach is really fascinating. You order at the counter, grab a seat, pick up your freshly made cannoli and espresso, and enjoy! read more

Cavalli Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

I have a raging sweet tooth and this place definitely satisfied. It's truly homemade -- I saw the guy take our tiramisu out of a container, that's how you now. I loved the cocoa powder on top and the tiramisu is light and creamy and has that nice coffee taste. The cannolis were also delightful. I loved the cinnamon and orange glaze they top it off with. We also got a hot mocha with oat milk and it paired really well with both desserts. Def get a hot drink or coffee alongside your sweets. The establishment has been around since the 1920s and it was really cool seeing the photos of the history inside of the cafe. They also have some cool photography and as a Godfather fan I loved the outside reference. read more

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Best tiramisu I've had from North Beach! I liked the one here better than caffe greco or stella pastry. Those tiramisus felt a bit too heavy on the cocoa powder dusting on top, which makes them a bit too bitter for me, but the tiramisu here was the perfect amount of cocoa and not bitter at all! It's lightly sweet but not overly, so perfect if you don't like your desserts too sugary or heavy. It was so creamy and light, and also a very generous portion. Would definitely come back and try their cannolis! read more

Cavalli Cafe - tiramisu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

BEST CANNOLI we found in Little Italy ! We went on a cannoli journey one day, found a few that were good, but Cavalli had the best ones, and we found it by accident! They fill it and everything fresh right in front of you! Must have! read more

Cavalli Cafe - Pistachio cannoli - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

The best tiramisu we've ever! Photo doesn't do it justice! Nice family owned business. Will definitely be back when we're in town. read more

Cavalli Cafe - Sam Francisco's Best Tiramisu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Cavalli Cafe is an extremely charming cafe located near Little Italy. I tried the cappucino and it was delicious. I have heard the tiramisu is divine, and will have to try it for myself when I return. The seating is what really drew Cavalli apart. It's a two-story cafe where the second story has barstools that face windows. It gives a sweet view of Coit Tower, and is a really nice spot to pass time and watch cars/people pass by. There are also numerous tables on both stories. The cafe has a whole calming vibe and would make it a nice place to study, read, or catch up with friends. read more

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Best cannoli I have found in San Francisco. They fill the cannoli when ordered (as it should be done to keep the shell crispy) and cover one end in pistachio and the other in chocolate chips. The cafe has pictures of old San Francisco on the walls and has a homey feel. It was open after a late dinner and the perfect place to decompress and have a small dessert. It is a gem in Little Italy. read more

Cavalli Cafe - Traditional cannoli - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Walked in here by chance. We had just finished lunch, and the wife saw "cannoli" on the sign and said LET'S GO. Service was quick, for us lol. The shop filled up immediately after we walked in. Two Italians talking business near the register made me feel the warm and fuzzy. Cannolis were good. I just feel as though it wasn't the greatest I've ever had. It was on par with the other good cannolis I've had (many were bad as well). Either way, we definitely enjoyed it. Not a bad cannolis at all. I've also never had a cannoli stand out as "omg this is the best I've ever had". So take it for what it's worth. read more

Cavalli Cafe - Cannoli - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

The seemingly nondescript location and facade belies this fantastic place. The baked goods are beautiful and in some cases made to order presented as a work of art. read more

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