Cavalli Cafe

4.2 (545 reviews)

InexpensiveCoffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch, Bakeries

Closed • 7:00 am - 11:00 pm

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Cavalli Cafe - cannoli in front, coconut cake in the back - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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

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

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CAVALLI CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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Moderate noise

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Outdoor seating

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Melody C.

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.

Scott F.

5/5: Cannoli is great. The shell is super crispy. Ricotta filling was light and refreshing. The add-ons were great. They add a slice of bitter orange peel soaked in a sugar solution on top, which is nice. Also; they are open late, until 11 pm, which is rare in SF.

Barry B.

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

Marc T.

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!

Afshin A.

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.

Rhea A.

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.

Inverleith F.

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.

Dear Yelp Community, I visited this venue for the first time this month, and I really enjoyed the cannoli, which is truly made to order and delicious! Historic photographs on the wall are a plus. Upstairs seating area overlooking the neighborhood (right next to Bank of America). Well wishes. Sincerely, Anna

Sarah C.

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 :")

Tori H.

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.

Crystal Z.

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

Rose T.

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!

best fucking cannoli ever , nice coffee nice people , everything perfect highly recommended

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Gisele A.

2 years ago

amazing service and ambiance, owner was very nice and gave us some free cookies. had the cannoli, cookies, and French dessert. we also had matcha latte, Italian soda, and another drink. everything was so delicious and amazing. will definitely come here again! read more

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Joanne R.

Elite 14

160

171

164

14 years ago

This is the cutest cafe in North Beach. The cannoli and tiramisu were delicious and the owner was so kind. I know some of the reviews complain about a lack of outlets and uneasy internet access. True, there aren't accessible outlets, but the owner was very kind in sharing the internet code. This cafe is set up for people to enjoy good desserts and coffee drinks. It's the perfect place for reading a book or getting simple work done. It's also a great place to share some great dessert with friends and have some amazing conversation. If you're looking for a place to set up shop and do some office work, you may need to go somewhere else. This isn't that cafe. Do note that there's an upstairs area, so there's plenty of room to get cozy. I've visited a number of cafes in the area, but this is the one I plan on going back to. The cannoli is so delicious. It's freshly piped and filled with chocolate chips and topped with a citrusy sauce. Mmmm! read more

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Brad Y.

Elite 12

227

139

15 years ago

Little more expensive than your run-of-the-mill cafe, but totally worth it. On a hot day, the owner gladly made us some iced coffee (although the coffee probably tasted MUCH better hot). We decided to try the tiramisu and a cannoli. Both were AMAZING, but I personally preferred the tiramisu. Can't wait to go back here and try the hot coffee on a cold day. Also, don't forget to check out the art gallery upstairs! Pretty interesting. read more

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

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Puja P.

12 years ago

One of North Beach's hidden gem for the most authentic tiramisu! My hubby and I came here and ordered one to start with then he promptly got up and got himself his own! No sharing for us when we come here read more

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

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Katherine K.

6 years ago

Came in search of a cannoli, as I read from other reviewers they are filled fresh on-site. Cavalli Cafe did not disappoint! The owner was very friendly and filled the cannoli to order. He described that the fillings were all made at the cafe, including delicious poached orange rind! Beautiful presentation with chocolate chips, crushed pistachio and candied orange pieces. Filling was delicious and not too sweet, and the shell was crunchy and satisfying. A European-level quality. I imagine the other desserts are delicious as well, with the care and attention to detail that the owner puts into his cafe. read more

Cavalli Cafe - Delicious cannoli! Piped fresh! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Michael K.

Elite 26

642

878

342

15 years ago

The tiramisu is very good. Cannoli was pretty good. I've been told the coffee is good, but I'm not a drinker. Decor is lacking. Santo is an interesting guy, Sicilian from what I was told. read more

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Kevin O.

6 years ago

Stopped in after noticing this cafe as I was walking by around 8:30pm on a quiet night. I was pleasantly surprised to find them open. I wound up with a beautiful assortment of Italian cookies. Exhibiting uncustomary restraint, I have only tried two so far. However, I can tell you they are to die for. Very friendly service as well. I'll be back to try their espresso and cannolis. read more

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Roman B.

12 years ago

Cavalli Cafe serves far the best coffee in San Francisco! If you are a real coffee lover and understand a little bit of the coffee industry then this is the place to go - Italian owner Santo and his team serves perfectly prepared espresso, cappuccino, caffe late and much more. The house-made and always freshly prepared cannoli as well as the delicious tiramisu and other Italian pastrys are to die for. There is a reason why most of the Italians living in San Francisco would go to this place to have a real, authentic caffe, right? The location, a coffee bar with Italian history and it's 'inside balcony', offers a typical and cozy Italian atmosphere. You can go there for a 'quick' cafe at the bar, order take-away or install yourself in one of the few seats and just enjoy coffee quality at its best. The quality of the coffee is way better than most of the other coffee bars in North Beach - Santo and his team know exactly how to prepare the perfect, authentic Italian coffee (coffee brand: Danesi - one of the pioneers in the Italian coffee industry)! Cavalli Cafe is one of the few places one can go for a true, Italian café experience in San Francisco. I definitively will go again and again and again.... Gracie Mille - a la proxima! read more

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Jon B.

Elite 26

251

343

629

15 years ago

Wow, how yummy is a freshly made $2 mini cannoli? Very. Go get one.

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Grace C.

Elite 26

1720

1034

15 years ago

Friendly Italian owner who will boast (or perhaps he was right) that everything he makes is delicious. Ordered: 1. Tiramisu- Even though I thought it was a bit small for $4.50/slice, the quality of the Tiramisu justified the quantity. It was fluffy and creamy... we split it 3 ways. 2. Chocolate Croissant- Ok 3. macchiato- my friend who frequents coffee shops, thought the coffee was good here. read more

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Johnny L.

Elite 26

143

210

743

11 years ago

Service is very nice and prompt. I go here and only here for Tiramisu. It simply to die for. It's made in house and looks like any normal Tiramisu but tastes so perfect. I told my girlfriend this place has the best Tiramisu I've ever eaten and she was very skeptical. So when I took her there and she took a bite, Next thing I knew she literally inhaled the poor dessert. @.@ Such savageness. I don't blame her lol. I love the decor upstairs too, it's so quaint and peaceful. read more

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Michelle B.

4 years ago

Fun Italian Cafe. Great Customer Service with seating outside, inside and upstairs with a view. I ordered a Matcha, which probably isn't too Italian but it was great, lightly sweetened and just the right amount of froth. We ordered the Tiramisu also...it was alright...a little too soggy for my taste, but the presentation was Beautiful. Next time I will try a Cannoli since that's what most people were coming in for and eating as they left!! read more

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Pranav B.

10 years ago

Hands down the best tiramisu in SF. It just melts in your mouth. Also, I had the Canolli based on other Yelp reviews: ITS FUCKiNG AWESOME!!! I haven't had anything like this before . The cappuccino was OK. nothing special. Overall, this place is a proper Italian Brunch place. Do check this place out of you're in Little Italy . read more

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

Cavalli Cafe - Canolli. Dough with ricotta cheese cream, chocolate chips and orange peel. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Cavalli Cafe - Pannini. Don't remember which one I had . - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Emily L.

17 years ago

A charming little place without pretense! I found it through Yelp after browsing through many North Beach cafes that snub wireless users after an hour or two, or that are too crowded. These are the days of unemployed job-searching, so I spend my weekdays here. It's usually pretty empty during the daytime, the only noise being from the Italian music. Usually my caffeine of choice is just an iced coffee or latte...today I finally tried a cappuccino and it was spectacular, spectacular! $3, doesn't break the bank. One time I spent a full day here and got an Italian tuna with fresh tomato panini. Maybe it was an earlier review I read, but it was pretty damn good for being so simple and healthy tasting. Just tuna, olive oil, tomato, and basil in between two toasted slices of bread. Nestled on the edge of Chinatown and North Beach, the cafe has a great location. The upper loft has two semi-long tables on one end, and three small tables next to the window on the other. Very cool for people watching. There's Coit Tower to your left and the Transamerica Building to your right. read more

Cavalli Cafe - view from the top in the back - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Cavalli Cafe - view from the top -- primo window seat! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Jonathan L.

Elite 24

539

225

529

14 years ago

Tiramisu is awesome! Spacious yet quiet area! As I entered into the premises, it had quite the nice environment. I purchased my order of Tiramisu for 4.50 which was pretty good compared to other places. I also got the check-in for free coffee. So then I was trying to decide where to sit and I jstu went upstairs and walked all the way down to the front of the store and grabed a seat of a nice view of the intersection of where the cafe is located. The place was nice and quiet so it was easy to get a nice conversation across! There is also a very tiny restroom upstairs. I couldn't taste my coffee after eating Tiramisu because the cake was too sweet and overpowered the coffee. I would definitely come back here again for Tiramisu and maybe try anther one of their specialty desserts next time! read more

Cavalli Cafe - Tiramisu for $4.50 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Loryn F.

520

11 years ago

Amazing authentic cannoli with a crisp outer shell and lightly sweet ricotta filling topped with a tasty orange glaze and dark chocolate chips. Goes perfectly with the cappuccino which I can confidently say is the best cup of coffee I have had in the city. read more

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Allison R.

513

11 years ago

Came early on a Saturday morning and staff was friendly and fast. Few other diners having pastries and coffee. Tried their espresso and a mini-cannoli ($2) and it was delicious! Really great spot to come for some authentic italian coffee and pastries! They also have a more expansive menu if you were looking for sandwiches or cafe fare. There was also a TV with a soccer game on that morning. read more

Cavalli Cafe - Cappuccino and mini cannoli - $5.97 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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C S.

201

185

13 years ago

Usually, when you go back to the same place twice in short period of time the second experience doesn't measure up to the first....at this place, it was the reverse. I'd give it 10 stars if I could. We hit this place two nights in a row after dinner in North Beach, and it was great. If you like tiramisu, canoli, etc...THIS is the place! You don't go for ambience...you go for the quality of the ingredients. This guy is the real deal. read more

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Milan V.

8 years ago

You want to have the real, authentic, yummy, delicious and REAL FRESH CANNOLI....don't waste your breath, shoes and time searching for some other place in the already hectic North Beach. Cavalli Cafe is that amazing place that will make freshest and yummiest cannoli for you in the authentic setting of a small neighborhood coffee shop in Italy. Grab Macchiato, order two or three or four cannoli and ENJOOOOY. This place is amazing. The owner is there to fill your cannoli while you're waiting. FRESH. REAL. YUMMY. Coffee was amazing and tasty as well. We loved it! We are coming back soon for more! read more

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Laura G.

Elite 26

556

1017

251

9 years ago

EXCELLENT CANOLI! Very Italian guy making coffee (very Italian is a good thing) - loved the Italian Coffee, as good as my husband's and that's a high compliment! Nice gem of a cafe - full of locals. read more

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Nicola C.

9 years ago

One of the best coffee shop in North beach very original and cozy. Only few tip that make you the best experience at Cavalli caffe, make sure that if you are with a dog leave it outside because I get mad, same by Bicycle, if you pay with credit card make sure that the signature is clear, I saw complain to a guy that He couldn't read his signature other than that the place is Dope. The owner is a big fans of Napoli soccer an italian team which if there is a game going on he looks very excited and the environment became very fanny but you don't want talk about soccer if that day the Napoli lose, and you don't want talk about juventus team NEVER. If you have work to do on your computer make sure that is full charge because there is not plug in. Cannoli,tiramisu ,expresso and cappuccino are the items. The best in Town Cavalli caffe read more

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Irene L.

14 years ago

Thank you, scoutmob for hooking this place up! I ordered house coffee,$2, and their prosciutto panini, $6 , and I only had to pay $4. After i ordered, I decided to hang out upstairs to check out the cool view and to also have some quiet time to myself. My coffee came and I thought it was the most bland coffee I had ever had. My prosciutto panini was ok-I was expecting pressed sandwich but it was just only toasted, only prosciutto and cheese (wished they added some more spices). Luckily my meal was only $4 but hey, cute little spot to relax and the owners are very nice. read more

Cavalli Cafe - House coffee $2 and prosciutto panini $6 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Nance L.

13 years ago

Cute coffee shop! I love the little seating area that they have upstairs, though I wished I had the seating by the window. (I like to people watch, not to sound creepy) The decor inside was cute... There was a bunch of random textbooks and magazines to customers to read. I saw some old engineering textbooks. My friend and I ordered hot lattes, which were pretty good. The roast was a little lighter than I had expected; tasted a bit watered down with the amount of milk that they had. The cups that the lattes were served in were so cute! I would return just for their fresh cannoli's or tiramisu. read more

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

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Kori C.

5 years ago

What a great find while walking along Stockton! Friendly service, covid protocols in place, and absolutely delicious! read more

Cavalli Cafe - The best Cannoli and espresso! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Isaac R.

4 years ago

Me and my friends needed to grab a cup of joe and this was the perfect place. Coffee was good and service was quick! They have a nice upstairs sitting area with a window that you can watch the street of Stockton and Columbus. read more

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Krist M.

157

9 years ago

Amazing Espresso Delicious Tiramisu & Wonderful service A+++++. They close at 6 I saw the owner inside at 6:15 he totally didn't mind came & opened for Me & made Me a fresh delicious espresso & tiramisu read more

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araceli c.

8 years ago

The cannolis are so good and they're made right there when you order them. The macchiato was just as a macchiato should be, espresso marked with foam. Felt like I was back in Italy as I dined in the Little cafe. read more

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R L.

9 years ago

Family & I were looking to get some cannoli after lunch today. Found Cavalli Cafe on Yelp. Glad we stopped by! The cannoli were not set out in a display cabinet already filled like some other places we saw while in the North Beach neighborhood. Cavalli's cannoli were MADE FRESH as we ordered them!!! They were DELICIOUS!!! The ends were dipped in tiny chocolate chips then sprinkled with powered sugar & to top it off, the cannoli were given a light glaze of house made orange sauce. Definitely one of the best cannoli we've had while in the neighborhood. And we'll definitely stop by Cavalli again for our cannoli fix when back in the North Beach neighborhood. The cappuccino is also top notch! read more

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Minna H.

8 years ago

Randomly stumble upon this little cute spot. Was in Chinatown to go yum cha with the family but had to go to BofA and needed my caffeine fix. Ordered a regular coffee, an iced coffee and also had the tiramisu. Iced coffee was good and the tiramisu was pretty good too. The interior was very simple, definitely a good place to sit down and rest your legs before you hit up your next spot. The barista was really nice and friendly. read more

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May N.

8 years ago

Go here if you want the best Tiramisu in town. Not to mention the most affordable for its quality. If you know any other that can top this place in terms of Italian desserts then I would like to know. I recommend their desserts to everyone I know and they all love it. We order a tray for my bday and it stay delicious for a week!! Tiramisu, cannoli, pannacotta, black truffle ice cream, everything is good. Very cute little cafe, friendly owner, yum yum in my tum!! read more

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Michael N.

332

8 years ago

This place is True authentic Italian in North Beach and the food is simple good and fresh made Tiramisu is a must as well Keep it up read more

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Elizabeth G.

Elite 23

274

556

9 years ago

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN spot. The owner was super down to Earth but quick with my iced coffee and cannoli. The coffee was smooth and the atmosphere was workable. Definitely a cool spot to grab quality food read more

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

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Natalie T.

8 years ago

Popped in and had a fresh cannoli made right before my eyes. It's like taking a bite into heaven. Move over other European desserts, Cannoli is my new best friend! read more

Cavalli Cafe - I wish I could marry you, You beautiful creamy cylinder!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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A G.

17 years ago

Authentic Italian Cafes are an endangered species in North Beach, so I was delighted to discover this place. This is the closest I have found to a long lost favorite - "Cafe Italia" which closed it's doors years ago. Don't be put off by any complaints of "Rudeness" that you might see on Yelp. This is no "Cafe Gratitude" but it is not "Sam Wo" either... The service was just right, and mostly in Italian. Great coffee & great cannoli. read more

Cavalli Cafe - This was as good as it looks! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Nathan V.

12 years ago

I came here at the suggestion of a friend who declared "Cavalli has the best espresso in San Francisco." He was right! Not only is the coffee just like what I get in Italy, Santo, the owner is very friendly and accommodating. He shared with me the history of Cavalli, which has been in SF for about 130 years, but he also made me an excellent panini. I contemplated giving just 4 stars, since parking is a headache, but i think that's the norm in this city, so 5 stars :-) read more

Cavalli Cafe - Delizioso panini and cappucco. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Andrew W.

Elite 22

117

108

181

9 years ago

Cannoli Kid here! Always on the hunt for a good one, so I'm glad I stopped here. They use a good shell. It's not too thick, with just enough crunch. Would definitely come back for another! The coffee (the latte in particular) is relatively a little more pricey, but I'm not too mad because it's a great compliment to the dessert (/you almost have to get it). The cafe area is open and very calm, so it serves as a good break point if you're visiting, in the area, and looking to catch your breath (and a dessert) for a moment. read more

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Viet P.

8 years ago

Love this place. Their lattes are fantastic and their cannolis are delicious as well. WiFi is super fast, and great views from the second floor of Columbus street. read more

Cavalli Cafe - Amazing canolli and latte! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Kesney R.

4 years ago

My siblings and I were in Washington Square craving some coffee. All the cafes nearby were still closed as it was only around 10am in the morning. I searched for the closest cafe and somehow, the Cavalli Cafe caught my eye. Boy, it did not disappoint. I ordered their Mocha while my brother got the Dirty Chai. Both were delicious, especially when paired with their Tiramisu. I recommend this place if you're around Washington Square or the Chinatown. It's worth it! read more

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Lee W.

8 years ago

There was a little sign in the window that said homemade tiramisu. How could I resist for $5? And it was a 9 out of 10 in terms of tiramisu. It only missed the 10 because I'm not on my deathbed and one should hope for great tiramisu sometime between now and 2050 read more

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Edward C.

8 years ago

The cannoli was good but it was just pre-made, not Home made...the cappuccino was pretty good. I loved that he place was like this little gem inside of an Asian district!! Look out of place but had charm!! I would recommend it but don't go out of your way. read more

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1441 Stockton St
San Francisco, CA 94133
North Beach/Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill
Directions
(415) 421-4219
Call Now

Hours

What time does Cavalli Cafe open?

Cavalli Cafe opens at 7:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Cavalli Cafe close?

Cavalli Cafe closes at 10:00 PM on Monday.Cavalli Cafe closes at 11:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Cavalli Cafe closes at 11:30 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon 7:00 AM - 10:00 PMTue-Thu, Sun 7:00 AM - 11:00 PMFri-Sat 7:00 AM - 11:30 PM

Payment methods

Does Cavalli Cafe take credit cards?

Yes, Cavalli Cafe takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Cavalli Cafe have catering options?

Yes, Cavalli Cafe does have catering options.

Does Cavalli Cafe serve alcohol?

No, Cavalli Cafe does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Cavalli Cafe allow dogs?

Yes, Cavalli Cafe allows dogs.

Does Cavalli Cafe have TVs?

Yes, Cavalli Cafe has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Cavalli Cafe have bike parking?

Yes, Cavalli Cafe has bike parking.

Does Cavalli Cafe have outdoor seating?

Yes, Cavalli Cafe has outdoor seating options.

Does Cavalli Cafe have parking?

Yes, Cavalli Cafe has parking options. Garage Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Cavalli Cafe wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Cavalli Cafe is wheelchair accessible.

Does Cavalli Cafe have free WiFi?

Yes, Cavalli Cafe has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

You don’t need to fly to Italy to get a cannoli come visit us at Cavalli Cafe the best cannoli’s the best tiramisu the best coffee and the best atmosphere come in and thanks for the support

History

Established in 1880.

the business started as an italian book store in 1880 it was very popular all over usa, we brought the first italian news paper and italian radio in the state, we supplied anything you can imagine in italian,the business had four locations on columbus avenue, now we are on stockton at columbus avenue since 1934, we changed from a store to a cafe in 2007 , we choose very special coffee from rome italy and the owner makes fresh home made desserts. there are some italian books for sale.

More Info

Health Score

Cavalli Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Cavalli Cafe

Hi, Can I order a sheet of Tiramisu? For 8 people?

Hi, of course you can please stop by the coffee shop thank you

View question details

Open?? What is phone number

Hi yes we are open and we do not have phone number

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Are you guys doing outdoor seating?

Hi 👋 yes we are Have a good day and stay safe

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All around pleasant experience in terms of both the service and coffee. I had the flight and…read morethought it was overall good. They explained that the flight includes an espresso shot, espresso shot with milk, hot coffee, and iced coffee. I hadn't had a straight espresso shot before, so this wasn't for me personally just because it was so overpowering. I enjoyed the other three though. Like the majority of SF, parking is difficult to locate. I was dropped off nearby the location. There is indoor and outdoor seating; I was able to grab an empty spot late in the morning on a weekend, but I don't think seating is always readily available. It's not a huge space.

First time here for coffee! It's quite a popular shop and you see many sitting inside or waiting in…read moreline. Luckily we didn't have to wait a long line. It seems like there's also an upstairs but did not get the chance to check it out. I got an iced latte with their almond macadamia milk, and they're also so nice to do complimentary cold brew! So we got an extra drink for free. Trying the iced latte, it was pretty disappointing lol. I thought it would be similar to like a Hawaiian style latte with macadamia milk, but it was a lot lighter than I thought. It was definitely very nutty, but it also just tasted like water down latte. Honestly not much going on with the drink, but it does taste lighter in general. Crazy have to pay $1.50 more to add on this milk. Overall, its alright. I do like the natural lighting coming into the shop, but nothing too special.

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View from back of the shop.

Yuzu macadamia cookie and orange cream latte

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Delighted to have found this spot! There are a few flavors I can never resist, and kopi and pandan…read moreare two of them. So, Kopi Pandan? Yes, please! We visited on a Saturday after lunch. It was busy, but the line moved quickly and we were able to order after a short wait. Our desserts arrived right away, and our drinks followed about 10 minutes later. The service was remarkably friendly and warm. When I originally requested oat milk for my latte, the staff kindly mentioned that they use lactose-free milk by default. To help me decide, she even offered small samples of both the lactose-free pandan milk and the oat pandan milk to compare. That extra touch of hospitality was so appreciated! We ordered a few Kopi Pandans (with the default lactose-free milk) alongside a couple of their pandan desserts. The Kopi Pandan was brilliantly balanced--it had just the right amount of fragrant pandan without being overpowering or tasting grassy. Having tried my fair share of pandan drinks that missed the mark, I know how hard it is to get that flavor profile just right. Of the two desserts we tried, the Pandan Layered Cake slice was the standout. Kopi Kita Coffee also offers a few savory Indonesian snacks (like lemper and arem-arem), which I definitely look forward to trying on our next visit!

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Pandan Matcha (Oat Milk)

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Inside

Love their logo / they had free stickers too!

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The Coffee Movement

We stopped by The Coffee Movement on our way down the coast, and wow...this was hands down the best…read morecoffee of our entire trip. We traveled from San Diego to San Francisco, spent time in Santa Cruz, and made our way back down the coast, trying several highly rated coffee shops along the way. While we had some excellent coffee, The Coffee Movement was our favorite. I ordered the seasonal apricot-orange latte, and it was absolutely incredible. I honestly could have had five of them (not that I should have!). It was perfectly balanced, unique, and one of those drinks you keep thinking about long after you leave. We also grabbed a muffin that was just as delicious. The shop has a cool, low-key vibe while still delivering exceptional quality. Parking took a little patience, but it was well worth it. If you're a coffee lover, this place is a must-visit. The Coffee Movement absolutely nailed it, and it's a spot we'll make a point to return to whenever we're in the area. PS- service was low key but high vibe as well. I'm here for it!

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Food: 5 stars. Patisserie and cafe are great…read more Service: 2 stars. Cashier & barista nice however 3 counter patisserie women did not look happy - not sure whether they are unhappy people - negative impression. Owner should only have happy people assist customers and keep those 3 in the back. First impressions count.

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Black sesame Kouign Amann, reheated

Black sesame kouign Amman ends

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Have been here twice, David has been really nice and welcoming, wonderful dining experience!read more

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2.5-3 stars. Disappointed and do not recommend the following…read more I saw some comments about the sesame yuzu cookie but they're not offering it when I went on 8/2. For pastries, I got the plum and toasted rice cube. Unfortunately I didn't realize that I took a blurry picture so I don't have one to post. The cube is a layered sheet croissant stacked and a bit awkward to eat without teasing it apart first. There is quite a bit caramelia cream and tart plum jam inside the cube but it is a small pastry and overall tasted just okay for $10. For drinks, we had the cookies and cream latte $7.50 and banana & salted cream einspanner $9.50. The latte was very small and lacking of any coffee flavor, it was just a sweet drink. The einspanner tasted like a cold brew and bits of banana foster with salted cream. Not worth the hype or the cost of $30 for these 3 items.

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Juniper

Not good not bad . Nothing special to go out of the my way for a croissant. At San Francisco prices…read moreexpecting a bit more. It was ok only if I am in the neighborhood

Visited on a Sunday afternoon around 11AM, and the line wrapped around the store. The line moved…read morefairly fast (~15 min wait), and there were menus posted outside the door to look at while waiting. They still had all their items in stock, including the seasonal fruit danish and elote danish. I opted to try the cubano croissant since it was labeled as award winning on the menu. I was surprised to find a decently thick cut of pork inside the croissant, since most croissants are typically rolled with thinly sliced pieces of meat. The croissant was flaky and buttery. Definitely a must try for a savory option. There are a few tables at the back of the bakery to chat/eat but it can get crowded when people are waiting for their items. Solid spot for delicious pastry items!

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Pain Au Chocolat

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Black sesame kouign amann

The Italian Homemade Company

Meatballs were extremely good! I'm not a great critic for Italian food but here's my take:…read more The pesto surprisingly felt a bit not as immersed, the olive oil felt a bit separate from the parsley and the nuts but overall yummy. Pasta was fantastic, bouncy and fresh. If order the other créame bolognese sauce next time. Some mosquitos inside so just a bit annoying on warm days but overall great service and area.

Great spot for homemade pasta! You can see the staff making…read morepasta as soon as you walk in! We went on a Saturday night and were seated right away. And we got our food pretty fast. We ordered: - Pesto gnocchi: tasted so fresh and full of flavor - Meat lasagna: so much meat! I typically like more ricotta but if you like more meat, this is for you. The sauce was delicious! - Burrata salad: such a big portion! Love the bread it comes with

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Certified professionals

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Both the coffee and matcha were delicious! The difference between the triple matcha (with whipped…read morematcha foam) and the velvet matcha was a bit confusing, but the velvet matcha was delicious, strong, and a fun experience! The flat white with whole milk and single-origin, Ethiopian beans was absolutely delicious! You can really taste the freshness of the coffee's roast. It was so interesting to learn about the zero-emissions in-house Bellwether roasting process. There was also a coffee scent bar where you could compare the scents of different bean origins prior to ordering! The baristas were friendly and personable despite the afternoon rush!

This was a solid coffee stop and I definitely enjoyed my drink. However, I don't think it's the…read morebest coffee spot in the city, especially considering how long the line gets. We waited quite a while, and while the drinks were good, I'm not sure they completely justified the wait. If you can come during off-peak hours, I think you'll enjoy it much more. Overall, it's a good café with quality coffee and a nice vibe. Just be prepared for a line if you visit during busy times.

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An IG photo nook 4/19/26

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43 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Adel E.

10 years ago

RUDE ! Not a pleasant experience at all for my family and me. Here is what happened. Walked in, ordered food for breakfast. Ordered 2 brewed coffees. The coffee came luke warm. Food arrived, it was ok, nothing special. Started eating then I noticed small hair on the plate. I freak out if I find any hair in my food. I looked closer and the whole plate was covered in small hairs. I looked at my sons plate and his plate had a thin layer of dust on it, as if it had been kept out for weeks and collected dust. I carried on eating, keeping food in middle of plate where I had already started. All our plates were the same. We didn't t stop then, I didn't want to upset children. At then end I was debating whether to tell guy behind counter the issue with the plates. We had paid $60 approx for a meal I did not enjoy at all so I decided to tell him. I walked up and said the plates are not clean. I thought maybe he didn't realise. I expected him to take a look apologise then that would be it, we walked out. What happened was the lady behind the counter said they were clean. I said come and have a look. They didn't. I asked them to have a look in the light and I could show them. Guy behind the counter refused to look. Then it degenerated into arguing. He kept repeating 'your not from the U.K.' Over and over. His reasoning was people from the UK are polite in his experience. I just wanted to tell him the plates were not clean. The woman behind the counter started saying the plates have no pork on them. Yes, when we first ordered we asked for an omelette with no ham in. She kept repeating this, I don't know why, it had no relevance to the issue of dirty plates. I can only assume she was trying to make some some sort of dig at us. My wife also started to explain where she was from originally, yes not from the UK, and me neither. They never looked at the plates. The woman said she was going to call 911, she proceeded to pick up the phone and call police stated they were being harassed. I don't know if they were really calling. Anyway after this we then left. We just wanted to tell them about the dirty plates. Anyway not a pleasant experience. I felt a bit better after reading the other reviews here. It's true the guy and woman behind the counter are really RUDE, with no customer service skills. read more

David R.

8 years ago

This place has the worst reputation not only in North Beach but also in the entire San Francisco. I used to live in North Beach but I never went to this place. I still have friends that live there and some are Italian and none of them have anything good to say about this place and its owner. He hates Chinese, Mexicans, African Americans and anyone that does not think or look like the way he wants them to look. He's always yelling and trying to release his frustration against random people including women and children. Apparently the owner is spending money to remove negative reviews from online sites like Yelp but he obviously can't keep up. He brags about beating his wife up in his coffeeshop, for lord sake! I wanted to check this place out myself and see if it's really that bad. Yes it is! I went in and it was dark.. not natural light coming and he is obviously trying to save money on electricity. The place was empty... not even the owner was there.. oh but wait.. all of the sudden a man came out of a little closet like room under a TV and that was the owner that with a suspicious look said hi... as he left that little room I could see that he was basically sitting next to his big garbage cans.. and then he didn't even wash my hands! Seriously? At this point I knew I was not going to order anything that he would have to touch... his menu is the smallest out of all the places I have seen in my life so what to get? The cookies look definitely old as other reviewers have pointed out but... yeah! I bought a bottle of water and ran for my life. This is not a safe nor a positive place to hang out or buy anything from. There are so many better choices in North Beach. This is not the place you want to go to.... but if you do decide to go anyway and try it.. Good luck! read more

Ron G.

Elite 26

146

928

2 years ago

I ventured into Cavalli Cafe with high hopes given its glowing reviews, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. The moment I walked in, I was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The cafe is split into two levels, with the second floor offering an excellent vantage point for people-watching over the bustling streets of North Beach. This layout adds to the cafe's charm, making it a perfect spot to sit back with a good book or catch up with friends in a more relaxed setting. The food was a delight. I couldn't resist their renowned cannoli, which was as scrumptious as promised. The crispy shell paired beautifully with the creamy filling, and the combination of flavors really stood out. I also sampled the tiramisu, which was light, creamy, and not overly sweet--a standout compared to others I've had in the area. While prices have risen a bit over the years, the quality of their offerings, especially the pastries, makes it worthwhile. Plus, it's convenient that they accept cards. Service at Cavalli Cafe was prompt and attentive. Despite the self-service counter setup, the staff was quick to bring my order to the second floor where I was seated. That kind of care and speedy service makes the experience all the more enjoyable and comfortable. They're also quite friendly--always a plus in setting the mood right. The ambiance is very European, with quaint little tables and a dessert display that's sure to lure you in for more. The upstairs seating offers a rare quiet respite amidst the lively neighborhood atmosphere. It's clear why Cavalli has gained its reputation as a go-to for desserts and a cozy hangout spot. With consistent quality in both food and service, I'll definitely be returning--especially for that unbeatable tiramisu and people-watching perch! read more

JR E.

7 years ago

THE OWNER OF THIS BUSINESS KEEPS ON TRYING REMOVING ALL THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS. What a sad man. It is not surprise that this place is always empty. I gave it a chance twice and I will most certainly not go back again. First off the worker there (he may be the owner?) is absolutely rude and it seems not to even want to be there. I saw him yelling at a cute old Chinese lady outside in the street and physically pushing her toward the edge of the sidewalk!! I was about to step in and say something but a few people out there started yelling at him condemning his abusive and inappropriate (to say the least) behavior, at which point he backed off. On his way back inside he was still cursing like 'can you believe this f@#$ Chinese?'. OMG How can this place still be open for business? As far as the food goes I had a cappuccino both times which were no better than Starbucks. I also tried a cannoli one time and a tiramisu the second time but both seemed old and not the real original Italian recipe that I usually eat at other (much better) places in the North Beach area. - AVOID - - AVOID - - AVOID - - AVOID - read more

Ritu V.

Elite 26

202

1 year ago

I first visited this place in November 2023 to pick up a tiramisu for my then fiancé, now husband, on his birthday, and we both absolutely loved it. This past week, while craving tiramisu during a trip to SFO, I had to stop by again and it did not disappoint. It's easily one of the best tiramisus I've had. However, the ambience leaves much to be desired. The place feels a bit sketchy, with people playing cards and smoking. The strong smell of smoke drifts inside, which is quite unpleasant, especially since smokers are legally required to be at least 25 feet away from the entrance. Additionally, the limited seating is ooccupied by smokers and people who were playing cards making it difficult for actual customers to find a place to sit. The service was just okay, the staff seemed unsure about their offerings and were more focused on chatting among themselves rather than assisting customers. That said, the tiramisu itself is absolutely worth it. read more

Jessica A.

8 years ago

We wish Yelp was legit and not removing the negative reviews which would help people more than the positives. Me, my husband and my daughter had a quick breakfast here not too long ago and the 3 of us ended up sick for 2 days to the point that we had to take antibiotics. As many others have pointed out this place is dark and empty and that's maybe why food is old and can make you sick. We tried cappuccino, hot tea, a cannoli and a tiramisu. Horrible. We stayed there for about 10 minutes and the person working (maybe the manager?) was checking on us with a weird negative attitude as if he was waiting for us to make a wrong move! I never had such a bad experience as I had at this place. read more

Lilly L.

8 years ago

Very disappointing to see Yelp making our previous review invisible so much so that we had to create a new account in order to let people know our short negative experience. We are 4 happy transgender women friends and roommate that were abused by the owner of this establishment and he is now obviously trying to get the negative reviews off of Yelp. He basically kicked us out of his dark and empty coffeeshop screaming that he won't do business with people like us. We did nothing to him to deserve this treatment and we will pursue justice. We sincerely hope that Yelp is not in the business of supporting racism and hatred towards Lgbt community. read more

Rob R.

8 years ago

We are a group of traveling Italian people and our tour guide here in the US is helping us with this review. We stopped here while traveling through San Francisco hoping to get a quick real Italian experience but unfortunately the cappuccinos and the cannoli we got were well below our standards. The cappuccinos had the milk that was almost burned and the cannoli felt like it did not have any of the original ingredients and they also did not feel like they were fresh. Unfortunately the service too was by far the worst we have received in 3 weeks while traveling through North America, not even a smile! read more

Rana G.

1 year ago

I went to this cafe years ago. Why even come here again? The Algerian man who manages the front was talking anti-semitic, anti-Christian, and anti-Hindu nonsense when it was kinda empty. Basically, if you ain't a muslim don't even bother talking about your religions. Sir, why even ask in the first place. It's none of your business. Why even live and immigrate to the Christian West if you don't like the US. I felt so sick and bad after I paid for my food, cannoli and chai. I left angry. These people don't know how to respect the country they immigrate in. How sad read more

Giselle S.

17 years ago

Rude management/employees. I was asked to leave because my friend (who I introduced to the cafe) was having a drink and I was not (keep in mind that no one was waiting for any table, there were only two other people at the cafe). This would never happen in Starbucks, or any other independently owned cafes with trained employees. In France it's illegal. If you want to watch a super ignorant and arrogant manager running a business badly and treating people rudely, then visit this cafe. Otherwise, skip it. There are several great alternatives nearby. read more

Giovanna C.

15 years ago

The desserts are the best. Everything is made simply... you can count on the cappucinos and other drinks and desserts to be good every time. As for all the comments about the wi-fi being shut off the owner told me why: Too many people were taking advantage of the wi-fi and not leaving room for people who actually wanted to sit and enjoy their panna cotta with a friend. So GET OVER IT! This is an Italian cafe. If you want a working space go to Starbucks. If you want a true "Dolce Far Niente" experience come to Cavalli. read more

Madeleine T.

5 years ago

The perfect place for an afternoon or morning espresso and truly the best cannolis in town! Everything was made fresh to order, and my favorite was how dark espresso was and perfect amount of froth in the cappuccino. The mozzarella was so fresh and the cannolis were crispy and filled with the best cream. The owner was very nice, as was the other gentleman behind the machine. There's a small wait, since everything is made fresh, but it's definitely worth it! Enjoy their cute Italian outdoor seating on a sunny day! :) read more

Foley H.

1 year ago

I've been visiting this place for years. The cannoli are authentic and made with high-quality ingredients, and the tiramisu is the best you'll find. If you didn't like the cannoli, you may be accustomed to inferior versions. The owner seems genuinely passionate about his craft rather than just focused on making money. A warm greeting from the staff enhances the experience, making customers feel welcome. I've only interacted with the owner, so I can't speak to the rest of the team mentioned in other reviews. read more

Kristi S.

4 years ago

They literally have a parking lot HID light to illuminate the space, so it's as inviting as a prison. When asked for help selecting a pastry they refuse and say you have to pick. This "Italian cafe" plays only Mexican Mariachi music on repeat. The outside seating is occupied by vagrants smoking cigarettes, who's smoke billows through the front door filling the restaurant. Do yourself a favor, hard pass. read more

Jenny Z.

8 years ago

Not sure why my previous review was removed but it is obvious that this establishment is paying yelp to only keep the positive reviews on. Anyhow, this cafe has a very limited menu with low quality products while the service, well.. it's horrible. You are lucky if the manager there won't insult you based on your gender or clothes you're wearing. read more

Mounia E.

6 years ago

The best coffee I had in a long time Noss Noss cafe is my favorite, if you are a coffee drinker like me, then you will love it ! I just found my favorite coffees shop! The interior is simple and welcoming.. very good customer service.. I will definitely recommend this place. read more

Nourchen H.

5 years ago

This place is great! Atmosphere is chill and cool but the staff is also really friendly. They know what they're doing and what they're talking about and you can tell making the customers happy is their main priority. Would 10/10 recommend their smoothies. read more

Baoyi L.

3 years ago

because the manager kick me out of the store I was just sitting there to wait for somone and he won't let me that like a mean he shouldn't do that this is why he is being so rascism if you guys go to that store you guys are werido read more

Jessie R.

8 years ago

Unbelievable how this disgusting human being that is that racist owner is trying to silence the people he abused. Yelp should not help silence people like us. Do not remove our legittimate and honest review. read more

Sid B.

7 years ago

Best place in North Beach for cannoli and great cappuccino! Newly remodeled I took a chance to share some pics, new owners are friendly and welcoming with excellent service. Thank you guys! read more

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Cavalli Cafe - coffee - Updated August 2026

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