Excellent service. Welcoming and warm setting. High quality coffee and a MUST try Apple Pie Strudel!! LOVE THIS PLACE!! If you really want to enjoy a quiet setting grab a cup of coffee and head upstairs - plenty of sunshine and peace even on a such a busy street. read more

Cool view if you want to sit upstairs. I love sitting next to that big window and looking down to people watch. I had tea-- it was pretty good. Free WIFI, but THERE ARE NO OUTLETS!!!! I would enjoy coming here more if I could plug my computer in to get some work done, like I can at most coffee shops. read more

If your looking for a "real deal" Italian cafe in Little Italy ... then you found your place. The food and coffee is excellent and the owner is quite an interesting character. I'd personally recommend: Cappuccino Cannoli But head the warnings yelpers ... this is a place to enjoy conversation, coffee and fresh Italian pastries. Its not a place to work. The owner is passionate about keeping it a place for interaction and conversation. There is no wifi ... and he will ask you to stop working. read more

I discovered this place thanks to ScoutMob! Ordered one of my all-time favorite desserts, a cannoli, and I was hooked. Piped to order, the shell remains crisp. The ricotta is fluffy and not overly sweet. The chocolate chips and orange peel score points on both presentation and flavor. And the owner is very friendly. At $4.50/cannoli (not including tax), it is a tad expensive so I can't give them 5 stars. I think $3.95 would be more reasonable. Nevertheless, this is one of the few places I have tried through ScoutMob that I would return to even paying full price. read more

So when did this cafe appear? I have no idea, but i'm so glad i waddled my fatty self over after a nice sushi dinner. this cafe is so cool, it has all these touristy nic nacs in front, walking further back, you'll see the coffee bar. Really friendly service with a more interesting menu! Not only do they serve coffee, but also spaghetti, panini's, desserts, and a couple of more items. Typical coffee drinks, but definitely better than your average starbucks. Their tiramisu is pretty damn good too, i cannot tell if they get it from Stella's across the street, if not, thier tiramisu is most def. a fair contender! yupp, i said it... it might be better than stella's! Great place for a good convo, studying, or a late night dessert. I'll definitely be back for more! [edit] courtesy to shannon l. (thanks!) the tiramisu is made by the owner Santo and his wife! pretty impressive, i'll definitely be back for more! read more

Best Cappuccino in the Bay hands down & the Pannacota WOW 10 stars!!! read more

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

Great place to come in a drizzly afternoon prior to Saturday night dinner plans. I got a coffee and a few magazines, heading upstairs to that coveted seat near the window overlooking Stockton & Columbus. I had passed by many time and finally had a chance to come in. I'm glad I did! A calm yet upbeat atmosphere with an Italian soccer game on TV and soothing music in the background, this place is great for relaxing and killing time (while avoiding tourists) in North Beach. read more

This is a husband and wife run cafe. They run the place themselves 7 days a week and has been doing it for the past 9 years. Super nice people. The paninis are pretty outstanding. My 6 and 11 year old loved the mortadella and fontina. They loved it so much that my little guy asked for seconds and we had to order another one. My husband and I shared a tuna tomato avocado and capers panini. This is no smashed tuna with mayo that's been sitting in the fridge all day kind of tuna salad sandwich. I had nice whole chunks of tuna through and through my panini. You can taste the yummy olive oil that was drizzled inside. It was delicious. Then came desserts. The taramisu is said to be the best by yelpers... that is no lie. I LOVE taramisu. So I've had my fair share of it. The owner makes it himself. We are definitely ordering a tray for the next party we throw. You can do that... did you know? $50 for a tray. And we also had a cannoli. Wow. He puts it together when you order it. It was out of this world. Yummm! We also had a hot chocolate. Not bad at all either. Frothy and rich. They also sell some traditional Italian candies. Needless to say... we got some too. Bottom line... A. Cavalli & Co. will not disappoint. read more

Favorite cafe so far in North Beach (and I live here). The cappuccinos are stellar. The food is home made, and each one I've had has been a delight. It's got steady, dependable wi-fi, which is something no other cafe around here can figure out. I don't really understand the negative reviews, but I don't care, as I like it not so crowded, and debated posting this at all. If you're visiting- go to Puccini and Greco. If you're interested in a great local haunt, patronize this place. Spaghetti omelet & ravioli are excellent! read more

UPDATE: I've continued to go back and Cavalli continues to deliver the highest quality desserts and capuccino, etc. I've had so far in SF. Having been there a few times and talked to Santo, the owner, I'm convinced that this is one of North Beach and arguably, San Francisco's best kept secrets. Santo is a friendly host and an amazing person in general who has had a lot of uphill battles keeping this building and cafe alive. This is the kind of business you want to support. PREVIOUS POST: 1. Home-made tiramisu, panna cotta, chocolate mousse, and cannoli 2. Great friendly, casual and hands-off service 3. Cute atmosphere 4. Upstairs seating that faces the street 5. Free wifi 6. Open until 10pm What do you want? This place is great. And the tiramisu was the best tiramisu I've ever had in my life. read more

OMG their cannolis are to DIE for and MADE TO ORDER. Creamy mascarpone filling, crunchy freshly baked exterior, with orange preserves on the outside. I usually get six. Their coffee is nice and strong too, and fresh. There is a nice Italian family running it, with the man behind the counter always having something interesting to say, and always watching soccer. You can bring your laptop or sit and talk for hours and they don't bother you. It usually not very full, but I like it that way. read more

You know, I love this place. The cappuccino is amazing here. Santo is always so nice and accommodating. His dishes are wonderful. I love that pride is taken in the espresso and also the food. I wish that Santo could make his dishes again. I believe that he has stopped for the moment but the desserts are BEAUTIFUL! Excellent place and excellent owner. I recommend this place assolutamente! Grazie mille, Cavalli! read more

Really enjoyed having a nice chat with Santo, the owner. I felt like I was back in Argentina drinking my coffee the way South Americans drink it. Ordered the same coffee 3 times in a row because I knew it was going to be one of the few times I could find the style I liked here in the U.S. (and I certainly have an even more difficult time finding it where I live in Arizona). Can't review the in-house treats as I spent most of my money on the aforementioned coffee, but if I am ever back in San Francisco I know where my first stop will be for breakfast read more

A classic, slightly hidden Italian cafe with expertly made coffee and delicious food. Their pasta is always cooked perfectly and has that authentic, homey taste. It's a great place to meet with friends, lounge out, or read a book. There is also wi-fi and nice large tables, so it's a good place to work. Cavalli's has the best cannoli in San Francisco -- homemade shell, fresh ricotta, and filled to order, so that the shell stays crisp. No other cannoli in SF stands a chance. It's not even mildly close. It's a great place. read more

This is a very unassuming place kind on the very neglected border between North Beach and Chinatown, in front of a bus stop. Walking in, there wasn't that many patrons (which to me, is always a bad sign!), but I trusted Yelp - and I'm glad I did, since their fare is wonderful and there is no wait (WOW, how many places like that exist in SF?!) The cafe itself is sort of dark and scarce looking. They do have upstairs seating where you can look down on the street. Seems like a good place to just sit and look around or even do some reading or work. I got the panna cotta which was decently priced and oh so perfect..... my friend got the espresso which I can't speak for. I want to come back and try the other desserts that people have been raving about! read more

My Northern Italian grandmother is probably turning in her grave for me to be questing and lusting after a Sicilian pastry, but there I was in Northbeach searching for the best cannoli while I was in San Francisco. I wandered into this cafe when I saw handmade cannoli advertised. While I ordering, I noticed that they had zabaglione, too. I love this stuff, and rarely get it, outside my family. I ordered some of that, too. My girlfriend and I sat and waited for my cannolo to be made. As we waited, I ate the zabaglione, and I was very impressed. It was not too sweet, but it was rich, and it was dusted, top and bottom, with some cocoa powder. Drooooooooool... Once the cannolo arrived, I noticed the candied fruits that the chef included in the ricotta. Because the ricotta was not overly sweet, I could actually taste the candied fruits. The shell was crunchy and firm, and it stayed that way, since it was not made ahead of time. Yay! Of all the cannoli that I tried in San Francisco, this was the best, hands down. Sorry, Grandma Rosa. I loved it so much that I went back for more on the morning I was leaving. Unfortunately, they are not open on Mondays. Sad panda. read more

holy PANNA COTTA batman. My bf passes this on the 30 line and suggested it on a double date. SCORE AGAIN! This is a nice cafe that has a small nook upstairs where you can sit and people watch while enjoying one of his tasty treats! His name, I can't remember, but he (the owner) is really friendly, will have a conversation with you, and sell you the BEST PANNA COTTA I've ever experienced in my life. I've also tried the tiramisu, chocolate mousse, affogato, eclairs and cannolis. EVERYTHING IS AMAZING HERE. Wish it was closer to the office or my home, but SO worth the strike. TRY IT YOURSELF AND YOU WILL BE AN ADDICT LIKE ME. read more

Cavalli Cafe has been in my bookmarks for three months and I have finally made it there because I was interviewing near North Beach and the 8X Muni stops right in front of the place. YES! This review is only for a one-time purchase of cannoli: -$4.50 (cha-ching) (-) -FILLED-TO-ORDER (+) -bulging cheese (+) -fruit garnish (+) In summary, it was pricy but it was definitely worth the try. I mean, the last time I bought a cannoli elsewhere, it was PRE-FILLED.... Additionally, the owner was very friendly. He asked me I needed change for the bus (it seems that people habitually run in asking to exchange for smaller bills for bus fare). read more

Definitely my favorite place for tiramisu in the City! Thank you for never disappointing everyone I take here. They have a small dessert menu- but always fresh, homemade, authentic Italian, and delish! I have never been disappointed with the tiramisu- made with real espresso- real marscapone filling, and lady fingers! The panacotta is awesome too and so is their espresso. They know how to make a real Italian cappuccino, not the gigantic ones you get everywhere else. The dessert portions are just the right size- without over engulfing. There are too many places in North Beach selling big slices of desserts or pastries which are just subpar. I would much rather pay the same price for something a little smaller, but where I'd lick the plate clean b/c it's so good. Small intimate cafe with additional seating upstairs. Great if you're looking for someplace quiet where you can hear yourself or those your with. Best to have cash! read more

On a weekend trip, I was looking for a coffee and small bite for breakfast after mass in North Beach. The owner was friendly and helpful, and the service was very quick. I ordered a panna cotta and iced coffee. $8. The panna cotta was fresh, absolutely delicious, not too heavy, and the perfect sweetness. Topped with fresh blue and strawberries. The coffee was some of the best I've had in a long time! I will definitely remember to come to this place the next time I visit. read more

This little cafe cozy and warm is a gem in the neighborhood..low prices and high quality food makes the differences with the other In the area,there coffe is,in my opinion,one of the best,they made a literally original cannoli stuffed at the moment with a homemade sheep ricotta cream.they made sandwich with Italian focaccia bread and piadina.we live in the neighborhood and we really appreciate our Happy Italian breakfast,between 8.30 and 9.30 cappuccino and pastry (also stuffed with Nutella and banana or strawberry) for only 6$!!!i mean....awesome! read more

See all

I have been coming to Cavalli Cafe for a couple of years now. I really enjoy their cappuccinos and macchiatones (basically a cappuccino w/ less milk) it's creamy, smooth and just the right dose of caffeine for my taste! Now on to desserts, where should I start? Ok my favorite of 'em all is the chocolate tartufo ice cream, a silky sweetness of chocolate with a subtle tasty hint of truffles! You won't go wrong with having their panna cotta and tiramisu as well. Heavenly, indeed. read more

Completely satisfied my 3 year craving for cannoli. It was the perfect blend of flavors and textures and was a fun little cafe. I cannot wait to return when I'm in SF again. read more

It's monday. Got a lot of work to do. Friend suggests going to northbeach to enjoy the weather, do some work, run an errand, and grab some tasty sandwiches. Sounds like a date. Went to the place on a whim and quite glad I did. It's a cozy place with two stories. I'm no expert on things Italian but it seemed legit with good Italian coffee, homemade pastries (canoli was pretty bomb), and some epic sounding Italian music. The owner is a standup guy who seems very proud of his heritage. Oh yeah, the password for the free wifi is an italian word. boom. Working on the second floor gives you a nice view out the window to the street or if you choose to be in your dark corner, theres that option too. Oh while there's two stories, seating is not as plentiful as you'd think. Not a big deal. Just FYI. read more

This review is only for the cannolis. Oh. My. Lord. It was the best cannoli I've ever had! It was delicious with ricotta instead of whipped cream, chocolate chips, and delicious dried fruit. It was to dire for. It wasn't too sweet, and it was not soggy AT ALL, because he fills them for you on the spot. I will definitely be back for the cannolis. read more

came here 2 nights to study. On the first night, I tried the cappuccino for my token purchase, and ended up ordering another plus piece of tiramisu. The tiramisu was very good, the cappuccino was excellent. In fact it caused me to go on a mini-coffee bender, ordering the drink at many other places across the city before deciding that Cavalli's version is the best so far. The second night, I tried the cafe mocha, it was nowhere near as stellar as the cappuccino. All the while, wireless was solid, and very little disturbance impinged on my 2nd floor window perch. The aroma from the occasional food order was unbearable so I went down and asked for a suggestion. He (i suppose it was 'the' santo) I dont remember what it was called but i believe it was basically rigatoni ala amatriciana-- a light spicy tomato sauce with speck (delicious) and the perfect amount of pecorino romano grated on top. Pasta was cooked perfectly, sauce extremely flavorful despite light texture, spice and garlic perfectly balanced. Both nights we stayed until midnight. No trouble or hassle from anyone, i have a hard time understanding how the people who had negative experiences came about them, but I am thankful that I live a charmed life, unlike some of the less fortunate yelpers out here. anyway this place is definitely on my will return list. ~dL~ read more

Hands down, favorite Italian Espresso. Danesi espresso is the SMoooothest and tastiest espresso, and not to mention the owner of Cavali's, Santo, is a good Italian fellow, trying to run a good place. Their desserts here are yummy - this long Italian donut with cream filling in the middle of it, was heavenly! If I lived in the NorthBeach I would come here every morning... I have to say this, no offense to blue bottle coffee, but for the hipster places like Vega and Cento, you should go spend some time with Santo, who doesn't need all the Italian nostalgic paraphernalia to proves he's an Italiano, no? read more

Simply the only place where you can buy an Italian magazine/newspaper while you're drinking one of the best espresso in town. Santo and Santo Jr. will be there taking care of you, bellissimo! read more

A friend highly recommended this place to me, so I decided to check it out with him. We took a seat on the second floor. The view was really interesting because of this cafe's location--on the border line of Chinatown and North Beach. My view was grocery stores and people walking and/or waiting for the bus with bags of grocery; my friend's view was people relaxing and having a cup of coffee/tea at cafes, and he also saw a street performer playing his guitar on the side walk. Such an interesting location and angle of this cafe! Now let me talk about their food. I tried their tiramisu while my friend tried their panna cotta. They both looked really good :). There was quite a lot of cream in the tiramisu, but the tiramisu was still really good! It was not too sweet. The texture and moistness were great :D. I would definitely go back for their tiramisu. My friend's panna cotta was not bad either, but I think it was a little too creamy. Maybe this was why there were some pieces of strawberry and blueberries on top of the panna cotta. In my opinion, the food is a bit pricey, but it is worthy :]]. Besides the food, the service was also good! After ordering at the counter, somebody will bring the food to your table, and the people working there are all really nice! read more

Decent Cannolis. My cannoli didn't quite blow me away the way they did others. Service is good and the place is well maintained. Will continue my search for the best SF cannoli. read more

Since the vitriol-filled review written last year, I've patronized this establishment a few times, being careful to avoid the morning hours. I can report that as long as the fellow isn't suffering from migranes he can make a good espresso - and he isn't always hostile either. So I've upgraded my report. Last year: Well, I did not get the chance to patronize this establishment - and here's why. On Thanksgiving morning around 8:30, I thought to get a coffee and wait for the southbound bus, and Cavalli is very convenient for this purpose. But, there was a "Gentleman" with a water hose, intent on blowing garbage all over Stockton street, who was apparently affiliated with this cafe. He actually threatened me with the water stream, demanding that I get away from "His" sidewalk - this while I was attempting to enter the cafe... In these uncertain economic times, to actively drive away business with such rude and threatening behavior is not a good course of action for a retailer. They did not just lose my business this morning, they will now lose the business of every person I can tell this story to. And as I work in customer service in North Beach that will be quite a few people. As an aside, there was a police officer nearby during this whole altercation. He thanked me for not causing more of a scene and advised me that the hose wielding man was entirely in the wrong. But did not see fit to issue a ticket or warning... Ah well. read more

Great place. Very reasonable prices for the coffee. Nice atmosphere in the evening. Pleasant hosts. They make their own desserts but I didn't get a chance to eat. Some other time. You should sit by the window. Or better yet, sit under the awning outside. It has a great view of the Coit tower. read more

Ambience needs some work. Very plain colors and decor. Average coffee and pastry. Will do in a pinch. Bathroom could do with an upgrade. read more

I just want to throw my cup in his trash can because I can't find any trash can round, and I don't want to throw my trash on the ground. So I throw it into his trash can, he came after me and said" pick up you trash". Personally thing I'm just throwing trash into the trash can, instead of throwing on the floor and made street dirty. A person who doesn't have a good heart I don't think anything in this place is good. I'm not going to buy anything in this place. Thank you for reading this post and good luck with that attitude and you business. :) have nice day boss :3 read more

North beach has a lot of cheesy italian spots, this is not one of them. Housed in one of the oldest buildings in the era, this place is a gem. It has by far the best tiramisu in the city. like hands down. it's light, creamy, rich and completely satisfying. the italian shop keeper makes a batch every couple days himself (he was once a local cheese merchant and hates the fact that everyone uses whipping cream instead or actual cheese for tiramisu). So his is a cut above the rest. The shop itself quaint and charming. excellent coffee and coffee based drinks, free wi-fi and italian soccer. pretty sweet. This spot is basically what every person wants in north beach, a great local coffee shop devoid of tourists and crap. just a good cup of coffee, good pastries (provided by a number of local italian north beach merchants) and a slightly Sicilian mafioso feel. pretty money if you ask me, i'm always in the window on my computer. read more

One of my favorite spots to hit in North Beach. This place is as Italian as it gets - great coffee, friendly staff, good local crowd and Italian music/movies/stickers/posters for sale. They now have awesome pasta! All that's left is to start serving wine/beer to go with it and I'll definitely move in to live there. I hear they have applied for a license to sell wine so see you guys there soon. read more

The best coffee in town, great desserts and friendly but "no B.S." owner who really believes in using the best ingredients, having less items but just the best quality. Around the corner from my office, I have coffee here three times a day and take friends once in a while to enjoy cannoli and tiramisu'. read more

Coffee...BOMB tiramisu...BOMB cannoli.....BOMB This is the best coffee shop in the city. Santo is the man. The food is great but the coffe is from a different planet!! You can get it via spaceship, or via 30 Stockton which conveniently stops right infront! Give this place a shot..by purchasing a shot!..of espresso;) read more

The BEST coffee in North Beach! Great sandwiches. Among desserts, go for the homemade tiramisu! PS WiFi for customers, too! Hey, and those in the know do know! https://medium.com/@sinzone/why-is-espresso-in-america-so-bad-b0606d8ddeb5#.an393ylh4 read more

All jokes aside, Cavalli has the best damn cannoli I ever ate! The presentation was wonderful and the flavour was amazing! The staff is super nice and funny. Overall a great experience, will definitely come back! read more