This place is adequate, although I consider it primarily a spot for thirsty tourists. The drinks are OK, but nothing I crave. I had a mozzarella and tomato sandwich here that was edible but, again, nothing special. The main appeal of this place is the hours - it always seems to be open. If you are in the area and nothing else is open and you're thirsty or tired, it can be pleasant to pop in for a drink, grab a seat by the window along Columbus and people watch. Otherwise, I'd probably go to a different North Beach spot. That said, the do seem to have a large selection of food and drinks and a number of regulars so if you invest the time getting to know the place you might have a different opinion. read more

Fantastic coffee and fresh chocolate dipped coconut macaroons. The staff has been there for years and are friendly and helpful.

Caffè latte was pretty good but tiramisu was horrible. No flavor of liquor, cocoa and mascarpone. The price was very reasonable considering it is in North Beach. read more

I had a nice latte and a cookie here today. I noted that another Yelper reported that the cookies here are bit dry but that's the way Italian cookies are. They're often "twice-baked" as are biscotti. But here's the thing: Sitting at one of the sidewalk tables, I was savagely berated by a street person when I didn't give him money. He staggered to my table, sang a few words of a song - offkey and in a drunken, reeling manner -and then demanded money. I politely demurred and turned away but he started screaming at me, saying that I didn't have a heart, then escalating to calling me , cheap, stupid. Then he leaned down into my face and demanded to know, "Why, Why, Why wouldn't I give him money. Just a lousy dollar. Give me one good reason, Rich Lady ? How can you sit here sipping a $4 cappuccino but you won't give a poor man a dollar?" I was nervous and shaking. I got up and left. I walked the 5 or 6 blks home and then when I calmed down, I considered the entire scenario. I wondered why the restaurant manager or wait staff didn't try to protect a customer from this ugly scene. It was extortion and assault. At first I concluded that I would never return to this place where I am a regular. But then I decided that I would return to the cafe when it was quiet and speak with the manager. If he were too say, "Tough luck, Lady. I can't do anything about that. You were at a table on the sidewalk." then I certainly would not return. But I'll give him the benefit of the doubt if he tells me that he can protect me (and other customers). More on this when I re-visit CaffeGreco. read more

Brasiliana...is the best cake ever! They don't make their own cakes. Does anyone know where they're from?

coffee was fine, but the really good thing was the terrace, its a lovely place to sit.

Oh my god cannoli!!! So good!! The shell was light and crunchy without being thick and hard. The ricotta filling was so good I could eat just that with the little chocolate chip bits that give it that extra texture and a little chocolatey something in every bite. Mmmmm....must try! read more

the staff is really nice, goof lattes. a bit pricey but that SF! great area to study

Tiramisu is made with real, bitter cocoa which complements the sweet cake perfectly. Raspberry Italian soda is pretty good too.

We hadn't stopped in for years - this has always been our favorite cafe period - with a feel of Italy for sure. First, the coffee, and deserts are amazing and frankly perfectly pulled - which was thrilling. What was not last night (around 11pm) was the fact that servers wouldn't help my wife open the bathroom door (which has push buttons), it was a mess, and no toilet paper, and when we indicated this was a problem, we were blown off. Also, we have no problem from music around the world - each place should carry music consistent with the theme of the restaurant. We go to a Mexican place, we really love hearing that music it fits the theme- but why is that music on here, and loud! It didn't fit. Where is music from Italy? Basically, we expected the usual experience like you walked into Italy - that didn't happen. The music is secondary though to please get your bathrooms maintained. read more

around six o clock...the atmosphere here was really relaxing and not so crowded.maybe it was the weather today...it was a bit chilly. but anyhow...i liked the greeting the baristas give you when you come up to order..."what can I do for you my friend" they sound really genuine and it makes you feel welcomed. today, i had ordered their grilled eggplant sandwich...nothing to rave about, but it was just good. i think i may have found a good place to relax during my dinner breaks. but i'll try a few other places first. read more

my mom & i have been coming here for about 2/3 years already & loved it here & will always love it here! i usually get tiramisu & a random drink from the menu & all the drinks i had before is great! very thing is great! my mom loves the cappuccino. i will keep coming here when i get the chance to. read more

Caffe Greco is a fantastic cap to an evening of dinner in North Beach & a stroll up from City Lights bookstore. The crowd is diverse with Europeans, tourists, epicureans, yuppies, & others who appreciate people-watching, conversation, & a decent dessert. Tiramisu is light & refreshing while the chocolate cake is bold yet balanced though not exquisite. You can also get tarts, pastries, canollis, & cookies. The proper espresso & cafe au lattes are served in the requisite thick mugs & cups. Atmosphere is spacious with a lot of windows to see the strolling crowds on Columbus street. Nice crew that run the place. read more

Each time I go I'm happy with the experience. I have a hard time deciding between 3-4 local cafe's for my Sunday work/read/write cafe time. Factors I consider include: comfortable seats, available tables, music/people not too noisy but more importantly not too quiet, tasty coffee, and the essential, free internet. Today at Cafe Greco, the sun's shining in through the huge glass store front, jazz music's playing in the background, about half the tables are full, equally spread with singles on computers and couples chatting. The staff is always friendly and best of all, the coffee is outstanding. May be the best cappuccino I've had. I like my coffee a touch hotter; the only thing I'd change. read more

Just had an amazing Tiramisu and Hazelnut gelato here! Recommend both of these! This is one great place in North beach!

Great espresso just like in Italy - short! They have a great dessert there called Sacripantini (something like that) that I've not seen elsewhere; it is a more cake-like version of the tiramisu but with an amaretto cookie coating. Other desserts look good. Kahlua cheesecake was unfortunately really, really bad - dense, not sweet, and no flavor of kalua. It might as well be a savory cheese pie. Nonetheless, I am still giving it 5 stars as everything else is so good! Don't be fooled, the Latinos making the espresso know what they are doing, unlike the baristas at Stella and Cafe Trieste. read more

Their cappuccino is very good if you like Illy brand. Staff were nice, polite & helpful. I don't understand why some of the other places believe they have to be rude to customers. Polite staff makes ALL the difference. I will come back here again when in North Beach. Lots of windows to people-watch too. read more

Large Cap and Tiramisu street side can't be beat. Highly recommend after a meal. Great people watching spot in North Beach.

I ordered the Tiramisu which was good - but people have hyped the place more than it deserves.

I went here to try the sfogliatelle, which I am certain they purchase rather than making there. I came back for the panini, which are really good. It's a good price, especially for North Beach, and while it's a little run down looking, that's because it's old - in a good, vintage cafe way. It has a lot of character inside with fun artwork. It can be a little noisy though. read more

Our whole group didn't enjoy the blasting Cuban music that made the place feel more like a Latin disco than a S.F. cafe.

Unfortunate that when the hot chocolate I got for my daughter was more of a bitter mocha - they were unwilling to exchange or add a syrup.

great selection of desserts --- not so much wine. the chianti was fine though for one glass. kids loved the chocolate pudding pie! CASH ONLY! read more

Could very well be the best coffee in all of San Francisco. The desserts are simply amazing. Try the tiramisu or the brazillian cake.

Their brasiliana cake (chocolate cake soaked in espresso) was fabulous. Reasonably priced dessert compared to the nearby restaurants. Cute sidewalk tables to linger in north beach. read more

I had the best Tiramisu, Panini, orange juice here in my life while traveling SF. (very inexpensive, too. no matter how much I pay for, I cannot get as good food where I live) I was getting full and had to be ready to leave, so couldn't try more. If I fly to SF again, I will visit here first. read more

Great little coffee shop in North Beach. Tasty drinks - I usually get chai latte or hot chocolate. The flavor is subtle and delicious, and it's great to chat on the the little tables out front while sipping drinks. read more

best place to have an espresso drink- one of few who knew how to make a macchiato- friendly service. read more

First time at caffe greco!! Friendly staff, good selection of pastries and pies. A good place to tave a break, sipping a cappucino and have a chat with some locals. read more

I always have a pleasant experience here. They take pride in their coffee & dessert making. It's fun to sit outside and people watch and listen to conversations being spoken in Italian. It feels just like being in Italy. I love the biscotti with a cappuccino. I will continue to return for the authentic food/coffee and ambiance. read more

If your looking for a great cafe experience this is a great stop. Fresh food. Great seating. They have coffee, espresso drinks, and mimosas which are all delicious. Also, Bank of America and Wells Fargo are conveniently close by.... As this is CASH payment only. read more

I don't mind paying double the price of anything as long as the quality is there. The cafes all around Roma served better cappuccino. The taste in other cafes was better, proper temperature, and even nice foam design on top for $4-5 rather than $9. I returned my drink, and the second was worse than the first. The first cup of cappuccino came out warm, and I asked to please return it to get it hotter. The drink was returned in a cup that was put in the microwave and it was way too hot almost causing it to burn me. There was some foam and steam milk on top but it was very unappealing as opposed to other cafe places that put some effort into it. And, the shell of my cannoli was was too hard to enjoy. The inside cream was good. Maybe the server was having a bad day, and it was a better day to make cannolis. I wouldn't give it a second chance, I would rather go to the other cafés around Rome. I really give an establishment a bad review. read more

hands down, the best tiramisu + hot chocolate I have tasted. making this cafe my favorite when visiting the city

luuuuuurve Caffe Greco! ugh, now i can't get a mozzerella tomato balsamic sandwhich on delicate, crisp focaccia with lovely greens on the side out of my mind *drool* read more

the coffee here coupled with their tiramisu is why you drive in circles looking for parking.

As others before me have noted, this place has the best Tiramisu, hands down. It is located perfectly right on Columbus Ave., with floor to ceiling glass windows for a great view of the hustle bustle to go along with your coffee drink and Tiramisu. I usually order a cappuccino too, and hafta say that they make a good one. The folks behind the counter know me and my friends so they share a laugh or two with us whenever we go there, and sometimes make special latte art on our cappuccinos/lattes :) read more

tiramisu + cannolis + espresso = perfection after a big ass meal

My favorite espresso drink place in North Beach. Very casual. Grab a seat outside with your cappuccino and you'll be entertained by tourists for hours. Although this is touristville, the coffee is great, the staff is always nice. The desserts are mediocre. Go for the espresso. read more

I'm a believer. They do have the best cappucino in SF. I decided to check out this place because David Kessler writes about this cafe in his book The End of Overeating. I've had cappucino at other places at SF and it was more expensive and not as good. I'm going to come here again for breakfast next time I'm in SF instead of wasting my money at Starbucks or other overpriced cafes. I can see how David Kessler was craving this place and had to go there! Next I have to try that chocolate orange cookie Kessler could not resist. Also, this place is really fun to people watch. read more

Really Cool Cafe in North Beach They have good cannolis and serve illy coffee just looking for parking sucks