I love this place, I have their coffee for personal use and for business for many years. When ever we need to do something for our coffee machine at work; just one call Uncle Frank on his way for rescue. He is a sweet gentleman and pleasure to to meet and get to know him read more

This place has been good so far. Great coffee. Been coming here for awhile if I'm in area. Love the mocha. Cash only is the downside. The worker asked me what I wanted. I asked for a mocha light sweet. He gave a weird look and asked me why I want a mocha not sweet and he said that's the whole point of a mocha and that I would be better off with a latte. I explained that I like their chocolate that they put in the mocha but just don't like sweet. He asked me to clarify if I like sweetness. They made the drink finally but it's like...dude why are you judging me. Just make the drink already. Stop judging me. If I wanted to be judged I would've signed up for a courtroom. If it's not considered mocha anymore then call it whatever you want. I don't care. Just make the drink and charge me for the mocha lol. It's annoying read more

I ordered my second grande cappuccino, and I got the warning about the guy who had three in a row, stepped out and had a heart attack. He survived, but his family visited from the east coast to care for him. Not the first time I got the story; maybe I have a problem. When I was there blogging, some film folk came in, apparently it's part of their routine, as the place is legendary and still atmospheric, with fascinating black & white photos on the wall. As usual it's both good for a quick writing and also easy to get distracted and drawn into conversations with the eclectic clientele. Ah, San Francisco, I miss you! read more

Honestly, chatGPT told me this is the perfect pick me up coffee place and when we finally got here after a long day of walking a local atanding on the corner said "this truly is the best coffee in all of San Francisco, welcome!" I got an ice cappuccino and it truly was delicious. Just really great deep rich espresso. You know a coffees good when it looks like my picture! (Pro tip- walk down the street to The Stinking Rose and have the non coffee lover order a drink and sit on the street for a great view and people watching) read more

Caffe Trieste - Iced cappuccino - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Iconic spot in San Francisco and very close to famous delis and restaurants The cafe offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating as well as STRONG cappuccinos! Fair warning lol The foam is incredible and it feels very authentic (however I've never been to Italy) The crowd inside is a mix between laptop workers, readers, and local conversationalists read more

Caffe Trieste - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

We went there on a subday noon and it wasn't as busy. ordered an espresso and a cappuccino along a slice of the vanilla sponge cake (forgot the name) instead of the tiramisu. Perfect coffee and cake combo! Would definitely be back! read more

Great little place. We headed over after church because we heard the live music playing. Yummy food, great coffee. Wish we could have stayed longer. read more

I really like this place, it's kinda a go to spot for me and has been for years! Especially in recent times since I live in the neighborhood. Their cappuccinos are good, the mochas are delicious and an espresso here is not bad in the slightest. their baked goods are nothing to write home about but jesus, you're in NB like take a look around there's a plethora of pastry paradise all around! anyway, there's a new barista there that just totally off puts the vibe, I don't know where the others went, maybe it's just the days I pass by but this dude has a weird almost aggro vibe and instead of like giving you your coffee it's like he's orating a speech, he just comes off cold and brash idk don't like it. If he's not there, I'll probably go back. chill vibes other than that, lovely atmosphere, cool spot across from st francis d'assissi, I personally like their toasty coffee, people mention burnt but I just think it's super dark roast. cash only so have the bills, dolls. read more

During our tour of San Francisco on Sunday, July 2, 2023, for our friends visiting from Las Vegas and Houston, Oscar wanted to find coffee for a caffeine boost. Since we were planning to hit up Chinatown, I suggested that we go to Caffe Trieste, just a few blocks away. A local icon in San Francisco's Italian district, North Beach, Caffe Trieste is known for being the first espresso coffeehouse on the US West Coast since 1956. A regular hangout during the Beat movement for writers like Jack Kerouac, the café has drawn many artist regulars and local figures. While sitting at Caffe Trieste, Francis Ford Coppola wrote much of the screenplay for "The Godfather." The venue has also been featured in films and television shows. The coffee shop still maintains its quaint little corner café feel, offering indoor and outdoor seating. On your way to the tiny but clean restroom in the back hallway, check out the wall of framed pictures of celebrities who have visited here. Aside from Italian coffee, Caffe Trieste offers tea, beer, baked goods displayed at the pastry counter, SANDWICHES, ANTIPASTO and, on occasion, free live music. Counter service only. I haven't seen any pignoli cookies here, unfortunately, but they do have tiramisu, cannoli, baklava, and jumbo Italian/Mexican/Russian Wedding Cookies, among many other items. They also have dairy alternatives such as Almond and Oat milks. I enjoyed my Iced Latte with Oat milk and huge Italian Wedding Cookie, yum! Heads up - Cash only! If you come unprepared with no bills, they do have an on-site ATM machine, so that you can make a quick withdrawal. read more

See all

This place is one of the best. The cappuccinos are top-notch. Part of what makes North Beach North Beach.

Having enjoyed this cafe since 1985, especially its coffee, ambience and music, and having experienced many other cafes across the globe, I find this cafe to be the best of them all. Apart from its new jukebox, which replaced the ancient one that could no longer be cajoled to function, Cafe remains the same as it did decades ago. It's still just perfect. And confident in its age. read more

The espresso was average. The pastry was not good. The bathroom was a safety hazard. The cashier was unfriendly, but the guys playing guitars and atmosphere was perfect. read more

Just one of the many pastry shops in North Beach. The service from the man on the counter was definitely nice and the place was cozy, but i did not really like any of the items i tried. I usually like baklava, but this one was just too sweet. The cannoli's cream didn't hit me right and the coffee was nothing special. read more

See all

While in San Francisco, we explored Little Italy. As we searched for a good Italian coffee. This Gem of a coffee shop was highly recommended to us by a near by shop owner. We were so pleased with a AMAZING cappuccino served in the perfect sized mug. The flavor was great. Left my taste buds wanting more of this amazing coffee. This place is full of life, kind staff and a lovely atmosphere. We enjoyed our cup of happiness at the outdoor seating. Coming from Seattle the city of coffee Caffe Trieste was GREAT a must try! read more

Definitely has gone down hill since i was there 20 yrs ago. No finesse, pastries were terrible and tasted old. This cafe wouldn't make it in italy. read more

Live in the area and always come here for coffee and to pick up beans at the Annex next door. Homey, familiar and amazing place. Bring cash!

Caffe Trieste is by far 1 of my favorite cafe in the City for a cup of cappuccino. I make it a point to bring out-of-town friends here and invariably they agree that the baristas make very good coffee, espresso, latte & cappuccino. read more

Great coffee! Nice and strong espresso shots. I recommend the Lattes and the deserts. Service is always excellent! Wonderful neighborhood gathering spot for all of the locals in North Beach. read more

There is nothing more classic San Francisco than enjoying a coffee and pastry at Caffe Trieste. Located in San Francisco's venerable North Beach neighborhood on the corner of Grant Avenue and Vallejo Streets, Caffe Trieste is local city institution best known for being the first espresso-based coffee house on the West Coast and is considered a local hub for poets, writers, and beat culture throughout history not to mention a local gathering place for the Italian community that resides in the neighborhood. Named after the city of Trieste, Italy of which original founder Giovanni Giotta a.k.a. Papa Gianni missed from his time being born and raised in a nearby smaller town in Italy. Opened since 1956, when Giotta was given the opportunity to take over Piccola Cafe, Caffe Trieste is credited for getting people to like cappuccinos and enjoying opera singers on Saturdays. From there the legend of Caffe Triste would only grow with additional locations, a board of directors and shareholders and corporate owners, with Papa Gianni staying with us until 2016 until the age of 96, may we be so lucky! Caffe Trieste has remained a cornerstone of North Beach for almost 70 decades, its gold walls covered in a mosaic of photographs of neighborhood residents and international celebrities. I have always walked by Caffe Trieste whenever I am in the North Beach neighborhood but never got the chance to until a recent sunny afternoon when I was running some errands in the neighborhood, and like a beacon of light, as I was running a little ragged thanks to all of the walking I was doing in the neighborhood, I was in the mood for a coffee and iced one at that and Caffe Trieste was calling my name. Luckily when I arrived inside Caffe Trieste, they weren't too busy with customers, although that would immediately change, as everyone seemed to be sitting either in their dining area or one of two outdoor parklets they had along the two streets they reside on. Although the parklet on Grant Avenue was seriously lacking in tables or chairs, the vibe inside Caffe Trieste was like an old school watering hole, but instead of cocktails, all the serve here is coffee and tea and sweets (although they do have said booze too)! The menu at Caffe Trieste is separated into categories including Espresso Drinks, Food, Cold Drinks, Sweets, Beer and Liqueur. Being such a warm weather day, I ordered their Ice Mocha and since I always get a cookie whenever I am in a locally owned and operated coffee shop or bakery, I saw a sugar cookie and decided to order that as well. My total bill was $9.50 which wasn't unreasonable in today's larger scheme of things, but one caveat must be that at Caffe Trieste, they remain a cash only operation, which in this day and age is a true anomaly. Thankfully I did have the cash on me and enough for gratuity as well, as my Iced Mocha would be handcrafted by their hard working staff and what truly unexpected was the fact that when my order was almost ready to be called out their barista asked if I wanted a dollop of hand whipped cream on top! Of course me being no fool, I immediately said yes and with my sugar cookie in tow I was back down Columbus Avenue. What I was carrying was a lush coffee drink filled with ice and just the right amount of whipped cream on top which held up until I got to my destination. My cookie, which turned out to be a lemon flavored sugar cookie, was the perfect snack for a long afternoon, of which was just hitting that time when my attention was starting to lag as the afternoon went on. This Iced Mocha was greatly appreciated. Everything made me want to come back for additional visits, especially since I saw that they served pizza squares in addition to antipasto plates and sandwiches. Of course, when served with unique coffee drinks such as Italian Espresso Frappes or a New York Egg Cream served with Chocolate or any Italian Soda Flavor, who knew this was even a thing, but will definitely have me coming back for more. I am happy that at the very least this location of Caffe Trieste is still in existence, as their other locations have now changed names and ownership, but nothing can beat going to the original restaurant that started it all. Papa Gianni's legacy of almost seven decades still lives on here at Caffe Trieste, a San Francisco landmark if there ever was one. read more

See all

Delicious cappuccino and great pastires. Worth a stop for the cappuccino alone. But get a pastry to go with it while you're there.

My favorite time of day is morning, when there are hardly any people on the streets, when you can enjoy and feel every second of your life! How beautiful San Francisco is at this time of day, how the city changes after the nightlife, how calm and more native it becomes. Isn't it a miracle? Caffe Trieste opens early and is great for the ambiance, enveloping the passerby's sense of smell with a sweet and tart aroma. I love coming to this place and, sitting there, imagining how Francis Ford Coppola wrote an episode of his famous book 'The Godfather' here! read more

Caffe Trieste - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amazing ambiance, and a delicious cup of coffee in the heart of North Beach. Feels historically relevant for some reason.

Famous old school beatnik hang I've been to many times over many decades with many friends into the arts! They make stellar traditional Italian coffee drinks here , strong , no skimping you will enjoy. Then go around the corner to City lights books for the anarchist in you. Major historical staple of San Francisco! read more

CASH ONLY! Located in north beach, has been in the city for ages. I didn't love it as the service was not good, which is a big factor for a cafes ambience. If I were to come back, I would probably just get a coffee to go. read more

Caffe Trieste - Mocha - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

I wound up here because it was the closest real cafe by my hotel. They have an honest-to-god espresso machine, a grinder, and people who know how to use it. If that's all you want too then you'll get what you're looking for. I went with a caffe mocha, with oat milk, and I could tell the espresso was competently made: not bitter, not oily, not bland. But I had to wait a pretty long time in line. There was only one person on bar for most of my wait - a second guy suddenly appeared when I was at the front of the line - and he was taking orders, taking payment, making change (this place is cash only), and making the drinks. For some reason he assumed I wanted my order to-go and gave me a paper cup, whereas every other patron got real ceramic cups and saucers. There is definitely a bit of rapport between the employees and who I assume are the regulars, which is why it was disappointing, as a visitor to SF, not to be received as warmly. The interior has definitely seen better days, so I sat outside. read more

Caffe Trieste - Exterior - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Giving 3 starts because of the history and cool ambience. The coffee was, well, if you blindfolded me and handed me the cup, I would have guessed you handed me a mug of hot water. Disappointing to say the least. read more

Very rude service and even though my change was a very small amount he did not give me or did not tell me anything he just closed the register and started taking another customer (there is a big sign says cash only) but he still said do u have cash or we cant help read more

North Beach staple. Stop in for a quick cup, or sit and enjoy the people watching on Grant on busier nights. Service is friendly, espresso is excellent. The house made whipped cream should be added to every drink - every time. read more

I do enjoy my first time here. Coffee was delicious but their restrooms are very user unfriendly. read more

Caffe Trieste - Iced cappuccino - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Cute coffee place, a fun thing to do as a tourist since there is so much history. I got the iced cappuccino and it was great!

I live down the street from this spot and it has been my go to since moving to the city. Cappuccinos are made expertly here, being that it's the first espresso bar in the city. The workers are friendly and you get your drink fast--they don't play games. If you find yourself here on a Saturday afternoon, stop in and grab something to eat or drink because you may be lucky enough to experience a classic Italian music group that play most weekends here. It truly feels like you're transported to Italy. Everyone inside is enjoying the company of another, reading, writing, or creating. It's not a caffe for doing computer work (in my opinion) though they do have free WiFi. It's a place of community and it represents what I love best about San Francisco. read more

Caffe Trieste - Hazelnut Cappuccino & Latte - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Place seems cool and I think I had espresso a few years ago. However this time I was looking for a pastry. Of course I came into Little Italy too early. I wasn't in the mood for coffee but I wanted to try a cannolo. Everything seemed normal until I tasted it. It was old and the filling was sticky and so old. Please check your products. I bit into it and after two bites to my surprise was an empty cannolo!! Mio Dio!! You should be filling it up all the way. Come on now!! The staff is super friendly and it seems like the coffee is what you should come here for. I don't recall having bad espresso last time. read more

See all

Old school San Francisco coffee shop. First Espresso shop west of the Mississippi a lot of history here. You'll find locals that are regulars and you can take a moment & enjoy North Beach. Cash only, quick drink service. read more

Caffe Trieste - Menu - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Caffé Trieste without Paul, Kim, Franio and Mike Boyd is not Caffé Trieste. This is the iconic cafe in North Beach, the food, service and ambiance are stellar! read more

We stopped here while we waited for our tour of Chinatown to begin. Our tour guide suggested that we stopped here. It was fascinating to learn that Francis Ford Coppola came here. I loved the mom and pops feel to it. I always enjoy supporting local businesses. I had the ice latte. It was delicious! The guy behind the counter did a great job. Definitely check this place out if you are in the area. read more

Caffe Trieste - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

If you are a fan of the movie, Godfather, you need to make a stop at this historic place where Francis Coppola wrote the script. The coffee and cannolis are good! The best part is the entertainment - there is a family that has known the owners of Caffe Trieste forever and apparently they perform outside the cafe every first Saturday of the month! They are incredible performers and even take requests. This was supposed to be a quick coffee stop for us but we ended up staying for 2 hours watching the performers belt out classics such as La Vie En Rose, Fly Me to the Moon, etc. read more

Caffe Trieste - Incredible performers - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Loved the mom and pop shop vibes here. Service was quick on a Sunday morning. Ordered a simple cafe au lait and a cannoli which hit the spot let me tell you. My boyfriend had the breakfast burrito which was vegetarian friendly and scrumptious. Cute to see all the people outside having their morning coffee and connecting. read more

Caffe Trieste - Outside view - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

A wonderful place for a local North Beach neighborhood experience. Tasty espresso drinks too!

Best coffee in North Beach. Went and worked in there yesterday for a while. Got to hear the live music and drink a delicious latte while getting some work done good times warm neighborhood feel read more

Walked in today to get Coffe and was told cash only. I mean it's only 2025! Not everyone carries cash.