Picked up some sweets as one does when they're out and about around town. It's a little coffee shop vibe but with plenty of sweets. Couldn't really decide on what to have so we basically went with everything in the bottom shelves. And did we enjoy it, yes. The tiramisu, carrot cake, cannoli, cheesecake, eclair and whatever else we went with. All was good. read more

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Such a nice cafe! Prices are every reasonable. Pastries and food looked so good, and the eclairs was one of the best I've ever had. The mocha was SO CHOCOLATY AND you can taste the espresso! I highly recommend it here. Great community atmosphere. read more

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

Feels like the place has been here for a long time. It's the opposite of "artisanal ". Very old timey and a little beat up. Like the people who come here. No techies working here. So older folks having average coffee and pastries (both 3 stars). But the place is well situated, comfortable, and hilarious... for going slightly back in time. read more

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Strong delicious Italian espresso! Feels like a time machine when you step in the door. Low key, humble ambiance inside and some outdoor tables as well. Got to people watch some older, cigar- smoking, Italians that made it all the more authentic experience! Just next door is a little shop to buy beans as well! We had a breakfast burrito here for $5 that was delicious, too. My husband enjoyed an indulgent pecan dessert bar. It is cash only and they have an ATM inside. read more

Caffe Trieste - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Good old school north beach cafe. It looks like a real Italian cafe inside and people are hanging around and socializing. They are cash only. They have several tables for outdoor seating. Coffee is pretty good. read more

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CASH ONLY. Luckily theres an ATM in the phone booth in the restaurant and there's a Wells Fargo nearby so I just went there. There's quite a line but max 5-10 minutes wait. Plenty of seats inside and outside. There's free Wi-Fi! I got the chocolate fantasia and the cream puffs! Highly recommended! The cream puffs has honey on it. read more

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

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Cute neighborhood spot with lots of indoor and outdoor seating. The coffee here is strong and smooth. Heads up that they are a cash only establishment, so have those bills on hand! read more

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

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Best cappuccino and old school caffe vibe in the city. My Mecca. Plus some incredible Italian pastries

Historic cafe across the street from the church in the North Beach on Grant and Vallejo! First, the basics - all the baristas are super skillful and super nice. I usually don't do cold coffee but I figured if I had to try the iced version of the cappuccino (it was over 90F in Fog City on this scorcher of a day), there is perhaps no better place than here. What's more, there were some amazingly gifted musicians playing outside the annex. We were really glad we had a chance to catch a part of their gig. Only holding back a star because they're cash only. read more

Caffe Trieste - Musicians performing outside the annex - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Caffe Trieste is my friendly local neighborhood cafe and I absolutely love it. I come for the lattes, cappuccinos, breakfast sandwiches, and people watching. I love snagging a spot inside for a warm bev and to read. I also love the parklet. It's so cute and I have had a lot of great moments sharing a drink with a friend in their little outdoor area. So many local North Beach folks come here as part of their routine and I love seeing the community and camaraderie of people coming together here at this North Beach institution. read more

Did you know that the screenplays for The Godfather were written within these walls? I've been a fan of Caffe Trieste even before I knew the fact. It's a charming, humble cafe with great staff and a strong sense of community. They host a number of live music events for the neighborhood and I see local residents and local artists support the space over the past few years. I usually order cappuccinos or mochas, though I do enjoy their Fantasia series (caffe and cioccolata). Fantasia just means it's flavored with almond and orange syrups, I think. I've had some of the food here, mostly breakfast burritos, bagels, cookies, and cakes. All are decent food fare when you want something quick. Overall, a wonderful space. I always enjoy visiting Caffe Trieste! read more

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The tiramisu was good. The barista did not smile once and asked us for our milk alternative four times, the chai was a diluted liquid and they only had enough for one (blessing in disguise), they don't serve the antipasto plate and the flat white is just a latte. read more

Almost feels like strolling back in time to an older SF. Love the history of this place and the location is prime. Coffee is good and espresso drinks are strong. Tried the cannoli and it was tasty. I dig that they also serve beer, wine, and cider. If you make art, I recommend you get the experience of sitting here with a nice beverage while you make your art. read more

Full score for the interior and vibe. Very cuter side alley store. The outdoor seatings have a view of the coit tower. We have some great cappuccino by the great baristas. Bakery items tasted less impressive. The cafe is cash only. read more

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Our cappuccinos were exactly as the reviews said and show. Creamy, fluffy home and delicious. The kids enjoyed their chocolate milk with home made whipping cream. Great atmosphere both inside and out. read more

Met Gloria for lunch and then here for dessert. Cappuccinos and cannelloni and pecan bars. People read, people meet and chat. Has so much history. Gloria lived in the neighborhood for many years. Forgot to take photos. A San Francisco icon in North Beach. read more

I have a fondness for this cafe that defies rationality. Free music on Saturdays and always an interesting crowd make it a favorite. I always try to talk to the regulars because they have the best stories about North Beach in the 60s and 70s. Brisk service and strong coffee every time I go. read more

I'm not suprised why "The Godfather" turned to be phenomenal! All is nice here, service, ambient inside out, and whatever you try here. read more

Caffe Trieste - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

If you are looking for a small Cafe in SanFrancisco this is the spot. Very popular among locals and people who visit for good reason. Everything from the atmosphere to the friendly staff to the fairly priced food is why it is so popular. And then there is much more of course when you are actually there. It is far from the copy and paste mass produced cafes we see a lot of today and that is nice. I would definitely recommend Stay healthy everybody read more

Caffe Trieste - Iced Americano and Bagel - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is hands down the best coffee shop in San Francisco. They have a large menu with tons of espresso based drinks and also a huge pastry counter with lots of pastries. Everything is authentically Italian as well. In addition to the delicious food and drinks, this cafe has a cultural history. Many famous authors came here while working on novels and it's easy to see why. Great food, great location, friendly staff, and a cozy but interesting interior design. My husband and I always stop here when we are in SF! read more

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Coffee-worse than Starbucks Service lukewarm employee interaction-lackluster I was looking for a nice North Beach Café to have a nice cup of coffee and dessert with guests from out of the country visiting San Francisco for the first time. I was born in San Francisco and raised in the bay area. I was embarrassed to pay over 30 bucks for three coffees. Anyone can make better Americanos and lattes at home. I guess you're paying for the location but don't expect much. Perhaps it was an off day, but for a Sunday afternoon, if all you serve is coffee and desserts, and you fail at that, don't know what to tell you. Better coffee at Starbucks and that is not saying much at all. read more

When in SF i try to go here everyday for the espresso. My favorite pair is the doppio espresso and the coconut/chocolate thing. I love this place and wish I could be back sooner. It's an old tiny feel Italian caffe and only accepts cash but they do have an ATM. I saw a sign that they have weekly concerts but I've never been the right days. read more

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Every time I'm in San Francisco I come here. It's part of a City Lights/Cafe Trieste combo. The two go together. Get in a conversation here and it's likely to go anywhere - politics, literature, art, music, vibe, soul - all served here. The locals feel like they've lived here their whole life. It's a coffee shop but it's not exactly about the coffee. They serve some food but it's not exactly great food. I sit and I am just there. It just feels like the right place to be. It feels like I belong here. Okay, I'm sure that doesn't even begin to capture the unique vibe of Cafe Trieste. But I guarantee you, if you came to North Beach because of its history, then this is one of the places you want to visit. read more

Not friendly came 10 minutes before the closing time and his sign on the door says ( open ) he refused to Service my even take away he said we closed minute after anthor customer came he make new order read more

Best Latte and Espresso, very attentive staff, free juke box! A must stop when your in North Beach neighborhood! read more

A nice spot to grab a coffee read a paper and have a conversation. Another one of those childhood memories of joy, with my parents and grandmother. Still drop by when in town. read more

Honestly I'm so happy this place is still here . Calling it the living room of North Beach is absolutely 100% right . I had an Africano that was recommended by the barista and it was delicious. Great ambiance. A piece of history in north beach read more

We loved finding this place while exploring North Beach and after hitting up the local independent bookstore City Lights not too far away. The Café has a vintage/nostalgic feel to it without being tacky and you feel the history of the place as you walk in and get in line. We ordered the white mocha and espresso grande and both drinks were prepared very well and the quality of the espresso was fantastic. We also shared a cannoli which had a very tasty cream feeling and pastry that was cooked how it should be. I will definitely come again and next time plan for a longer stay! Protip: Cash only and the line to order starts at one end of the bar to the register. read more

"Forgive. Forget. Life is full of misfortunes." - The Godfather Pssst... come here. Want to know a secret? Are you (wo)man enough to know? Italian enough? Oh well, I'll share anyways... only 'cause I like you. Yo! *cues the theme of The Godfather* Did you know the classic trilogy, The Godfather, by Francis Ford Coppola, based on Mario Puzo's best selling novel, was written at Caffe Trieste back in the day?! Young Francis made this Italian café a regular stop in the 1960's-1970's. Legend in the Cinema world soon follow his name. Caffe Trieste on Vallejo St. near Columbus, est. 1956 is where it all began! Yup, she's as legit as My Cousin Vinny! Perhaps my favorite café in the city, definitely my spot in Little Italy. The interesting factoid about Caffe Trieste is I've been here dozens of times, but it was the "other" Caffe Trieste on Market & Church St. I'd frequented a decade ago. The one on Market St. no longer there, nor was it the original, oh well. This is the original and after half a century of poets, writers, and romantics... it still flexes it's pectorals! Lately, I've been wandering around Little Italy trying to find the best bites in the hood. I mean all the regulars know me, like "little Gino" who's as big as your door, or "big Tony" who's the size of your Pomeranian. Yup, that wise guy humor! I mean even Joe DiMaggio who played ball up the street would crack a smile with all the funniness in North Beach! So I wander... and I wander... until I remember hey that Italian café on the corner! Like my Junior Prom date I have fond memories. Feathered hair aside, I recall strong coffee, legit Italian bites, and a vibe that can't be duplicated... Caffe Trieste! I walk in to that "mafioso vibe" and I feel at home, sans the olive oil on my lips. I peruse the café and see an eclectic bunch of Italians, Sicilians, pseudo Italians (Snooki et al), poets, writers, tourists, romantics. Ahhh all the romantics, like me with a baseball lid tilted to the side, Yo! Caffe Trieste! I have been here two times the past two days and have ordered the following: Cappuccino - Mmm so strong, yet smooth. Has that Uncle Vito kick, sans the swim w fishes. 5-Stars! Biscotti - Mmm another winner. Not too sweet and perfect dipped in the strong Cap. 5-Stars! Latté - No frills Latté. Creamy rich with the signature strong Trieste coffee. 5-Stars! Combo Pizza Slice - Good, but no cigar. True Italian thin crust, just lacking the crisp & bang. 3-Stars! Baklava - Yo Adrian! Maybe the best Baklava I've had and it's more Ottoman Empire than Rome. So buttery rich, albeit smallish, so delizioso! 5-Stars! In the end, I recommend Caffe Trieste to all. I admit it's my favorite café to just relax and be me with the other eccentrics. I feel la famiglia! Giovanni Giotta aka "Papa Gianni" opened his doors in 1956! RIP Papa! So, close your eyes and think for a sec you could be sipping from the cup Francis Ford Coppola caressed when screenwriting The Godfather. Highly unlikely, but your chances are way better here! Nei tuoi occhi c'è il cielo. - Heaven is in your eyes. Ciao! read more

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What can I say, oldest cafe in San Francisco if I'm not mistaken and still going strong. Use to be my favorite stop after dining at The House(killed by covid). The coffees are delicious and strong as well as good pastries . Cool old school cafe vibe, jazz string trio was playing one evening when we visited, nice. Everyone is chill every time we visited especially considering the strong coffee. I make it a point to stop after dining, today was Calzones and Tony's Napoletana in the past. Cafe Trieste is definitely my North Beach go to cafe read more

Caffe Trieste - Baklava with a quadruple shot - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

San Francisco North End - What a cool little coffee shop in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District. My brother is a coffee aficionado. He lives in Berkley CA home of the original Pete's Coffee which was about 2 blocks from his home. As you may know Berkeley is also the home of UC Berkeley which has many coffee shops. He bought me an iced cafe latte that was so delicious & full bodied without any bitterness or acidity, just a good strong robust flavor that was so smooth and delicious. I asked the barista what type of coffee it was. He told me it was their secret blend (I think he was the owner). I enjoyed it so much I bought another round for my brother & 2 business partners for $20. A bit pricy but it was delicious, but a little too much caffeine. One of my business partners bought an assortment of pastries which complimented the coffee perfectly. He got the following baked goods. 1) Pecan rectangle (this was my favorite) 2) Dark Chocolate Biscotti that was very good 3) Rectangular pastry w/some fruit topping 4) Triangular Pastry w/nice buttery crust w/fruit I really loved this place as it had a really cool vibe. It was a great place to kick back and talk to my brother and friends and listen to a variety of music from jazz to blues to country.... I loved just sitting there getting a much needed caffeine fix with delicious coffee & pastries, watching people and enjoying the company & music. I would love to go back to this place instead of the cookie cutter coffee houses like Starbucks or Caribou.... Awesome place if your ever in Frisco & you like good coffee I would highly recommend. Checking out CAFE TRISTE in the North End/Italian area. Great coffee & pastries w/a cool relaxing vibe. The only down side is 30 min metered parking read more

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Caffe Trieste is a historic place in SF. We do not come only for great coffee , but amazing experience and energy with on Sunday's live music , local north beach artists and folks as well. Cheers to Caffe Trieste . read more

I've lived across from here for almost a year and barely had their stuff for the first time. This cafe is indeed a true gem. Love the inside decoration, their iced mocha is very good and their breakfast burrito is crispy and well priced. The cashier gave me heads up on the frozen tiramisu but I will definitely try next time on next visit. One more thing, cash only, but they do have atm inside and north beach has every major atm bank so very easy to access read more

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

Super cool 'funky' vibe, perfectly positioned contributor (still) to the legacy of North Beach history as an integral slice of Sam Francisco. Just go and experience. Oh and leave your plastic and epay in the car, cash is King here. read more

Casual, original! Great coffee and ambiance. It's a slice of old SF! Definitely not a Starbucks read more

I have been patronizing this cafe for years on end when I used to live in the City and when I didn't. One of the cafe's charms is that while it is in North Beach, it is just off the beaten path, sort of. That is to say, not on Columbus but close enough so can be easily found. From the pictures on the wall to the tables to the simple chairs, it's a comfortable place. I always enjoy walking in to hear older gentlemen discussing issues of the day while ladies sit in the back sipping cappuccinos and chatting away. Whether it's a sunny day, overcast or wet outside, stepping into Trieste for a quick caffeine fix has always been a bright point as I relish the hot liquid and give my feet a rest. read more

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

Lived in SF for 7 years and never stopped by, I oughta be ashamed. Because this coffee shop is everything great about local longtime biz. Plenty of window seating that's fully occupied by 7am on a Saturday with old neighborlies chatting current events. Past the counter in the back are a dozen mosaic tables, the walls adorned with photos from the 40s and 50s, a working jukebox with Nina Simone, Mamas and Papas, Buddy Guy, Italian classics. Two strangers at a nearby table talking old Hollywood acquaintances, latest novels, movie reviews, cake ingredients, and block by block transformations. Spent $10 for a large Americano and sausage breakfast burrito (decent mini size, warmed in a panini press). Just an amazing spot to start the weekend. read more

Caffe Trieste - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Wandering through North Beach in San Francisco this morning, we wanted to find a cup of coffee and a nice pastry. Just wandered a bit, finally found Caffe Trieste. Funny about this one - this is a place that my father used to come decades ago, maybe back in the 60s, and it's still around. The place has not changed a bit. A great latte, about four and a half dollars, a nice pastry, a cup of coffee and a pastry for my girlfriend, about $15 total for all. I'm guessing the patrons are probably the same ones who have been there for decades. Maybe a few tourists like us wander in and out occasionally but there are mostly regulars here. People greeting each other warmly, sitting and reading their paper, standing outside chatting, this is a real neighborhood place. We'll come back here for sure if we're back in San Francisco again. read more

Caffe Trieste - Morning snack, great way to start the day! - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Old school cafe in north beach Cool murals on the wall Read this is where The Godfather was written. Might be true? read more

A quintessential spot. I highly recommend this as a stop when you're in SF. The staff are amazing, the drinks are so good and you really can't say you've visited the area without stopping here. read more