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    Cavalli Cafe

    4.2 (543 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 11:30 pm

    Cavalli Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    CAVALLI CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Cavalli Cafe

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    Espresso and Italian cookies
    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.

    0.5 Lens

    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

    Inside
    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.

    Cannoli time
    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.

    sprinkle cookie & espresso
    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.

    tiramisu, cannoli
    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 :")

    White mocha and cappuccino
    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

    Menu (2/2025)
    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!

    outside
    Ryan T.

    If you're in the mood for a quick coffee run that feels like a teleportation straight to Europe, Cavalli Café is where it's at. We swung by here for a little caffeine and tiramisu fix, and man, this place just oozes authenticity. The second we walked in, it hit us--the smell of coffee, pastries, and yeah, that faint vibe of Europeans lowkey puffin' cigs outside. It's got that raw, no-frills charm of a mom-and-pop spot where you can tell the people behind the counter aren't just punching a clock--they're real ones, passionate about what they're serving up. We grabbed some coffee and tiramisu because, let's be real, that's what the ladies were craving. And let me tell you, the tiramisu? Straight fire. Creamy, balanced, and just enough espresso kick to remind you it's legit. The cannoli looked pretty tempting too, but we had tunnel vision for that tiramisu, so maybe next time. This is a nice chill spot to relax for a minute too.

    Mille-feuille
    Maureen Z.

    Mille-feuille was so delicious and rich! This is a perfect study spot. They have a printer and lots of outlets upstairs.

    Cannoli and white mocha
    Jacky P.

    Great place to stop in for some coffee and cannoli! We were getting dinner in the area and was looking for some dessert and trying to avoid the cold wind. Not a cannoli expert but I would say it was probably one of the better cannolis I've had. It paired really well with my hot white mocha. They also have seating upstairs, it was a great spot to unwind before heading home.

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    29 days ago

    Rlly sweet environment , nice people would 100% come back in the future. Love how they are open late too !

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    2 months ago

    The big lady who is the manager mixes the drinks w her finger very concerning coming here

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    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

    Open?? What is phone number

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

    Are you guys doing outdoor seating?

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

    View All 4 Questions

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    4.3
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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.

    Maybe I had very high hopes, nevertheless I wasn't slblown away by the coffee, the almond macadamia…read moremilk or the small bites offerings. At 11 am on a Sunday they were out of their best- black sesame Kouign Amann and the Raspberry Almond Croissant, which I took care of by paying a visit to Juniper bakery (sister business) later in the day. The Mocha with the house made nut milk fell flat. It needed something. I am not a fan of syrupy coffees and appreciate the more purist approach but this one just didn't do anything for me. The chai latte which I would never order was actually the best chai latte I have ever had, it was smooth like silk. Maybe I just had the wrong coffee order. Besides that, got the hot chocolate and the coffee tasting. I was surprised there was no explanation provided with the coffee- I figured it's all Honduran but an overview of some sort would have helped. I enjoyed all the coffees in there except the latte. Will visit again, earlier in the day so they are not out of their best sellers and try a different order.

    Photos
    View from back of the shop.
    View from back of the shop.
    Yuzu macadamia cookie and orange cream latte
    Yuzu macadamia cookie and orange cream latte
    Black Sesame Kouign-Amann

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    Black Sesame Kouign-Amann
    The Coffee Movement

    The Coffee Movement

    4.6
    (750 reviews)
    0.3 mi
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    Coffee Movement is a spot for folks who truly appreciate the simplicity of a great espresso…read more I've been to Coffee Movement a couple of times and have thoroughly enjoyed it each visit. Both locations have limited seating, though the Nob Hill location does offer a small outdoor high-top table where you can stand and enjoy your coffee. Every location I've visited has also had a line, but honestly, the service is so efficient that the wait never feels too bad. When you walk in, the ordering process is somewhat similar to Philz. You place your order with the barista who starts your drink, it gets passed down the line for preparation, and you pay at the register at the end. While you're there, you can also decide whether you'd like to grab a sweet treat to go along with your daily dose of caffeine. The coffee here is strong and bold without being bitter. Everything I've tried has been incredibly smooth. While my most recent visit was for one of their coffee flights--something I'd been wanting to try for a while--I usually stick to their cocoa cappuccino, which is small but mighty and finished with a sprinkle of cocoa, or simply a classic drip coffee. If you're looking for elaborate latte flavors and seasonal creations, this probably isn't the spot for you. But if you want a coffee that will truly wake you up and you enjoy exploring the natural flavor profiles of coffee beans, Coffee Movement is absolutely worth checking out.

    The Coffee Movement is a small specialty coffee shop that focuses on doing a few things extremely…read morewell. We walked into a minimalist, compact space with limited seating and more of a grab and go setup rather than a place to spend hours working. The simple design fits the concept well, putting the attention entirely on the coffee rather than the atmosphere or extra features. The space feels intentional, the kind of place where every square foot is used efficiently and nothing is added for the sake of decoration. The biggest reason to visit is the coffee itself. The drinks are carefully crafted, with espresso based options like cappuccinos and lattes standing out for their balance and smoothness. The cappuccino was a highlight, with rich espresso flavor, well textured milk, and a natural sweetness that came through without needing to overpower the drink. The milk was steamed to the right consistency, and the espresso held its own without getting lost. Seasonal drinks like the ginger latte and specialty options add some creativity while still keeping the coffee as the focus, showing that the kitchen is willing to experiment without straying too far from what they do best. The Coffee Movement also has a strong selection for anyone interested in exploring different flavors, including drip coffee, espresso drinks, and coffee flights. The menu stays focused without feeling overwhelming, and each drink feels thoughtfully made rather than just another café option. We found the pastries more limited compared to a full bakery, but they paired well with the drinks if you want something small, offering a light complement to the coffee without competing for attention. Because of its reputation, lines can form during busy hours, but the service moves quickly and the workflow behind the counter is impressive. The team handles the volume with efficiency, and the pace of the visit stays smooth even when the line stretches. The lack of indoor seating is the main thing to keep in mind, as this is better suited for a quick coffee stop or enjoying your drink outside rather than a long café session. The seating situation is clearly a design choice, keeping the focus on the coffee and the turnover rather than encouraging lingering. The Coffee Movement is a great example of a coffee shop that does not rely on a large space or elaborate menu to stand out. The focus on quality, consistency, and the craft behind each drink makes it one of the spots worth seeking out if you are serious about coffee in San Francisco. It delivers a clean, well executed cup that feels intentional from start to finish.

    Photos
    Iced Vanilla Rosemary Latte (~$6)
    Iced Vanilla Rosemary Latte (~$6)
    Seasonal vanilla rosemary latte
    Seasonal vanilla rosemary latte
    Cocoa cappuccino

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    Cocoa cappuccino

    Cavalli Cafe - coffee - Updated July 2026

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