Nob Hill Cafe
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I ate here recently before heading to a show at **The Masonic**. Even though it was busy, the wait wasn't long. We did have to sit outside, but the server was incredibly accommodating--they actually added an extra table for us just so we could be seated and eat sooner. I can't say much about the ambiance since we were outdoors, and I personally would have preferred eating inside to avoid the cold and wind. I did take a quick look at the interior, though, and the atmosphere looked warm and inviting. I ordered the **Penne Bettola**, and my friend had the **Bolognese**. We paired our meals with wine and some bread, and everything was delicious. I would definitely come back the next time I'm in the neighborhood!
Intimate and homey, Nob Hill Cafe is a beloved neighborhood Italian eatery. The service is warm and inviting, as is the ambience. On a rainy evening its lights and warmth beckon. Serving classic Italian fare, the menu favors simplicity and execution. I had the Betolla sauce with gnocchi instead of penne. This was a 5/5 flavor bomb of a dish. The tangy heat and Parmesan in the sauce was delicious. Gnocchi was super soft. Spiced Carrot Soup special- 5/5. It has star anise, pepper and other spices making it very warm and flavorful. The sweetness of the carrot was minimal and balanced.
The service at Nob Hill Cafe was outstanding-but the food? Spectacular. The kind of spectacular that makes you briefly consider loosening your moral code. And the vibe? Absolutely dialed. Chill, cozy, and warm in that effortless way- old-school jazz humming in the background, low and soulful, like the restaurant was gently telling you to relax, stay awhile, and maybe order one more thing. It felt welcoming without trying too hard, the kind of place where time slows down just enough to enjoy yourself. Yes, we were absolute pigs. Zero shame. Our kids (4 and 6) loved their pasta so much we ordered a second round for them, which honestly set the tone for the night. My wife and I demolished the roasted carrots and burrata appetizer, followed by the mezzaluna eggplant parm (still dreaming about it), then tore through a simple but perfectly dialed salad. From there we dove headfirst into the pesto tortellini- so fresh it actually made me blush. And just when we should've stopped... we absolutely did not. We ordered more food, because joy. The gnocchi- yes, it took about 20 minutes, and yes, it was 100% worth it- was pillowy, soft, and so fresh I briefly considered taking it back to our hotel and stuffing it into my pillow for emotional support. Dessert? Of course. Two panna cottas and the chocolate ganache. Oink oink. The staff deserves a standing ovation. Incredibly accommodating, genuinely warm, and unbelievably patient with our kids (who, as parents know, can be... let's say energetic in restaurants). Friendly enough that we half-joked about sending everyone Christmas cards next year- and honestly, not really joking. My wife and I agreed on the walk back: if we lived in San Francisco, this would be our biweekly spot. Easy. And because everything disappeared before I could photograph the magic, please enjoy the attached blurry photo of my son's clay masterpiece: the psychedelic polar bear. You're welcome. Five stars. Full hearts. Very full stomachs.
The diner started off flat with a mediocre burrata & roasted carrot appetizer. The cheese was not moist or fresh or something it was a bit cold and firmer than most burrata I have had in the past with way less flavor. The entire dish needed salt. The rest of the meal was delicious & the mains really redeemed this place! The pizza and vodka penne pasta both had some amazing flavor with plenty of sauce! One of the better Vodka sauces I had in a long long time! Unfortunately the Ambiance was not great but it was cozy ( very cold outside) with some nice touches for the holiday season. I would say the service was not good but also not horrible. The server was short with us and never offered water refills or asked us how our meal tasted. He did offer pepper and parm but was not very friendly. Unfortunately forgot to take pics of the mains. I will not return this spot or recommend.
We were looking for an Italian restaurant within walking distance of our hotel that was reasonably priced and we ran across Nob Hill Cafe. This is a smaller, family run Italian restaurant and even on a Tuesday night it was packed but we were still able to be seated within about 5 minutes. The inside was quaint with the mood set by our server who lit the candle at our table upon being seated. Other patrons included everyone from families to couples and it was clearly a popular choice any day of the week by locals. We started with a bottle of wine (Italian of course!) but it's worth noting that the wine list wasn't up to date so ask what is available if you have your eye on something specific from the wine list. I opted for the lasagna al forno and my dining partner chose the pollo alla parmigiana. My lasagna was hands down the best lasagna I've had in my life- I could've happily eaten an entire second serving it was so good! I had a bit of the chicken parm and wasn't as much of a fan but I'm not a chicken parm fan by default. I was a little surprised the chicken wasn't breaded though. Being offered a topping from the big bowl of freshly grated parmigiana cheese was a great addition to our entrees too. I very much enjoyed our meal at Nob Hill Cafe and wish I could find a place with lasagna this good at home but when I'm in the SF area, l'll definitely make a point of eating here again!
Came here to eat dinner before an event at The Masonic; it's perfect walking distance. I ordered the Caesar Salad and Pesto Gnocchi, and my friend ordered the Focaccia and Gnocchi Bolognese. Everything tasted fresh, especially the caesar salad dressing. This meal was delicious, satisfying, and filling. Our server was on point, he checked in on us and made sure our courses were ready in a timely manner. The only downside for me was that they don't serve cocktails, just wine and beer. Nonetheless, I had a wonderful experience and I will definitely be back
Always a delight but we got to our favorite pasta spot late so they were out of the focaccia. They suggested the burrata and peach salad and it was delicious. We always get the tortellini pasta with white sauce and sausage because you can't order it on DoorDash. Everyone is always friendly and it's never too loud.
Updating my review from 4 to 5 stars. This is a small family-owned establishment. It's not large but whenever I go, it's packed. They have cute outdoor parklet. Service is always wonderful and friendly. Tonight, I saw a man sneak their/our server 2 20s as a tip. He and his wife really enjoyed the tiramisu (and I also enjoy it!) Nob Hill Cafe can do no wrong. I've been here with girl friends for girls' nights, post-run carb loading, for date nights, pre-shows/concerts, post-yoga, and more. It's homey, cozy, warm, and not pretentious. I love love love the spaghetti alla carbonara. It's creamy and delicious and I love the pancetta. My partner loves their lasagna but sometimes gets pizza. I've also enjoyed their tortellini and penne. A Pilates class friend told me to come for brunch and they kill it at brunch as well. They have yummy salads and their house made focaccia is moist and flavorful. I keep coming back because I love the atmosphere and the people and of course the food! It's reasonably-priced and lovely.
Such a cute little restaurant! The service was absolutely lovely. Our sever was extremely kind and very attentive. As for the food, the free bread was some of the best bread I've ever had. Extremely soft and the flavors were perfectly balanced. Pasta was also super delicious! My dish had just the perfect amount of spice and the sausage I added was a great touch. Would 100% come back here!
We tried Nob Hill Cafe for the first time November 12, 2025 for dinner service We walked from venue at the Masonic. Cozy place with indoor and outdoor seating. We got a nice table inside. Drinks and starters were good. We also enjoyed our main dishes. Service was good too.
Overall pretty underwhelming experience We got the Penne Bettola and the Tortellini w the romana sauce and they were pretty bland and mid (felt like smth you could make at home with supermarket ingredients) , and a little more to saltier side The server ( an older man) was pretty unwelcoming , I would maybe even say kinda rude , when we first enter he seemed annoyed by our presence and when my bf ask for the check he didn't even reply just made a gesture similar to ignoring him and then came back w the check
This place was a staple for my wife and I when I was working in the City. It was an easy, delicious, classic date night spot. It was also a regular haunt for the famous Brown Twins (Vivian and Marian) who were generally there a couple of nights a week! Today we took a long overdue trip into the City for a late lunch. It was quiet but still delicious! I got the linguine with prawns and my wife had the baked eggs. We also had the mixed green salad to start and everything was A+! Love the service -- everyone is treated like family. Good value, great food, exceptional service, classic San Francisco! We've been away too long and will definitely be back again soon. read more
been wanting to try this place for a really long time. went for lunch thinking i'd finally get to try their pasta, but didn't realize they have a different lunch menu. it wasn't busy at all compared to dinner, and the menu is more brunch-focused with only a limited amount of pasta. we got the pasta that was available; kinda expensive for the portion, and flavors were not bad, but nothing too memorable. would probably come back for dinner to try the pasta i originally wanted! read more
Start with the good- location is perfect! We stopped in before an event at the Grace Cathedral. Service was excellent. The restaurant was very welcoming and clean. The food was mid. My tortellini with Romano cream sauce tasted like I had made it at home with premade pasta. It wasn't bad it just wasn't special. The ceasar salad was also disappointing. The lettuce was fresh and crisp but the salad was again mid. Tiny little croutons. Felt like a side salad at a pizza parlor. Another good point is they offer gluten free pasta. My husband ordered this with pesto and it was indeed tasty. The veggie soup was fine. Again tasted like something I'd make at home. read more
I ate here recently before heading to a show at **The Masonic**. Even though it was busy, the wait wasn't long. We did have to sit outside, but the server was incredibly accommodating--they actually added an extra table for us just so we could be seated and eat sooner. I can't say much about the ambiance since we were outdoors, and I personally would have preferred eating inside to avoid the cold and wind. I did take a quick look at the interior, though, and the atmosphere looked warm and inviting. I ordered the **Penne Bettola**, and my friend had the **Bolognese**. We paired our meals with wine and some bread, and everything was delicious. I would definitely come back the next time I'm in the neighborhood! read more
9 months ago
Intimate and homey, Nob Hill Cafe is a beloved neighborhood Italian eatery. The service is warm and inviting, as is the ambience. On a rainy evening its lights and warmth beckon. Serving classic Italian fare, the menu favors simplicity and execution. I had the Betolla sauce with gnocchi instead of penne. This was a 5/5 flavor bomb of a dish. The tangy heat and Parmesan in the sauce was delicious. Gnocchi was super soft. Spiced Carrot Soup special- 5/5. It has star anise, pepper and other spices making it very warm and flavorful. The sweetness of the carrot was minimal and balanced. read more
The service at Nob Hill Cafe was outstanding-but the food? Spectacular. The kind of spectacular that makes you briefly consider loosening your moral code. And the vibe? Absolutely dialed. Chill, cozy, and warm in that effortless way- old-school jazz humming in the background, low and soulful, like the restaurant was gently telling you to relax, stay awhile, and maybe order one more thing. It felt welcoming without trying too hard, the kind of place where time slows down just enough to enjoy yourself. Yes, we were absolute pigs. Zero shame. Our kids (4 and 6) loved their pasta so much we ordered a second round for them, which honestly set the tone for the night. My wife and I demolished the roasted carrots and burrata appetizer, followed by the mezzaluna eggplant parm (still dreaming about it), then tore through a simple but perfectly dialed salad. From there we dove headfirst into the pesto tortellini- so fresh it actually made me blush. And just when we should've stopped... we absolutely did not. We ordered more food, because joy. The gnocchi- yes, it took about 20 minutes, and yes, it was 100% worth it- was pillowy, soft, and so fresh I briefly considered taking it back to our hotel and stuffing it into my pillow for emotional support. Dessert? Of course. Two panna cottas and the chocolate ganache. Oink oink. The staff deserves a standing ovation. Incredibly accommodating, genuinely warm, and unbelievably patient with our kids (who, as parents know, can be... let's say energetic in restaurants). Friendly enough that we half-joked about sending everyone Christmas cards next year- and honestly, not really joking. My wife and I agreed on the walk back: if we lived in San Francisco, this would be our biweekly spot. Easy. And because everything disappeared before I could photograph the magic, please enjoy the attached blurry photo of my son's clay masterpiece: the psychedelic polar bear. You're welcome. Five stars. Full hearts. Very full stomachs. read more
10 days ago
The diner started off flat with a mediocre burrata & roasted carrot appetizer. The cheese was not moist or fresh or something it was a bit cold and firmer than most burrata I have had in the past with way less flavor. The entire dish needed salt. The rest of the meal was delicious & the mains really redeemed this place! The pizza and vodka penne pasta both had some amazing flavor with plenty of sauce! One of the better Vodka sauces I had in a long long time! Unfortunately the Ambiance was not great but it was cozy ( very cold outside) with some nice touches for the holiday season. I would say the service was not good but also not horrible. The server was short with us and never offered water refills or asked us how our meal tasted. He did offer pepper and parm but was not very friendly. Unfortunately forgot to take pics of the mains. I will not return this spot or recommend. read more
1 year ago
We were looking for an Italian restaurant within walking distance of our hotel that was reasonably priced and we ran across Nob Hill Cafe. This is a smaller, family run Italian restaurant and even on a Tuesday night it was packed but we were still able to be seated within about 5 minutes. The inside was quaint with the mood set by our server who lit the candle at our table upon being seated. Other patrons included everyone from families to couples and it was clearly a popular choice any day of the week by locals. We started with a bottle of wine (Italian of course!) but it's worth noting that the wine list wasn't up to date so ask what is available if you have your eye on something specific from the wine list. I opted for the lasagna al forno and my dining partner chose the pollo alla parmigiana. My lasagna was hands down the best lasagna I've had in my life- I could've happily eaten an entire second serving it was so good! I had a bit of the chicken parm and wasn't as much of a fan but I'm not a chicken parm fan by default. I was a little surprised the chicken wasn't breaded though. Being offered a topping from the big bowl of freshly grated parmigiana cheese was a great addition to our entrees too. I very much enjoyed our meal at Nob Hill Cafe and wish I could find a place with lasagna this good at home but when I'm in the SF area, l'll definitely make a point of eating here again! read more
Came here to eat dinner before an event at The Masonic; it's perfect walking distance. I ordered the Caesar Salad and Pesto Gnocchi, and my friend ordered the Focaccia and Gnocchi Bolognese. Everything tasted fresh, especially the caesar salad dressing. This meal was delicious, satisfying, and filling. Our server was on point, he checked in on us and made sure our courses were ready in a timely manner. The only downside for me was that they don't serve cocktails, just wine and beer. Nonetheless, I had a wonderful experience and I will definitely be back read more
3 months ago
Always a delight but we got to our favorite pasta spot late so they were out of the focaccia. They suggested the burrata and peach salad and it was delicious. We always get the tortellini pasta with white sauce and sausage because you can't order it on DoorDash. Everyone is always friendly and it's never too loud. read more
Updating my review from 4 to 5 stars. This is a small family-owned establishment. It's not large but whenever I go, it's packed. They have cute outdoor parklet. Service is always wonderful and friendly. Tonight, I saw a man sneak their/our server 2 20s as a tip. He and his wife really enjoyed the tiramisu (and I also enjoy it!) Nob Hill Cafe can do no wrong. I've been here with girl friends for girls' nights, post-run carb loading, for date nights, pre-shows/concerts, post-yoga, and more. It's homey, cozy, warm, and not pretentious. I love love love the spaghetti alla carbonara. It's creamy and delicious and I love the pancetta. My partner loves their lasagna but sometimes gets pizza. I've also enjoyed their tortellini and penne. A Pilates class friend told me to come for brunch and they kill it at brunch as well. They have yummy salads and their house made focaccia is moist and flavorful. I keep coming back because I love the atmosphere and the people and of course the food! It's reasonably-priced and lovely. read more
1 month ago
10 days ago
1 year ago
Such a cute little restaurant! The service was absolutely lovely. Our sever was extremely kind and very attentive. As for the food, the free bread was some of the best bread I've ever had. Extremely soft and the flavors were perfectly balanced. Pasta was also super delicious! My dish had just the perfect amount of spice and the sausage I added was a great touch. Would 100% come back here! read more
11 months ago
We tried Nob Hill Cafe for the first time November 12, 2025 for dinner service We walked from venue at the Masonic. Cozy place with indoor and outdoor seating. We got a nice table inside. Drinks and starters were good. We also enjoyed our main dishes. Service was good too. read more
9 months ago
Overall pretty underwhelming experience We got the Penne Bettola and the Tortellini w the romana sauce and they were pretty bland and mid (felt like smth you could make at home with supermarket ingredients) , and a little more to saltier side The server ( an older man) was pretty unwelcoming , I would maybe even say kinda rude , when we first enter he seemed annoyed by our presence and when my bf ask for the check he didn't even reply just made a gesture similar to ignoring him and then came back w the check read more
25 days ago
3 months ago
7 months ago
Love, love, love this place. The food is always so delicious and fresh. The staff are also lovely. Definitely the best find of our trip. read more
3 months ago
4 months ago
2 months ago
The atmosphere is amazing and it's located near the Fairmont San Francisco hotel. The service was quick but the wait to get in tested my patience. Overall experience served at the cafe was great as to be expected. I have to say the pesto pasta was delicious can't complain. read more
Such an great spot in Nob Hill! Second visit here and it was just as delicious as the first time! Lisa was such a wonderful waitress the service here is always beyond amazing! So happy to have found this wonderful cafe! This is a must try! On this visit we also ordered the chocolate ganache and it was otherworldly. Highly recommend! read more
2 years ago
came here on a hot saturday night in october. they have very cute options of where to sit (outside with heaters, by the window, near the kitchen) with cutesy lights decorating the outside. the service was super kind and quickly got us a huge glass of water. we got one of their special pizzas; the flavors of the fig, gorgonzola, hot honey pizza was balanced with sweet and salty elements, but the crust of the pizza fell flat. It was dense, flavorless, undersalted, and underprooved. we also got the pesto. the pasta was just simple boxed pasta with a sauce that was too heavy with cream and not enough herbs -- lacking in flavor. read more
5 months ago
3.5 stars. Started with the focaccia, and it was very moist and yummy but they did not serve it warm which was a bit of a disappointment. Ordered the chicken parm, and the gnocchi bolognese. The chicken parm was mediocre, would not recommend. Too much cheese, the chicken is not breaded, tastes boiled. And the pasta is just okay. The gnocci bolognese was much better, good flavor (but needed some salt and parm). Also ordered the tiramisu, and it was very yummy but a bit too much cream. Overall, not sure if I would go again. Very cute ambiance though. read more
2 years ago
Romantic. Good Food. Great Atmosphere. A top favorite Italian spot in San Francisco. They have a small menu but the perfect amount of dishes to work with and great pizza options. read more
1 year ago
2 months ago
This used to be one of our favorite restaurants in the city. Great service and ambiance. The food doesn't seem as great. I had the chicken Parmesan which was just okay... Maybe it's just me but I think the chicken should be breaded. The bread also used to be free and is now $7 for 4 small slices. Just doesn't seem worth the price. The other dishes we had were either too salty, very small, or lacking in much flavor. read more
2 months ago
6 months ago
4.5/5 Service: came here for a quick pizza before an event close by. We were able to get seated on a friday 6pm outside right away. We ordered 2 pizzas and it took 20 mins to get the food, but the service was good in between. Food: pizza was veryy good! Fresh and very cheesy. Good flavor. Would definitely come back and check out the indoor ambiance when I have more time. Parking: street, not the easiest area, but was able to find something 2 blocks away. There are parking lots close by too but they're $50 read more
Decided to come by Nob Hill cafe as I heard it's a great local neighborhood staple! Overall, the food was decent but prices were not that cheap considering what was served. For example the caprese salad was $18 for what was shown in the photo (3 tomatoes and cheese). The pastas were a decent size however but pretty standard! The tables were also really cramped, I had to put my chair at an angle to sit at the table or I'd hit the people behind us. Overall a decent place for a quick bite and for some comfort neighborhood food. read more
We have been driving past this cozy neighborhood restaurant for 20 years, and each time we would pass by we said we should try that some day. We usually drove by later at night, and their warm lighted interior, groups of happy customers chatting inside, and people waiting outside for a table to open up, spoke of someplace you should try. We were in the Nob Hill area early this night , and walked toward the restaurant. On the way, I noticed a small black painted cottage with white trim, and inside the courtyard behind a gate was a historical plaque on the side of the cottage, to doors up from the restaurant. The plaque said the home was built in 1906 just after the earthquake and fire, and was the coachman's house for the Flood Mansion. The Flood Mansion is now the Pacific Union Club which sits next to the park across from the Saint Francis Hotel. Completely added to the history and flavor of the neighborhood. When we arrived we asked the employees if they opened at 5:00, the owner overheard my question and offered to sit us in one of the picture window tables, a couple minutes before opening. That was appreciated. The inside is as warm and cozy as it appeared every time we drove by. The fragrant smell of garlic, herbs, and sauces filled the air. We started with a Ceasar salad that we split, and an order of Focaccia Bread. The salad was brought out on two separate plates, which was a nice touch. Ceasar dressing is one of tests for a good Italian restaurant. It did not disappoint. The salad had fresh lettuce homemade croutons, freshly grated parm, and the creamy anchovy dressing which was very flavorful, probably one of the best Ceasar dressing's that we have had. The bread was hard to stop eating, warm and fluffy like a cake inside, and nice and crunchy on the outside. We had to wait a little for the bread as it was still in the oven when we arrived, but well worth the wait. We ordered the Spaghetti alla Carbonara and the Gnocchi Bolognese. Both were amazing. The Carbonara with its generous chunks of Pancetta and Mushrooms drenched in its thick creamy cheesy sauce, so happy. My wife's Gnocchi had lite Gnocchi pillows swimming in a delicious perfectly flavored, meaty, bolognese. It was a perfect meal in a quiet San Francisco neighborhood atop Nob Hill, but also close to the iconic St. Francis and Mark Hopkins Hotels. Is it a first date place? Definitely. Perfect combination of great food, cozy atmosphere, without being too formal! If you are in San Francisco you need to eat here. A perfect San Francisco experience. Atmosphere: 5 of 5. It did not disappoint, close to a top tourist destination and iconic hotels, but tucked around the corner in a quiet local neighborhood. Who could ask for more. Reminds me of my favorite brunch spot in San Francisco "Plow". Love these neighborhood restaurants. Food: 5 of 5. We loved everything we had. We will be back to try something else on the menu. Service: 5 of 5. Very attentive, always aiming to please. Perfect experience. Value: 5 of 5. Great food at a fair price. We are ate at another Italian restaurant in our hometown, and the experience was the complete opposite. I would put this place in my top 5 places to eat in the City. Would love to live in the City and be able to eat here more often. read more
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More info about Nob Hill Cafe
1152 Taylor St
San Francisco, CA 94108
Nob Hill
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(415) 776-6500
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http://nobhillcafe.com
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Ask the Community - Nob Hill Cafe
Is the restaurant open? Their voicemail keeps saying they are opening in late April.. thank you!
Yes it is open!! 5-9 on weekdays and 5-10 on weekends!
Are there gluten free options?
I'm pretty sure all of the food is made fresh to order (you can see them making fresh pasta!) so I'm certain they're able to accommodate to gluten free. They serve seafood and meat specials without any gluten containing ingredients, as well as…
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