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

Nob Hill Cafe - Penne Bettola with some wine - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Came in to have a nice dinner with my daughter as a spot within walking distance of the cable car. No wait when we walked in and good amount of seating. We sat next to an older couple and had great conversation with them throughout the night. Our server was nice and down to earth, treated us as if we were friends more than customers. Other staff were also friendly, particularly as I had to navigate through the restaurant with my 4yr old to the bathroom or to watch food being made in the open kitchen. Food wise, the Spaghetti carbonara was delicious. Full flavored and hearty. Focaccia was a bit different, sweet. But still good. All in all, this feels like an amazing neighborhood gem. Would come back often if I lived in the neighborhood. read more

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

Nob Hill Cafe - Penne Bettola and Tortellini - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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

Nob Hill Cafe - Penne Bettola - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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

See all

Quaint older Italian restaurant. Quick service. Reasonably priced for the area. Staff was attentive and efficient. I smiled when I saw how they treated some older women who were regulars... drinks on the table before even asking ..smiles and caring. Definitely felt like a true family business. We had the chicken parm and the risotto. Simple but tasty. The overall winner was the tiramisu...yum! Definitely will come back! read more

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

Nob Hill Cafe - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

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

Nob Hill Cafe - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Saturdays are for pasta and this place is my and my bfs fav pasta spot in the city so far. We try new places on a regular basis but we always come back to NH Cafe. The staff is always friendly. It's nice was warmly lit inside. We always get the tortellini but I tried the penne today and it was great. The tortellini is the best still. It's perfectly pillowy and soft. My preference is not al dente. The focaccia is always warm and soft and perfectly suited to soak up the EVOO and balsamic. It also nice that this place is in my neighborhood and we can walk 4 blocks to get there. read more

See all

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

See all

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

See all

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

Nob Hill Cafe - We ate too fast to take pics, so for your pleasure - here is the psychedelic polar bear, blurred to perfection. - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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

See all

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

See all

I was honestly disappointed by this spot. We were seated right away but it took almost 20 minutes for food and drink orders to be placed. Then when our food came out, our pasta was over cooked and the sauces were bland. After reading all the good reviews I was expecting more. read more

The food was alright I have had a lot better. The ambience is just like your sitting in someone's house and the service was quite good.

Our server Javier was amazing. The food was amazing. The people from Los Angeles with there grandchildren were amazing read more

See all

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

See all

The octopus was delightful! Arugula salad was fresh! Simple and light meal right before our sound bath at Grace Cathedral. Our waitress was attentive and lucky we snagged a table on a Friday night at 5:30pm before the evening rush. If I'm in the neighborhood, I'd definitely come back if there wasn't a wait but I probably wouldn't want to wait around =) 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

See all

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

Nob Hill Cafe - Fig, Gorgonzola, Hot Honey Pizza - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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

Nob Hill Cafe - Carbonara and Spaghetti Alla Checca - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Just went to their new Brunch service (Sat/Sun). Had a group of 8 so we were waiting for it to open. The place is soo.. small but they made a big table for us. Service was excellent. we all made our own mimosas. The food was top notch. I had the pancetta hash (hold the bell peppers)--delicious and ample meat, onions, potatoes, with 2 over easy egg on top in a skillet-very flavorful. My son (who lives nearby and is a regular raves about their breakfast pizza. The prawn and avo omelet was huge--friends were glad they shared. Another skillet meal was baked egg in a tomato sauce which was also graded an "A". Even with all the bottles of proseccos, etc the meal w/ tip and tax was $40 each--amazing. we will be back next time we visit! read more

We had dinner at Nob Hill Café last evening. I'm giving them 5 stars for food and service! While the food was absolutely delicious I really want to commend the staff on how well they worked as a team. It was a bustling evening and the staff were exceptionally efficient without even coming near to breaking a sweat or appearing stressed. You guys are amazing! And again the food was delicious! Thank You! read more

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

See all

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

See all

Excellent food and service!!! Small quaint and like home atmosphere. Would recommend to all.

Nob Hill Cafe is an excellent dining option for a night out with loved ones. It is a small and intimate restaurant with seating in close quarters, and the waitlist is always long during dinner, but the wait is very much worth it. The service staff is very attentive and kind, and they are eager to make good recommendations on what their favorite dishes are - these tend to be different for everyone! We got the olives as an appetizer, and these were bold and robust in flavor. They were not filling in the way that table bread is, but they were delicious and a great way of tying over our appetites as we waited for our food without getting overly full. I got the special of the day, a risotto with tomato sauce and sausage. I felt like the risotto was a bit undercooked, but it was delicious in flavor nonetheless and presented beautifully. The bolognese was also delicious. I love the intimate, dimly lit nature of the cafe and will definitely be back. read more

Outstanding and attentive service Staff. Three different entrees each prepared to perfection. Penne w/ Vodka sauce, linguine w/clams, pasta carbonara. Each fantastic. Can't wait to try another dish on our next visit. read more

Nice Italian restaurant and really good food but a smaller portion not meant to share. The dining area can get busy with tables pretty close together. We came at brunch on a weekend and menu was restricted to brunch items. There was no traditional kids menu for young ones with a simpler palette. 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

Nob Hill Cafe - Linguine Alla Vongole, Insalata Caprese - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place is a hidden gem. The staff are always professional, polite and accommodating. I always come here when I have an engagement to go to at the Grace cathedral or the Masonic. I always order the gnocchi which is cooked to perfection with a red glass of wine. Sometimes there's a waiting list, however, Just order a glass of wine and outside and enjoy San Francisco. Christina and her staff should be very proud of this fine establishment. read more

This is a very charming neighborhood spot and is quintessential SF! The service was very accommodating and they tried to seat us as soon as possible. I ordered the pesto and it was creamy and savory. The bread was also notable. Definitely try this place out if you are looking for a charming italian restaurant. read more

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

Nob Hill Cafe - Margherita Pizza with pepperoni - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

A charming small cafe. The heirloom tomato salad (special) should never have been served --- the tomatoes were tasteless, the sesame crackers too overpowering for the bland pesto.... Just a complete miss although a good idea. The gnocchi in bolognese was delightful. Literally pillows of potato goodness and the bolognese was nuanced.... A successful pairing. Service was adequate, nothing extraordinary but perfectly fine. read more

See all

Great food and great service. Very cozy spot with lots of long time locals. A great spot to enjoy a slow meal with a small group read more

Nob Hill Cafe - Insalata Cesare - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Came here for dinner just after landing in San Fran for a weekend trip. This restaurant set the standard for the rest of my trip! We ordered the focaccia which was the perfect item to start. We also ordered the fettuccine Al pesto and the margherita pizza with prosciutto. The staff was extremely welcoming and attentive. My favorite part was the ambience of the restaurant, the dim lighting and candlelit atmosphere made it cozy and inviting. Will absolutely recommend and be back myself next time I'm visit SF. read more

Nob Hill Cafe - Margherita Pizza, House-Made Focaccia, Fettuccine Al Pesto - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Service was exceptional, our server was friendly and talkative. The pesto pasta was creamy and had just the right amount of flavor. The pizza was great as well. No complaints! read more

Nob Hill Cafe - Margherita Pizza w/ Prosciutto & Fettuccine Al Pesto - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

LET ME PREACH THE GOOD WORD OF NOB HILL CAFE: the Penne Bettola is the pasta of your DREAMS. Creamy sauce. Chewy mouthfeel. Slightly spicy zing. From literally the first bite, I was already talking about coming back to eat it again. TRY THE PENNE BETTOLA!!!! The service was friendly and made us feel like neighborhood locals. There were families and couples alike dining together and made for the perfect dinner sport before a quick walk to the Masonic for a show. We also loved the Caesar salad, though we'd skip the chicken parm next time -- it was a bit greasy and didn't spark joy. The Penne Bettola, though? Now THAT sparked joy They don't accept reservations, and we waited about 10 minutes for a table for two. Not bad at all. The seating outside had heat lamps, though we were lucky and got a cute table next to the open kitchen. We loved watching them cook! This restaurant feels like stepping into a truly San Franciscan establishment. Looking forward to eating there again soon. read more

See all

This place is so good. We came before a concert at the Masonic and put our name on the waitlist digitally. Then arrived and waited around 545/6 another 15 mins or so. We missed part of the opening act but that's ok. It was worth it and they did everything to make it a quick. Although I wish we had more time to take it all in. Service from the hostess to the server was friendly, attentive and kind. We had lasagna and spaghetti carbonara with our sparkling wine and peroni. The lasagna was sooo delicious. Both fresh, crispy and Al dente. A lot of places over do it and it ends up being soggy. This lasagna was perfecto. I can't wait to come back and more leisurely enjoy dinner or a meal. Cozy indoor and outdoor seating. Great place! read more

See all