Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Tosca Cafe

    3.8 (843 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Tosca Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    TOSCA CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Juke Box
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Tosca Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    View of restaurant
    Tracy R.

    Tosca Café. Where to start. We've always loved this place. Even after they shifted from being a bar to a restaurant, we've come here regularly for special occasions or when we're doing a night out in the city. Sadly, tonight's visit will be my last. The woman who appeared to be managing the place -- blonde, middle-aged -- was odd and unprofessional. She was wearing yellow-and-white checkered Vans sweatpants and a concert T-shirt with the sleeves rolled up... are you kidding me? This is an upscale restaurant, she looked like she was either going to the gym or going to work in her garden. Unacceptable. She was running around loudly yelling at the poor waiter, who honestly seemed like a busser who'd just been promoted (nice but just not on it - we had to ask him for water refills, he didn't know what a Shirley Temple was, forgot to bring one of four drinks, etc., so it was pretty obvious he was new). She was also literally yelling from across the restaurant at Juan the cook for some unknown reason, even though both the cook and server were trying their best. I know his name was Juan because she was literally shouting at him. I also watched her grab olives twice from a dish where the cooks place the food, stuff them into her mouth in full view of anyone who cared to look, not daintily but like snarfing them down, and then proceed to serve those same olives to someone at the bar - I saw her do it. oMg. It was so distracting and of course made all the food seem suss. The other woman with an apron who seemed to be more of a busser was clearing plates and glasses while people were still eating. It was obnoxious and irritating. I also saw the manager tasting someone's spaghetti, I swear she was going to put the spoon back in the dish -- but didn't once she realized I was watching her. So gross. We should have walked after the olives. Onto the food: the two side dishes -- broccolini and spinach -- were good. Go Juan! But everything else was bland and uninspired. We all ordered pasta it was completely overcooked, sauce had no flavor. Ugh. They also brought the side dishes a good 10 minutes before the main courses. Why? We ate them like appetizers. I also could tell that our food was sitting under the lights in the kitchen for quite a while before they brought it because I had a clear view to the kitchen. Just inexperience. The ambience was as great as it always is, in spite of their not being able to figure out when to dim the lights and how much. The price point is ridiculously high for what you get considering our experience -- and having a freaking tweaker in charge is a mistake - maybe she's the owner? Never coming back. And that's after coming here off and on for literally 25 years. So sad. When we left I apologized to the beleaguered waiter for having such an awful boss and wished him luck. He seemed appreciative of someone commiserating. Avoid avoid avoid, or maybe stop by for a drink and eat elsewhere.

    a view of the outside of a restaurant
    Aubany G.

    Tosca has been my go-to for a great meal for years and I'd crave it often. We have always loved taking guests from out of town here for the old San Francisco feel, knowing that the meal and service would be fabulous. Our two most recent visits, we've definitely noticed a big change and quite frankly, it's just not the same. Service has gone down, the menu very different (and I get that menus change and chefs change), and quality of the dishes just lacking. I hope things get worked out here, as I've read about some ongoing ownership drama and management changes, but so far the changes have gone in the wrong direction, I feel. Take pride in your reputation as a San Francisco dining landmark in the heart of North Beach. I'll be keeping an eye on the menu and of course give it another chance or five, as it's always been one of my favorite restaurants in the city.

    Tosca Negroni
    Barnali D.

    We had a very good meal here! The food is delicious, as are the cocktails. The service is good, and the historic setting is lovely. My 6 year old daughter loved the meatballs; my husband and I enjoyed the calamari. I loved my shrimp trofe, and my husband liked his paparadelle bolognese. The service was friendly and prompt. We were puzzled by the fact that the last time we came, my husband was told the shrimp trofe could be made without cheese, but this time he was told it was made with cheese that couldn't be excluded. We like the dark, old school atmosphere here. Be sure to get a reservation in advance - this is a popular spot. Overall, a great spot for dinner in North Beach!

    Nicholas B.

    If you're looking for a romantic date night in San Francisco, I strongly recommend Toca Café since the moment you walk in till the time that dreaded and you leave the place is awesome. The staff is amazing. Our waiter was funny and playful. The food was amazing. The ambiance was perfect. My night was made and most importantly my month was made because of the experience that I had at this restaurant.

    Don't expect your reservation to actually mean anything.

    See all

    25 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andrew M.
    43
    97
    26

    24 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of John S.
    196
    39
    0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 4
    Love this 0
    Oh no 3
    Photo of Jolina H.
    143
    69
    28

    5 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 3

    6 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    6 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 4
    Love this 3
    Oh no 2

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 6
    Love this 1
    Oh no 3
    Photo of Meya J.
    672
    27
    6

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Justin K.
    224
    45
    17

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of R S.
    0
    7
    2

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of O S.
    0
    12
    2

    6 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Lee M.
    8
    41
    4

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Amazing experience, the owner Anna really took great care of us on New Year's Eve! I will be back soon!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Fun to go to a historic landmark restaurant. Overpriced for average Italian food. Maybe come for a drink rather than a meal.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ewa U.
    323
    414
    1391

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jason F.
    1118
    1379
    31400

    3 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 2
    Love this 8
    Oh no 2
    Photo of J. W.
    1
    147
    202

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M S.
    0
    17
    0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Good service and restaurant had a nice interior but everything else about this place was sub par

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cynthia C.
    324
    2222
    16294

    5 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 22

    Tosca Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Tosca Cafe

    I want to go to Tosca, but do they still play deafening obnoxious "music"?

    Are dogs allowed for outdoor dining?

    No, they're back open and better than ever. But Yelp won't change the business as "open" because the previous owner won't cooperate with the new owners in handing over the Yelp page.

    What happened are they closed permanently?

    they changed management. they are doing take out only now that sf is back in lock down

    View All 4 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Italian 94,758 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    The Showdown - Boston 3 Way

    The Showdown

    4.2(126 reviews)
    0.1 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill
    $$

    Visiting from TX and found this place by accident. It reminded us of our hometown hang out spot…read more Everyone made us feel welcome as soon as we came in. Not just the bartender but the manager and the locals hanging out. The drinks were great and the company even better. They gave us some amazing recommendations for some local restaurants and they were all perfect! We will visit again if we ever make it back to San Fran.

    I recently came to this bar with a few friends. One friend was a bit intoxicated and wasn't allowed…read morein, which was fine and not an issue AT ALL. While we were outside, we made friendly conversation with a bartender. I overheard another bartender come out for a cigarette and call him by name, so I jokingly used his name while asking if we could come in. At that point, the bartender became extremely aggressive, got in my face, and said, "Say his name one more f*cking time," repeatedly. I was genuinely confused and asked what she meant. Shortly after, a friend who was already inside came out simply to check on us and see why we were still outside. The bartender then told her to "get the f*ck out of my face" and instructed staff not to let her or us in, even though my friend hadn't done anything wrong. It was so confusing and extremely inappropriate. The behavior was unnecessarily hostile and disrespectful. This bar does not treat its customers with basic courtesy, and that bartender showed zero professionalism or customer service skills.

    Photos
    The Showdown
    The Showdown - Strawberry lemonade boochcraft and delicata squash rings

    Strawberry lemonade boochcraft and delicata squash rings

    The Showdown - Pineapple Margarita

    See all

    Pineapple Margarita

    The Lucky Spot

    The Lucky Spot

    4.6(16 reviews)
    0.2 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill

    Just popped into The Lucky Spot in North Beach with some buddies for drinks to watch Sunday night…read morefootball, and it quickly became our new favorite hangout spot! This place has that perfect North Beach neighborhood bar chill and welcoming vibe, like a classy dive where you can watch the game or just chat for hours. The cocktails are next level: tried a few that tasted like grown-up root beer floats and Orange Julius vibes, super creative and balanced without being too sweet. They've got solid classics too if you're not feeling adventurous. Walls are covered in cool local SF photos and art that make it feel proudly San Franciscan. Only street parking available but there's plenty of bus lines that drop you off in ths neighborhood & there's no food served onsite, but they brought in complimentary Golden Boy pizza for the game watch party which quickly went into my stomach after downing a few cocktails. Staff was friendly and on point, and it's great for locals or anyone wanting elevated drinks without the pretension. Perfect pre-dinner spot in North Beach or for a full night out.

    LOVE THIS SPOT! From the cleanliness, location, ambience,…read moreand overall customer experience - this is now my go-to spot for watching sports, date night, night out with friends, and even a solo hang. I feel right at home when I step into this bar. Plenty of space and a huge bonus: dogs are allowed! Do yourself a favor and go visit one of the best bartenders in town, Ali. If it's your first time, it won't be your last.

    Photos
    The Lucky Spot
    The Lucky Spot
    The Lucky Spot

    See all

    Petit Lil’s - Look for this sign.

    Petit Lil’s

    4.7(52 reviews)
    0.3 miRussian Hill, North Beach/Telegraph Hill
    $$

    This place is on the martini trail for a reason! Try the junipero martini! I get it without the…read moreolive juice as I don't like my martinis dirty but if you do, I've heard they are great! My absolute favorite thing is that you are welcomed with a glass of mumm bubbly. I hope they never get rid of this. It really makes this place stand apart from all the other options in north beach and makes you (me) feel special. Everyone who works there is also so nice. Everytime we've gone we've been so warmly welcomed and had great conversations.

    My friends and I totally stumbled upon Petit Lil's after a dinner nearby, and the holiday vibes…read morewere immaculate! With giant ornaments, Christmas tree foliage, pretty lights, and a movie projected onto the wall, the atmosphere was lively, fun, and cozy. As we briefly waited to be seated, I was pleasantly surprised when someone brought out glasses and poured us some complimentary champagne (and later refilled too!). We ordered cocktails at the bar and indulged in the oyster jubilee (buy 6, get 6 free from 10 pm to 1 am). The oysters were pretty fresh. The Pomegranate Nice with non-alcoholic gin instead of non-alcoholic tequila, Negroni Sbagliato, and Blood Orange Gimlet were solid. I didn't love the Aviation though because it was a bit heavy handed on the violet liqueur. But overall, I really loved my experience here!

    Photos
    Petit Lil’s - A talk about housing in SF.

    A talk about housing in SF.

    Petit Lil’s - Ambiance

    Ambiance

    Petit Lil’s - Junipero Gin Martini

    See all

    Junipero Gin Martini

    Tony Nik's Cafe - Cocktails, bartender's recommendations

    Tony Nik's Cafe

    4.3(343 reviews)
    0.2 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill
    $$

    Such a fun place to grab a few drinks and truly unwind after a long day. This was my first time…read morevisiting, and I can confidently say it will not be my last. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere immediately stood out. The vibe is relaxed yet lively, making it a great spot whether you're stopping by casually or planning to spend a few hours enjoying yourself. The overall energy of the place made it easy to settle in and enjoy the evening. Everything felt welcoming and well put together, from the ambiance to the music and crowd. It's the kind of spot where you can have great conversation, laugh, and completely decompress without feeling rushed. The service was excellent from start to finish. The staff was attentive, friendly, and consistently checked in without being overbearing. Drinks were made well and delivered promptly, which really added to the experience. Overall, this is a great place to relax, enjoy well made drinks, and soak in a fun atmosphere. I would absolutely return and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a solid spot to unwind and enjoy a great evening out.

    Tony Nik's isn't just a bar, it's basically a North Beach time machine. I first walked through its…read moredoors in the late 1990s after moving to San Francisco, but the bar itself dates back to 1933, opening right as Prohibition was ending. It was founded by Anton "Tony" Nikitovich and quickly became a gathering place for the neighborhood's Italian and Croatian communities, where people came to swap stories, argue politics, and enjoy a stiff drink after a long day. And honestly, that tradition carried on well into the years when many of us became regulars. I hadn't been back for a few years until recently, when I decided to stop in again. The bar wasn't overly busy, but a handful of neighborhood folks were sitting at the counter, trading stories over their drinks. It felt instantly familiar. Not much has changed since the early 2000s when I used to come here regularly, and that's exactly what makes Tony Nik's special. Step inside, and it still feels like a mid-century film set: tufted leather seating, a long wooden bar that's seen nearly a century of San Francisco history, and that iconic neon sign glowing outside. While much of the city has reinvented itself again and again, Tony Nik's somehow held onto its soul. It's a grown-up bar without being stuffy, no loud club music, no trendy gimmicks, just well-made cocktails, a classic jukebox, and an atmosphere that feels earned rather than manufactured. The bar stayed in the Nikitovich family for decades, and the current owners were wise enough to preserve both the name and the vintage character Tony originally created. It's one of those rare places that reminds you what North Beach used to be, and, thankfully, still is.

    Photos
    Tony Nik's Cafe - The Champagne of Beers

    The Champagne of Beers

    Tony Nik's Cafe
    Tony Nik's Cafe

    See all

    Legacy North Beach Bar - Fortaleza Blanco w/ club soda ($18) + Ginger Beer ($6)

    Legacy North Beach Bar

    3.8(22 reviews)
    0.1 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill

    Apparently North Beach is the best 'hood in the city for nightlife...right now…read more IF I was still in my 20s, I would start the night off at Monroe for Battle of the Decades where drinks start at $1 at 5 pm and increase by $1 every hour until 10 pm. Nosh on zucchini fries at Original Joe's before bar hopping on Grant Ave. IF you like a diverse crowd with DJs spinning hip hop, a visit to Legacy is mandatory. We did a little weekend day drinking at Legacy and when we saw customers sporting their Frisco gear, we knew we were in the right place! Sorry but it's Frisco, The Sco, or The City, it's NEVER San Fran. For those who disagree, tell that to Mac Dre, Too $hort, and the Hells Angels. Plus, Herb Caen eventually took back his "Frisco" stance. Anyhow, after Legacy, I would move on to watch the midnight ballerinas on Broadway and end the night smashing faces with a Golden Boy! A slice of clam & garlic OFC. O T H E R N O T E S * Friendly staff. * Low-key, locals bar with lounge seating, vinyl lined walls, TVs, and projectors for game day. * No HH specials. * Crisp sound system with DJs spinning hip hop on Fridays and Saturdays. * Dog-friendly but obvs wouldn't bring my dogs here when it's crowded at night. * Clean restrooms. * Cc's accepted but there's a discount if you pay cash.

    BFF wanted to stop her after dinner for her 50th birthday…read more I mean I grew up in NB my entire childhood. Love it love it love it but after COVID-19. Nothing has been the same. People are a bit rude and raunchy and don't respect the area for what North Beach stands for. Being in your 40's, it ain't the place really to be. To let loose, gotta have some drinks and blend in. It was bedtime for me. Still had to get home to our kids on the other side of the town way South. Music was cool but wasn't all that. Just came to celebrate and have fun, we did just that.

    Photos
    Legacy North Beach Bar - Espresso martini with cacao nibs

    Espresso martini with cacao nibs

    Legacy North Beach Bar - Empress Gin and Tonic

    Empress Gin and Tonic

    Legacy North Beach Bar

    See all

    Tosca Cafe - italian - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...