Caffe Greco

(415) 397-6261

423 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133 37.7988 -122.4081

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Neighborhoods: North Beach, Northeast

Caffe Greco

Caffe Greco

What People Are Saying About Caffe Greco

The Editor

Contributor

Citysearch

Clean, bright and ever so chic, this Italianate cafe is a pleasant break from the action on Columbus Avenue, drawing droves of homesick Europeans. Patrons dawdle over plates of fresh mozzarella or foccacia sandwiches, matched with a simple glass of Chianti or a frothy cappuccino. Desserts are also available, but specialty coffee drinks like caffe freddo Sambuca--an iced shot of espresso laced with anise-flavored liqueur--are what explain the legion of regular customers.

2 Star Rating: Below Average

03/23/08

Worst service

by laschiffbauer

I just moved here about two months ago and I was happy to finally find a place to get a fresh filled cannoli. I love to go to Caffe Greco for the cannoli's and the Italian atmosphere.

When I went on Easter sunday to get lunch and cannoli and I couldn't wait to hear the great Italian music that I love to listen to while I am there.

This particular Sunday they were playing mexican/spanish music and not that I have anything against it but I just made a trip down to North Beach to enjoy the Italian atmosphere. So at the end of my meal I went to the counter to get a latte and asked very politely if they would mind putting on some Italian music. The guy was extremely rude and sarcastic in his "no" response. I said cancel my latte and I will go across the street. His response was a sarcastic "Ciao."

I will never again step foot inside that rude establishment.

If I wanted Mexican/Spanish music I would have gone to a Mexican/Spanish restaurant!

  • Pros: Fresh filled cannolis
  • Cons: worst service and the musical atmosphere is really lacking for an Italian restaurant
1 Star Rating: Poor

02/17/08

Bad Service and Bad Cannoli

by an94118

Been here several times over the years and was never disappointed w/ the gelatto, but that was all I ever had. My sister's in town so we came here for dessert on a Sunday evening. We decided to be adventurous and get one of the cannoli's. Big mistake. The cream was not smooth, it was actually quite grainy. It tasted old even though we were told it was made fresh. One bite and we were done so I can't tell you about the bread. When we tried to exchange it for a gelato, they wouldn't take it back! Not only was the guy not apologetic, but he was rude, disrespectful, and acted in a way I've never experienced so I can't even describe. Suffice it to say, he flared his nostrils, lowered his head, and stared at me for 15 seconds straight w/o blinking. It was an unusual and infuriating experience. We left hungry minus $5. I will not go back.

  • Pros: good location, lots of people
  • Cons: bad service, not so great food.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

01/29/07

You like the cannoli?

by glowstyxx

I can still taste the cannoli-- the best I've had since NYC's Little Italy over 5 years ago. Greco's cannoli is heavenly with smooth filling and little pieces of chocolate (and thankfully not candied fruit) in a fresh cannoli shell. I also ordered an anise cookie, shaped like a donut...softer than a biscotti but with the same great flavor. My single shot cappucino was perfectly brewed with a little sweet flavor and thick, hot foam on top. The service was top-notch with two jovial young men who were quick to get me a cannoli that had just been prepared but not yet in the case. The cafe was not overly packed at 9am on a Saturday and the service was not rushed. A North Beach favorite!

  • Pros: Great service, great pastries and awesome coffee
  • Cons: I can think of none

The Details on Caffe Greco

The Extras:

Get a freshly made tiramisu and European newspapers daily.

Where to Sit:

When foot traffic along Columbus is light, the sidewalk tables offer prime seating; otherwise, seek out a free table alongside the large sliding glass windows that overlook the avenue.

Category:

Restaurants

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