Caffe Greco

(415) 397-6261

423 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133 37.7988 -122.4081

Neighborhoods: Northeast, North Beach

Reviews & Ratings for Caffe Greco

1.5 Star Rating: Poor

14 reviews

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2 Star Rating: Below Average

by laschiffbauer

March 23, 2008

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

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1 Star Rating: Poor

by an94118

February 17, 2008

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.

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by glowstyxx

January 29, 2007

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

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by Contributor

December 06, 2006

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.

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by youngms56

October 15, 2006

This is our favorite cafe in the city. It has the atmosphere of a classic Italian or French cafe. Excellent capuccino and coffee drinks. The pasties and food are also delicious. Try the bagels with tomato and cream cheese, scrumptous! Caffe Greco can be very crowded, so be prepared for a wait at peak times. Don't miss this North Beach gem.

  • Pros: Quality of food and drinks.
  • Cons: Sometimes overly crowded.

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by raytchul

August 11, 2006

I first visited Cafe Greco many years ago when visiting the city. I have now moved here, and made it a point to visit the cafe right away. I had the affogato (hot espresso served over your choice flavor of gelato), which is pretty much to die for. The ambiance of the place transports you to europe with outdoor seating, or if you sit inside, huge windows for great people watching. The guys who run the place speak italian, love to charm the ladies, and will do what you ask. I didn't try any of the food, but the people next to me ordered many dishes that looked great, and at a reasonable price. I would definately come back to the North Beach spot any chance I get.

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by bythevines

July 21, 2006

If you want authentic, delicious tiramisu this is the place to go. Not only is it to die for but their cappuccinos are heavenly. The prices are unbeatable and the ambience is great - a place you could hang out at for hours. Don't miss it...

  • Pros: Service, Price and Yummy Eats & Drinks
  • Cons: Parking (it's the City!)

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by cpchong

April 17, 2005

I can't speak for the coffee but everyone I take there seems to love it. I can speak for the Tiramisu, which is the best I have ever had outside of Siena, Italy itself. Super fluffy and light, and obviously extremely tasty!

  • Pros: Tiramisu, Coffee

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4 Star Rating: Recommended

by jewelz129

January 17, 2005

Can't say anything bout the pastries, but bf and I both grabbed a couple cafe lattes, and it was really good. When in San Francisco, skip the Starbucks and give all the local establishments a try. You won't regret it!

  • Pros: great coffee, lots of seating areas

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by bellgraeme

June 03, 2003

For coffee in SF go no further. If home sick Italians hang out here, it's saying something. If you like weak milky american style coffee in huge cups, don't bother.

  • Pros: illy coffee, best coffee

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Caffe Greco

423 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133

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