Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Moonlight Cafe – San Francisco
Moonlight Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from Moonlight Cafe
Moonlight Cafe at a glance
San Francisco Bernal Heights
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 64 of the guests
#408 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#62 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
337
Reviews
86.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant Moonlight Cafe in San Francisco’s vibrant Bernal Heights neighborhood is a welcoming spot where you can always count on a great cup of coffee to start your day. This casual restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
You’ll appreciate the friendly vibe and the focus on quality offerings.
Overview: Introducting Moonlight Cafe
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
337
Reviews
86.4%
Satisfaction
38
negative
8
neutral
291
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on Moonlight Cafe
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre looking at a pretty solid experience! With a good score of 8.4 and an impressive 88.6% customer satisfaction, its clear that many diners are leaving happy. Out of 202 opinions, a whopping 179 praise the delicious and flavorful dishes, often noting the generous portions and great menu variety.
However, it's not entirely without its bumps. A smaller number of 18 opinions pointed out some issues, including concerns about a frozen patty, undercooked crepes, and even an unfortunate instance of hair in food. Some also found the lemon potatoes too sour.
Food
202
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
18
negative
5
neutral
179
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Generous portion sizes
- Great menu variety
What people don't like
- Undercooked, soggy crepes
- Questionable patty quality
- Unpleasant food findings
Often praised
- foodI had an amazing dining experience! The food was absolutely delicious—every dish was bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. But what truly stood out was the exceptional customer service provided by the host.
- crepesCrepes were great. All my favorite veggies.
- baconask you if you want your bacon juicy or crispy
- breakfastdelicious breakfast
- menuwhole menu is some of the best breakfast lunch or dinner
- portionsgenerous portions, healthy (most choices, I guess ;-)), fresh, and tasty
- FoodFood:5
- French toastFrench toast is one of the best I've ever eaten.
- Mexican hot chocolateThe Mexican hot chocolate and the chai latte is some of the best I've ever had
- avocado bagelThe avocado bagel was beautiful
Frequently criticized
- crepeEach plate contained a single, small 4-inch blintz. The crepe itself was undercooked and soggy, and there was barely a tablespoon of ricotta filling. To our surprise, the blintz was filled with an abundance of cheap, kiddie-style strawberry jelly, not jam or preserves.
- French toastthe French toast I had was thin and either too much egg or undercooked
- apple sauceTo our surprise, the blintz was filled with an abundance of cheap, kiddie-style strawberry jelly, not jam or preserves. We were also served a container of sour cream and a side of absolutely tasteless apple sauce. All of this for nearly $13.
- blintzthe blintz I ordered was simply pathetic
- blintzesone 4 inch blitz on each plate
- cheeseburgerI'd be hard-pressed to believe the $17 cheeseburger wasn't just a frozen patty. Despite my hunger, I couldn't and didn't want to finish it.
- food offeringsone of the worst food offerings I have ever had
- griddlegriddle might be a bit hot
- hair in foodfound hair in my food—absolutely disgusting and unacceptable!
- lemon potatoesHowever, the prices are a tad high, though not entirely unexpected for the Bernal Heights area. Unfortunately, the lemon potatoes were too sour, which was a bit of a letdown.
If youre seeking a meal with generally delicious and varied options, youll likely find something to love here, especially given the high satisfaction. Just be aware that a few dishes might miss the mark, so choose wisely.
Service (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With a solid score of 8.7 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 88%, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Many of the 66 positive comments praise the friendly owners and staff, highlighting their great customer service and attentive approach, making you feel like family.
However, not every experience was perfect, with 7 negative remarks pointing out some areas for improvement. A few customers encountered rude staff or described the customer service as horrible. There were also mentions of a weird system' for ordering and picking up food, and issues with coffee refills.
Service
75
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
66
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Exceptional customer service
- Attentive owners
What people don't like
- Rude staff encounters
- Confusing ordering system
- Coffee refill waits
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Moonlight Cafe was a delightful dining experience. The cozy ambiance and friendly service created a welcoming atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed the delicious American cuisine, which was a true culinary delight.
- staffThe Moonlight Café provided a welcome respite and fortifying sustenance. To say the staff were friendly and the food delicious would be an understatement; this restaurant is truly wonderful. It was the perfect way to cap off our honeymoon.
- customer serviceI tried lot of breakfast and brunch options which I found so good. The place is very clean and the customer service is awesome.
- ServiceService not too long, no rush.
- ownerThe owner was at the front and wonderful to us
- friendly staffThe cafe offers a variety of dishes and a calm, laid-back ambience. The friendly staff, coupled with the best coffee, truly enhanced my dining experience. As a vegetarian, I tried their salad and Mediterranean platter, which were both 10/10 for taste and unique flavors.
- hostBut what truly stood out was the exceptional customer service provided by the host. He was attentive, warm, and went above and beyond to ensure we felt welcome and taken care of. It's rare to find such a perfect combination of great food and outstanding service.
- ownersexchanging friendly words with the owners like they're all part of one big happy family
- AzizAziz is so welcoming
- Friendly and helpfulFriendly and helpful
Frequently criticized
- coffee refillwait in line for a coffee refill
- customer serviceHe said he had “other customers to deal with” as if my concern didn’t matter. Horrible customer service and clear hygiene issues. I do NOT recommend this place and hope DoorDash takes action against restaurants that don’t value their customers or follow proper food safety standards.
- getting up every timegetting up every time you need something
- ordering at the countertheir whole ordering at the counter and picking up your own food
- picking up your own foodpicking up your own food
- rude staffthe person on the phone was extremely rude
- weird systemJust weird system for an eatery
Overall, the service here is a major draw, making you feel right at home with its friendly and attentive staff. While a few minor kinks exist in the ordering process, the overwhelmingly positive interactions suggest youll likely have a wonderful experience. Its definitely worth a visit if you value warm hospitality!
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
The overall vibe here is definitely a strong point, with a 7.8 score and a solid 83.7% customer satisfaction. Many of the 41 positive remarks praise the neighborhood vibe, lively jazz, and cozy atmosphere. Guests love the natural lighting and outside seating, making it feel family friendly and a welcoming community hub.
However, not everyone is completely charmed. A handful of the 7 negative comments point to the general ambiance leaving something to be desired, with some finding the tables too small. Parking can be a challenge, and some felt the seating was limited, which might make it less ideal for certain visits.
Ambience
49
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Neighborhood vibe
- Cozy atmosphere
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Small tables
- Challenging parking
- Limited seating
Often praised
- atmosphereWarm and bright atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- neighborhood vibeThen, the neighborhood vibe: this place seems to be a community hub
- outside seatingliked the outside seating for my dogs
- vibebut i like that vibe especially here in the city
- ParkingParking not too bad
- air qualityThis seems to be one of the safest places to dine in, when it comes to air quality!!!
- ambianceMy experience at Moonlight Cafe was a delightful dining experience. The cozy ambiance and friendly service created a welcoming atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed the delicious American cuisine, which was a true culinary delight.
- buzz of conversationThey clearly care about this neighborhood and make an effort to greet locals by name, which adds a nice personal touch. The cafe itself is bright with a pleasant, medium loud buzz of conversation and some lively jazz in the background, creating a good atmosphere. I found the scrambles to be delicious and appreciated the generous serving of toast.
- cafeThe cafe is bright
Frequently criticized
- ambiancethe ambiance of the place leaves a lot to be desired
- atmospherenot suitable for getting work done at all
- hygiene issuesHe said he had “other customers to deal with” as if my concern didn’t matter. Horrible customer service and clear hygiene issues. I do NOT recommend this place and hope DoorDash takes action against restaurants that don’t value their customers or follow proper food safety standards.
- non enjoyable experiencemakes for a non enjoyable experience
- parkingParking is challenging
- seatingLimited Indoor and outdoor seating
- tablesthe tables are too small
If you're looking for a place with a warm, community feel and a good buzz, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially tricky parking and possibly cozy table arrangements, especially during busy times.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with customers expressing a range of opinions. Many have found the food to be absolutely fabulous and the definition of value for money, praising the reasonable dinner options and fair prices. Based on 5 positive remarks, it sounds like you can definitely snag a good deal here if you know what to look for.
However, the overall sentiment is quite balanced, with 6 negative comments suggesting that the price can be a sticking point for some. With a score of 5.5 (which is average) and customer satisfaction at 45.5% (leaning towards mixed), it's clear that while some find it a great deal, others feel the total bill can be very expensive or that prices are a tad high.
Value
11
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Reasonable dinner options
- Fair prices
What people don't like
- Very expensive
- Prices are high
- Food is pricey
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was good, the service was excellent, and the prices were reasonable. It's a great spot for breakfast, offering so much variety that it's hard to decide what to get.
- reasonable dinnerYou can get nice reasonable dinner.
- valueGreat value
- value for moneythe food is fabulous and the definition of value-for-money
Frequently criticized
- priceI'd be hard-pressed to believe the $17 cheeseburger wasn't just a frozen patty. Despite my hunger, I couldn't and didn't want to finish it.
- PricesPrices are a tad high
- total billThe food was good, but the price was definitely on the higher side. For two breakfasts, one coffee, and one apple juice, the total came to $70 after tip. While they offer dine-in, the ordering and pickup system felt off-putting.
If youre looking for a great deal, you might find some real gems here, but be prepared that some items could feel a bit pricey. Its worth checking out the menu carefully to ensure you get the value you're looking for.
How are the prices at Moonlight Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 64 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people usually spend, we see a good mix! While the average is 21, a significant number of guests actually spend a bit less, often in the $11–$20 range. Then there’s a solid group right around the $21–$30 mark, and a few folks who like to splurge a little more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 64 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Restaurant, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good middle ground, so you can enjoy a nice meal without breaking the bank, or opt for something a bit more special if youre feeling it.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Moonlight Cafe
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Friendly Staff, Great View, Burnt Pancakes
My experience at the restaurant was great overall. The staff were super friendly, and I really liked the outside seating which was perfect for my dogs. The view on the sidewalk was also nice.
My only criticism is that the griddle might have been a bit too hot, as my pancakes tasted burnt.
- staff9
- outside seating8
- view8
- griddle3
- pancakes3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Excellent Breakfast and Service
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I tried lot of breakfast and brunch options which I found so good. The place is very clean and the customer service is awesome.
- breakfast and brunch options9
- place9
- customer service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Great Breakfast Spot with Variety
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was good, the service was excellent, and the prices were reasonable. It's a great spot for breakfast, offering so much variety that it's hard to decide what to get.
Everything I've tried has been delicious. They also offer beer and wine.
- food9
- service9
- prices8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Fantastic First Meal on West Coast!
Our first breakfast on our US West Coast trip was at Moonlight, and it was a true tribute. The attention was fantastic and everything was delicious. Highly recommended!
- attention10
- everything10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Unexpectedly Great Meal!
My experience at this restaurant was a pleasant surprise. I initially came here because the nearby coffee shops were overcrowded, but I ended up staying for a full meal. The menu was great, and the staff were excellent.
I was very impressed with the overall experience.
- menu9
- staff9
What Moonlight Cafe offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and food options can you find at Moonlight Cafe?
At Moonlight Cafe, you’ll discover a casual dining experience perfect for any time of day. They offer a diverse menu with healthy options and vegetarian choices, alongside their renowned great coffee and an extensive tea selection. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dessert with comfortable seating available.
Does Moonlight Cafe offer flexible service options and accommodate families or pets?
Yes, Moonlight Cafe provides various service options including dine-in, delivery, and convenient no-contact delivery. For those with children, a kids’ menu and high chairs are available, making it good for kids. If you have a furry friend, dogs are allowed in their outdoor seating area.