Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Alma – San Francisco
Alma - San Francisco
Photo from Alma
Alma at a glance
San Francisco Hunters Point
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 23 of the guests
#217 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#17 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
130
Reviews
89.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great Food
- Good Service
- Nice Ambience
Frequently criticized
- Small Selection
- Hygiene Issues
- Poor Location
The cafe Alma in San Francisco’s vibrant Hunters Point neighborhood offers a truly inviting experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Known for its great coffee, this trendy cafe provides a welcoming atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy quality beverages and delicious food options.
Overview: Introducting Alma
Alma offers a generally pleasant experience, with many guests appreciating the friendly folks on staff and the inviting vibe of the space. While the food receives considerable praise for its quality, some visitors note that the selection can be quite limited, and there have been occasional concerns regarding cleanliness .
Despite these minor points, the establishment maintains a welcoming atmosphere, often highlighted for its ample seating and overall pleasant environment. The team is frequently described as sweet and attentive, contributing positively to the dining experience, though some observations suggest they could benefit from additional kitchen support.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
130
Reviews
89.2%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
116
positive
Alma achieves a strong overall 8.5 score, reflecting a generally positive guest experience. This aligns well with a 89.2% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most visitors leave content.
These figures are drawn from 130 customer observations, with a significant majority of 116 positive remarks compared to just 11 negative ones. Delving into specifics, the Food (8.6) and Ambience (8.6) are clear standouts, both earning high marks.
Service (8.1) also performs commendably, with staff often noted for their attentiveness. However, Value (5) registers as an average aspect, suggesting that while the quality is there, some find the pricing to be standard rather than exceptional.
What people like
- Delicious food items
- Friendly, sweet staff
- Relaxed, spacious vibe
What people don't like
- Limited food selection
- Cleanliness concerns
- Unappealing surroundings
Alma appears to be a solid choice for those prioritizing a pleasant atmosphere and well-prepared dishes, particularly if you appreciate a relaxed setting. It’s a place where the quality of what’s served and the general feel of the space often leave a good impression.
With a strong recommendation score of 8.7, Alma is certainly worth considering. While the food selection isn’t vast and some minor cleanliness issues have been noted, its core strengths in culinary execution and inviting environment make it a reliable option for a casual meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Alma
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.6 and a stellar customer satisfaction rate of 90.9%, it's clear that most diners are leaving happy. People rave about the delicious pastries, excellent coffee, and a fantastic array of sandwiches like the Avocado Toast and paninis, often highlighting how fresh and consistent everything is.
Out of 66 comments, a whopping 60 were positive, showing a strong consensus. However, a few experiences did hit a sour note. Some found the food not edible due to a thick layer of pepper, particularly on the eggs, which were described as literally black.
There were also comments about a very small selection, suggesting that while what they do, they do well, variety might be limited for some. These 4 negative remarks, though few, point to areas for improvement.
Food
66
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pastries
- Excellent coffee
- Great sandwiches
What people don't like
- Over-seasoned food
- Limited selection
Often praised
- foodAll in all, I would give it a maximum of 4. 2 stars, even though it was really tasty. The selection is very small, the prices are in the usual average for such establishments in this country, and the cleanliness leaves something to be desired.
- coffeeMy experience at this restaurant was great. I enjoyed the great coffee and the proximity to the new park next door. We walked from Herons Head Park for a bite and then walked back.
- open face sandwichit was really gourmet, with a generous portion of well-seasoned mushrooms
- sandwichBest sandwich in San Francisco
- sandwichesI really like their sandwiches
- Avocado Toastbest Avocado Toast I have ever tasted
- ReubenLoved the Reuben
- Sunday brunchcame for Sunday brunch and loved the vibe
- Wedge saladThe Wedge salad is a fave
- almond croissanttheir almond croissant (they use custard as their filling)
Frequently criticized
- eggsThe eggs were literally black with pepper
- foodthe food was not edible unfortunately
- selection2 stars, even though it was really tasty. The selection is very small, the prices are in the usual average for such establishments in this country, and the cleanliness leaves something to be desired. The ambience is also not particularly appealing, and the location and surroundings are not exactly beautiful either.
- thick layer of peppersuch a thick layer of pepper on it
If youre looking for a place with consistently delicious pastries, coffee, and sandwiches, this cafe is definitely worth a visit. While the selection might be small and seasoning can occasionally be heavy-handed, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youll likely enjoy your meal.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.1 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 82.4%, its clear guests are happy. Out of 17 pieces of feedback, a whopping 14 praise the friendly staff, courteous employees, and quick service.
Youll often hear about the welcoming team and how nice the staff members are, making for a great experience. However, there are a few minor points to consider. Just 3 pieces of feedback mention some operational challenges, like one person having to juggle both the register and espresso drinks.
While the team is clearly dedicated, a little more help at the counter could smooth things out even further, ensuring everyone gets served efficiently.
Service
17
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Welcoming team
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Staff juggling tasks
- Limited staffing
Often praised
- staffFirst and foremost, it's doggy friendly. The staff are incredibly sweet, even during the few times I've visited. They offer a standard selection of cafe drinks and a delicious selection of sandwiches and other food items.
- serviceI discovered this restaurant by accident and had a great vibe and excellent service. The grilled cheese was the best I've ever had – a true revelation!
- KristinThankful for this place in the neighborhood! Kristin is lovely and the food is always fresh and consistent :)
- courteousOne person had to handle both the register and espresso drinks. She was as courteous as she could be while hustling to do both.
- employeesPolite, vaccinated employees
- friendly folksFriendly folks, really good food.
- staff members are niceI really like their sandwiches and almond croissant (they use custard as their filling), I highly recommend it. The space is big and opened and staff members are nice. My only feedback is for them to stay open later!
- teamCafe Alma’s team are friendly and Rock Stars
Frequently criticized
- help in the kitchenThey could use more help in the kitchen tho
- register and espresso drinksOne person had to do both register and espresso drinks
- stay open laterfor them to stay open later!
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and welcoming staff, youll likely be very pleased here. While they might occasionally be a bit stretched thin, the excellent service makes it well worth a visit for a pleasant experience.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to the overall feel of the place, the ambience here really shines! With a good score of 8.6 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 91.3%, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Many rave about the vibe, open space, and how pet friendly it is, often noting the artwork and ample seating.
Based on 42 positive comments, its definitely a spot where people feel comfortable and relaxed. However, its not entirely perfect, with 4 negative remarks pointing out a few areas for improvement. Some customers mentioned concerns about cleanliness, specifically regarding tables and chairs needing wiping down.
A couple of opinions also felt the ambience wasnt particularly appealing, and the location and surroundings werent beautiful, suggesting theres a little room for polish.
Ambience
46
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibe
- Spacious, open area
- Pet-friendly atmosphere
What people don't like
- Cleanliness concerns
- Unattractive surroundings
Often praised
- vibereally love the vibe of this place
- spaceParking is ample, free, and unrestricted. It's almost always sunny in India Basin, which makes the space really nice to work out of, with lots of fresh air (high ceiling/garage door opening warehouse setting) and sunshine. Thank you so much!
- atmosphereI had a very pleasant experience at this neat place. It's a great spot to relax with plenty of seating and a great atmosphere. The food selection was excellent, and I appreciated the healthy choices.
- seatingI had a very pleasant experience at this neat place. It's a great spot to relax with plenty of seating and a great atmosphere. The food selection was excellent, and I appreciated the healthy choices.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ParkingThey offer a standard selection of cafe drinks and a delicious selection of sandwiches and other food items. Parking is ample, free, and unrestricted. It's almost always sunny in India Basin, which makes the space really nice to work out of, with lots of fresh air (high ceiling/garage door opening warehouse setting) and sunshine.
- amazing viewan amazing view overlooking the bay
- ample seating spacethe cafe has ample seating space
- artworkA ton of artwork displayed around
- cafeBeautiful and spacious cafe with a relaxed, natural vibe
Frequently criticized
- ambienceThe ambience is also not particularly appealing
- cleanliness2 stars, even though it was really tasty. The selection is very small, the prices are in the usual average for such establishments in this country, and the cleanliness leaves something to be desired. The ambience is also not particularly appealing, and the location and surroundings are not exactly beautiful either.
- location and surroundingslocation and surroundings are not exactly beautiful
- tables and chairsMany of the tables and chairs needed wiping down
Overall, if youre looking for a place with a great atmosphere, especially one thats spacious and pet-friendly, this spot is definitely worth checking out. While a few minor cleanliness issues were noted, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests you'll likely enjoy the relaxed vibe and ample space.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 3% of the guests
The score for value sits at an average 5, suggesting its neither a steal nor overpriced. With no positive opinions or mentions to draw from, its hard to pinpoint what might be working well in this area. This assessment is based on just 1 overall feedback point.
However, customer satisfaction paints a different picture, registering a poor 0%. Despite no specific negative opinions or mentions being recorded, this low satisfaction score indicates that guests arent feeling they get their moneys worth.
Value
1
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
When it comes to value, this spot seems to be a bit of a gamble. While the overall score is average, the extremely low customer satisfaction suggests many arent happy with what they pay. You might want to consider if the price point aligns with your expectations, as theres little positive feedback to balance the poor satisfaction.
How are the prices at Alma?
On average, you’ll spend around 17 per person – based on 23 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spent, most diners found themselves in that $11–$20 sweet spot, with a few opting for slightly cheaper or a bit more premium options, showing a clear clustering around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 23 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Cafe in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It’s not the cheapest spot, but it offers good value for a casual meal or coffee.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Alma
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Cafe Alma: A Neighborhood Gem!
My experience at Cafe Alma was wonderful! From the moment I walked in, the warm and stylish decor made me feel right at home. The location is convenient, and it has the perfect vibe for both a quick coffee or a sit-down meal.
The pastries are absolutely delicious—fresh, flaky, and so well-made that choosing just one is a challenge. The coffee is excellent, and their food menu makes it a great spot for breakfast, snacks, or a satisfying meal. What truly makes Cafe Alma stand out is the staff; they are always welcoming, friendly, and attentive, making every visit a pleasure.
It's the kind of cafe every neighborhood dreams of having—cozy, inviting, and consistently good. Definitely a must-visit!
- decor10
- location9
- vibe10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Business Meeting
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Spot to Work and Relax
I'm visiting SF for work and found this to be such a cool spot to chill, get food, relax, and get work done. The vibe is great! I highly recommend it.
- cool spot9
- vibe9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Great Spot with a View
My experience at this restaurant was great. I enjoyed the great coffee and the proximity to the new park next door. We walked from Herons Head Park for a bite and then walked back.
I'm looking forward to the continued change in this part of SF! 👏
- coffee9
- park8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Refreshing Morning Chai Experience
My experience at the restaurant was a refreshing morning experience. The open and airy space created a pleasant atmosphere, and the balanced spiced chai was a highlight. I want this to become a routine.
- open and airy space10
- balanced spiced chai10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Favorite Dog-Friendly Spot with Great Food
This is one of my favorite coffee spots in San Francisco. First and foremost, it's doggy friendly. The staff are incredibly sweet, even during the few times I've visited.
They offer a standard selection of cafe drinks and a delicious selection of sandwiches and other food items. Parking is ample, free, and unrestricted. It's almost always sunny in India Basin, which makes the space really nice to work out of, with lots of fresh air (high ceiling/garage door opening warehouse setting) and sunshine.
Thank you so much!
- doggy friendly10
- staff9
- cafe drinks7
What Alma offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining options and food does Cafe Alma offer?
Cafe Alma provides a diverse menu for you, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert. You can find healthy options and vegetarian choices, alongside quick bites, coffee, wine, and beer.
What amenities and services are available at Cafe Alma?
Cafe Alma offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery services for your convenience. You’ll also find free street parking, a restroom, and full wheelchair accessibility, including the entrance, seating, and restroom.
How does Alma generally perform according to customer feedback?
Alma receives a strong overall **8.5** score, with **89.2%** customer satisfaction. Its **Food** (8.6) and **Ambience** (8.6) are highly rated, while **Service** (8.1) is also commendable. **Value** (5) is considered average.
What are the food highlights at Alma, and are there any drawbacks?
Customers frequently praise Alma’s sandwiches, avocado toast, and almond croissants. The food is often described as delicious and gourmet. However, some feedback indicates that the overall food selection is quite small.
What is the atmosphere like and how is the service at Alma?
Alma offers a relaxed and spacious atmosphere with a great vibe, ample seating, and often an appealing view. The staff are consistently described as friendly, sweet, and courteous, though some comments suggest they can be understaffed at times.