Highlights
- Great coffee
- Live performances
- Great tea selection
oChef » Le Cafe du Soleil – San Francisco
Le Cafe du Soleil - San Francisco
Photo from Le Cafe du Soleil
Le Cafe du Soleil at a glance
San Francisco Lower Haight
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 82 of the guests
#1037 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#87 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
457
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality offerings
- Inviting space
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Inconsistent food
- Few outlets
The cafe Le Cafe du Soleil in San Francisco’s Lower Haight neighborhood offers a truly unique experience. You can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere where great coffee and tea selections meet the excitement of live performances.
It’s a casual yet trendy spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. Whether you are starting your day with breakfast or unwinding with small plates and a glass of wine, this cafe provides a welcoming setting.
Overview: Introducting Le Cafe du Soleil
Le Cafe du Soleil offers a generally pleasant experience, often praised for its delightful food options and inviting atmosphere. Many find it a comfortable spot to enjoy a meal or a coffee, with a selection that caters to various tastes.
While the friendly staff contribute to a welcoming environment, some guests have noted concerns regarding the prices and the overall value offered for certain items, suggesting a mixed perception on affordability.
Good
7.6
out of 10
457
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
85
negative
20
neutral
352
positive
Overall, Le Cafe du Soleil garners a solid 7.6 out of 10, with a good 77% customer satisfaction rate. This positive reception is largely driven by strong performances in Food (7.7) and Ambience (8.2), which are frequently highlighted by patrons.
These positive sentiments are reflected in the 352 positive comments received. The Service (7.5) also holds up well, with many appreciating the attentive and friendly interactions.
However, the Value (3.7) score indicates a clear area for improvement, as some guests feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the portions or quality. This is a recurring theme among the 85 negative comments.
What people like
- Quality coffee and pastries
- Pleasant, inviting ambiance
- Friendly, attentive service
What people don't like
- Questionable food value
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Limited power outlets
If you’re seeking a cafe with a charming atmosphere and generally good food and service, Le Cafe du Soleil is worth considering. It’s a comfortable spot for a casual meal or a coffee break, especially if you prioritize the overall vibe and friendly interactions.
With a 7.9 recommendation score, it suggests a positive experience for most. Just be mindful of the pricing, as some items might feel a bit steep for what you receive.
It’s a solid choice for its strengths, provided you manage your expectations on value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Le Cafe du Soleil
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.7 score and a 77.8% customer satisfaction, both indicating a good experience. Many rave about the delicious French toast, amazing pastries, and quality quiches, often paired with excellent coffee. With 179 positive remarks out of 230 total, it's clear many find the culinary offerings delightful.
However, not everything is a hit, as 41 negative comments suggest some dishes miss the mark. The avocado toast has received criticism for lacking seasoning or being too thin, and the French onion soup and chicken Caesar salad have been described as disappointing. Some also found the coffee to be subpar or burnt, indicating inconsistency.
Food
230
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
41
negative
10
neutral
179
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious French toast
- Amazing pastries
- Quality quiches
What people don't like
- Disappointing avocado toast
- Mediocre French onion soup
- Inconsistent coffee quality
Often praised
- coffeeMy experience at this beautiful, quaint cafe in the Haight was always a delight. It's the perfect spot for brunch and coffee. I highly recommend the avocado toast with bacon and eggs and a cappuccino.
- foodI rarely review places, but this is the best cafe in the area. I had a great experience with the great food, great people, and it's a great spot. I definitely recommend it!
- pastriesWhile there aren't many outlets, which is typical for local cafes, it's a minor point. I've tried everything from their breakfast and lunch to pastries and desserts, and the great selection is definitely worth recommending. You should definitely stop by here!
- French toastThe French toast was well presented, topped with fresh strawberries and bananas
- breakfastWhile there aren't many outlets, which is typical for local cafes, it's a minor point. I've tried everything from their breakfast and lunch to pastries and desserts, and the great selection is definitely worth recommending. You should definitely stop by here!
- latteThe pastries are amazing, and I particularly enjoyed the tortilla espagnol and the french toast. My go-to order is the avocado toast with eggs, paired with a latte. I love that I can bring my dog and sit outside on the patio, which always brightens my day.
- saladsI am so happy they are open again! It's a lovely sunny spot with good salads, open faced sandwiches, and little pizzas. The dine-in lunch experience was great, with a price per person between $10–20.
- FoodFood:5
- avocado toastMy usual order is avocado toast with eggs
- cappuccinoAs a neighborhood regular, I appreciate that the baristas remember exactly how I like my drink made. Although I apologize for not knowing their names, they asked me ONCE how I like my cappuccino (short), and now I can depend on these fine gentlemen to craft my perfect morning survival tool.
Frequently criticized
- coffeeHowever, I must say that the coffee is not the best. I got a flat white, and the coffee tasted bitter. The croissant was good, but it was more of a puff pastry as it lacked the flakiness/airiness of a typical croissant.
- foodthe food to be overpriced and mediocre
- avocado toasttwo small pieces of limp dollar store wheat bread with some odd purée or avocado on it
- chickenWhile the atmosphere and ambience were 💯💯💯, the food choices left much to be desired. The avocado toast lacked seasoning and oomph, and the spicy chicken sandwich was mostly just underseasoned chicken and melted cheese, lacking overall flavor. I really wish the food choices were better here.
- portion sizeMy experience at this restaurant was largely defined by a disappointing avocado toast. They have a big sign out front advertising their avocado toast, but when I ordered it, I received two small pieces of limp dollar store wheat bread with some odd purée or avocado on it. This was a significant letdown given the advertising.
- French Onion souptried the French Onion soup. Not the best part
- French toastThe “French toast” was not French toast.
- avocadoThe avocado toast, priced at $14. 00, featured the thinnest possible slices of avocado on a piece of toast, which I felt was definitely not worth the price. On a positive note, the iced coffee was good.
- brothwater for broth
- cheeseThe cheese was bland
If you're looking for a delightful breakfast or brunch with fantastic French toast and pastries, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some savory options like the avocado toast or French onion soup might not live up to expectations.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at 76.6%. Out of 77 comments, a strong 59 praise the service, highlighting the incredibly friendly staff and kind owners. Many guests felt a smiley welcome and appreciated the excellent service from the servers.
However, 18 comments point to some areas needing improvement. Some experiences mention slow service or issues with delivery, while others describe less-than-ideal owner or management interactions. A few guests also noted unprofessional cashier behavior, suggesting a need for more consistent hospitality.
Service
77
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
18
negative
0
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Welcoming owners
- Excellent service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Unprofessional behavior
- Poor owner interaction
Often praised
- staffI was particularly impressed with the really legit espresso; it's hard to find good espresso in the city, and this place truly knows how to make it properly. The good wifi, tasteful music, and friendly staff made for a very pleasant visit. It's now my favorite coffee shop in the city.
- serviceIf a trip to France was included with the sandwich, it might tempt me to revisit. While the service was nice and the atmosphere was well lit and open, if you're in need of a hearty breakfast, save time and money by venturing somewhere else.
- peopleI rarely review places, but this is the best cafe in the area. I had a great experience with the great food, great people, and it's a great spot. I definitely recommend it!
- ServiceService:5
- excellent serviceMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional, particularly with their French toast, which I can honestly say is the best I've ever had. Complementing the outstanding food was the excellent service and a great location. It's a very underrated brunch spot in SF!
- ownerMy go-to neighborhood cafe for a really good quiche or a decent croque with my smooth cafe au lait. The owner is a sweetheart and the staff is usually very nice. After closing during COVID, they have just re-opened across the street and are still great.
- baristasbaristas remembering exactly how you like your drink made
- fast wififast wifi: what more can you ask for from a cafe?
- friendly peopleReally down to earth friendly people
- friendly staffThey also offer great weekend brunches. The staff was super friendly, and the place is clearly popular with locals. I enjoyed the sidewalk seating and the live music on the weeknights.
Frequently criticized
- servershe slammed a $5 bill on the table and patted it twice and said, “Fine! There you go—that’s for the latte!”
- serviceHowever, on my most recent visit, I attempted to work from the restaurant. Despite my willingness to place an order while working, I didn't feel welcomed or encouraged to do so. The service and atmosphere were rated a 1 out of 5, indicating a significant area for improvement in customer experience beyond just the food.
- ownerRight. I was trying to explain my view, but he had no patience while I stuttered a bit, told me to get the hell out and walked away. So, to the owner: my review was simply an honest reflection of my experience at the time, in my own voice.
- behaviorher behaviour felt hostile when we were nothing but polite
- business policiesmaking reasonable exceptions to business policies is natural and does not ruin business integrity. It strengthens it.
- cashiercashier to wrap up her convo with a customer that lasted longer than it should have
- deliverythey did not deliver to our table
- dishesthe dishes took a very long time
- hospitalityIf you think that shows hospitality, then you're quite wrong sir
- managementLong story short: Skip this point and go across the street to Taragon Cafe; the hospitality and options are far more enticing. I'm moving this from 2 stars to 1 for the management. It's an average cafe, good for bringing a computer and working.
If you're looking for a place with generally warm and welcoming staff, this spot is a good bet. While most experiences are positive, be aware that a few guests have encountered inconsistent service or less-than-friendly interactions, particularly with management.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
The ambience at this spot truly stands out, earning a good score of 8.2 and boasting a fantastic 86.2% customer satisfaction. Many of the 112 positive remarks highlight the wonderful atmosphere, vibe, and abundant natural light, often praising the outdoor seating as a major draw. Its clearly a place where guests feel comfortable and enjoy their surroundings.
However, its not entirely without its minor drawbacks. A smaller number of 12 negative comments mention flimsy outdoor chairs and rickety tables, suggesting some areas could use a refresh. A few also noted the lack of power outlets and occasionally loud music, which can be a slight inconvenience for some visitors.
Ambience
130
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
12
negative
6
neutral
112
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, positive vibe
- Great natural light
- Plenty of seating
What people don't like
- Lack of power outlets
- Flimsy outdoor furniture
- Music sometimes loud
Often praised
- atmosphereIf a trip to France was included with the sandwich, it might tempt me to revisit. While the service was nice and the atmosphere was well lit and open, if you're in need of a hearty breakfast, save time and money by venturing somewhere else.
- vibeI really appreciated the vibe that the cafe set up
- musicI was particularly impressed with the really legit espresso; it's hard to find good espresso in the city, and this place truly knows how to make it properly. The good wifi, tasteful music, and friendly staff made for a very pleasant visit. It's now my favorite coffee shop in the city.
- cafeBest cafe the lower Haight has ever had to offer
- placeLe reste à l’air vraiment bon, en tous cas très appétissant. L’endroit est particulièrement agréable et cosy, dans un quartier sympa et dans une te pas trop animé, c’est un super endroit pour prendre un petit déjeuner ou faire une pause dans la journée.
- WiFiThe kindest staff I've ever encountered truly make you feel at home and welcome. My friends and I enjoy working here because of the great WiFi. While there aren't many outlets, which is typical for local cafes, it's a minor point.
- outdoor seatingMy experience at this coffee shop was fantastic! It has a great European vibe and offers outdoor seating. I was particularly impressed with the really legit espresso; it's hard to find good espresso in the city, and this place truly knows how to make it properly.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancethe ambiance and seating is outstanding
- ambiencethe atmosphere and ambience was 💯💯💯
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereHowever, on my most recent visit, I attempted to work from the restaurant. Despite my willingness to place an order while working, I didn't feel welcomed or encouraged to do so. The service and atmosphere were rated a 1 out of 5, indicating a significant area for improvement in customer experience beyond just the food.
- musicOh how i miss the wonderful music they used to play
- caféunnecessarily strict at a café; a space where it's usually meant to be welcoming and reasonably accommodating
- flimsy outdoor chairsit could upgrade its flimsy outdoor chairs
- neighbornot good enough for some crabby neighbor down the street
- no outletsNO OUTLETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- outletsUnfortunately not outlets
- power outletsno power outlets
- rickety tablesrefurbish its rickety tables
If you're seeking a place with a genuinely great atmosphere, especially to soak up natural light or enjoy outdoor seating, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just keep in mind that some outdoor furniture might be a bit worn, and power outlets are scarce if you plan to work.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
Despite a generally low sentiment, a couple of diners found the prices reasonable, especially for a complete breakfast that left them feeling full. Some even noted affordable pastries, suggesting there might be some good deals if you know where to look, based on 2 positive comments. However, the overall value perception is quite poor, with a score of 3.7 and customer satisfaction at a mere 10%.
Many of the 14 negative comments highlight issues with overpriced food, expensive coffee, and extra charges for alternative milks. Diners often felt portion sizes were sub-par for the price point, making items like a $10 onion soup or $20 bagged salad feel not worth it.
Value
20
Reviews
10%
Satisfaction
14
negative
4
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable pastries
- Filling breakfast
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Expensive coffee
- Poor portion value
Often praised
- pricesI wasn't hungry at all when I left. They have a wide selection of European-style pastries at affordable prices, though they don't quite meet European standards, they are still very good! I decided to go straight for a very complete American breakfast to fuel my long days of sightseeing.
Frequently criticized
- priceHow you can feel ok making people pay $20 for a bagged salad is beyond me
- $10 onion soup$10 onion soup has water for broth
- alternative milksThey charge +$1 for alternative milks
- coffeeIf you charge $6 for a coffee, I expect a great coffee
- online menuSo, to the owner: my review was simply an honest reflection of my experience at the time, in my own voice. How you can feel okay making people pay $20 (but by the way, the online menu said it was $16) for a bagged salad is beyond me. Reviews, in my view, are not about receiving a custom response or plate afterward but about sharing how things are as they happen, on first impression.
- overpriced foodIt isn’t the overpriced food that compelled me to write this
- price per personConsidering the price per person was between $50–100
- price pointsub-par portion size in proportion to the price point
Given the feedback, value here is a significant concern. You might find a reasonable pastry or a filling breakfast, but be prepared for many items, especially coffee and salads, to feel quite overpriced. If budget is a key factor, this spot might disappoint.
How are the prices at Le Cafe du Soleil?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 82 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While most guests find their sweet spot in the $11–$20 range, theres a good mix of options. Youll also find plenty of choices for those looking to spend a bit less, and some slightly higher-end treats too.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 82 reviews.
How this Cafe stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco when it comes to value for money.
For a Cafe in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, catering to different budgets while maintaining a mid-range sweet spot.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Le Cafe du Soleil
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Pastry and Coffee Spot with Mixed Feelings
This is a sweet little spot to sit for a pastry and coffee. However, I must say that the coffee is not the best. I got a flat white, and the coffee tasted bitter.
The croissant was good, but it was more of a puff pastry as it lacked the flakiness/airiness of a typical croissant.
- croissant7
- coffee3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing French Toast and Sandwich!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the incredible food. I had the French toast, which was so good I might consider it the best I’ve ever had. It had a perfect crust on the outside and an almost custard-y inside.
I also enjoyed the chicken bacon Gruyère sandwich, which was both savory and delicious. It's worth noting that many people in the cafe were working on their laptops, suggesting it's a popular spot for remote work.
- French toast10
- perfect crust9
- custard-y inside9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Great Food and Friendly Staff
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great food and the very friendly staff. It's a great place to have a bite, relax, and spend time with friends or even read.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, service a 5, and food a 5, with no wait time.
- food10
- staff10
- place9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Magical Neighborhood Cafe with Authentic Charm
My experience at Cafe du Soleil was truly magical, no matter the time of year. The Equator coffee beans and healthy salads were consistently fantastic. What truly sets this cafe apart is its authenticity and charm.
The owners and staff treat their long-time customers like family, creating a welcoming atmosphere. I always leave Cafe Du Soleil feeling caffeinated and smiling. You can't put a price on a place as charming as this.
- Equator coffee beans9
- healthy salads9
- authenticity and charm10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Lovely cafe with great coffee and service
My experience at this cafe was lovely! It boasts plenty of natural lighting, which creates a pleasant atmosphere. The coffee was excellent, and the staff were friendly.
Overall, it's a great place to hang out.
- natural lighting9
- coffee9
- staff9
What Le Cafe du Soleil offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of experience can you expect at Le Cafe du Soleil?
At Le Cafe du Soleil, you can look forward to a casual and trendy atmosphere in San Francisco’s Lower Haight. Enjoy great coffee and a wide tea selection, often accompanied by live performances. The menu features healthy options, small plates, and vegetarian choices, perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Does Le Cafe du Soleil accommodate families and offer outdoor seating?
Yes, Le Cafe du Soleil is good for kids, providing a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs. You can also enjoy the fresh air with outdoor seating available. For those with furry friends, dogs are allowed in the outdoor areas. Plus, Wi-Fi is available for your convenience.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Le Cafe du Soleil?
Le Cafe du Soleil has a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.6 and a Customer Satisfaction of 77%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.7), Ambience (8.2), and Service (7.5), though Value (3.7) is a notable concern.
What do customers enjoy most about Le Cafe du Soleil?
Customers frequently praise the quality of the coffee and pastries, the pleasant and inviting atmosphere, and the friendly, attentive service from the staff and baristas. Many find it a delightful spot for brunch or a casual visit.
Are there any common complaints or drawbacks at Le Cafe du Soleil?
Some customers express concerns about the value, citing high prices for certain items and inconsistent food quality, such as disappointing avocado toast or French onion soup. There have also been isolated incidents of unwelcoming service and a general lack of power outlets for those looking to work.