Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Cafe du Soleil – San Francisco
Cafe du Soleil - San Francisco
Photo from Cafe du Soleil
Cafe du Soleil at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 43 of the guests
#222 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#20 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
380
Reviews
88.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Limited seating
- Service inconsistency
The cafe Cafe du Soleil in San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood offers you a truly delightful experience. You’ll find yourself drawn in by its cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a quick escape.
Known for its great coffee, it’s the ideal spot to start your day or enjoy a relaxing break. Whether you’re looking for a healthy option or a vegetarian bite, this charming spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Cafe du Soleil
Cafe du Soleil offers a delightful experience, often praised for its culinary strengths, particularly the use of fresh ingredients and generous portions. Many visitors highlight the staff’s friendliness, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
However, some patrons have noted that the dining area can feel a bit constrained, and there are occasional remarks about the music selection. Despite these minor points, the overall impression leans heavily towards a positive and satisfying visit.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
380
Reviews
88.9%
Satisfaction
31
negative
11
neutral
338
positive
Cafe du Soleil achieves a strong overall score of 8.5, reflecting a consistently positive experience for most patrons. This is well-supported by a good Customer Satisfaction rate of 88.9%, indicating that the vast majority of visitors leave content with their meal and visit.
Delving into specifics, the Food stands out with an excellent (9.1) score, frequently lauded for its quality and variety. Both Ambience (8) and Service (7.5) are rated as good, often noted for their inviting atmosphere and attentive staff.
The Value (7.2) also holds a good standing, with many appreciating the reasonable pricing for the generous offerings. These insights are drawn from 380 customer observations, comprising 338 positive and 31 negative remarks.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Friendly, attentive service
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Limited seating space
- Occasional service issues
- Messy sandwiches
Cafe du Soleil presents a compelling option for those prioritizing quality food and a welcoming atmosphere. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.7, it’s certainly worth considering for a meal where culinary satisfaction is a priority.
While minor issues like seating limitations or occasional service hiccups might arise, the overall positive experience, driven by delicious offerings and attentive staff, makes it a place many return to. It’s a solid choice for a reliable and enjoyable dining outing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cafe du Soleil
Food (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food! With an impressive 9.1 score and a stellar 97.8% customer satisfaction, its clear that the culinary experience here is excellent. Based on 223 positive remarks out of 228 total, guests consistently rave about the fresh ingredients, great bread, and generous portion sizes, especially for items like the delicious croque monsieur and various sandwiches and salads.
The preparation of each meal is clearly a labor of love. While the food generally shines, there are a tiny handful of areas for improvement, with only 3 negative comments. Some found certain sandwiches to be messy to eat, and a few mentioned the sauce could be overdone.
There was also a specific note to avoid the ahi tuna, suggesting it might not hit the mark for everyone.
Food
228
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
223
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Generous portion sizes
- Delicious sandwiches/salads
What people don't like
- Messy sandwiches
- Sauce overdone
- Ahi tuna disappointing
Often praised
- foodIt opens at 7 AM, which is perfect for breakfast. The owner was very friendly, and the food was delicious. I especially enjoyed the coffee, which was great!
- coffeeMy experience at this restaurant offered good options for breakfast, including smoothies and coffee. While the food was excellent, the music was not to my liking, though I consider this a minor detail.
- saladsReally good salads and sandwiches here.
- breadWe stopped at this unassuming spot for a quick brunch and were absolutely blown away by the staff's friendliness and the care in preparation of our brunch. The food was phenomenal, the bread was superb, the avocados were perfect, the fruit salad was delicious, and the mango smoothie was exacting in its fruit and spinach ratio. When we asked for salt and pepper with our to-go order, the staff hand-ground some black pepper and pink sea salt into tiny takeout containers for us!
- ingredientsWe got two salad/sandwich combos and a full sandwich. The servings were SO generous, and the ingredients were very flavorful. Additionally, the staff were incredibly friendly.
- sandwichesone of the best sandwiches I've ever experienced
- portionscome in very generous portions
- fresh ingredientsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the amazing, fresh ingredients and great bread. The attention to detail in their food is evident.
- Nicoise saladthe Nicoise salad was very good
- big portionsbig portions for a great price
Frequently criticized
- ahi tunawould not recommend the ahi tuna unless you enjoy sticking wasabi up your nose
- sandwichesreally messy to eat
- saucereally over did it with the sauce
If youre looking for a meal made with fresh, quality ingredients and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a visit. Youll likely find delicious sandwiches and salads that hit the spot. Just be mindful of the ahi tuna and some potentially messy sandwich options.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.5 and a good customer satisfaction of 73.3%. Many of the 63 positive remarks rave about the friendly owner and staff friendliness, often highlighting quickness and excellent service that makes you feel truly welcomed. However, its not always smooth sailing, as 19 negative comments point to some bumps.
Issues like slow service and long waits during busy times can be a concern, with some guests feeling a lack of greeting or acknowledgement' upon arrival.
Service
86
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
19
negative
4
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly owner/staff
- Excellent customer service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waits
- Poor greeting
Often praised
- ownerIt opens at 7 AM, which is perfect for breakfast. The owner was very friendly, and the food was delicious. I especially enjoyed the coffee, which was great!
- serviceThey provide warm and friendly service, creating a welcoming atmosphere
- staffThe servings were SO generous, and the ingredients were very flavorful. Additionally, the staff were incredibly friendly. I would definitely order from here again.
- ServiceIt truly felt like a little slice of Paris right here in San Francisco. The dine-in service for lunch was great, and the price per person was between $20–30.
- chefThe chef here is one of the best person
- customer serviceI had the best cappuccino I've had in the city. The place itself is cute and has amazing customer service. While I didn't order food myself, the dishes I saw on other tables looked heavenly!
- MichaelMy husband had an omelette with ham, cheese, and spinach, along with a cup of "fresh" mango. Michael was a delight, and everything was so clean. We will be coming back soon.
- Michael (owner)Michael (owner) is tremendously polite
- OwnerOwner is warm and friendly
- WiFiThanks for letting me use your WiFi
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marred by horrible service. I was not greeted upon arrival, and despite making eye contact with the workers, I was not acknowledged until what appeared to be the owner came to the register.
- acknowledgementMy experience at this restaurant was marred by horrible service. I was not greeted upon arrival, and despite making eye contact with the workers, I was not acknowledged until what appeared to be the owner came to the register. Due to the poor service, I would not come here again.
- disappointedI'm very disappointed and shocked
- disposable containersserved the food in disposable containers
- extended waiting periodwaiting for an extended period of time
- greetingwas not greeted
- guy at the registerThe guy at the register was babbling on the phone
- long linesMy experience at this restaurant was largely negative. The staff seemed more focused on their phones than on the customers, leading to long lines and long waits. The sandwiches were also over-priced.
- long waitsMy experience at this restaurant was largely negative. The staff seemed more focused on their phones than on the customers, leading to long lines and long waits. The sandwiches were also over-priced.
- lunch rushthe lunch rush may keep you waiting
Overall, you can expect a warm welcome and efficient service, especially from the owner and staff. Just be prepared for potential long waits or slow service if you hit them during peak hours. If youre not in a rush, its definitely worth a visit for the generally positive experience.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 81.1%. Guests consistently praise the top-notch atmosphere, charming and cozy decor, and the welcoming, stimulating, and casually friendly vibe. With 43 positive remarks out of 53 total comments, it's clear many find it a delightful and cozy cafe experience.
However, a few points could use a little polish. There were 6 negative observations, mainly concerning the music and the limited seating. Some visitors mentioned the place can feel small, especially when the lunch crowd arrives, making it a bit challenging to find a spot.
Ambience
53
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
6
negative
4
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Top-notch atmosphere
- Charming, cozy decor
- Welcoming, friendly vibe
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Small place
- Crowded at lunch
Often praised
- atmosphereThe space is limited, so you may have to wait, but it’s absolutely worth it. The warm service, inviting atmosphere, and exquisite dish made the experience unforgettable. I'll definitely be back!
- placeThis place has something special going on
- seatingoffering comfortable seating and a relaxed atmosphere
- spotCute little spot
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- European flairwell kept with European flair
- ambianceThe cafe's cozy ambiance enhances the overall experience, offering comfortable seating
- ambienceI like the ambience
- cafeThis is probably one of the coolest cafes in Lower Haight. It's a quiet and great place to study or work.
- charming and cozy decorThe atmosphere was also top-notch – a stimulating and casually friendly environment perfect for enjoying a delicious meal. The decor is charming and cozy, creating a vibe that makes you want to stay. The menu offers delicious options for everyone, and the staff were more than happy to accommodate any special dietary needs.
Frequently criticized
- lunch crowdthe lunch crowd overwhelms the place
- musicnot happy with the music
- placeThe place is very small
- seatingNot a lot of seating
- tables to sityou get a table to sit at since there are only about a handful available
- walkIt’s a bit of a walk for me to get there
If you're looking for a charming and cozy spot with a great vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that seating can be limited, especially during peak lunch hours, so plan accordingly to fully enjoy the atmosphere.
Value (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, youll find some real gems here. Many customers rave about the affordable options and great price points, often mentioning how you can save plenty of money without sacrificing quality. With a solid score of 7.2, it seems they deliver on their promise of good value, especially with big portions.
This positive sentiment is echoed in 9 out of 13 customer remarks. However, its not all sunshine and savings. While the overall score is good, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 69.2%, indicating some room for improvement.
A few voices, 3 to be exact, point out that certain items, like the over-priced sandwiches, can feel a bit expensive, especially within San Francisco's costly lunch culture. So, while many find it fair, be mindful of specific menu choices.
Value
13
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair, affordable prices
- Great value offered
- Big portions, good price
What people don't like
- Some items expensive
- Sandwiches over-priced
Often praised
- pricereasonably priced relative to other places
- affordableit's super affordable
- food valueThe food is very worth the value
- great pricebig portions for a great price
- price pointIt's made here, period. I mean, we're talking about consistent foam, good espresso, and an affordable price point. Oh boy, what is Blue Bottle?
- price pointsreasonably price points that put other places to shame
- save plenty of moneyI highly recommend trying the big size salad, as it's large enough to share with 3-4 people. This is a great way to save plenty of money, especially considering San Francisco's expensive lunch culture. Haha :)
- valuedeliver great quality and value
Frequently criticized
- expensivealthough expensive
- expensive lunch cultureSF expensive lunch culture
- over-priced sandwichesover-priced sandwiches
If youre looking for good portions and generally fair prices, this spot offers solid value, especially for certain items. Just be aware that some menu choices, like sandwiches, might lean towards the pricier side. Overall, its worth checking out if you pick wisely.
How are the prices at Cafe du Soleil?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 43 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.
Looking at the data, most guests find themselves right in that $11–$20 sweet spot, with a few venturing into the next price bracket. It shows the pricing is pretty consistent around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 43 reviews.
See how this Cafe’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Cafe in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank, which is always a good sign for repeat visits.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cafe du Soleil
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Delivery
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Generous Portions, Friendly Staff!
My experience was fantastic! I ordered takeout for three people around lunch. We got two salad/sandwich combos and a full sandwich.
The servings were SO generous, and the ingredients were very flavorful. Additionally, the staff were incredibly friendly. I would definitely order from here again.
- servings10
- ingredients9
- staff10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Absolutely Worth the Wait!
I thoroughly enjoyed this meal; it was fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. The space is limited, so you may have to wait, but it’s absolutely worth it. The warm service, inviting atmosphere, and exquisite dish made the experience unforgettable.
I'll definitely be back! 😉😋
- food10
- space6
- wait6
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Cozy Lunch with Fantastic Food
This is a great spot for a cozy lunch with fantastic food. Their salads are fantastic, as well as everything else on their menu. I suggest the prosciutto and brie cheese sandwich.
- food10
- salads10
- prosciutto and brie cheese sandwich10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Kind Service, Delicious Coffee
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The gentleman who runs the place is incredibly kind and amiable. I found the coffee to be delicious and potent.
- gentleman9
- coffee9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Best Cappuccino and Heavenly Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best cappuccino I've had in the city. The place itself is cute and has amazing customer service.
While I didn't order food myself, the dishes I saw on other tables looked heavenly!
- cappuccino10
- customer service9
- place8
What Cafe du Soleil offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Coffee
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What service options are available at Cafe du Soleil in Transbay?
At Cafe du Soleil, you have a variety of convenient service options to choose from. You can enjoy your meal with dine-in seating, including outdoor seating, or opt for takeout, curbside pickup, and even no-contact delivery. It’s designed to fit your busy San Francisco lifestyle.
Does Cafe du Soleil offer healthy or vegetarian options in a comfortable setting?
Absolutely! Cafe du Soleil prides itself on offering healthy options and delicious vegetarian choices to cater to diverse preferences. You’ll find yourself in a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal in San Francisco.
How is Cafe du Soleil rated overall by customers?
Cafe du Soleil holds a strong overall score of 8.5, with a good customer satisfaction rate of 88.9%. The Food (9.1) is particularly excellent, complemented by good Ambience (8), Service (7.5), and Value (7.2).
What do customers enjoy most about Cafe du Soleil?
Customers frequently praise the excellent food quality, highlighting fresh ingredients and generous portions. The friendly and warm service, along with the cozy and inviting atmosphere, are also consistent highlights.
Are there any common complaints or downsides at Cafe du Soleil?
Some customers have noted that seating can be limited, especially during busy periods. There are also occasional mentions of inconsistent service and some specific food items, like certain sandwiches, being messy to eat.