Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Cafe Madeleine – San Francisco
Cafe Madeleine - San Francisco
Photo from Cafe Madeleine
Cafe Madeleine at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 20 of the guests
#2010 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#134 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
201
Reviews
60.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The cafe Cafe Madeleine in San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood offers you a delightful escape. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Known for its great dessert, you can also enjoy excellent coffee and a wide selection of teas. Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or stopping by for lunch, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Cafe Madeleine
Good
6.4
out of 10
201
Reviews
60.2%
Satisfaction
71
negative
9
neutral
121
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cafe Madeleine
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, its a bit of a mixed bag, but leans positive overall. With a score of 6.9 and customer satisfaction at 66.4%, it seems many find something to love. Out of 125 comments, 83 were positive, highlighting delicious items like their amazing cakes, tasty chicken pot pie, and a variety of sandwiches and pastries.
However, 36 negative remarks suggest theres room for improvement. Some found the quiche soggy, certain desserts stale or moldy, and the coffee sometimes lacking. Even specific items like the chocolate croissant and tiramisu received criticism, indicating inconsistency in quality.
Food
125
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
36
negative
6
neutral
83
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious cakes
- Tasty sandwiches
- Quality baked goods
What people don't like
- Soggy quiche
- Stale desserts
- Inconsistent coffee
Often praised
- foodThe staff acted as if they were very busy, yet there were no customers inside. Because of this poor service, I have found a new place to go to, 'working girls', which offers wonderful customer service and great food. I hope this restaurant gets shut down; San Francisco does not need this here!
- mochaMy experience at this local cafe was wonderful. I enjoyed their fabulous mocha and hot chocolates, both generously topped with chocolate whipped cream. The cakes and pastries are also really good here.
- sandwichesTheir baked goods and sandwiches are made in house and are delicious.
- breadsThe breads were made with all the due care
- chicken pot piechicken pot pie also might be one of the best pot pies I've had
- dessertsdesserts are incredible
- mango mousse cakeThe mango mousse cake and fruit tart are also delicious
- qualityThe sandwiches were delicious, the drinks were great, and the desserts were incredible. They are high quality and made with so much love! 💖 I highly recommend this place.
- sweet treatsthey also sell all sorts of sweet treats
- Bande cakeit was exactly what I have been missing this whole time. I loved it.
Frequently criticized
- coffeeI had an awesome crumbly breakfast sandwich that was a real highlight. However, the coffee could have used some love. Overall, it's a great spot for breakfast.
- eclairEclair was like just from the fridge. Certainly it was not fresh at all.
- pastriesdesserts or pastries they have been either stale... or undercooked
- birthday cakesI visited this bakery because my usual spot, Shubert's, was closed for the summer, and I needed a birthday cake. Unfortunately, I discovered they have a very limited selection of birthday cakes, with only two left when I arrived. The cakes also didn't look as impressive as I had hoped, and they were pricey as well.
- breadthe bread was overcooked and way too crunchy
- cakerealized the cake had the smell of moldy bread and that indeed there was mold inside.
- cakesThey don't look as impressive
- caramelized sugarcaramelized sugar was not a hard shell, but a sticky mess
- chocolateThe chocolate on top was with with ice and hard.
- chocolate croissantchocolate croissant, but the chocolate had this really weird smell and taste
If you're looking for delicious cakes, pastries, and solid sandwich options, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some items, like the quiche or certain desserts, might be a hit or miss, so choose wisely.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers have praised the friendly and accommodating staff, often highlighting quick and personal interactions. With 23 positive remarks, terms like staff, service, and delivery frequently appear, showcasing moments where the team genuinely cares and goes the extra mile, even for things like cake delivery. However, the experience isn't always smooth sailing, as reflected by a score of 5.5 and a customer satisfaction of 52.3%, indicating a mixed bag.
With 20 negative comments, issues like waiting time, staff attitude, and incorrect orders frequently pop up, with some guests encountering significant delays, indifferent service, or a complete lack of greeting.
Service
44
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
20
negative
1
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Caring team
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Poor customer service
- Indifferent staff
Often praised
- staffThe staff works incredibly hard every day
- serviceeveryone does their best to provide great service
- customer serviceThe staff acted as if they were very busy, yet there were no customers inside. Because of this poor service, I have found a new place to go to, 'working girls', which offers wonderful customer service and great food. I hope this restaurant gets shut down; San Francisco does not need this here!
- cake deliverythey still delivered the cake to me!
- deliveryDelivery was right on time
- front-of-house teamthey do their best to keep things running smoothly
- peoplePeople are friendly
- teamthe team really cares about giving customers the best possible experience
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was the worst ever. They never make anything on time. I waited more than 1.
- customer serviceThe employee's lack of compassion made me cancel my order
- waiting timeI came here to grab a sandwich and ended up waiting 20 minutes. The service was horrible.
- Asian managerThe Asian manager doesn’t have control
- Bad customer serviceBad customer service
- Nothing ready on timeMy experience at this café was marked by significant delays. Nothing was ready on time, leading to a frustrating experience. Due to the bad customer service and the lack of punctuality, I believe I will not be returning to this café.
- break time", the lady ignored me. Consequently, I walked off, having wasted my break time. I definitely wouldn’t recommend this place based on the service I received.
- cashierThe Cashier starts ringing up another customer
- crewI had been coming to this location for a few years, but today, I had a very disappointing experience. The crew should be more understanding of their customer's needs. The employee's lack of compassion made me cancel my order.
- greetingnobody greet you
If youre considering a visit, be aware that service here can be a bit of a gamble. While some patrons rave about friendly and efficient interactions, others have faced frustrating delays and indifferent staff. Its a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
On the positive side, many guests appreciate the vibe, with 7 positive remarks highlighting a cute spot thats often described as "clean" and offering pleasant "bistro seating. " Theres even a mention of a supportive work environment among staff. While customer satisfaction sits at a 53.8%, indicating a mixed experience, these aspects certainly contribute to a pleasant visit.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. With 5 negative comments, some found the "decor" a bit "plain" or even "rundown, " leading to an "uninviting" feel. There were also concerns about "cleanliness, " with one person even calling the space a "mess.
" The overall score for ambience is an average 5.9, suggesting theres definite room for improvement.
Ambience
13
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute spot
- Bistro seating
- Supportive staff vibe
What people don't like
- Plain decor
- Rundown appearance
- Uninviting atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- bakery cafeClean small bakery cafe
- bistro seatingBistro seating inside and outside
- cleanit’s very clean
- cute spotCute spot
- spacethe space is clean
- work environmentThe work environment among employees was always supportive
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereQuiet rundown as seen in photos
- cafeteriathe cafeteria is a mess
- cleanlinessnot very clean
- decorThe decor is a bit plain.
- invitingNothing could be less inviting than this café
If youre looking for a cute spot with bistro seating and a good vibe among staff, you might enjoy it. However, be prepared for potentially plain or rundown decor that some find uninviting. Its a mixed bag, so manage your expectations regarding the overall atmosphere.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, many folks found some sweet spots! Based on 19 customer remarks, with 8 positive ones, theres praise for things being "reasonably priced, " especially for "lunch" deals. Some even felt the "quality certainly was appropriate for the price, " making it a good "deal" in certain situations.
The overall score for value sits at an average 5.1. However, its a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 42.1% and 10 negative comments. Some diners felt certain items, like a cup of coffee, were overpriced or generally pricey.
Concerns were also raised about drip pricing and unexpected fees, suggesting that value isn't always consistent across the board.
Value
19
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good lunch deals
- Quality for price
What people don't like
- Overpriced coffee
- Hidden fees
- Often pricey
Often praised
- pricequality certainly was appropriate for the price
- dealit's a really good deal in downtown SF
- delivery costReally reasonable delivery cost for $50 purchase
- lunchMy experience at Cafe Madeline was fantastic, especially considering they offer a solid lunch for under $15 in 2024. It's a real win!
- reasonably pricedsuper reasonably priced for the financial district
Frequently criticized
- priceOverpriced for what it is
- pricesI am editing my 5-star review down because, unfortunately, the restaurant's quality, quantity, and service have declined while their prices have increased. I used to love how much care they gave to making lattes perfectly frothed, but now they just seem to be slumping milk and espresso shots together.
- cakesthey are pricey as well
- cup of coffeeit was nothing but a really overpriced cup of coffee.
- cup of waterinsult of paying for a cup of water
- drip pricingthis is a form of drip pricing and inherently dishonest
- feeCharges a fee of its own invention
- priceyPretty pricey though!
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? If you're looking for specific lunch deals or reasonably priced sandwiches, you might find some good value here. However, be wary of potential hidden fees or certain items that customers felt were quite overpriced, as the overall experience can be a bit inconsistent.
How are the prices at Cafe Madeleine?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 20 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 spend in the 1 – 20 $ range, there are a few who opt for pricier items, showing a bit of variety in what’s on offer.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 20 reviews.
See how this Cafe’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Cafe in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank, and the variety in spending suggests there’s something for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cafe Madeleine
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
6
Inconsistent Almond Pastry Filling
My building receives daily deliveries from Cafe Madeleine. I absolutely love the almond cream-filled pastry, but its consistency is a major issue. Often, there's very little filling, almost to the point of being non-existent.
Other times, the filling is abundant, and it's amazing. I wish there was a generous amount of filling every day, as it makes the pastry sooooo good and bursting with flavor! Additionally, please bring back the chocolate-filled pastry.
The replacement you introduced a couple of years ago is nowhere near as good!
- almond cream filled pastry9
- filling3
- chocolate filled pastry2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Incredible Ube Croissant & Excellent Tea!
I was in town visiting and came here multiple times because it was so good. The service was quick and the ube croissant was incredible. Just the right amount of sweetness.
It's hard to wow me with a tea, but their English Breakfast was excellent.
- service9
- ube croissant10
- English Breakfast8
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Dedicated Staff in a Busy Café
As a former employee, I can attest to the hard work the staff puts in daily. Despite a small front-of-house team, especially after COVID closures, they strive to keep things running smoothly. The café gets very busy due to regular customers, catering orders, delivery apps, and partner requests, which can be overwhelming.
Nevertheless, the team makes a genuine effort to provide great service. Café Madeline is a family business, and the team truly cares about offering customers the best possible experience, drawing on skills honed by the owner's time in France. The work environment was always supportive.
While challenges like difficult customers or safety concerns arose, the staff consistently aimed for excellent customer service, with genuine effort evident even on tough days. It's important to remember the staff are human, working hard to make every experience positive.
- staff9
- front-of-house team7
- service8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
10
Amazing Custom Cheesecake Experience!
My experience at this bakery was exceptional. They were the only ones willing to create a custom cheesecake for me, and they absolutely crushed it. The pistachio cheesecake with raspberry crème on top was both beautiful and tasty.
The staff were friendly and accommodating, and the price was good. I highly recommend this bakery.
- custom cheesecake10
- pistachio cheesecake10
- raspberry crème9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious Baked Goods and Lovely Staff
My experience at this cafe was fantastic! It's one of the best lunch spots around. The baked goods and sandwiches are made in-house and were absolutely delicious.
The staff was also lovely, contributing to a great overall experience.
- baked goods10
- sandwiches10
- staff10
What Cafe Madeleine offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Vegetarian options
- Coffee
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Cafe Madeleine accessible for all visitors?
Yes, Cafe Madeleine ensures a welcoming experience for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it easy to navigate the cafe. Additionally, wheelchair accessible seating is available, so you can comfortably enjoy your coffee, dessert, or meal in the casual setting.
Does Cafe Madeleine offer outdoor seating and is it pet-friendly?
Absolutely! Cafe Madeleine provides outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the San Francisco weather. If you’re bringing your furry friend along, you’ll be pleased to know that dogs are allowed outside in the designated outdoor seating areas. It’s a great spot for a casual outing with your pet.