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oChef » Cafe Sebastian – San Francisco
Cafe Sebastian - San Francisco
Photo from Cafe Sebastian
Cafe Sebastian at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 34 of the guests
#1226 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#141 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
198
Reviews
72.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Inviting ambiance
- Tasty dishes
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- Costly experience
- Uneven food
- Operational issues
The restaurant Cafe Sebastian, located in the bustling Financial District of San Francisco, offers a cozy and casual dining experience. You’ll find it’s a perfect spot for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, renowned for its great coffee that truly stands out.
Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or grabbing lunch, this welcoming spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Cafe Sebastian
Cafe Sebastian offers a truly inviting experience, with many guests praising its beautiful space and modern atmosphere . It’s a spot where the setting often enhances the visit, creating a pleasant backdrop for your meal.
You’ll find the interior well-appointed and the overall vibe quite appealing. However, while the setting shines, opinions on the culinary offerings are a bit more varied.
Many found the food delicious and well-presented, yet some experiences pointed to dishes that were mediocre or overpriced , suggesting a degree of inconsistency in the kitchen.
Good
7.4
out of 10
198
Reviews
72.2%
Satisfaction
48
negative
7
neutral
143
positive
Cafe Sebastian earns a solid 7.4 overall, indicating a generally good experience for many patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at 72.2%, which is also a good showing, suggesting most visitors leave content.
This positive sentiment is drawn from 198 customer opinions, with 143 positive remarks against 48 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Ambience truly stands out with a strong (8.2) score, reflecting its appealing environment.
The Food also performs well at (7.6), though some comments suggest occasional inconsistencies. Service is rated (6.9), generally seen as friendly and efficient, but the primary concern lies with Value, which scores a notably low (4.3), indicating that many feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the offering.
What people like
- Beautiful, modern atmosphere
- Delicious, unique food
- Friendly, efficient service
What people don't like
- High prices
- Inconsistent food quality
- Service hour discrepancies
If you prioritize a charming setting and generally good food, Cafe Sebastian could be a pleasant choice. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate a well-designed space and don’t mind paying a premium for the experience.
Consider it for a relaxed meal where atmosphere plays a key role. However, be mindful of the pricing, as the Value (4.3) is a consistent point of contention.
With a Recommendation Score of 7.5, it’s a place worth considering, but perhaps not for every occasion, especially if budget is a primary concern or if you expect culinary perfection across the board.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cafe Sebastian
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 73.6%. Based on 78 positive remarks, diners frequently rave about the exquisite and delicious dishes, often highlighting the impressive presentation and quality of the food. Standouts include the wild mushroom tartine, tender, flavorful beef, and unique Japanese brown sugar cinnamon rolls, showcasing a creative and rotating menu.
However, out of 23 negative comments, some experiences suggest room for improvement. Guests occasionally found portions to be small for the price, and a limited menu on weekends was a disappointment. Specific items like the matcha or a day-old baguette sometimes missed the mark, indicating a slight inconsistency in execution.
Food
106
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
23
negative
5
neutral
78
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exquisite food quality
- Impressive presentation
- Flavorful, unique dishes
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Limited menu options
- Inconsistent item quality
Often praised
- foodtruly awesome food. Everything we had was delicious!
- Beef TartareBeef Tartare arrived – IMPRESSIVE, with beautiful presentation
- breakfastMy breakfast was excellent as well.
- breakfast sandwichThe food was absolutely awesome; everything we had was delicious! I highly recommend trying the parfait, the breakfast sandwich, and the scones – honestly, everything on the menu! We will definitely be back every time we're in San Francisco.
- lattelatte were all tasty
- Failla PN '23Then, my Beef Tartare arrived – IMPRESSIVE, with beautiful presentation and a unique flavor! Iván recommended pairing it with a glass of “Failla, ” and this Pinot noir was magnificent, a perfect combination. My companion ordered the Sirloin French Dip, which looked incredible.
- FoodFood:4
- French dip sandwichFrench dip sandwich, and it might be one of the best I've had
- Japanese and European flavoringThe winter salad offered an exciting melange of flavors, and the tortellini was delightfully citrus-ey. The enormous lamb shank was a standout, described as 'Flintstone food' with a unique mix of Japanese and European flavoring. I hope to return very soon and wish I could replicate these dishes at home.
- Japanese brown sugar cinnamon rollsJapanese brown sugar cinnamon rolls for breakfast which were amazing
Frequently criticized
- foodfood was very mediocre
- juiceThis was disappointing because I had my heart set on the overnight oats, and they weren't available. Additionally, the smoothie we wanted was also out, so we ordered juice that didn't seem fresh. The dishes themselves are tasty, but the prices are high for what you receive.
- matcha50). The matcha is so bitter and dry. I hope you consider an alternative supplier.
- smoked salmon toastreplaced the smoked salmon toast with trout
- TortelliniTortellini didn't meet expectations because there were only 5 units
- almond butter toffee latteit tasted of nothing
- day-old baguetteserved on a day-old baguette
- food qualityfood quality was very average
- lemon pastaexecution was off on lemon pasta
- menuless extensive menu than on weekdays. This was disappointing
Overall, the food is a strong draw, offering many delightful and creative options. If youre looking for a generally good culinary experience with impressive dishes and presentation, its definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some menu items or portion sizes might not always hit the mark for everyone.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
Service here presents a bit of a mixed picture, landing a 6.9 score, which is good, but customer satisfaction sits at 66.7%, suggesting some room for improvement. Based on 26 positive remarks out of 39 total, many guests highlighted the warm hospitality, friendly staff, and attentive servers, often praising the speedy service and excellent attention received. On the flip side, 13 comments pointed to areas needing work.
Some patrons encountered poor service, long wait times, or an unwelcoming maitre de. A common frustration revolved around incorrect opening hours listed online and the reliance on QR menus, which can be a bit of a hassle for some.
Service
39
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
13
negative
0
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Warm hospitality
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Poor service
- Long wait times
- Incorrect hours
Often praised
- servicethe service was speedy but warm
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of beautiful space and friendly staff, but ultimately a bit of a disappointment regarding the food quality. We ordered two lattes, a farro salad, BLT toast, and a Babka trio, totaling $85 before tip.
- ServiceService was friendly and efficient
- friendly and efficientService was friendly and efficient
- hope to returnHope to return very soon
- hospitalitywarm hospitality
- host and waiterThe host and waiter were very nice
- order quick thingorder one quick thing to eat and it comes out
- paper menusI'm so much faster when I have a paper menu
- quality of attentionhighlight the quality of attention we received from Iván
Frequently criticized
- hoursThey don’t even know their own hours.
- Google mapGoogle map is saying its open from 10:30am to 4pm.
- QR menusonly QR menus which is so 2020
- hours on Googlehours on Yelp and Google are wrong
- hours on Yelphours on Yelp and Google are wrong
- maitre dethe maitre de was not welcoming
- opening hoursPlease update opening hours. That would've helped.
- refund responsegot a rude response
- servicethe service is very poor
- wait staffI had heard the chef was from an established Miami hot spot, but this place is definitely NO hot spot. The interior felt like a cafeteria inside an office building, and there was no wait staff. This place is ridiculous!
If youre seeking generally friendly staff and warm hospitality, youll likely have a good experience here. However, its wise to double-check their opening hours before visiting, as thats been a point of contention for some guests.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly hits the mark! It scores a good 8.2 and boasts an excellent customer satisfaction of 90%. Based on 36 positive remarks out of 40 total, guests consistently praise the beautiful interior, inviting atmosphere, chic decor, and fantastic location.
Many found the space stunning, well-designed, and offering a welcoming, cozy vibe. However, it's not entirely without its quirks, with just 2 negative observations. While the overall atmosphere is largely celebrated, a couple of patrons felt it could sometimes resemble a cafeteria.
One specific concern mentioned was the distraction of unavoidable tech conversations, which unfortunately marred an otherwise pleasant experience.
Ambience
40
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful interior
- Welcoming vibe
- Great location
What people don't like
- Noisy conversations
Often praised
- locationThe location is near a beautiful park
- spaceBeautiful space, well designed and great details.
- ambianceMy experience was a delightful surprise after visiting the lovely Tansamerica pyramid redwood park. I popped in and was greeted with excellent coffee and a very nice ambiance. The staff was also very friendly, making the visit even more enjoyable.
- ambienceThe ambience for sitting and eating seemed wonderful
- decorThe decor is understated but elevated
- interiorThe interior is well-appointed
- restaurantthe restaurant beautiful, clean and open
- vibeNice vibe cafe & brunch spot
- European experienceAmazing European experience, real not faked
- atmosphereBeautiful, modern atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereFeels like a cafeteria inside an office building
- tech conversationsThe food was delicious and the hospitality was warm, making it a true rarity in town. However, the experience was marred by the unavoidable and obnoxious tech conversations happening around me.
If a beautiful, welcoming atmosphere is high on your list, this place is absolutely worth a visit. You'll likely enjoy the stunning design and great location, though be mindful that some found the background noise from tech conversations a bit distracting.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few guests (3 out of 13 total remarks) did find some positives. They highlighted that it can be quite affordable for San Francisco, especially for an excellent 5-star lunch thats easy on the pocket book. These experiences suggest that finding a good deal is possible, even if its not the most common feedback.
However, the majority of feedback (10 out of 13 comments) points to significant concerns. Many felt the prices were too high for what you get, with some mentioning an overpriced tag or being upcharged for two sides. The automatic service charge and mandatory service charge also left a sour taste, making a simple lunch feel way too pricey.
This aligns with a rather poor customer satisfaction of 23.1% and an average score of 4.3.
Value
13
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable for SF
- Excellent lunch value
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Automatic service charge
- Upcharged for sides
Often praised
- 5 star lunchit’s an excellent 5 star lunch that was easy on the pocket book
- affordableIt's quite affordable for San Francisco
- pocket bookeasy on the pocket book
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was on a weekday evening, and it was quite empty. The ambience and service were both good, but the food was very mediocre and overpriced.
- pricesthe prices are high for what you get
- automatic service chargeautomatic service charge for pre-made food is odd
- mandatory service chargeWe were upcharged for two sides without clear communication about the additional cost, which added $10 to our bill. On top of that, there was an 8% mandatory service charge that was not part of the tip. A simple lunch for two ended up costing $70, which I found to be way too pricey.
- overpriced $18 tagkept the overpriced $18 tag
- price pointMy experience at the restaurant was a mix of positive and negative. While the service was good and the location is great, the food quality was very average for the price point. The ambience was just okay.
- simple lunch$70 simple lunch for two is way too pricey
- upcharged for two sidesUpcharged for two sides
If youre considering this spot, be aware that while some find lunch deals, many feel the overall value is poor due to high prices and unexpected charges. It might disappoint if youre looking for great bang for your buck, so proceed with caution.
How are the prices at Cafe Sebastian?
You’re looking at roughly 38 per person – reported by 34 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, we see a pretty wide spread of spending, with guests enjoying options from the $11–$20 range all the way up to over 100 $. It’s not just one price point, but a diverse menu catering to different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 34 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Restaurant in San Francisco, especially given the variety of spending options available. It seems like theres something for everyone, whether youre looking for a more casual bite or a special occasion meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cafe Sebastian
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Opening Hours Confusion
I would have appreciated it if the opening hours were updated. Google Maps indicated the restaurant was open from 10: 30 AM to 4 PM, but it was closed when I arrived on Sunday at 12 PM.
- opening hours2
- Google map3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
6
Good food, but limited options
I had a 1: 30 reservation on Tuesday and was disappointed to find that the restaurant was out of several menu items. While the food was good and creative, my first choice wasn't available, and my dish ended up being my third choice, which I wasn't particularly excited about. The service was rated a 4, and the atmosphere a 3.
- food8
- dish5
- service7
- menu items3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Closed Early Despite Listed Hours
I swung by on a Sunday at 2: 45 pm, when the restaurant is listed as closing at 4 pm. The doors were open and people were still inside, but we were told they were closed. I'm not sure if that was true, so I wasn't able to try their food.
Hopefully, someday when they update their hours to be accurate, I can go and try their food and update my review ☺️.
- food6
- hours2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Overpriced lunch with decent food
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The interior was nice, and the food was decent. However, the overall cost was too high for what we received.
We were upcharged for two sides without clear communication about the additional cost, which added $10 to our bill. On top of that, there was an 8% mandatory service charge that was not part of the tip. A simple lunch for two ended up costing $70, which I found to be way too pricey.
Because of the high cost and lack of transparency, I won’t be going back.
- interior7
- food6
- upcharged for two sides2
- mandatory service charge3
- simple lunch2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Exquisite Setting, Delicious Food, and Perfect Service
My experience at this restaurant was truly beautiful. The setting was exquisite, adjacent to the Transamerica Redwood Park. The food was delicious, and the interior was well-appointed.
The tables outside were perfectly situated, offering a lovely view of the tall redwood trees and the rare Marx Ernst sculptures. I particularly enjoyed the Panzanella Salad with Trout, which delivered all the tastes of summer – a perfect meal on a balmy September afternoon. The deviled eggs were perfect, and the service was solicitous.
It's a definite go-to for the Jackson Square neighborhood.
- setting10
- food9
- interior8
What Cafe Sebastian offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Cafe Sebastian accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Cafe Sebastian offers a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring comfort for all guests. Parking in the Financial District can be somewhat difficult to find, so planning your visit accordingly is recommended.
What kind of dining options and special offerings can you expect at Cafe Sebastian?
At Cafe Sebastian, you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, and lunch with both counter and table service. They offer vegan and vegetarian options, organic dishes, and a selection of coffee, wine, beer, and cocktails, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Cafe Sebastian?
Cafe Sebastian has a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.4 and a Customer Satisfaction of 72.2%. The Ambience is highly rated at 8.2, Food at 7.6, and Service at 6.9, though Value is a concern at 4.3.
What do customers appreciate most about Cafe Sebastian?
Customers frequently praise the beautiful, modern atmosphere and well-designed interior. Many also highlight the delicious food, with specific mentions of impressive presentations and unique flavor combinations, alongside friendly and efficient service.
What are the main drawbacks or concerns at Cafe Sebastian?
The primary concern for many customers is the high price point, with some finding the food overpriced for what is received. There are also occasional comments about inconsistent food quality, and issues with service such as incorrect opening hours or the use of QR-only menus.