Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Caffe Central – San Francisco
Caffe Central - San Francisco
Photo from Caffe Central
Caffe Central at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 160 of the guests
#799 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#108 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
693
Reviews
79.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Good value
- Efficient service
Frequently criticized
- Crowded seating
- Inconsistent service
- Parking challenges
The restaurant Caffe Central in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood offers a delightful escape, especially if you’re searching for a great dessert. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or enjoying lunch, this spot provides a welcoming setting. With healthy and vegan options available, it caters to diverse tastes, ensuring a satisfying experience.
Overview: Introducting Caffe Central
Caffe Central offers a generally positive experience, particularly noted for its delightful food and convenient location . Many appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the overall value it provides, making it a popular spot for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
However, it’s worth noting that the cafe can get quite busy , leading to occasional crowded conditions and some challenges with seating . While the service is often efficient, there are instances where it falls short, impacting the overall visit for some patrons.
Good
7.8
out of 10
693
Reviews
79.8%
Satisfaction
98
negative
42
neutral
553
positive
Caffe Central earns a respectable overall score of 7.8 out of 10, reflecting a generally good performance across the board. This is supported by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 79.8% , indicating that most visitors leave content with their experience.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 693 customer opinions, with 553 positive remarks outweighing 98 negative ones. The Food stands out as a primary strength, scoring an impressive (8.1), frequently praised for its quality and variety.
Ambience also contributes positively with a score of (7.6), often highlighted for its central location and pleasant setting. Value at (7.3) is considered good, offering affordable options, while Service comes in at (7.1), generally efficient but with some room for improvement.
What people like
- Delicious food quality
- Good value for money
- Efficient service
What people don't like
- Crowded seating
- Inconsistent service
- Parking challenges
If you’re seeking a spot with genuinely good food and a lively atmosphere, Caffe Central is a solid choice. Its 8.2 recommendation score suggests it’s well worth a visit, especially if you prioritize a satisfying meal and good value.
Just be prepared for a potentially bustling environment, particularly during peak times. While the food and value are consistent draws, be mindful of potential crowds and occasional service inconsistencies.
It’s a place that delivers on its core offerings, making it a reliable option for many, but perhaps not for those seeking a quiet, unhurried experience every time.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Caffe Central
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 8.1 and leaving 86.2% of customers satisfied. With 363 positive remarks out of 421 total, diners frequently praise the fresh ingredients, delicious food, and great coffee, noting the impressive variety and quality and taste. However, not every bite is perfect, with 43 negative remarks.
Some experiences mention stale items, cold food, or bland flavors. A few found certain dishes, like waffles or crepes, to be chewy or oily.
Food
421
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
43
negative
15
neutral
363
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, delicious food
- Great coffee variety
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Stale baked goods
- Bland or cold food
- Oily dressing
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Café Central in San Francisco was absolutely wonderful. The food was incredibly delicious, tasting fresh and flavorful, and it was also beautifully presented. It's clear they prioritize quality and taste.
- coffeeThe breakfast selection leaves nothing to be desired: fresh bowls, hearty classics, and vegan options – all top quality and prepared with love. The refined espresso creations are particularly noteworthy: whether a velvety Flat White, aromatic Cortado, classic Doppio, or a creative Espresso Tonic – here, coffee becomes art. Each cup is a small masterpiece, perfectly balanced and prepared with high-quality beans.
- Foodthey all look extremely delicious
- sandwichesWe went for breakfast because it was located in the center and close to our hotel. They had very good sandwiches. I went twice with my father to eat the roast beef baguette.
- breakfastIt took less than ten minutes from ordering to having my food delivered to the table. The amazing breakfast was a highlight, especially the Union Square plate, which was perfectly balanced. I also noted the good variety of pastries and baked goods.
- portionsEverything was made fresh with lots of fruits and vegetables. The portions were large and everyone I came in with really enjoyed their meal. I'd recommend the toasts, piled high with toppings, and the signature caramel latte.
- saladsThe salads here are a great balance of leafy greens and protein.
- latteThere are also vegan options for those who want them. Their latte, cappuccino, and americano were also good.
- menuMenu such format I see for the first time and it impresses
- pastriesThe hot chocolate and the pastries I had were really good!
Frequently criticized
- crepethe crepe arrived with lukewarm ham and cheddar
- CrĂŞpe o la laCrĂŞpe o la la would not order, because it was Ultra sweet
- Nutellawith little nutella
- Nutella Cream PuffNutella Cream Puff... not so much
- almond croissantalmond croissant this morning. It wasn’t good
- avocado toast with baconavocado toast with bacon gave me a terrible stomachache
- bagel temperatureI had breakfast and ordered the breakfast Bagel and a coffee. The staff was very friendly, and the bagel was very tasty but a little cold. The bagel had some fruit in it that was very delicious.
- bagel to be toastedask for my bagel to be toasted but I guess that was lost
- bagelsdisappointing to spend so much money on stale bagels
- banana slicesthe banana slices had still the black stem on there
If youre looking for a spot with generally delicious and fresh options, especially for breakfast or lunch, this place is definitely worth a try. While a few minor hiccups like stale pastries or bland dishes can occur, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely have a satisfying meal.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7.1. Many customers rave about the friendly staff and efficient service, often highlighting how quickly orders are prepared. With 83 positive remarks out of 125 total comments, it seems many leave with a smile, appreciating the great service and the smile and kindness of the team.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 66.4%, indicating there's still room for improvement. Some experiences mention unprofessional behavior and rude staff, with complaints about slow service, forgotten orders, and poor coordination. These 32 negative comments suggest that while many have a smooth experience, some encounters can be quite frustrating.
Service
125
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
32
negative
10
neutral
83
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, efficient staff
- Fast order preparation
- Attentive, helpful service
What people don't like
- Rude, unprofessional staff
- Slow, inefficient service
- Poor coordination, empathy
Often praised
- serviceEven though the restaurant was full when we arrived, we were able to be squeezed onto a counter top table. The service was quality, even though the kitchen was busy. Our food was prepared in front of us, and the food presentation was appealing.
- staffThe menu is a highlight, featuring a solid selection of fresh vegetables and fruits. Service is efficient; the staff is decent, and orders are prepared quickly. Overall, a reliable option for a fast and fresh meal.
- ServiceIt was well-served with strawberries and had tasty whipped cream, but it lacked Nutella, and the crepe batter was a bit thick. Overall, the food was good, and the service was excellent.
- wait timewe didn’t have to wait long
- personalPersonal is polite and also ready to help
- waitwasn’t that bad of a wait
- FoodI'd recommend the toasts, piled high with toppings, and the signature caramel latte. Food comes quickly too!
- Great serviceGreat service too!
- Service is efficientThe menu is a highlight, featuring a solid selection of fresh vegetables and fruits. Service is efficient; the staff is decent, and orders are prepared quickly. Overall, a reliable option for a fast and fresh meal.
- Wait TimeDie Wait Time lohnt sich
Frequently criticized
- serviceThey had already given us the food, but without the coffees. The service was completely disinterested, with an attitude of annoyance and bother. All 4 coffees were cold.
- waitI found the food to be delicious, with a great variety of options to choose from. While it can get quite busy, especially on weekends, and you might need to be prepared for a wait, the experience is definitely worth it for a tasty start to the day.
- bathroom lineThe bathroom line was extremely long
- cashier attitudeno muy buena actitud de la cajera
- coffee lidsasked the lady who was making coffee for coffee lids and she looked at me with a very unpleasant face
- customer servicesome of the staff's customer service falls short
- dismissive and unaccommodatingConcerned that someone else may have taken it, I asked a male barista for clarification. Before he could respond, a female barista curtly stated, “I already gave it out, ” in a tone that felt unnecessarily dismissive and rudely unaccommodating. I showed them my receipt to help resolve the issue, but rather than investigate, the male barista took the receipt and threw it away without explanation.
- employeeShe asked the employee working in front of her who refused to answer.
- fluxa bit in hurry sometimes cause of mich flux
- food to goI had to wait for 30 minutes for my orders, and when I inquired, they had forgotten about them. Furthermore, I politely requested my food to be served in the dining area, but they gave it to me to go. When I asked them to put it on a plate, they were rude and did not provide one.
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and efficient service, youll likely be pleased. Just be aware that on occasion, some customers have encountered less-than-stellar interactions or longer waits, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 72.6%. Many of the 82 positive remarks out of 113 total opinions praise its lively atmosphere, often described as a lively place with a cozy vibe and a welcoming setting. Guests frequently enjoy the great vibes that make it a pleasant place to linger.
However, its not without its quirks, as 18 negative opinions point out. Some find the space can feel crowded with limited seating, especially during busy times. The noise level can also be a concern, making conversation difficult, and wheelchair accessibility' has been noted as a challenge for some patrons.
Ambience
113
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
18
negative
13
neutral
82
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively, welcoming vibe
- Clean, pleasant setting
- Cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- High noise level
- Poor accessibility
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food itself was brilliant, and surprisingly, for San Francisco, it was cheap (please don’t change that đź¤). It was so good to sit outside in the sun ❤️. I absolutely love it here and the people.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- cleanlinessThey have amazing cookies that are huge, and I forgot to mention that the portions are huge and generous. This cafe combines variety, delicious taste, appropriate quantity, and cleanliness.
- locationMy experience at this restaurant, known for its excellent breakfasts, was very positive. The location is perfect, situated right in the heart of the city. I found the food to be delicious, with a great variety of options to choose from.
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- busyVery busy and worth the wait
- cafelovely and small cafe that serves the neighborhood
- cafe/diner comboThe service was fast and friendly. Caffe Central is a nice cafe/diner combo.
- coffee placePerfect coffee place to hit
- communitythe environment and community felt here was beautiful
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere is not great
- comfortable seatingplace doesn’t have comfortable seating for groups larger than 2
- crowdedcrowded, otherwise I would have given all 5- stars
- crowded placeMuy lleno el lugar un poco difĂcil de encontrar mesa
- hygieneIt was super loud, making conversation difficult. What was particularly concerning was the hygiene; everything seemed to be handled with bare hands. My waffle arrived from the kitchen handled with hands that had previously been used to throw trash and crack eggs, and then placed on the plate with bare black gloves.
- limited seatingLimited seating is the only caution
- noise levelIt was super loud, making conversation difficult
- parkingThe service was excellent, and the atmosphere was pleasant. Finding parking was a bit challenging, but overall, it was a positive experience.
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- smallIt was a bit small
If youre looking for a lively, cozy spot with good energy and dont mind a bit of hustle and bustle, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potential crowds and limited seating, especially during peak hours, and note that accessibility might be an issue for some.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
Youll be happy to hear that the value here is generally a big win! Many customers found the prices quite appealing, with 25 positive remarks out of 34 total. People raved about affordable prices and how it was worth it, often highlighting it as cheaper than hotel and offering value for money.
This positive sentiment is reflected in a good customer satisfaction of 73.5% and a solid good score of 7.3. However, not everyone was completely thrilled. A few voices, 5 to be exact, mentioned concerns about the price being on the upper side or feeling overpriced for what they received.
One even felt they wasted my $7,' suggesting that while generally good, it might not hit the mark for everyone.
Value
34
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
5
negative
4
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Good value for money
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- Can be overpriced
- Price on upper side
- Felt like wasted money
Often praised
- priceI don’t usually write reviews, but I wanted to make sure to give this place 5 stars. It was delicious and well priced. The vibes were great.
- pricesVery affordable prices compared to nearby places
- $17 with taxthe meal totaling $17 with tax, which felt fair
- affordable pricesat affordable prices
- cheaper than hoteltwice cheaper than hotel
- coffee and tea priceCoffee and tea are inexpensive
- menumenu it’s not overprice
- not expensiveIt was also not expensive
- price and quality foodvery good price and quality food
- priciest toastit was the priciest toast on the menu, but absolutely worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceOverpriced like everything in SF
- $7Wasted my $7
- valueI don't understand the 4 stars this place has if they serve so poorly and all tables are asking for their orders to be heated or redone. Don't come here; it's neither tasty nor worth it.
If youre looking for good value, especially compared to other options, this place is definitely worth considering. While a few found it a bit pricey, the majority agree youll get quality food at affordable rates, making it a smart choice for your wallet.
How are the prices at Caffe Central?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 160 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
When we look at the bigger picture, while this spot sits in the $21–$30 bracket, many places in the market actually cluster a bit lower, around the $11–$20 mark. So, while its not the absolute cheapest, its definitely not pushing into the premium end either.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 160 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Restaurant in San Francisco and falls into the mid-range, we think the pricing feels quite fair for what youre getting. It’s a solid choice without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Caffe Central
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Breakfast and Coffee Choices
My experience at this restaurant was very good, especially for breakfast! They offer good sandwiches, very good bowls, and delicious cakes and waffles. The variety of cafe options is impressive, with some truly special and unique choices.
I particularly enjoyed the cafe itself, and the wide selection of milk and non-milk alternatives was a great plus. On a nice day, you can enjoy your meal at an outside table. If the weather isn't cooperating, you might get lucky and find a seat inside to savor a very good breakfast and a wonderful cafe.
The personal was polite and ready to help with choices. At times, they seemed a bit in a hurry due to the high flux, suggesting they operate on a 'time is money' principle. A slightly slower pace might make the experience even nicer 🤔.
Overall, everything – food, drinks, sandwiches, cakes, fresh juices, and bowls – was really good.
- sandwiches8
- bowls9
- cakes8
- flux5
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Food, Great Value!
My first visit was a 10/10 experience. It was so hard to pick what to order because everything on the counter looked so delicious. The price is affordable too, not too crazy compared to other restaurants these days.
I will definitely visit again!
- everything on the counter10
- price9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing San Francisco Find!
My experience at this restaurant was 10 out of 10. The sandwiches were amazing, and the coffee was really good and fresh. The food itself was brilliant, and surprisingly, for San Francisco, it was cheap (please don’t change that đź¤).
It was so good to sit outside in the sun ❤️. I absolutely love it here and the people. You definitely need to visit it.
Yes, it's next to the garage, and yes, it’s on a “busy” street, but do it! Greetings from Amsterdam (Europe), we will definitely come back if we visit San Francisco again 🙏.
- sandwiches10
- coffee9
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Tasty Breakfast Croissant, Mixed Crepe
My experience at the restaurant was a mix of good and could-be-better. We ordered the breakfast croissant, which was very tasty and generously served. It came with a side of fruit, but unfortunately, the fruits were quite sour and could have been improved.
We also tried the crepe l’amour (strawberry with Nutella). It was well-served with strawberries and had tasty whipped cream, but it lacked Nutella, and the crepe batter was a bit thick. Overall, the food was good, and the service was excellent.
- breakfast croissant9
- portion8
- crepe l’amour6
- fruits3
- Nutella4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Busy but great food and service
It's busy here, but in a good way. The staff are very nice and helpful. The food is prepared fresh and is definitely recommended.
- staff9
- food9
- atmosphere8
What Caffe Central offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options can you find at Caffe Central?
At Caffe Central, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. You’ll find delicious choices for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. If you have a sweet tooth, you can also indulge in their great dessert selection. Seating is available for your comfort.
What kind of atmosphere and special offerings does Caffe Central provide?
Caffe Central offers a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for you. You’ll appreciate their healthy, vegetarian, and vegan options, alongside small plates and coffee. It’s also a great place for a quick bite, catering to various preferences.
How does Caffe Central score overall and in key areas?
Caffe Central holds a good overall score of 7.8 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 79.8%. Its strongest area is Food (8.1), followed by Ambience (7.6), Value (7.3), and Service (7.1).
What are the food highlights at Caffe Central?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and fresh food, including excellent breakfast options like the Union Square plate, tasty sandwiches, and a variety of pastries. The coffee creations are also highly regarded.
What should I be aware of before visiting Caffe Central?
While generally positive, Caffe Central can get very busy and crowded, leading to limited seating and potential wait times. Some customers have also noted occasional inconsistencies in service and challenges with finding parking.