Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Caffè Macaroni – San Francisco
Caffè Macaroni - San Francisco
Photo from Caffè Macaroni
Caffè Macaroni at a glance
San Francisco Telegraph Hill
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 54 of the guests
#79 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#4 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
378
Reviews
92.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Owner service
- Italian cuisine
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Limited seating
- Longer waits
- Menu missteps
The restaurant, an inviting Italian spot in San Francisco’s vibrant Telegraph Hill, offers you a delightful culinary journey. You’ll discover a truly exceptional experience, especially if you appreciate a great wine list.
Caffè Macaroni welcomes you to enjoy its romantic, cozy, and casual atmosphere, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re seeking a trendy dinner or a relaxed lunch, this place has you covered with its diverse offerings and charming ambiance.
Overview: Introducting Caffè Macaroni
Caffè Macaroni offers a truly authentic Italian experience, largely thanks to its incredibly welcoming owners who make every guest feel at home. The atmosphere is often described as a charming, hidden gem, transporting diners to Italy with its cozy vibe.
While the overall dining experience is highly praised, some guests have noted the limited seating can be a challenge. There are also occasional comments about waiting time and specific menu items not quite hitting the mark, though these are minor points.
Excellent
8.9
out of 10
378
Reviews
92.9%
Satisfaction
16
negative
11
neutral
351
positive
Caffè Macaroni achieves an impressive overall score of 8.9, reflecting a consistently high standard across the board. Customer satisfaction is also remarkably strong at 92.9%, indicating that most diners leave pleased.
This positive sentiment is built on a substantial foundation of 351 positive remarks, compared to just 16 negative ones, out of 378 total customer observations. The restaurant truly shines in its Service (9.3), where the dedicated owners create a memorable experience.
The Food (8.8) is also highly regarded for its authentic Italian flavors, while the Ambience (8.6) provides a charming backdrop. Even Value (8.5) holds up well, with guests finding the prices reasonable for the quality offered.
What people like
- Exceptional owner service
- Authentic Italian cuisine
- Charming, cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Limited seating capacity
- Occasional longer waits
- Specific menu missteps
Caffè Macaroni stands out as a genuinely delightful Italian spot, particularly for those who appreciate a personal touch and authentic flavors. With a strong recommendation score of 9.3, it’s clear this establishment leaves a lasting positive impression on its guests.
If you’re seeking a cozy, intimate dining experience with exceptional hospitality and well-regarded Italian cuisine, this place is certainly worth a visit. Just be mindful of the potentially limited seating and occasional waits, and you’re likely in for a treat.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Italian Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
761
94.6%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
420
92.9%
- $$
- Russian Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
440
93.4%
- $$
- Russian Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
421
91.9%
- $$
- Nob Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
733
92%
- $$
- Cole Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
442
91%
- $$
- North Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Caffè Macaroni
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.8 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 92.7%, diners are consistently raving. Out of 219 total remarks, a whopping 203 praise the authentic taste, delicious options, and standout homemade limoncello, especially the seafood pastas.
However, not every dish hits the mark, as noted in 12 less favorable comments. Some found the pizza crust tough, prosciutto too thick, or the ravioli underwhelming. A few also mentioned the strawberry lemonade being overly sweet, suggesting some areas for refinement.
Food
219
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
12
negative
4
neutral
203
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian flavors
- Delicious pasta dishes
- High-quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Tough pizza crust
- Dry salmon
- Sweet strawberry lemonade
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's a low-key, high-quality mom and pop spot with a great vibe and amazing food. The owners are also great people.
- panna cottaTry the panna cotta. It’ll change your life.
- FoodFood is outstanding
- burrataThe owners, Mario and Stephanie, were SOO nice and friendly. We had the most amazing meal, including burrata, carpaccio, rockfish, a beautiful Caesar salad (with real egg yolk), and various pastas. It was one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had.
- carpaccioThe owners, Mario and Stephanie, were SOO nice and friendly. We had the most amazing meal, including burrata, carpaccio, rockfish, a beautiful Caesar salad (with real egg yolk), and various pastas. It was one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had.
- dessertsMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful! The freshly made nightly specials and Italian foods were delicious, and the desserts were a perfect end to the meal. I especially enjoyed the homemade limoncello treat.
- limoncelloAnd the Scarpone Montepulciano is excellent! At the end of your meal, you’ll be treated with a shot of limoncello to cleanse your palate and feel appreciated that you visited. Enjoy!
- pastasdefinitely stick with the pastas here
- wine listwine list has a lot of variety
- Italian cuisineThe owner, Mario, is a blur in the photo, accurately depicting his efficient service to each customer. We found the prices reasonable given the high quality Italian cuisine. Hope to return soon.
Frequently criticized
- TiramisuTiramisu - 2 stars, frozen in the middle 😑
- White sangriaWhite sangria - 2 stars skip it
- black risotto with dry salmonWe were not impressed with the ravioli with pesto drizzle, which tasted like a store-bought item, though the pesto drizzle itself was good. The black risotto with dry salmon was also a letdown, with the salmon described as dry chunks. The strawberry lemonade was overly sweet due to too much strawberry syrup.
- bread temperatureJust wish the bread was warm too
- house bread and olive oilhouse bread and olive oil turned out to be not so special
- pizza crustcrust on the pizza was quite tough to chew threw
- pizzacicaI would definitely stick to the pastas here. On the other hand, I'd avoid the pizzacica (flatbread). The crust was tough to chew, even though it wasn't thick.
- prosciutto flavorhad a very strong flavor to it
- prosciutto thicknessprosciutto was way too thick
- ravioliThe ravioli and sauce tasted like something store bought
If youre seeking an authentic Italian culinary experience with delicious pasta and high-quality ingredients, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of certain items like the pizza or some specific ravioli dishes, and youre in for a treat.
Service (9.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.3 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 95.6%, its clear guests feel incredibly well-cared for. Out of 91 comments, a whopping 87 rave about the "excellent service, " "warm welcome, " and how theyre treated like family by the amazing hosts and staff.
However, its not entirely without a tiny hiccup, as 3 comments mention potential downsides. A few folks noted "waiting time" could be longer than expected, with one even experiencing an "almost 2 hours wait. " Theres also a subtle hint about needing to learn the Italian ways, which might occasionally be perceived as less accommodating.
Service
91
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Treated like family
- Excellent service
- Amazing hosts
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Perceived rude service
Often praised
- servicethe service was a gentleman and his wife, both of whom were very charming
- ownersMy experience at this restaurant was primarily defined by its cozy atmosphere and the super friendly owners. While the food was decent, the standout element was undoubtedly the atmosphere.
- staffstaff that’s the most wonderful and colourful cast of characters
- ownerThe owner made you feel like you were at home
- MarioMario is the only server
- Mario and StephanieMario and Stephanie feel like my long lost friends, always so welcoming!
- Stephanie and MarioAlways a delight to spend time with Stephanie and Mario
- excellent serviceMario and Stephanie, the owners of this Italian restaurant, have created a truly superb dining experience with excellent service. It's a must-visit!
- Mario & StephanieMario & Stephanie are absolutely amazing! We drive into the city just to have the delightful experience and food.
- Owners wifeshe made my friends and I feel Fed and Special
Frequently criticized
- waiting timeAlthough we had to wait longer than promised, the food was outstanding and the owners apologized multiple times. The atmosphere was okay, but the meal itself was truly memorable.
- Italian waysyou got to learn the italian ways, otherwise it may seem a little rude at times
If youre looking for a place where youll be treated like family by incredibly warm and attentive owners, this is definitely it. While there might be an occasional wait, the overwhelmingly positive and personal service makes it well worth experiencing.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The ambiance at this spot truly shines, earning a good 8.6 score and an impressive excellent 90% customer satisfaction. With 54 positive comments out of 60 total, guests consistently rave about the happy atmosphere, homey small space, and great vibe, often calling it a hidden gem with delightful outdoor dining options. However, the single negative comment among the 60 total opinions points to a minor concern regarding inside seating.
While the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, it suggests that the interior space might be quite limited for some patrons.
Ambience
60
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
1
negative
5
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy, homey atmosphere
- Great outdoor dining
- Authentic, cozy vibe
What people don't like
- Limited inside seating
Often praised
- atmosphereincorporating the soul of San Francisco into the atmosphere
- experienceonce in a lifetime experience
- hidden gemThis feels like a hidden gem
- restaurantit is the cutest little restaurant with tons of charm
- vibeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's a low-key, high-quality mom and pop spot with a great vibe and amazing food. The owners are also great people.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Italian experiencetruly a five star, genuine Italian experience
- Italian restaurantOttimo ristorante italiano
- ItalySembra di essere in Italia
- authentic restaurantsuch an authentic spot
Frequently criticized
- inside seatingMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding, offering truly authentic old-school Italian cuisine in the North Beach district. I highly recommend making reservations as the inside seating is very limited. The staff, Stephanie and Mario, are wonderful people, and the food was incredibly delicious.
If you're looking for a charming, authentic spot with a fantastic vibe, especially for outdoor dining, this place is a definite must-try. Just keep in mind that indoor seating is quite limited, so plan ahead or embrace the al fresco experience.
Value (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this place truly delivers! Diners consistently rave about the reasonable value and fair prices, often highlighting that the quantity and quality perfectly match the cost. With a strong score of 8.5 and customer satisfaction at 87.5%, its clear guests feel theyre getting an excellent deal, based on 7 positive comments out of 8 total.
Whats truly impressive is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the cost. There were zero negative opinions or terms mentioned, indicating that the pricing is universally well-received and leaves no room for disappointment in this area.
Value
8
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent value
- Reasonable prices
- Good quantity/quality
What people don't like
Often praised
- billbill for our party of 8 was surprisingly low
- mealsSome wonder person also paid for all of our meals.
- pricefair price
- pricesfound the prices reasonable
- quantity and qualityQuantity and quality is correlated correctly with the price
- reasonable valuereasonable value
- valueThe food was absolutely delicious, and the house Sangiovese was quite nice. You could spend a lot more for a lot less here, making it an excellent value.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place where your wallet will be as happy as your taste buds, this restaurant is a definite winner. You can confidently expect excellent value for your money, making it a smart choice for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
How are the prices at Caffè Macaroni?
You’re looking at roughly 43 per person – reported by 54 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, while the average is around 43$, there’s a nice mix! Many diners enjoy meals in the $21–$30 range, but there are also plenty who opt for more premium experiences, stretching into the higher price brackets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 54 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, allowing for both more casual and more indulgent dining experiences.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Caffè Macaroni
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Hidden Gem with Amazing Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true hidden gem. Mario and Stephanie made me feel like an old friend, their welcome was so warm.
The service was amazing, and the food was incredibly fresh. Everything on the menu tasted great and was perfectly balanced. I especially loved the carpaccio, the bread and dip, and all the pastas.
The panna cotta was absolutely amazing!
- hidden gem10
- Mario and Stephanie10
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Authentic Italian Gem!
Mario was super kind. This is an excellent Italian restaurant; it truly feels like being in Italy. The food was excellent and abundant.
You absolutely must try it!
- Mario10
- Italian restaurant9
- Italy9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food and Sweet Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was incredible! The food was amazing, and the staff were all so sweet. We ordered the calamari, puttanesca, and limoncello cake— I highly recommend everything.
The pasta dish wasn’t too “big” so maybe order an appetizer! It’s a super homey place. I’ll be back!
- food10
- staff10
- calamari10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Charming Old-School Italian Gem
After an extensive search through FiDi, Barbary Coast, and North Beach, we discovered Caffe Macaroni, a charming spot run by a husband and wife team for over 30 years. This is truly old-school, simple, and tiny – we even had to sit on the sidewalk! The menu is focused with a solid set of specials, and the food was spot on.
We enjoyed a bright, juicy, and salty fennel orange salad, and a piece of sole over caponata was absolute perfection. The bread with a garlicky dip was generous. The service was warm and personable, and we were grateful they could provide a tangible menu instead of requiring us to use our phones.
While the Prosecco could have been a touch colder for my taste, overall, this dinner surpassed our expectations and was thoroughly enjoyed.
- fennel orange salad9
- sole over caponata10
- bread with garlicky dip8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Cheesecake and Incredible Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The cheesecake was the most amazing thing I have ever tasted, potentially ruining all other cheesecakes for me. The staff and chefs were incredible, not only in their service but also in their personality.
It was one of the best meals I have ever had, and I'll never forget that first bite. My life is better for having experienced it.
- cheesecake10
- staff and chefs10
- best meals10
What Caffè Macaroni offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking garage
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and reservation policies does Caffè Macaroni offer?
At Caffè Macaroni, you can enjoy table service for lunch, dinner, and dessert. Seating is available, and for your convenience, the restaurant accepts reservations. Dinner reservations are highly recommended to ensure you get a spot, especially given its popularity in Telegraph Hill.
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Caffè Macaroni, and are there options for specific diets?
You’ll find Caffè Macaroni offers a romantic, cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for various dining experiences. The menu thoughtfully includes vegan options and vegetarian options, alongside organic dishes and small plates. Enjoy a selection of wine, beer, and coffee.
How does Caffè Macaroni score overall?
Caffè Macaroni holds an excellent overall score of 8.9. Its Service (9.3) is particularly outstanding, followed by its Food (8.8), Ambience (8.6), and Value (8.5), all contributing to a highly positive dining experience.
What makes the atmosphere at Caffè Macaroni special?
The atmosphere is often described as a charming, authentic Italian experience, feeling like a hidden gem. Guests appreciate its cozy vibe, which many say transports them to Italy.
Are there any common issues to be aware of at Caffè Macaroni?
While highly praised, some guests have noted that seating can be limited, and occasional longer waiting times may occur. There are also a few specific menu items that have received mixed feedback.