Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Crostini & Java – San Francisco
Crostini & Java - San Francisco
Photo from Crostini & Java
Crostini & Java at a glance
San Francisco Lower Nob Hill
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 138 of the guests
#224 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#24 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
522
Reviews
87.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Delicious food
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Limited seating
- Coffee inconsistency
- Value concerns
The cafe Crostini & Java in San Francisco’s vibrant Lower Nob Hill neighborhood offers a truly delightful escape. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, promising a great start to your day or a relaxing afternoon break.
This trendy cafe is renowned for its excellent coffee, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking quality beverages and a welcoming atmosphere in the city.
Overview: Introducting Crostini & Java
Crostini & Java offers a delightful experience, often praised for its incredibly friendly staff and the quality of its offerings. Many customers highlight the tasty sandwiches and coffee that make for a great start to the day.
While it boasts a generally cozy cafe atmosphere, some visitors note the limited seating options, particularly during busy times. Despite the snug interior, the welcoming vibe and efficient service contribute to a positive impression.
It’s a spot where you can expect good food and a pleasant interaction, even if finding a spacious seat might be a bit of a challenge.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
522
Reviews
87.7%
Satisfaction
46
negative
18
neutral
458
positive
Crostini & Java achieves a solid overall score of 8.5, reflecting a high level of customer satisfaction at 87.7%. This positive sentiment is built on a substantial base of 522 customer comments, with 458 positive remarks outweighing the 46 negative ones.
The restaurant truly shines in its Service (9.1), which customers consistently find excellent. The Food (8.7) also performs very well, indicating a strong culinary offering.
While the Ambience (7.7) and Value (7.4) are rated as good, they present areas where some customers have noted minor concerns.
What people like
- Friendly, efficient service
- Delicious breakfast items
- Cozy, welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Limited seating space
- Occasional coffee issues
- Value perception concerns
If you’re seeking a spot with genuinely friendly service and reliably good breakfast or lunch items, Crostini & Java is a strong contender. Its Recommendation Score of 8.8 suggests it’s a place many are happy to suggest to others, especially for a quick, satisfying bite.
However, be mindful of the potentially limited seating and occasional comments regarding coffee consistency or perceived value. It’s a worthwhile stop if you prioritize quality food and excellent service over expansive dining space.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Crostini & Java
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot truly shines with an excellent score of 8.7 and an impressive 91.3% customer satisfaction! Out of 300 comments, a whopping 274 rave about the delicious offerings. Guests consistently praise items like the unique rosemary mayo, the ultimate breakfast sandwich, and the specialty coffee drinks, all noted for being fresh and delicious.
However, a small number of 19 negative remarks point to some areas for improvement. A few experiences mentioned issues like an overpowering mayonnaise spread on breakfast sandwiches, smaller food portions, and occasionally forgotten ingredients. Some also noted a burnt coffee taste in certain drinks, suggesting inconsistency in execution.
Food
300
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
19
negative
7
neutral
274
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious breakfast sandwiches
- Fresh, flavorful food
- Excellent specialty coffees
What people don't like
- Overpowering mayo spread
- Small food portions
- Inconsistent coffee taste
Often praised
- coffeeThis cozy cafe is situated in the lively Financial District, making it a great spot for a coffee break or a quick bite. The food is reasonably priced for the area, with fresh crostinis and tasty coffee. I especially loved that they offer matcha with no sugar and oat milk as an option – perfect for those who prefer dairy alternatives.
- foodThey are consistent with their product, fast, and efficient. The drinks are always exactly as ordered, and their food is damn good. The pepperoncini sauce on that Cold Cuts Sandwich is 🤌🏻💋.
- sandwichesMy experience at this nice little cafe in Nob Hill was quite positive. I enjoyed their tasty sandwiches, and I especially recommend their croissant sandwiches. The service was really good, and it's a great place to grab a quick bite.
- bagelsTried their bagels and enjoyed every single bite
- breakfastMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be the best and I repeat, the best breakfast in town for a very fair price! 😍 It's a lovely small cafe with some space to sit outside and the service was very nice.
- breakfast sandwichesMy experience at this restaurant was perfect. I enjoyed amazing breakfast sandwiches and the coffee tasted great. The location is right in the thick of action, yet far enough away to offer a peaceful rest.
- FoodFood:5
- bagelMy first visit was a great experience! I absolutely loved the bagel. The owner and staff were incredibly friendly.
- breakfast sandwichKuriel has done a fantastic job creating an outstanding experience. The ultimate croissant sandwich is, without a doubt, the best breakfast sandwich in town. Thank you to the Crostini & Java team!
- pastriesMy experience at this nice little place was great. I enjoyed their good pastries and coffee. It's a popular spot with locals, and I recommend it for a light breakfast.
Frequently criticized
- breakfast sandwichMy breakfast sandwich came with some kind of mayonnaise spread all over it
- coffeescoffees go elsewhere
- cold brewcold brew wasn't the best. It tasted more like burnt coffee
- cream cheesegot cream cheese
- dressingthey used way too much of it
- espressoAnother time, I ordered an iced latte, which also had a burnt, bitter taste. I suspect they are adding too much water to the espresso. While the food at this place is very good, I'd suggest going elsewhere for coffee.
- executionMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. While the food looked great and seemed to have potential, the execution really missed the mark. My breakfast sandwich was overwhelmed by a mayonnaise spread, making it unpleasant.
- foodThe menu looked promising, and the café itself seems cute from the outside, but the overall experience was just so very, very blah. Prices feel a little steep for what you get, especially since the portions are average and the food isn’t particularly memorable. Also, randomly and surprisingly, it doesn’t offer Wi-Fi, which kind of defeats the purpose of a coffee spot where people might want to work or relax online.
- food portionsMy experience at this restaurant was in a sweet and cozy place with a great atmosphere. The food was rated highly, but the food portions are on the smaller side, which made it a bit pricey. Overall, I recommend this place.
- iced latteiced latte again a burnt bitter taste
If you're looking for a place with overwhelmingly positive feedback on its food and drinks, this is definitely worth a try. While there are minor inconsistencies, the vast majority of customers leave delighted, especially with their breakfast and specialty coffee options.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.1 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 92.2%, it's clear guests are thrilled. Based on 94 positive remarks, you can expect friendly staff and warm hospitality that often deliver speed and order accuracy, making for a delightful experience.
However, a few guests, 7 to be exact, did note some minor hiccups. Concerns occasionally popped up regarding waiting time and specific interactions with the cashier. There were also mentions about delivery guys potentially affecting the overall flow, but these seem to be isolated incidents among the 102 total opinions.
Service
102
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
94
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Staff are friendly
- Service is quick
- Owners are welcoming
What people don't like
- Waiting time is long
- Cashier was rude
- Delivery guys rude
Often praised
- serviceI was staying next door at the Nob Hill Hotel and decided to have breakfast here one morning. The service was very friendly and attentive. Our ordered food and coffee were prepared fresh and quickly, even with a large crowd, they managed with the necessary calm and overview.
- staffIn two years of going there several times a week, they have never ONCE gotten an order wrong. The staff is always busting their a$$ during rushes! The two women that generally work the counter and bar are both so friendly with a great sense of humor.
- ServiceDuring warm days, they have chairs outside. Service was friendly and quick, which is a big plus if you’re on a tight schedule. Would definitely recommend if you’re in the area!
- peopleI was looking for a place to have breakfast near the hostel and read good comments. Honestly, the bagels were delicious, and the people were very friendly. The place was very crowded.
- friendly staffEveryone is really friendly
- welcomeWe were in the area, looking for a coffee, and wandered into Crostini & Java. It's only a small corner cafe, but it offered a huge, warm welcome. Kirill was our host, providing hospitality and recommendations that were spot on.
- Mrs MagalyPlease say hi on my name and give some love to Mrs. Magaly; she’s always smiling so sweetly.
- Quick, easy, and tastyQuick, easy, and tasty!
- coffee and sandwichIt was so much more and so much better. It was busy and I still didn’t wait long for my coffee and sandwich. Def recommend this place for breakfast or lunch.
- counter and bar staffThe staff is always busting their a$$ during rushes! The two women that generally work the counter and bar are both so friendly with a great sense of humor. They are consistent with their product, fast, and efficient.
Frequently criticized
- Door dash ordersdeprioritize Door dash orders
- attention to every customerthey cannot pay attention to every customer
- cashiercashier said under his breath “oh thanks no tip”
- delivery guysdelivery guys in this neighborhood can be rude
- serviceservice during checkout was quite disappointing
- waitWait is long because it’s so busy.
- waiting timeWaited about 15 minutes for a sandwich
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and served efficiently, this is definitely worth a visit. While there might be an occasional wait during peak times, the overwhelmingly positive and friendly service makes it a solid choice.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, boasting a solid 7.7 score and a strong 75% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the cozy vibe and describe it as a hidden gem or a charming neighborhood spot. With 75 positive comments out of 100, the outdoor seating and people watching opportunities are frequently praised, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
However, some experiences highlight areas for improvement. About 16 comments mention concerns about limited space and seating options inside, making it feel cramped. A few also noted street noise affecting the outdoor experience and that it's not for working due to a lack of Wi-Fi or suitable space.
Ambience
100
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
16
negative
9
neutral
75
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, quaint atmosphere
- Great outdoor seating
- Charming neighborhood spot
What people don't like
- Limited indoor seating
- Can feel cramped
- No Wi-Fi
Often praised
- atmosphereI had a great breakfast sandwich and the best coffee in SF. The service was really friendly, and the atmosphere was also excellent. It's definitely worth a stop.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cafe😻😻😻 My experience at Crostini & Java was wonderful! This cozy cafe is situated in the lively Financial District, making it a great spot for a coffee break or a quick bite. The food is reasonably priced for the area, with fresh crostinis and tasty coffee.
- placea great place to grab a quick bite
- vibesI found it to be a hidden gem with amazing food and great service. The quaint vibes made for a lovely atmosphere. It's quickly become one of my favorite cafes in the city.
- breakfast spotMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a small but lovely breakfast spot with very friendly staff and a great selection of treats. The sandwiches were incredibly tasty, and the coffee was just as good.
- environmentIt’s easy to get here with plenty of bus and BART options nearby. The cafe itself has a cozy and casual environment, with indoor seating that’s perfect for grabbing lunch or working on the go. During warm days, they have chairs outside.
- hidden gemThe food and drinks were rich in flavor and beautifully crafted. It truly felt like a hidden gem, mostly known by locals but easily overlooked by passersby.
- locationin a lovely location with outdoor seating
- neighborhood spotMy experience at this restaurant was simply the best. It's a kind neighborhood spot where they remember your name. The food was very good, and the place is clean.
Frequently criticized
- placeTheir Everything Breakfast Bagel is divine, albeit a bit messy (but who needs dignity when you're in bagel heaven?). Sure, the place is super crammed inside—think sardines in a can—but it's well worth the claustrophobia. After all, who needs personal space when you can have perfection on a plate?
- seating optionsOur ordered food and coffee were prepared fresh and quickly, even with a large crowd, they managed with the necessary calm and overview. The seating options inside are very limited, consisting of counters along the two windows with bar stools. Outside, you'll find bistro tables, which are not particularly inviting due to low temperatures and continuous street noise.
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- Wi-FiPrices feel a little steep for what you get, especially since the portions are average and the food isn’t particularly memorable. Also, randomly and surprisingly, it doesn’t offer Wi-Fi, which kind of defeats the purpose of a coffee spot where people might want to work or relax online.
- bistro tablesThe seating options inside are very limited, consisting of counters along the two windows with bar stools. Outside, you'll find bistro tables, which are not particularly inviting due to low temperatures and continuous street noise. Nevertheless, due to the good quality and the typical "Breakfast mentality", it is highly recommended!
- insideThen there’s the food - the sandwiches are so good and they always put this sauce on them that’s amazing. I just wish it was bigger inside, but I don’t want them to move. Overall, I’d say it’s a great spot to get your morning breakfast and start your day off right.
- overall experiencethe overall experience was just so very very blah
- spaceno space for everyone to have a seat
- space for consuming ordersspace for consuming orders is a bit small
- space to sit insidenot much space to sit inside
If youre seeking a charming, cozy spot with good vibes and outdoor seating for a quick bite or coffee, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially limited indoor seating and some street noise if you choose to sit outside. Its perfect for a casual stop, less so for extended work sessions.
Value (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 75%. Many guests, with 15 positive remarks, rave about the quality/price and reasonable prices , often highlighting the great value and good price-quality relationship you get for your money. It seems you can expect a satisfying experience without breaking the bank.
However, not everyone agrees, as 4 negative comments suggest some caution. A few found certain items pricey or felt the prices were a little steep for what was offered. While generally positive, it's worth noting that the value might not always align with expectations for every single dish.
Value
20
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good quality-price
- Fair, reasonable prices
- Great overall value
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Prices feel steep
- Value can vary
Often praised
- pricesFinally found a place that fulfilled my desire for good tasting coffee (Espresso and Cappuccino). The food was also tasty, and you get all of this for reasonable prices. This place makes my list for recommended breakfast spots in SF.
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be the best and I repeat, the best breakfast in town for a very fair price! 😍 It's a lovely small cafe with some space to sit outside and the service was very nice.
- PricesPrices are reasonable
- foodThis cozy cafe is situated in the lively Financial District, making it a great spot for a coffee break or a quick bite. The food is reasonably priced for the area, with fresh crostinis and tasty coffee. I especially loved that they offer matcha with no sugar and oat milk as an option – perfect for those who prefer dairy alternatives.
- good price-quality relationshipbuena relación precio-calidad!!
- offeringVery nice offering and value for money
- quality/priceCalidad/precio totalmente recomendable!
- valueGreat value as well
Frequently criticized
- PricesThe menu looked promising, and the café itself seems cute from the outside, but the overall experience was just so very, very blah. Prices feel a little steep for what you get, especially since the portions are average and the food isn’t particularly memorable. Also, randomly and surprisingly, it doesn’t offer Wi-Fi, which kind of defeats the purpose of a coffee spot where people might want to work or relax online.
- priceIt was mostly a carbohydrate sandwich with next to no meat. I think I paid about $14. A Mexican restaurant two blocks away offers way better value!
- priceyit turns out a bit pricey
- valueMexican restaurant to blocks away way better value!
If youre seeking good value, this spot is generally a safe bet. Most customers find the prices fair and the overall offering great, though a few items might feel a bit pricey. Expect a satisfying experience that wont usually break the bank.
How are the prices at Crostini & Java?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 138 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most folks spend right around this average, with the bulk of prices clustering firmly in the $11–$20 range, though you’ll find a few options both a little cheaper and a bit pricier.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 138 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this Cafe against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Cafe in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance for a casual meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Crostini & Java
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Super Breakfast Spot, Will Return!
We had breakfast here several times during our stay and it was always great. The coffee, matcha, bagels, and sandwiches were super, especially the California Crunch! We would gladly come back!
- coffee9
- matcha9
- bagels9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Delicious Breakfast and Friendly Service
My experience at this cafe was wonderful. They offer delicious breakfast sandwiches and pastries, alongside specialty coffee drinks. I particularly enjoyed sitting outside.
The staff were all really friendly. I highly recommend this place!
- breakfast sandwiches9
- pastries9
- specialty coffee drinks8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Delicious breakfast, great smell!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was very tasty, and the smell of the baked crostini was wonderful. I would definitely have breakfast there again.
- food10
- smell9
- breakfast10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
3
Promising but Ultimately Blah Experience
I really wanted to like Crostini & Java. The menu looked promising, and the café itself seems cute from the outside, but the overall experience was just so very, very blah. Prices feel a little steep for what you get, especially since the portions are average and the food isn’t particularly memorable.
Also, randomly and surprisingly, it doesn’t offer Wi-Fi, which kind of defeats the purpose of a coffee spot where people might want to work or relax online.
- menu7
- café7
- portions5
- overall experience3
- Prices3
- food3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Delicious Works Bagel for Breakfast
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. I tried the ‘Works Bagel’ and it was very tasty. I recommend it for a quick breakfast or brunch.
- Works Bagel9
- quick breakfast/brunch8
What Crostini & Java offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Crostini & Java?
At Crostini & Java, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any time of day. They offer a range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with healthy and vegetarian choices available. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or small plates, you can enjoy your meal with coffee, tea, wine, or beer.
Does Crostini & Java accommodate families or pets, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Crostini & Java is good for kids, providing high chairs for your little ones. If you have a furry friend, dogs are allowed outside in their outdoor seating area. Regarding parking, it can usually be difficult to find a space, but both free and paid street parking options are available nearby.
How does Crostini & Java generally perform?
Crostini & Java earns a strong overall score of 8.5, with customers expressing 87.7% satisfaction. Its Service (9.1) and Food (8.7) are particularly well-regarded, while Ambience (7.7) and Value (7.4) are also good, though with some noted limitations.
What do customers enjoy most about Crostini & Java?
Many appreciate the friendly staff and quick service, along with the tasty sandwiches and quality coffee. The cafe’s cozy atmosphere and “hidden gem” feel are also frequently praised.
Are there any common concerns at Crostini & Java?
Some customers mention the limited seating options, describing the space as “crammed inside.” There are also occasional comments about specific coffee items having a “burnt” taste and some finding the prices a bit steep for the portion sizes.