Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro – San Francisco
Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro - San Francisco
Photo from Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro
Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍽️ Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 21 – 30 €
mentioned by 146 of the guests
#498 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#71 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
725
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
- Cozy ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Value concerns
- Service delays
- Food inconsistencies
The restaurant Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood offers you a delightful experience. This inviting spot is known for its great coffee, making it a perfect destination whether you’re starting your day or taking a break.
You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere, ideal for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Overview: Introducting Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro
Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro generally offers a pleasant dining experience, with many guests consistently praising the delicious food and attentive service. The inviting ambiance also contributes significantly to a positive visit, making it a comfortable spot for various occasions.
However, some guests have noted concerns regarding prices. While the friendly staff and overall atmosphere receive high marks, there’s a slight divergence in opinions when it comes to cost, with some finding specific items less of a deal than others.
It appears to be a place where the quality of the experience often outweighs minor reservations.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
725
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
91
negative
18
neutral
616
positive
Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro earns a solid overall score of 8.2, complemented by a strong 85% customer satisfaction rate. This indicates a consistently positive experience for most patrons.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 725 customer opinions, with 616 positive remarks against 91 negative ones, providing a credible foundation for these ratings. Delving into specifics, the Ambience (8.6) and Service (8.5) are particularly well-regarded, suggesting a comfortable setting and attentive staff.
The Food (8.1) also performs very well, indicating a generally satisfying culinary offering. However, Value (6.5) sits in the average range, reflecting some mixed feedback on pricing despite positive comments about reasonable costs and good deals.
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Cozy, clean atmosphere
What people don't like
- Overpriced for some
- Slow service, long waits
- Food preparation issues
With a recommendation score of 8.4, Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro is certainly worth considering. It shines with its welcoming atmosphere, dedicated service, and generally well-received food, making it a reliable choice for a pleasant meal.
While some guests have noted occasional concerns about value or service speed, the overall positive sentiment suggests these are not widespread issues. If you prioritize a comfortable setting and good hospitality, this cafe and bistro is likely to deliver a satisfying experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at a good 83.4%, diners frequently rave about the delicious taste and generous portions. Out of 355 total opinions, a whopping 296 praised items like Norwegian Eggs Benedict, fresh orange juice, and the great variety on the menu, often highlighting the high-quality ingredients.
However, not every bite is perfect. About 52 comments pointed out occasional issues, such as poor preparation with undercooked potatoes or soggy toast, and some found the food bland or even cold. There were also mentions of inconsistent portion sizes and cheap-looking bacon, suggesting some dishes might miss the mark.
Food
355
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
52
negative
7
neutral
296
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious taste
- Generous portions
- Menu variety
What people don't like
- Poor preparation
- Inconsistent quality
- Cold food
Often praised
- foodDuring our stay in the city, we returned three times. We especially enjoyed the service from the waitress Chelo, and the food was delicious. The atmosphere was quiet and easy to talk in, with a food score of 5, service score of 5, and atmosphere score of 5.
- breakfastMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a great place for breakfast, and I'm sure it's just as good for lunch and dinner. The staff were relaxed, the coffee was delicious, and the atmosphere was cozy.
- coffeeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had a delicious breakfast and excellent coffee. The servers were incredibly friendly, and the sourdough toast was especially amazing.
- avocado toastThe owner, a very kind Taiwanese person, provided attentive service. I highly recommend the breakfast options, including the omelet with crispy shredded potatoes, avocado toast, and steak – all were delicious. It's a great place offering nice breakfast along with lovely services, and I enjoyed my stay here!
- food qualityfood quality the best
- delicious fooddelicious food
- hash brownsBacon and hash browns delicious
- menuThe menu has so many of my favorites
- pancakesAs a family of three, we tried a variety of dishes and can truthfully say that everything was exquisite. My husband enjoyed the huevos rancheros, our daughter loved the pancakes, and I greatly enjoyed the yoghurt bowl. The service was lovely, and Chelo truly made us feel welcome, even remembering I had left my sunglasses the day before.
- seared salmonhad the seared salmon. Absolutely delicous
Frequently criticized
- foodThe ambiance is unique, but it lacks coziness; it felt like an attempt at an upscale eatery that fell short due to the excessive amount of knickknacks and clutter. The food did not meet our expectations. My brother's French toast order consisted of only one and a half pieces of bread, which is frankly embarrassing given the cost.
- avocado toastI specifically asked for poached hard eggs on my avocado toast, but they arrived runny. To make matters worse, there was a 50-cent piece sized chunk of eggshell on the toast. After finishing our under-impressive food, we waited over 30 minutes for the check before ultimately leaving cash on the table.
- baconI ordered avocado toast with bacon. Although the eggs were poached perfectly medium, the bread was not toasted and the bacon was not crisp, seeming to have been sitting in its grease for a while. I suspect it was just an off day, but it was a bummer.
- breadI ordered avocado toast with bacon. Although the eggs were poached perfectly medium, the bread was not toasted and the bacon was not crisp, seeming to have been sitting in its grease for a while. I suspect it was just an off day, but it was a bummer.
- friesI had the Caprese sandwich that was amazing. The fries were thick and I didn't care for them much. If you're in the neighborhood definitely visit for a sumptuous meal.
- omeletteI ordered an omelette and it took forever to come!
- toastThe toast was a limp soggy mess
- CalamarisCalamaris and Chicken in the Chicken Alfredo were a little undercooked
- Chicken in the Chicken AlfredoChicken in the Chicken Alfredo were a little undercooked
- Egg BenedictOrdered egg Benedict but got hard boiled eggs instead
If you're looking for a place with generally delicious food, generous portions, and a good variety, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few dishes might have inconsistent preparation or quality, so choose wisely.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a good 8.5 score and a fantastic 85.1% customer satisfaction, its clear guests feel well-cared for. Out of 221 comments, a remarkable 188 rave about the friendly staff, attentiveness, and great service, often singling out individuals for their warm hospitality.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. A smaller number of 27 remarks point to occasional slow service, extended wait times, and instances where staff seemed understaffed, leading to forgotten items or order errors. These seem to be isolated incidents rather than a widespread issue.
Service
221
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
27
negative
6
neutral
188
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Understaffed
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was a trifecta, scoring perfectly on food, service, and atmosphere. We were greeted with friendly and efficient service in a picturesque cafe that offered plenty of seats bathed in natural light. I particularly appreciated the availability of healthier options; the overnight oats bowl was exceptionally good, possibly the best I've ever had.
- staffThe café is beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. The service was excellent, every staff member we met was kind, polite, and attentive. Our host was especially friendly and hospitable, making us feel valued and right at home from the moment we arrived.
- ConsueloConsuelo made us feel at home and never rushed us
- waitressThe food is of good quality and has a great taste. The service was very friendly and helpful; the waitress was always attentive to assist and follow up. I liked it.
- ServiceThe atmosphere was warm and inviting with beautiful, relaxing music playing in the background, making it the perfect spot for catching up with a friend or enjoying a quiet working lunch. Service was friendly and attentive. Highly recommend!
- ownerThe owner is a very kind Taiwanese person
- CheloChelo really made us feel welcome
- IvonneThe owner, Cindy, leads a wonderful and motivated team. I particularly want to highlight Ivonne for her very attentive service 🙏. The background music is pleasant.
- employeesMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely perfect. The food was delicious, and the employees were overly kind. I can only recommend going there.
- foodThe servers were incredibly friendly, and the sourdough toast was especially amazing. Our food came out quickly both times we visited during our last vacation. I have no complaints at all and highly recommend this place!
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was a bit of a letdown. I'm not sure if it was an off day or they were unprepared for the crowd, but the service was slow and elusive. While the communication was pleasant, the staff were simply not available.
- wait timebe prepared for the wait time. It takes forever
- checkTo make matters worse, there was a 50-cent piece sized chunk of eggshell on the toast. After finishing our under-impressive food, we waited over 30 minutes for the check before ultimately leaving cash on the table. I'm not sure where the gap is between existing reviews and our experience, but we will never be back.
- servertakes forever for the server to even take an order
- await timethere was an await time, but I will say it was worth it
- check on meNot once did anyone come by after taking my order to check on me
- drink arrivalMy drink took over 15 mins to arrive
- food arrivalmy food took over 30 mins
- forgotten coffeeforgotten a coffee in the order
- order errorsMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to several issues. There were order errors on 2 out of 3 items, and a coffee was forgotten. Additionally, the portion sizes were disappointing for the price.
If you value a warm welcome and attentive care, this place is definitely worth a try. While a few guests encountered slow periods, the overwhelmingly friendly and efficient staff generally ensures a delightful experience.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines, boasting an excellent score of 8.6 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 94.3%! Based on 115 positive remarks, guests consistently rave about the warm, inviting, and cozy atmosphere, often highlighting the spotlessly clean environment. Many appreciate the pleasant background music and the fact that it's quiet enough for easy conversation, making for a truly relaxing experience.
However, out of 122 total comments, a handful of 4 negative opinions do pop up. A few found the interior a bit dated, and some mentioned a loud noise level that made conversation difficult. There was also a specific concern about the washrooms not being as clean as expected, which is definitely something to keep in mind.
Ambience
122
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
115
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, clean atmosphere
- Pleasant background music
- Quiet for conversation
What people don't like
- Loud noise level
- Dated interior
- Unclean washrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereWe visited for the third time, this time for dinner! The ambiance is simply cozy and romantic - dim lighting, pleasant music like jazz, a quiet atmosphere, and stylish decor. The food was very delicious with large portions.
- placeThe place is clean and cared for.
- ambiancethe ambiance made the whole experience even better
- musicMy experience at this fantastic place, located at Parc 55 hotel, was excellent. The restaurant was spotlessly clean, the staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was enhanced by relaxing music. I particularly enjoyed the bacon and hash browns, which were delicious.
- cleanlinessWhat a delightful brunch experience! The café is beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. The service was excellent, every staff member we met was kind, polite, and attentive.
- background musicI particularly want to highlight Ivonne for her very attentive service 🙏. The background music is pleasant. In total, it's a place I can highly recommend!
- decorWe visited for the third time, this time for dinner! The ambiance is simply cozy and romantic - dim lighting, pleasant music like jazz, a quiet atmosphere, and stylish decor. The food was very delicious with large portions.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiencematching the ambience of the place
- cafethe Cafe was highly frequented
Frequently criticized
- ambianceThe ambiance is unique but not cozy
- interiorI was very hungry and found this place with high ratings. My first impression was that the interior looked a bit dated, like a neighborhood shop. However, the staff were very friendly, and the food was quite delicious.
- noise levelnoise level was very loud, hard to hear
- washroomsThe washrooms were not clean a expected
Overall, if youre looking for a place with a delightful, cozy, and clean atmosphere perfect for a relaxed chat, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While a rare few might find the decor a bit old-fashioned or the noise a tad high, the overwhelming positive vibe suggests youll likely have a fantastic time.
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a somewhat balanced picture. With a score of 6.5, it leans towards average, and customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 63%. Out of 27 sentiments, 17 were positive, often highlighting reasonable price, happy hour specials, and a burger deal.
Many found the food fairly priced and appreciated the good value for the quality and portions received. However, not everyone felt they got their moneys worth. 8 opinions expressed concerns, frequently mentioning overpriced items, the overall cost, and disappointment with price versus portion. Some felt the bill could climb quite quickly, ' especially for certain dishes, suggesting that while some deals are great, other aspects might feel a bit steep.
Value
27
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great deals available
- Reasonable prices found
- Good value for money
What people don't like
- Some items overpriced
- High overall cost
- Poor price-portion
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this cafe was really good. The food was great, the service was great, and the prices are reasonable by San Francisco standards. It was good enough that after 10 days and about 15 different eateries, we went back for a second time.
- priceWe decided to give it a try and were so very pleased that we did so. The food was wonderful and very reasonably priced. The staff was amazing.
- PricesI especially enjoyed the coffee; the espresso was a blast! Prices are normal for a place of its category.
- affordable dinnerI enjoyed the delicious food and the nice lady who helped us. I can certainly recommend this place for a nice and affordable dinner.
- burger dealhappy hour has a great burger deal.
- dealburger w/ fixings, fries and beer or wine for $16.. best deal in the city.
- fairly pricedThe food was delicious, and the portions were generous. It was also fairly priced. The staff was warm and friendly, making me feel very welcome, which perfectly matched the inviting ambience of the place.
- happy hourhappy hour has a great burger deal.
- normal range priceprice are within normal range
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price
Frequently criticized
- priceWhile the service was excellent and the vibes were nice, the food was a major letdown. It was bland and overly priced; I honestly felt I could have made better at home. The only thing lacking was the food, which was mid and overpriced.
- billthe note which climbs quite quickly
- eggsThe food itself was quite amazing, especially the Norwegian Eggs Benedict and the fruit bowl, which I found to be a very good value. However, the eggs might have been slightly overpriced. The atmosphere of the place was nice and it wasn't crowded.
- price versus portionfor the price versus portion c’est décevant
- time and moneywasting your time and money
If youre seeking specific deals like happy hour or burger specials, youll likely find good value here. However, be aware that some menu items might feel overpriced, and the overall bill can add up quickly. Its a mixed bag, so choose wisely based on your budget and what youre ordering.
How are the prices at Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro?
On average, you’ll spend around 29 per person – based on 146 guests. That puts the restaurant in the 21 – 30 € category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests cluster around this 21 – 30 € price point. However, there’s also a noticeable number of diners opting for higher-priced experiences, particularly in the 41 – 50 € range, showing a good mix of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 146 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for a mid-range experience, with options for those looking to spend a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Fantastic Food, Incredible Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was amazing and at a reasonable price. The staff was incredible and truly made my meal special.
I have so many favorites on the menu that I will come back again and again.
- food10
- reasonable price9
- staff10
Price per Person
- 41 - 50 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delightful Brunch with Excellent Service
What a delightful brunch experience! The café is beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. The service was excellent, every staff member we met was kind, polite, and attentive.
Our host was especially friendly and hospitable, making us feel valued and right at home from the moment we arrived. As for the food, absolutely delicious. The pancakes and French toast were exceptionally soft and well-prepared.
In fact, the French toast was one of the best I’ve ever had. I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a top-notch brunch in a lovely setting.
- atmosphere9
- service10
- staff9
Price per Person
- 41 - 50 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Excellent Food, Long Wait
What a great find! We had a wonderful breakfast here. Everything was excellent.
The place is very busy, so you need to fill out a sheet with your name and wait outside to be called. The food was very good and the staff extremely pleasant. The major downside is the wait time.
The service was extremely slow, almost 25-30 minutes for a simple order for two people. The food was very tasty and delicious, and especially well-presented. I can only recommend this place if you are not in a hurry.
- breakfast9
- food9
- staff10
- wait time3
- service3
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Hidden Gem with Amazing Caprese
What a gem hidden in a corner! I was at the Hilton nearby for an event and found this place. The place is run by 3 women who seem to care much about their customers and also the food they serve.
I had the Caprese sandwich that was amazing. The fries were thick and I didn't care for them much. If you're in the neighborhood definitely visit for a sumptuous meal.
- Caprese sandwich9
- women9
- food they serve9
- fries4
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Excellent Omelette and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The San Francisco omelette was incredibly delicious. I also appreciated the thoughtful touch of receiving milk & coffee syrups separately, allowing me to customize my drink.
The service from Consuelo was exceptionally nice and hospitable. Furthermore, there was really no wait. I give it a 10/10 and would highly recommend it.
- San Francisco omelette10
- milk & coffee syrups9
- Consuelo10
What Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What service options and accessibility features does Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro offer you?
At Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro, you can enjoy flexible service options including curbside pickup, dine-in, and takeout. The venue is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
Can you dine at Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro throughout the day, and is it suitable for families?
Yes, Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro welcomes you for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with both counter and table service available. It’s also a great spot for families, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs for your little ones.
How does Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro rate overall?
Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro holds an overall score of 8.2. Its Ambience (8.6) and Service (8.5) are highly rated, with Food (8.1) also performing well. Value (6.5) is considered average, indicating some mixed opinions on pricing.
What do customers appreciate most about Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro?
Customers frequently praise the cafe’s inviting ambiance, often described as cozy and clean, along with the friendly and attentive staff. The delicious food, including breakfast items and coffee, is also a consistent highlight.
Are there any common concerns or things to be aware of before visiting Magnin Street Cafe & Bistro?
Some guests have expressed concerns about the value, finding certain items to be overpriced. There are also occasional reports of slow service or longer wait times, and a few instances of minor food preparation issues like undercooked items or specific requests not being met.