Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Nob Hill Cafe – San Francisco
Nob Hill Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from Nob Hill Cafe
Nob Hill Cafe at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 110 of the guests
#1284 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#85 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
663
Reviews
72.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious pasta
- Cozy ambiance
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Bland food
- Poor service
- Overpriced items
The Italian restaurant Nob Hill Cafe in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood offers a delightful escape. You’ll discover a cozy and romantic atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Known for its great coffee, this spot is ideal for starting your day or enjoying a relaxed afternoon. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this charming cafe provides a welcoming experience.
Its trendy yet casual vibe makes it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
Overview: Introducting Nob Hill Cafe
Nob Hill Cafe generally offers a pleasant dining experience, with many guests praising the quality of its food, particularly Italian staples. The ambience is often described as cozy and inviting, contributing to a comfortable visit for many patrons.
However, some experiences with service have been less consistent, with occasional reports of disorganization or rudeness. Certain dishes have also been noted as unremarkable, suggesting that while many find the offerings delicious, there can be variability in the culinary execution.
Good
7.4
out of 10
663
Reviews
72.4%
Satisfaction
147
negative
36
neutral
480
positive
Nob Hill Cafe garners a solid overall score of 7.4 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience, with customer satisfaction standing at 72.4%. This assessment is drawn from 663 customer observations, comprising 480 positive remarks and 147 negative ones, painting a clear picture of its standing.
The Food (7.7) is a clear highlight, frequently praised for its flavor and variety. While Ambience (7.6) also contributes positively with its inviting feel, Service (6.9) receives a good but slightly lower score, suggesting some variability.
Value (5.9) appears to be an area where opinions are more divided, falling into the average range.
What people like
- Flavorful pasta dishes
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Service inconsistencies
- Value concerns
With a recommendation score of 7.6, Nob Hill Cafe presents itself as a solid choice for a casual Italian meal. Its strengths in culinary offerings and inviting atmosphere often create memorable experiences for many patrons.
If you prioritize flavorful pasta and a cozy setting, it’s certainly worth a visit. However, be mindful that some aspects of service and overall value might not consistently meet every expectation, so manage those expectations accordingly.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Italian Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
420
92.9%
- $$
- Russian Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
761
94.6%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
440
93.4%
- $$
- Russian Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
378
92.9%
- $$
- Telegraph Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
421
91.9%
- $$
- Nob Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
733
92%
- $$
- Cole Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Nob Hill Cafe
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.7 and a solid customer satisfaction of 75.7%. Many diners rave about the delicious food and authentic Italian cuisine, often praising the generous portions and top quality ingredients. With 259 positive remarks out of 342, theres a lot to love on the menu.
However, not every dish hits the mark. Some feedback points to food being bland or unseasoned, with specific mentions of overcooked pasta and dishes that lacked flavor'. While these concerns are fewer, with 71 negative comments, they suggest some inconsistencies in execution that might disappoint.
Food
342
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
71
negative
12
neutral
259
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious authentic food
- Generous portion sizes
- Top quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Food lacks flavor
- Pasta often overcooked
- Inconsistent dish quality
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I found it to be one of the best spots around, offering great service, awesome food, and killer drinks. I highly recommend it if you haven't tried it yet.
- lasagnaThe people, especially the nice man at the front door, were very welcoming. We enjoyed our very yummy, fresh Margarita pizza and delicious lasagna. Everything else was also fabulous.
- pizzaFor appetizers, we shared a mushroom and sausage pizza, which was really good, along with a couple of salads. Having recently returned from Tuscany, I can say the pizza was pretty good by comparison. For our main courses, we enjoyed the lasagna, clam linguine, lamb ragu, and the sole.
- pastaCarpacçio, meatballs, pasta, pizza, desert, wine...so good !
- carbonaraThe carbonara, gnocchi, and tortellini are out of this world good
- chocolate ganachechocolate ganache, which was also really delicious
- tiramisua tiramisu for desert. Everything was delicious
- Penne BettolaPenne Bettola, Everything tasted really flavorful
- FoodFood:4
- delicious fooddelicious food. Amazingly delicious!
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was unremarkable and tasted like something I’d have at Olive Garden
- lasagnathe lasagna I ordered was disappointing. It was runny, tasteless
- pastaEven the most basic dishes were only average or below. The pasta was essentially tasteless, and the margherita pizza tasted like a frozen pizza. To make matters worse, we encountered a rude waiter who was rushing us to order because the "kitchen was backed up.
- pizzapizza was super soggy in the middle
- Caesar saladexcept the Caesar salad. It was quite fishy
- CarbonaraCarbonara didn't taste like cheese
- flavorWhile the atmosphere was good and the service was okay, the food was a letdown. We found the Lasagne and Chicken dishes to be a bit bland, and felt it was pricey for relatively simple dishes with no great flavor 😕. We were glad we didn't spend more on drinks.
- Bottom of pizzaBottom of pizza was undercooked
- Caprese saladShocked when it came out. For $18, it was only 3 slices pieces of tomato with buffalo mozzarella.
- Carbonara PastaCarbonara Pasta fell just short
If you're craving authentic Italian flavors and generous portions, this spot is definitely worth a try, as many find the food delicious and top-quality. Just be aware that some dishes might occasionally fall short on seasoning or texture, so choose wisely.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot earns a solid 6.9 score, placing it on the higher end of average, with customer satisfaction landing at a 63.9% mixed bag. Many guests, totaling 108 positive remarks, rave about the friendly staff, attentive service, and welcoming hospitality, often highlighting great recommendations and quick care from the waitstaff and owners. However, about 46 opinions point to some bumps in the road.
Some experiences mention rude or rushed service, unorganized staff, and frustratingly long wait times, even with reservations. It seems while many feel welcomed, others encounter a lack of professionalism or feel ignored, suggesting inconsistency.
Service
169
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
46
negative
15
neutral
108
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Welcoming hospitality
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Rude, rushed service
- Long wait times
- Unorganized staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful. I loved the feel, the food, and the service. It's slightly off the beaten path, but it's definitely worth the walk up Nob Hill.
- staffOn our last visit, the focaccia bread seemed undercooked, and the clam pasta was prepared with de-shelled chopped clams that didn't leave us with confidence the clams were fresh rather than out of a can. The staff were supremely attentive and comped the clam pasta when they noticed we didn't enjoy it much, but I feel there's no need for the restaurant to cut corners so much on their comfort food classics as to create that kind of situation in the first place. This neighborhood is incredibly competitive for charming Italian restaurants, and while I appreciate their economical price point and comforting, generous, old-fashioned style, I am hoping to see a return to more careful preparation and attention to detail in the food.
- ServiceService was exceptional as well!
- waitIt's busy, so be prepared lol. But it's ABSOLUTELY worth the wait. The staff, like Lisa, is awesome.
- hospitalityHe was friendly, attentive, and made us feel like we were being welcomed into a family kitchen. That kind of hospitality is rare and truly appreciated. We’re genuinely sad to live all the way on the other coast, because if we were local, we’d be regulars.
- hostThe host (Joey, I think) was an absolute angel.
- recommendationsgave us some recommendations since it was our first time there
- serverThere was a pleasant outdoor seating area that was dog friendly and had heaters. The staff was incredibly friendly and we had a great conversation with our server.
- waiting timewe waited about 10 minutes for a table for two. Not bad at all
- StaffStaff was nice
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was far from Italian. I encountered the worst service ever, and the food was, at best, meh. It's mind-boggling that this place has so many good reviews.
- waiting timeWe had to wait quite a long time despite having a reservation. We ended up eating outside even though it was very cold.
- reservationsThey do not take reservations
- kitchenthe kitchen seemed like it was struggling to keep up with all our orders
- staffworst organized staff and unfriendly
- waitera rude waiter who was hurrying people to order
- customersThis place has no respect for customers.
- dessert menuAsked for someone to bring the dessert menu and it never came
- find someonetook a minute to find someone so I can pick up my order
- hostthe host refused to take it because I was a party of one
If youre seeking genuinely friendly and attentive staff, youll likely have a great experience here. Just be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or occasional inconsistencies, especially during busy times, which might test your patience.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits all the right notes, with a good score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.3%. Many of the 102 positive comments rave about the cozy atmosphere, intimate setting, and warm and lively feel, making it a perfect spot for date nights or a relaxing dinner. Guests frequently praise the inviting vibe that makes them feel right at home.
However, not everyone is charmed, as 21 comments point out some areas for improvement. Some found the overhead lights ruined the mood, while others noted a strange smell or issues with noise levels. A few even felt the decor, with its cheapest furnishings, lacked elegance and warmth, comparing it to an airport food court.
Ambience
132
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
21
negative
9
neutral
102
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, intimate atmosphere
- Great for date nights
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Harsh overhead lights
- Unpleasant odors
- High noise levels
Often praised
- atmosphereMy wife declared the Salmon risotto the best she's ever had. The service was also great, providing a nice and relaxed atmosphere.
- restaurantThe main courses were also impressive; the calamari steak was well spiced and cooked to perfection, and the black pasta and seafood special was excellent. It's a popular spot, so I recommend you come early as the restaurant fills up fast.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationThe atmosphere, location, authenticity, very pleasant people
- ambianceA welcoming ambiance with a warmly lit interior
- ambienceambience is cozy and inviting
- cozy atmosphereWe love this place in our neighborhood; it’s our favorite go-to when we want to go out for dinner and know we can depend on the great food and service, as well as the cozy atmosphere. The pastas are delicious, with my personal favorite being the carbonara and the lasagna.
- dog friendlyI’d recommend both the picatta and the carbonara. There was a pleasant outdoor seating area that was dog friendly and had heaters. The staff was incredibly friendly and we had a great conversation with our server.
- intimate settingIntimate setting
- outdoor seatingoutdoor seating and heaters!!
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was awful. We waited on the cold and put our names on the list, only to be ignored for 20 minutes. To make matters worse, they let in a group of their friends who had just arrived.
- 1980's rock musicHorrible 1980's rock music blaring
- European styled table clothnow has the charm of the employee break room
- airport food courtThere's no love, passion, care, or warmth in the place – just grey and blah, as if the best they could do was buy the cheapest items from Home Depot. It's worse than an airport food court. While the service was attentive and friendly, it needs more.
- bare minimumjust the cheapest and bare minimum
- cheapest craplike the best they could do is get the cheapest crap
- cheapest furnishingsthe cheapest furnishings
- cockroacha cockroach crawled up the wall next to me
- dining areaSmall dining area
- doorstwo doors, which no clear indication of which one is the main entrance
If youre seeking a cozy, intimate spot for a relaxed evening or a date, this place often delivers a warm and lively atmosphere. However, if youre sensitive to noise or particular about decor, you might find some aspects a bit underwhelming.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a somewhat mixed bag, reflected in its customer satisfaction of 55% and an average score of 5.9. Many diners appreciate the reasonable and affordable pricing, often highlighting the economical price point and great pricing that offer value for money. Out of 20 total comments, 11 lean positive, suggesting many find the prices quite fair.
However, not everyone agrees, with 9 comments expressing concerns. Some found the experience pricey or overpriced, noting that the total bill could be steeper than expected for what they received. Specific mentions include dishes being pricey for a relatively simple dish or having small portions for the cost, contributing to the overall mixed sentiment around value.
Value
20
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Affordable options
- Good value
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Small portions
- Overpriced dishes
Often praised
- pricesPrices and wine list are reasonable.
- affordable priceIt's a place that is always very crowded, and after dining here, I understand why. The food is great and offered at a very affordable price. We enjoyed a burrata appetizer, several pizzas, and a tiramisu for dessert.
- affordable pricingreally affordable pricing
- economical price pointThe staff were supremely attentive and comped the clam pasta when they noticed we didn't enjoy it much, but I feel there's no need for the restaurant to cut corners so much on their comfort food classics as to create that kind of situation in the first place. This neighborhood is incredibly competitive for charming Italian restaurants, and while I appreciate their economical price point and comforting, generous, old-fashioned style, I am hoping to see a return to more careful preparation and attention to detail in the food.
- great pricingThey have been a part of the community for a long time, which speaks to their quality. I was impressed with the excellent choices on the menu and the great pricing. It's truly a real gem.
- prices elsewhereLured here by the insane prices elsewhere
- reasonableAll super reasonable
- valueThe value is excellent
- value for moneyBon rapport qualité prix
- wine listPrices and wine list are reasonable.
Frequently criticized
- priceOver priced
- priceyThe staff dress like lumberjacks. The brunch menu is incredibly basic, which is painful and disappointing, yet still kind of pricey. There's no love, passion, care, or warmth in the place – just grey and blah, as if the best they could do was buy the cheapest items from Home Depot.
- $35 a headPerhaps my European taste buds aren't adjusted to bland white American food, as the Americans seem to rave about this place. But if I served that dish in my own home, I would be embarrassed, let alone charging $35 a head (including tip).
- PriceFor $18, it was only 3 slices pieces of tomato with buffalo mozzarella.
- credit cardsWhile the food received a 3 out of 5, the main issue was the payment policy. They would only accept credit cards from two people at the table, not everyone. This was a significant inconvenience and a point of frustration.
- total billTotal bill was just under $90 which is steeper than Nob Hill!
When considering value, this spot presents a mixed bag. While many find the pricing reasonable and a good deal, others feel certain dishes are overpriced for their portion or simplicity. Go if you're seeking an economical option, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies in perceived value.
How are the prices at Nob Hill Cafe?
On average, you’ll spend around 40 per person – from 110 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For an Italian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the full picture, most diners actually spend between 21 – 50 $, indicating a good mix of mid-range and slightly more premium options, rather than prices clustering tightly around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 110 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, especially with the variety of price points available. It offers good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Nob Hill Cafe
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Perfect Carbonara, Worth the Calories!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, particularly the Carbonara pasta, which was absolutely perfect. If I lived in the area, I'd be so fat right now! The atmosphere and service both received a perfect score of 5, and the food also earned a 5.
The seating on the outdoor patio/terrace was a lovely touch.
- Carbonara pasta10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Pasta and Risotto
My experience at the restaurant was okay, but I had expected much more based on the reviews. The pastas were overcooked and excessively seasoned. The risotto was not traditional; it was more like a rice soup with corn.
The focaccia was very ordinary and not surprising at all.
- focaccia5
- pastas2
- risotto3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
3
Overrated with Bland Food
My experience at this restaurant was underwhelming. While the atmosphere was good and the service was okay, the food was a letdown. We found the Lasagne and Chicken dishes to be a bit bland, and felt it was pricey for relatively simple dishes with no great flavor 😕.
We were glad we didn't spend more on drinks. It's possible we made poor menu choices, but overall, it felt overrated.
- atmosphere7
- service6
- drinks7
- food3
- Lasagne3
- Chicken dishes3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
2
Disappointing Blandness Despite High Hopes
Lured here by the insane prices elsewhere for a plate of pasta, my hopes were high when we were put on a wait list to get in. However, those hopes were quashed when my Pollo Alla Riagianto came out and I started eating it. It's not that the food was inedible; I'm sure the ingredients were fresh and cooked thoroughly.
However, the food was so bland. The chicken was unseasoned, and the tomato sauce had some herbs but lacked sufficient seasoning, salt, or pepper (which was also missing from the table). It was most disappointing because it looked delicious but simply didn't have any flavor.
Perhaps my European taste buds aren't adjusted to bland white American food, as the Americans seem to rave about this place. But if I served that dish in my own home, I would be embarrassed, let alone charging $35 a head (including tip).
- prices elsewhere8
- Pollo Alla Riagianto2
- food2
- chicken2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Terrible Service, Mediocre Food
My experience at this restaurant was far from Italian. I encountered the worst service ever, and the food was, at best, meh. It's mind-boggling that this place has so many good reviews.
- service1
- food2
What Nob Hill Cafe offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and accessibility features does Nob Hill Cafe offer?
Nob Hill Cafe provides a range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfortable seating available. You’ll find it to be wheelchair accessible, with both the entrance and seating designed for ease of access, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests.
What kind of atmosphere and menu items can you expect at Nob Hill Cafe?
Nob Hill Cafe offers a cozy, romantic, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a casual outing. You’ll find a diverse menu with Italian dishes, small plates, and excellent beverages, including great coffee, a fine wine list, and beer. They also thoughtfully provide vegan and vegetarian options.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Nob Hill Cafe?
Nob Hill Cafe holds an overall score of 7.4 out of 10, with a customer satisfaction rate of 72.4%. This indicates a generally good reception, with many positive experiences reported by diners.
How do customers rate the food and ambiance at Nob Hill Cafe?
The Food (7.7) at Nob Hill Cafe is highly regarded, with many positive comments about its flavor and variety. The Ambience (7.6) also receives strong praise for being cozy and inviting, contributing to a pleasant dining environment.
Are there any areas where Nob Hill Cafe receives mixed feedback?
Yes, while Service (6.9) is generally good, some customers have noted inconsistencies. Value (5.9) is another area with mixed opinions, suggesting that while some find it reasonable, others feel it could be improved.