Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Vive La Tarte – San Francisco
Vive La Tarte - San Francisco
Photo from Vive La Tarte
Vive La Tarte at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 26 of the guests
#1235 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#93 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
384
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality baked goods
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Expensive, small
- Slow service
The cafe Vive La Tarte in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District is a must-visit spot, especially if you’re craving a great dessert. You’ll discover a cozy and trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely coffee.
This popular cafe offers a delightful escape, making it an ideal choice for your next outing in the city.
Overview: Introducting Vive La Tarte
Vive La Tarte offers a pleasant experience, particularly for those seeking quality baked goods and a welcoming atmosphere. Many appreciate the consistently delicious pastries and coffee , often noting a distinct European vibe that enhances their visit.
It’s a spot that aims to provide a comfortable setting for a casual meal or a quick treat. However, some visitors have found the portion sizes to be less generous than expected, and the overall perception of value can be a point of contention.
While the core offerings are well-received, these aspects occasionally temper the otherwise positive impressions.
Good
7.4
out of 10
384
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
82
negative
18
neutral
284
positive
Vive La Tarte achieves a solid overall score of 7.4, indicating a good performance, with customer satisfaction also landing in the good range at 74%. This positive sentiment is drawn from 384 customer observations, with 284 positive remarks against 82 negative ones, suggesting a generally favorable reception.
Delving into specifics, the Food (7.7) stands out as a strong point, frequently praised for its quality. Service (7.3) also performs well, with many appreciating the friendly staff.
The Ambience (6.8) contributes positively, offering a comfortable setting. However, Value (3.7) is an area that clearly needs attention, as it falls into the average to poor range, reflecting concerns about pricing relative to the offering.
What people like
- Delicious pastries, coffee
- Friendly, personable staff
- Pleasant, open ambiance
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
- Slow coffee service
If you’re prioritizing excellent baked goods and a pleasant environment, Vive La Tarte is certainly worth considering. The quality of their pastries and coffee, combined with generally good service, makes it a reliable choice for a casual outing or a morning pick-me-up.
Just be prepared for the price point. With a recommendation score of 7.7, it suggests that many leave satisfied and would encourage others to visit.
While the value aspect might give some pause, the strengths in food quality and atmosphere often outweigh this for those seeking a specific type of experience.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Café
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
80
98.8%
- $$
- Inner Sunset
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
336
94.6%
- $$
- West SoMa
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9
out of 10
out of 10
282
95%
- $
- Potrero Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9
out of 10
out of 10
252
98%
- $$
- Visitacion Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
367
93.2%
- $
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
133
96.2%
- $
- Mount Davidson Manor
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Vive La Tarte
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to food, this place truly shines with a good score of 7.7, and customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 77.7%. Out of 256 comments, 199 celebrate the delicious croissants, outstanding pastries, and excellent coffee. Many also rave about the rich cheesecake and satisfying sandwiches.
Yet, there are a few areas for improvement, with 45 critical remarks. Some found the drip coffee to be weak or bitter, and the croissant taco occasionally had an unbalanced bread-to-filling ratio. A few also mentioned the pain au chocolat being soft or some salads lacking flavor.
Food
256
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
45
negative
12
neutral
199
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious croissants
- Excellent pastries
- Great coffee
What people don't like
- Weak drip coffee
- Uneven croissant taco
- Flavorless salads
Often praised
- coffeeI was a big fan of Vive la tarte's SoMa location and was sad to see it close. The 24th street location, while smaller and less stylish, still offers their incredibly delicious pastries with great coffee. My favorites are the orange blossom zaatar croissant, which has a wonderful flavor twist, and the coconut-chocolate pastry.
- foodI can't fathom how anyone could give this restaurant fewer than 5 stars! It's hands down the best, most chill, and casual brunch spot in San Francisco, with food that is absolutely perfect. After returning here time after time, I finally feel compelled to share my experience.
- pastriesstill serves their incredibly delicious pastries
- almond croissantThe croissant was the perfect combination of sweet and crispy, with the almond paste oozing with flavor.
- breadHowever, the taste of the pain au chocolat itself is really good and very similar to what I was used to in Paris, my hometown. The bread is also excellent. While it's a little pricey, this is to be expected in Noe Valley, San Francisco.
- croissantsYou truly deserve a lot! Additionally, they offer really good coffee, croissants, and a nice quality top menu.
- croissantIt has an elevated European vibe, with great natural lighting. I enjoyed their lattes and croissants, and the breakfast plates were also delicious. Enjoying a coffee and croissant in the parklet was the perfect start to a Noe weekend.
- avocado toastrecommend the avocado toast
- breakfast sandwichthe breakfast sandwich... are all still wonderful
- key lime croissanthighly recommend you try their key lime croissant
Frequently criticized
- pain au chocolatalways frustrated to get this kind of pain au chocolat
- drip coffeeonly had one option for drip coffee
- foodThe food needs improvement, though.
- portionclaimed it was a substantial portion and it was not
- Mocha$6 for a small Mocha
- beveragesThe beverages were so dull and flavourless.
- bread to feeling ratiothe bread to feeling ratio was off by a lot
- bread under benedictbread under the benedict seemed burnt
- breakfast sandwichtheir breakfast sandwich had more seasoning and flavor
- cappuccinoMy experience involved ordering a single cappuccino, which surprisingly took 22 minutes to arrive, and the milk was scalding hot. While the vibes were great and the staff friendly, they appeared clearly inexperienced.
If you're craving top-notch croissants, pastries, and a great coffee experience, this spot is a must-try. Just be aware that some of the drip coffee or specific items like the croissant taco might not hit the mark for everyone.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at 73.6%, its clear that many guests have had good experiences. Out of 53 total comments, 39 were positive, often praising the friendly staff, speedy service, and specific individuals like barista Jacob or the owner for making visits special.
However, not everyones experience was perfect, with 14 negative remarks. Some found the personnel rude or unwelcoming, and issues like long waiting times, having to bus your own table, or a lack of free WIFI occasionally popped up. It seems while the warmth is there, consistency can sometimes be a challenge.
Service
53
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
14
negative
0
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Speedy service
- Attentive baristas
What people don't like
- Rude personnel
- Long waiting times
- Bus your own table
Often praised
- staffI'm happy to have Vive la tarte in the neighborhood. It’s a great bakery with decent coffee, friendly staff, and a nice atmosphere. There’s a lot of seating inside, even though it doesn’t look like it from the street.
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by consistent quality, personable service, and delicious execution. I particularly enjoyed their turmeric latte and matcha latte, and their coffee is also solid.
- Arnaud and Julieworked with Arnaud and Julie. Such a great moments!
- Aussie guyI think the almond croissant is the best in town. There’s an Aussie guy who works there and the whole vibe reminds me of being back in Australia.
- Australian gentlemanserved by a lovely Australian gentleman
- Belgian girlY hay otra chica belga muy amable que te da conversación si no hay cola.
- HéctorEn la barra está Héctor, un chico de Navarra (España) muy simpático.
- ServiceService:5
- baristaThe cashier claimed it was a substantial portion, but it was not. I hope they do better in the future as I would like to return because the barista is friendly. However, if this is the standard, then I won’t go back.
- barista JacobThe last two were very nice. Jacob, the young barista, rules!
Frequently criticized
- servicethe atmosphere and service is shocking
- cashierShe was a little rude
- correct orderI had ordered an Orange Zatar croissant and she gave me an Almond croissant. When I went back to get my correct order, she blamed me for saying the wrong order and then acted super condescending about me getting my correct order.
- bus your own tableYou have to bus your own table
- espresso machinetheir expressing machine was broken
- free WIFIdo not provide free WIFI
- personnelThe personnel was so RUDE.
- serverthe server was so rude
- staffMy experience involved ordering a single cappuccino, which surprisingly took 22 minutes to arrive, and the milk was scalding hot. While the vibes were great and the staff friendly, they appeared clearly inexperienced. This place has potential, but I wish they could improve their coffee preparation time to be under 20 minutes.
- waiting timeit took 22 minutes
Overall, if youre looking for a place with generally friendly staff and good service, youll likely enjoy your visit. Just be prepared for potential waits or to clear your own table during busy times.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a 6.8 score and a 70.8% customer satisfaction rating, indicating a good experience for many. Guests frequently praise the inviting atmosphere and diverse seating options, especially the outdoor seating. Many appreciate the European vibes, natural lighting, and the decor, making it a lovely spot to relax or even work on your laptop with available power outlets, as noted in 46 positive remarks.
However, 16 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. Guests were disappointed by the lack of a reliable wifi connection and poor cell reception, making it less ideal for remote working. The use of paper plates and disposable cups even for dine-in customers also detracts from the desired European experience for some, and a few noted not a ton of seating available.
Ambience
65
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Diverse seating options
- European charm
- Work-friendly space
What people don't like
- No Wi-Fi access
- Disposable dishware
- Limited seating
Often praised
- atmosphereI'm happy to have Vive la tarte in the neighborhood. It’s a great bakery with decent coffee, friendly staff, and a nice atmosphere. There’s a lot of seating inside, even though it doesn’t look like it from the street.
- vibeI think the almond croissant is the best in town. There’s an Aussie guy who works there and the whole vibe reminds me of being back in Australia.
- indoor and outdoor seatingoffers both indoor and outdoor seating
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- European vibeselevated European vibes
- awesome locationthe new awesome location of Vive La Tarte
- beautiful spaceit’s a beautiful space
- curbside terracePlace has a curbside terrace
- decorThe place is well decorated too
- environmentMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, particularly with their phenomenal pastries. The modern, open-air environment provided a great atmosphere. It's a great place to stop before a show at the Orpheum.
Frequently criticized
- European experienceI expect a true European experience
- Noe Valley spaceI've missed Vive La Tarte since they left Howard St, where I live right around the corner. While I don't like the Noe Valley space as much, the breakfast sandwich, orange blossom zatar croissant, and turmeric latte are all still wonderful.
- atmospherethe atmosphere and service is shocking
- cell receptioncell reception is 2 bars max
- dining roomtheir dining room has been closed since covid
- disposable cupsOnly disposable cups even when dining in
- hotspotsNot for remote working or hotspots
- neighborhood cafeThis is a neighborhood cafe in a prime spot and they're using the space for storage!
- outdoor seatingdon't really have enough outdoor seating
- paper cupsEverything is paper plates and paper cups
If you're looking for a charming spot with good vibes, natural light, and outdoor seating for a casual visit or light work, this place is a solid choice. Just be aware that if you need reliable Wi-Fi or prefer proper dishware, you might find yourself a bit disappointed.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
Looking at the feedback on value, its clear that customers didnt find much to celebrate. Out of 10 customer opinions, there were no positive remarks about the pricing, suggesting that this isnt a strong point for the establishment. Unfortunately, the value aspect seems to be a significant concern for many.
With a 3.7 score, which falls into the poor range, and a 0% customer satisfaction, its clear theres room for improvement. Customers frequently mentioned items being pricey and overpriced, with some even calling the prices exorbitant. ' These 7 negative comments out of 10 total really highlight the issue.
Value
10
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Too pricey
- Overpriced items
- Exorbitant costs
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- pricePaid almost $15 for this!!??
- pricesAs a local, I wanted to love this place, but my experience at Vive was consistently mediocre. The food quality was disappointing, especially given the relatively high prices, even for San Francisco. This combination makes Vive a pass for me.
- breakfastspend $80 for breakfast
- overpricedIt's a bit overpriced
- priceyFood is a little pricey
If youre watching your wallet, this spot might not be your best bet. The consistent feedback points to high costs, making it a place where you could easily feel youre paying too much for what you get. Be prepared for potentially pricey items, especially for breakfast.
How are the prices at Vive La Tarte?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 26 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves in this $11–$20 bracket, showing prices cluster nicely around the average, with some enjoying a slightly cheaper bite and others opting for a bit more, reaching into the $21–$30 range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 26 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Cafe in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mid-range option that’s reasonable for the city and type of establishment.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Vive La Tarte
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Potential but slow coffee service
My experience involved ordering a single cappuccino, which surprisingly took 22 minutes to arrive, and the milk was scalding hot. While the vibes were great and the staff friendly, they appeared clearly inexperienced. This place has potential, but I wish they could improve their coffee preparation time to be under 20 minutes.
- staff8
- vibes9
- cappuccino2
- waiting time1
- coffee2
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Perfect Start to the Day!
My experience at this restaurant was a perfect start to the day. I enjoyed smooth lattes and a croissant that always gets it right. The service was delivered with a smile, making the overall experience excellent.
- smooth lattes9
- croissant9
- service10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Delicious Coffee, Great Atmosphere
I only stopped in for a quick coffee, and their black coffee was delicious and smooth. It cost $4 for a 12 oz. The restaurant seems to have good seating for breakfast or lunch, and the atmosphere was great.
- black coffee9
- good seating8
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Consistently Mediocre and Overpriced
As a local, I wanted to love this place, but my experience at Vive was consistently mediocre. The food quality was disappointing, especially given the relatively high prices, even for San Francisco. This combination makes Vive a pass for me.
- food quality2
- prices3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Quality Has Fallen Off
My recent experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I visited for a quick pastry, but the pain au chocolat was soft and comparable to a Costco croissant. Given the decline in quality, I would recommend going across the street instead.
- pain au chocolat2
What Vive La Tarte 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
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect when you visit Vive La Tarte?
When you step into Vive La Tarte, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. It’s a welcoming spot where you can relax and enjoy your time, whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee or settling in for a meal.
What dining and service options are available at Vive La Tarte?
Vive La Tarte offers a variety of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert. You can enjoy your meal with seating available, or choose from convenient services like takeout, delivery, and outdoor seating.
How does Vive La Tarte generally rate?
Vive La Tarte holds a good overall score of 7.4, with customer satisfaction at 74%. Its Food (7.7) and Service (7.3) are strong, while Ambience (6.8) is also positive. However, Value (3.7) is an area where it struggles.
What are Vive La Tarte's standout offerings?
Customers frequently praise Vive La Tarte for its delicious pastries, including croissants and bread, as well as its quality coffee. The friendly staff and pleasant, often European-inspired, atmosphere are also highlighted.
What are common concerns at Vive La Tarte?
The primary concerns at Vive La Tarte revolve around its pricing, with many finding it expensive. Some also note that portion sizes can be small, and there have been instances of slow coffee service or issues with order accuracy.