There's a lot of history at the Caffe Trieste, it even has a Wikipedia page. Opened in 1956, it was the first espresso coffee shop on the west coast. It was a hangout for famous poets and writers of the Beat Generation such as Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg.  Francis Ford Coppola wrote the screenplay for The Godfather here. The cafe has a cool vibe, with plenty of photos of celebs who have visited, a great mural, and cozy indoor and outdoor seating perfect for people watching. Definitely a must-visit coffee shop in North Beach. Authentic old time Italian character. The place gets very busy and a line will definitely form. With just two people working, it might take a while to get your order, but be patient and enjoy the atmosphere. The coffee is quite good and there are lots of pastries to choose from. IMPORTANT: they only accept cash, so you’ll need to make a stop at an ATM.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

the place is okay, i guess… i used to live in the neighborhood and i remember ordering a vegan late that came out to $9. i was baffled. i came this morning and ordered an americano and a (packaged) biscotti. it was okay but definitely a let down. though what prompted the review was the terrible customer service from on the the guys in the back. someone had already take my order when he’d approached and demanded i tell him what i’d wanted as if it was already being taken care of. the other employee informed him that i was being helped and then proceeded to have an attitude even when he collected my money and tended my change. not sure how quickly i’ll be back as there are tons of other cafes to patronize in the area. overall very underwhelming. the saving grace is the live music they have in the corner. too bad the menu items don’t live up to the performance and the duo
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 3
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 3

I absolutely loved this place. It’s so unique and historic. Definitely a place that you should check out if you are visiting the city or even if you are a local. They are packed but the service is fast and super friendly. They have a lot of syrups for the coffee which was surprising since it looks rather classical. Good choice of pastries and drinks in general. Overall was a good experience and if you’re a foodie and a caffeine addict, you most definitely will enjoyed it. Plus the seating and the neighborhood are inviting. Great latte and the ham and cheese croissant was on point. Definitely will go back on my next holidays in the States ❤️‍
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We moved some chairs and a table (there were plenty) to right by the door in the shade with a charming view of Grant and Vallejo Streets. The help was helpful and friendly even though busy and patrons were nice, too. Seem to get some locals (we do live in SF but not in the neighborhood). Cappuccino and "Snowball" pastry (with jelly and custard inside, ~$6) were excellent. We got in before the prices were raised (1p on Sunday) for the delightful music, so we tipped instead. My partner is a music aficionado and said band members had been playing for Caffe Trieste for decades. Can't think of a better North Beach experience.

This is probably the best espresso I have ever had, period! We loved how strong and flavorful the espresso shots in our drinks were, that we had to go back the next day! Its very close to Chinatown and a great pick-me-up stop if you are touring the city via walking. It was CASH only. However, they do have an ATM inside I believe. The inside was very uniquely decorated, and the outdoor seating is nice as well.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Italian Roast Espresso, Cappuccino Grande

Strong delicious Italian espresso! Feels like a time machine when you step in the door. Low key, humble ambiance inside and some outdoor tables as well. Got to people watch some older, cigar- smoking, Italians that made it all the more authentic experience! Just next door is a little shop to buy beans as well! We had a breakfast burrito here for $5 that was delicious, too. My husband enjoyed an indulgent pecan dessert bar. It is cash only and they have an ATM inside.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

Such a charming little cafe! We stopped for a quick breakfast and enjoyed some breakfast burritos that were delish! I had to get the fresh squeeze orange juice which was amazing! My mom had the ice tea which again was delicious! The carrot cake!!!! It is by far the best I have had. It is moist and filled with just the right amount of allspice and the cream cheese is not too sweet. The crunch from the walnuts are perfect. I had to stop one more time before we left SF and get 3 pieces to go!

Great drinks, great service. They make each order before taking the next customer, which you think would make it slow since there was a decent line, but it was actually quite quick. Got a mocha with whip, which tasted great. Plus they use their own whipped cream which is always a bonus. CASH ONLY If you don't have cash and don't want to use their ATM, there's a Bank of America just a couple blocks away.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Stumbled into this charming cafe for dessert while in San Fran for one night. The vibe was amazing. The young man behind the counter talked me into have a cappuccino, which was probably the best I’ve ever had. We tried the Baklava, the Boston cream pie, Canoli and key lime pie. Thank you for making our last night in the city one to remember.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

Excellent coffee & pastries. Cozy, Italian-American vibe. Apparently Ford Coppola wrote parts of “The Godfather” here. Beware: tough parking and cash only (ATM inside). Caffe Au Lait and Carrot Cake FTW! Sunday afternoon concerts! ($7 extra per drink for musicians ♥️)
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Recommended dishes
Authentic Coffee House, Carrot Cake, Cannoli

The expresso I ordered was delicious and not too bitter. I also liked the pastries they had. But what I liked most was the atmosphere they had. It felt like an old movie
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommendation for vegetarians
Highly recommend
Parking space
Difficult to find parking

This cafe is great. Coffee is really tasty. The baristas are also super friendly and helpful. The history behind this place is astonishing. It was the place where the Beat artists meet. Also, this place is frequented by many local people. There is also a vintage jukebox. Definitely worth a stop while in little Italy.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Not a good espresso. Would not recommend espresso drinks here. Too bitter, probably over extracted. The steamed milk was too hot, separating from the coffee creating a weird texture. The place is also cash only which is to be noted.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Awsome, super. Fantastic. That was great coffee and tiramisu. You feel all the Character n good vibes. There is out seat as well, people super friendly, the guy was working almost know everyone n aware of their order n favorite. I marked the cafe in my map to back there anytime im in the area. The only issue is they accepting just cash. No card

Lovely coffee tucked in the Italian neighbourhood. We stopped by for coffee after lunch. Loved the old quaint decor of the place and how comfy it was. Too comfy, in fact as we struggled to get a table :P . Didn't try their desserts but coffee was good. Want to to come back for a longer better experience and to try out more of their stuff!

01/06/2023 We went there at the night time. There were a band inside that was playing a nice Italian theme! The service was awesome. Our order was ready in 5-7 minutes! We order mocha ☕️ with whip cream and their infamous tiramisu! And was soooo delicious!!!! Overall we had very good time! Thank you so much for the lovely experience ❣️

It is a small but very nice boutique Café in San Fransisco.There are both indoor and outdoor tables in the Café. If you like some Italian coffee and pastry, you can visit the Cafe Trieste. However, you can find something more than a Café but some memories related with some celebrities. I did enjoy the paintings on the wall. More

An older man recommended this place to me as I was visiting for fleet week in the navy. I must say that I am glad he did. The espresso drinks here are very good and exactly what I expect when I think of a caffe with this much history. I recommend it to all who enjoy espresso and lattes. Way better than big chain coffee shops.

Very busy coffee shop that only accepts cash. The line moved slowly and the coffee was nothing different or memorable. And expensive too. The area behind the counter was messy as well.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

It feels like a very cozy community hub. The customers seem to be mostly local with a few tourists. Great coffee of course! They were out of eggnog so I got regular latte.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This espresso tastes exactly like in Southern Italy! Really friendly place with varieties of pastries and so good coffees. It’s ideal place to have a breakfast.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Recommended dishes
Ring Pastry, Cappuccino Grande

Saw Mazurka Madness live, they play every month. Great neighborhood. Great atmosphere. Great thing about America is an Italian cafe in Chinatown is run by Hispanics. Line was out the door. You want to spend a welcome lazy Sunday soaking in authentic San Francisco? Head to the Trieste. More

Beautiful ambience | Delicious, home-cooked feeling food | Great service! They also have free WiFi so it’s great to work at. Don’t forget, it’s CASH ONLY!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great coffee. Got a cappuccino and a cafe au Lait. The pastries were good too. Couldn't find parking outside on a Sunday after 6, so had to take away. but the cafe looked nice inside. Would go here again.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20

I would have totally rated it a 5 if the historical place could be a bit cleaner and refurbished. Coffee was strong. Food was great. However, There is a subtle but important difference between historical and unmaintained.
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Just wow! So amazing beverages. I ordered fantasia hot chocolate and guess what? The best! I like the sense of this coffee shop and the art they post all across the walls. Of course it's in the heart of downtown so you will try to find a parking but it's worth it.

Great little Italian cafe in North Beach. Historic little venue with great coffee and fabulous cakes. Service is great too. Also has a small deli connected a well. Only one toilet for M and F so can be a wait.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Incredible Italian coffee shop. Really friendly and chatty locals to go with a great cappuccino and espresso.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Cappuccino Grande

Place with great, old schooled atmosphere, like in crowded street in Italy. Really good coffee and delicious cannoli.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

- Great Italian style coffee shop and deli - the best espresso I had in the Bay Area. Also, the cinnamon rolls and the cannoli are among the best I had. Highly recommended.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

First thing first its cash only which is very weird! They have like a atm machine Indoors like some kinda casino? Like why? Also terrible customer service , the old chap was so unfriendly and rude to me when I inquired about the wine menu.

I only drank the double espresso. Very good espresso it was exactly like I had in Italy. I didn't have time for a pastry. Please remember to bring cash.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

First time at Caffe Trieste and its feels like the Cheers of SF. Plus the espresso is no joke!! Strong and delicious. Recommend the cortado. Bring cash.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

This is a classic, Italian style coffee shop in North Beach. It's not your typical modern coffee shop with fancy lattes and capuccino, but it's like taking a step into Italy and enjoying a good coffee amongst great ambiance.

This place is like a time machine. It transports you to Italy! The coffee is strong. Also got a breakfast sandwich which is good. They only accept cash so be sure to have some on you or you can also use the ATM inside.

Very festive decorations inside, and the food is amazing. Would definitely come again!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

A ver delicious italian experience. I try the coffe and alfajor and i can say it really meet my expectations. The price was around 7 usd for both. I recommend it
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Best coffee shop around! You meet the friendliest people in there . The owner is fantastic! We were in town 3 days and we went there every single morning
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

It can get really crowded. You can wait up to 15 min to order. Anyways is a must visit Wifi password(July 2022): holiday2021 Coffee + pastry or sandwich: ≈ $12 per person
Price per person
$10–20

Classic Italian coffee shop. You can't pass up this shops cozy atmosphere set in a friendly neighborhood, this place reminds me of Grandma's house during the holidays. Very busy on the weekend.

A hidden gem in the maze of San Francisco. Authentic Italian cafe, where the owner and clients speak Italian. Beautiful fresque on the wall. The expresso and Italian sodas are delicious.

Historical, Italian coffee shop. Famous for people writing screenplays and books there. Neat spot to spark up a discussion about history and art. Latte very watery and bitter.

Whenever I come to SF, this is a must stop. It has authenticity and a local, neighbor feel. It deserves its venerable status and customer support. I'll be back!!! More

Historic location in North Beach, but getting more run down by the year. The coffee is good but the food just okay, as is the service. It's also cash only. More

Wonderful coffee and fabulous ambience of legendary SF cafe! Francis Ford Coppola actually wrote some of the screenplay of The Godfather here.

Love this coffee shop, it does feel italian ☺️(from an European)
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Nice vibe, good place to have a coffee and chat with friends!
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Authentic Italian bar, a trip back in time to Italy in the 60s. Great coffee!
Price per person…
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Historic vibe and great location. The cappuccino was tasty but a little bitter

Good vibe, folks playing music, and nice coffee!
Service
Dine in…
More