Caffe Trieste

Tee Ponsukcharoen

5 months ago

I love the community & classic vibe of this shop. Beyond that, the coffee and sweet here are delicious. I got caffe au lat and it is piping hot! Even if it is not espresso based, it is deeply satisfying enough. The best thing is the cheesecake. Simple new york style cheesecake. It is big. It is decadent. Thin graham cracker and a big slap of cheese-block-delicious. It is so big that I can cut them for several meals lol. Definitely recommended if you are looking for a nice coffee shop in the area.

Steve Ramsey

3 years ago

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.

S. Vicious in TX

year ago

So glad we decided to stop here after dinner in the North Beach. All the reviews led us here and they were spot on. This is an icon in SF. We read that it’s been here for a long time and the original owner was a city celebrity. Walking in the shop we saw all the pics on the walls of the history, along with big time celebrities that have stopped here. I just wanted some tiramisu and my wife wanted a coffee. Too late in the night for coffee ☕️ for me. Loved the decor inside and the warm feeling it gives. She absolutely loves the personal touch and taste in her coffee!

Jeff McLean

year ago

When visiting San Francisco I have to hit this iconic coffee house. The vibe and the atmosphere is over the top. It’s not a place to see, more like where you should be. You won’t understand until you visit. The people and the history and best for the soul coffees of your pleasure. Cash only, tip and feel what a gratitude actuality is.

Deniz Gunduz

2 years ago

I visited one of the oldest cafes in an Italian Village Caffe Trieste next to Chinatown in San Francisco, and it was an amazing experience. The atmosphere was incredible, giving off a strong sense of Italian culture that feels authentic and unchanged over the years. I enjoyed a delicious latte and a croissant while observing that most of the clientele were older locals, adding to the charm. It truly felt like stepping into a local gem that has stood the test of time. Highly recommended!

Bryam Cabrera

11 months ago

This grill restaurant was an excellent experience. The food was very tasty, fresh, and cooked to perfection. The attention and service were warm and pleasant, making the whole visit even more enjoyable. A great place to enjoy delicious grilled food — highly recommended!

Ras S.B.

10 months ago

I roll my own Cuban, but Trieste’s got the charm, Steam rising slow, aroma wrapping me warm. North Beach hums outside, inside it’s calm & sweet, Every shot of espresso feels like a little treat.

Pabsies

5 months ago

Okay, so this place is legit. The service was...not the kindest or nicest. Which sounds like it would be a bad thing. Right? No. It's refreshing to see that it's an establishment that's not coddling your feelings. It's just straight to the point. That's how I knew it'd be good. Just like when you go to a Chinese restaurant and a solid, authentic place tends to also be direct. The coffee was delicious. Like wow. How did they balance my iced vanilla late to taste like coffee and not overly sweet or milky? It was so well balanced. I give it 5/5 beans.

Cammy Ymmac (209cherrypie)

3 weeks ago

THIS IS CAFFE SPORT Google Maps needs to fix this. This place is phenomenal. The management and employees are the kindest . I highly recommend this Caffe Sport for more than the food & drink (which is the best around SF) but for the kind , always welcome family feel.

Jack Armstrong

month ago

Stepping into Caffe Trieste feels like stepping back in time. This historic café has an authentic neighborhood feel, with walls covered in decades of photos and memorabilia that celebrate its rich history. It’s especially fun to see the connection to Francis Ford Coppola and the writing of The Godfather, adding another layer to an already iconic San Francisco stop. Service was fast, friendly, and efficient, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the experience. Our coffees were excellent—smooth, rich, and exactly what you’d hope for from a café that’s been serving espresso since 1956. Whether you’re a coffee lover, a film fan, or simply exploring North Beach, Caffe Trieste is well worth a visit. It’s one of those places where the history, atmosphere, and coffee all come together to create a memorable stop.