Emporio Rulli — Restaurant in Larkspur

I wish I could give a higher rating. I’ve been coming here for decades. The pandemic really took its toll or whatever happened, I’m not sure.

The male barista that works here has been so unfriendly the last number of times I’ve gone in. I’m not sure what I’ve done to upset him, I tip well and just have simple espresso coffee. Last time my group had five simple espresso drinks, he didn’t announce any of them (one was decaf, one had almond milk). I couldn’t tell them apart. The sizes were wrong, and he just didn’t make the fifth drink and just walked away. After a long wait another kind server took over and finished the drink. We had to guess which drinks were which.

This wasn’t the first time it’s been harsh and unfriendly either.

I’m willing to forgive being short staffed and other issues that are out of the control of the staff and I’m sure it’s difficult running a business right now. But customers shouldn’t be treated like this.

If this wasn’t a central meeting place for my group I would not go back, hopefully issues are...

It has been sad to witness the slow, steady decline of what was once the jewel of Larkspur, worthy of being profiled in The Atlantic Magazine and being compared to the great pastry shops of Italy. Now, the physical space is embarrassing to bring anyone to: taped-up seat cushions, peeling dirty paint, and decaying wood. The ordering process is badly designed, the staff is mostly unfriendly, and frequently gets orders wrong, forgets items, and certainly won't bother to tell you that your coffee is ready. There is definitely some kind of culture problem with the workforce; they all seem unhappy. The espresso drinks are pretty mediocre. The store also occupies two more storefronts than it uses for the public, making the block look more run down and abandoned than necessary. The restaurant does provide a nice public space with tables on the sidewalk, it's too bad it kills the vibe with the boarded up window look. The food and pastries remain mostly very good...

I have been to this incredible pastry extravaganza before, but I drove all the way from Santa Rosa today to get a cannoli that I craved for… Unfortunately they were out of this delicious Sicilian pastry from heaven... so I settled for a rum soaked pastry that I just thought sent me to heaven! This place is a class act everything is first rate and first class. The coffee was incredibly flavorful and delicious. I bought more than a pound of Italian cookies that were beautifully wrapped in Gold foil and placed on a gold colored metallic looking plate-

When I got home I shared them with my sister and friends and I couldn’t stop eating them!

Our waiter, John, was a man who had been employed there for over 14 years! That speaks well about a successful business which keeps excellent employees... if I could give this place a 10 Star rating I would do that without hesitation! Thank...