Cafe Astoria — Restaurant in Saint Paul

I’ve been here a handful of times and hadn’t had a negative experience until my most recent visit. I had placed a large online order for my coworkers and I (total was around $160) but quickly realized (immediately after I placed the order and got the receipt in my email) that it was placed for the wrong day. I was ordering 2 days ahead of time so I went online, called the number on their website, and left a voicemail with my name, number, and request to cancel my order. There was no answer or voicemail message. Keep in mind, the hours on their website and on their google page indicated that they were open. I called the next day and, again, left a voicemail with my information requesting to cancel the order. no answer. It wasn’t until I got a phone call the next morning after that, where I was told my food was ready for pick up! I explained the situation but was told that I would be unable to receive a refund (no real reason was given as to why). I ended up going into the cafe to speak with the owner and the manager who, again, denied to give me a refund. They explained that they had been closed for construction that week, and that this had been posted on their Facebook page (they also admitted to not listening to their voicemail- as I confirmed their number and showed them both days that I called). I also noted that I don’t use Facebook so I would not have seen their unexpected closure this week. I also pointed out that neither their website nor their voice message (they didn’t even have one) reflected their closure that week. Still, refused to give a refund. After an hour of making my case, they agreed to give me a gift card of an equal amount to what I paid so that “I had to come back and spend the money at the cafe.” I agreed, being frustrated with their lack of accommodation for a problem that was ultimately their fault.

The next week I went in to grab a coffee with the gift card. The cashier told me there was NOTHING on the gift card. So, they basically lied to get me out of their hair.

Extremely unprofessional and disappointing. I had really enjoyed this spot and had begun to frequent it, as it’s right across the street from the Hospital I work at. This will not be the case...

Cafe Astoria is a cute spot for breakfast/ brunch/ lunch. You seat yourself, which can be pretty cumbersome during busy times. And the restaurant gets really loud very easily.

It is really unwelcoming that there are no physical menus at the table and no one checks on you- ever. You just fend for yourself. Because you order online you can’t even have a dialog with someone about the menu and you are forced to start your dining experience off, totally disengaged.

When you place your order, you also have to pay immediately. Therefore, if you wanted to add something to the menu you’re forced to pay many different times or make your decisions once and for all.

We ordered two coffees (Bee sting and nutty professor), Eggplant Shakshuka, and a Manila Mango smoothie bowl. The smoothie bowl came out first then the hot food some 5 min later and finally the coffee (2 min after that). This was totally backwards as we sat there for about 15 minutes waiting on anything.

The total lack of cohesiveness made for an awkward meal experience. My friend sat there with her cold, melting smoothie bowl waiting for me to receive anything.

The silverware caddy didn’t have any spoons, which I felt was necessary for the shakshuka. The table next to us had three different groups come and go and the caddy was never filled up so the guests always had to stop someone and ask for more utensils. There was also a hanging item that wacked everyone in the head the whole time they sat on the bench.

This place has so much potential but I rated it so low because the timing on our food/drinks was really lame. Plus the payment system, online menu, and lack of hospitality. The food and drink alone receive 5 stars but the concept doesn’t work during busy times.

I do think the price is a little too high given the total lack of service and...

The food was so good we forgot to take pictures! So, trust me when I say the presentation was stunning, surpassed only by the taste. Café Astoria’s new dinner service (Thursday through Saturday) is too good not to share.

You won’t want to miss the antipasti misti (the first five appetizers). Come hungry or bring some friends because it’s generous, beautiful to behold, and tasty . The mortadella was delicate, the Marcona olives were perfectly salted and peppered with crispy garlic. The only disappointment: I wish there had been more radicchio salad (with persimmons and Gorgonzola.)

Our party of four split two entrées: the campanelle carbonara and the goat cheese ravioli with smoked prosciutto. Of all the Italian foods I grew up eating, carbonara is not a favorite. But this was amazing as were the ravioli. The fresh pasta--made in-house, had the campanelle ringing with a delicate richness.

One caveat, no liquor license. If wine is important to you, bring your own. Not exactly convenient, there are a few positives. You already know you like the wine. Due to the mark up structure in restaurants vs. off—sale (liquor stores) you will drink better wine. And no corkage fee! (But if you forget, there’s a bottle-shop down the street.)

• February 2024 update *

Celebrating a big family event, we booked a table for 8 only to need another 4-top upon arrival! Happily, there was space! The young staff were gracious and accommodating in seating our extra diners and the three flights of wine we brought from home.

And the food!? Delicious! I’m impressed with the speed and consistently great food that Leah Raymundo and chef, John Occhiato produce in their relatively small kitchen.

Saint Paul is lucky to...