Caffe Trieste — Restaurant in San Francisco

Cafe Trieste: A Personal Landmark in the Heart of North Beach

Having spent the last 30 years in North Beach, Cafe Trieste has become a significant part of my daily life. It was one of the first places I discovered when I moved into the neighborhood, and naturally, it quickly became one of my go-to spots. Over the years, I've visited more times than I can count, usually indulging in a delicious cup of their renowned coffee, but sometimes just to savor a light meal or immerse myself in the vibrant atmosphere.

What draws me back again and again isn’t just the coffee (though it is superb) but the rich architecture, deep-rooted history, and strong sense of community that define this unique space. The cafe possesses a timeless quality; its walls are imbued with stories that resonate with the laughter and conversations of friends, neighbors, and familiar patrons. For many of us in North Beach, it’s not just a café; it’s a social hub, a meeting place, and a comforting constant in a city that is constantly evolving.

Founded in 1956 by “Papa” Gianni Giotta, a Sicilian immigrant, Cafe Trieste is one of the pioneering espresso houses in America. Giotta brought with him the vibrant Italian coffee culture, infusing its essence into the very core of the cafe. This spirit lives on today, reflected in the vintage decor and the opera music that occasionally fills the air, creating an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and welcoming.

The cafe is steeped in literary and artistic history, having been a favorite haunt of legendary figures such as Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti. It’s even whispered that parts of "The Godfather," penned by Francis Ford Coppola, were inspired within these very walls. Beyond the literary greats, there are local legends like “Crazy George,” whose gravelly voice and spontaneous poetry contributed to the cafe’s vibrant personality for decades.

In addition to its artistic pedigree, Cafe Trieste has adapted over the years, celebrating the fusion of its Italian roots with the diverse culture of North Beach. The cafe hosts open mic nights, bringing together budding poets, musicians, and storytellers, fostering a creative environment that draws community members together. Moreover, the cafe’s connection to the San Francisco arts scene is cemented by its collaborations with local artists and its display of captivating artwork throughout the space.

Cafe Trieste embodies what North Beach has always represented: culture, creativity, conversation, and community. In contrast to the polished chain cafes sprouting up around the city, this establishment feels genuine, lived-in, and profoundly historic. It’s a place where the past is palpable, neighbors greet each other with warm nods, and stories, both old and new, continue to unfold over a strong, satisfying...

*Edit original review below was biased towards good people, not necessarily good ownership. The food should be fully covered at all times because of the close proximity of the bathroom and trash cans to the food and drink preparation area. The cash only experience is dirty, in many ways… the wood appears to be rotting around window frames… the people are so nice that it makes the unhealthy aspects more manageable, but still real…. The bean is good, but I transitioned away from milk… just give me the dope… very bold roast, best guy out of the bunch is the bean roaster, stand up fellow, marvelous truck… smiles and smokes like a chimney.

I smoke, Ive been conditioned from early childhood to pair my cigarette with coffee and vise versa, nicotine and tobacco products cause cancer and kill you…. So I transitioned more towards Marijuana which has far less carcinogens and even shows promise in curing and eliminating carcinogens from the body.

Today the owner decided to address the smoking at the cafe… but the approach he took was specifically targeted towards Marijuana…. Meaning you could smoke cancer causing cigarettes in front of their establishment… but you couldn’t smoke cancer curing marijuana…. The distinction seemed to come from his African American police officer cohort… who does not understand the benefits of marijuana in comparison to tobacco, and therefore ignorantly targets its inhalation.

To be speaking up about discrimination to two minorities currently being targeted and discriminated against for their race and creed is frightening… it shows me just how strong a grasp the tobacco industry has on my friends and family.

Cappuccino Grande, a Biscotti or an Eclair... recently added outside seating for the social distancing. Friendly staff and mellow...

Coming to Little Italy, I was excited and hopeful for an authentic experience. Based on the Google reviews, I decided to visit this little coffee shop — Coffee Trieste. When I arrived, I found a tiny, crowded place that looked rather outdated. At first, the atmosphere felt homey, but soon I realized that it only felt that way because of how small and heavily decorated the space was. Outdated can be charming, yes, but let’s not confuse that with a lack of cleanliness or care — the place could definitely use a refresh. The cappuccino was good, I’ll give them that. But the real reason for this review is the baklava. Without any exaggeration, it was pure scrap. What I was served looked like the dry, overbaked edge of a pan — something a decent cook would normally cut off and toss away. It was a tiny piece with a thin, transparent layer of walnuts and a stone-hard phyllo pastry that wasn’t even soaked in syrup or sweet water, as baklava should be. Honestly, I’d be ashamed to offer something like that to anyone, even for free. To make matters worse, the Spanish-speaking waiter dropped it on the counter while chatting with his friend, barely acknowledging the order — not exactly the kind of service that makes you feel welcome. Sadly, this is yet another place that seems to sell the idea rather than the product behind it. My impression is that the whole business relies on its old name, reputation, and a sort of “old country” nostalgia, rather than genuine quality. A disappointment, really — treating traditional sweets as cheap, commercial imitations for those who just want something that seems...