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Cafe Zoetrope, San Francisco, CA

Cafe Zoetrope

4.7
4.7
306 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 6 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
Taking its name from the production company of legendary film creator Francis Ford Coppola, Café Zoetrope in San Francisco, CA is tucked into the landmark Sentinel Building. A European style café, it offers authentic Italian fare in an unforgettable setting. It also serves up wine from Coppola's vineyard to work perfectly with the dishes.

The menu at Café Zoetrope is perfect for a family or group of friends, including shareable starters like the picatta tray full of cheeses and meats. There are many large and amazingly fresh salads, panini sandwiches and impressive house specialties at Café Zoetrope. Plenty of pasta options along with pizza and calzones keep things casual, and there are many fun cocktails to savor if you prefer.

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Pizzeria
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Lidia Valledor
  • Delivery & takeout

What 306 people are saying

Cafe Zoetrope reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Cafe Zoetrope offers a delightful culinary experience in a historic setting, featuring "fantastic service" and "delicious food." Known for its iconic Caesar Salad and Spaghetti & Meatballs, this restaurant provides a "relaxed and fun" ambience. Guests praise the "inviting staff" and "excellent wine pairings," making it a must-visit in North Beach.

306 Reviews
  1. Lesley

    Tampa1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Friendly staff and the best Caesar salad I've ever had. Nice ambiance and large bar selection.

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  2. Tara VIP

    San Francisco8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It’s wonderful, everything is good but best place for pizza and wine in North Beach

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  3. Deirdre

    San Francisco30 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went for late lunch on a Saturday ..  lovely old world, but upgraded, ambience, terrific food, perfect atmosphere for deep conversation with friend.

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  4. Jeff VIP

    Fort Lauderdale23 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on February 18, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    We grabbed a last minute dinner reservation on Presidents' Day and sat at a 2-top squeezed next to other guests. There were plenty of other open tables available that even stayed open during our entire time, like the four top next to us. But our server told us he couldn't sit us there because they had a reservation booked (no show). No worries. I understand restaurants have to keep their seats available for walk-ins. Next, a kind young gentleman approached us to ask for drinks, and I asked him if he had sangiovese by the glass, then he asked me if it was a red or white wine? Shocking! Obviously, I was concerned, being that I was in an Italian restaurant in North Beach, SFO. He quickly went away and sent back another server who was more informed. 2 warm rolls came out complementary. They were very good. All the usual condiments were in the table for dipping. We had the cauliflower appetizer (no meatball app :( but they serve Spaghetti & Meatballs, puzzling. We ordered two bowls of pasta (spaghetti w/ meatball, and the classic carbonara). The pasta was not proper al dente,, and meatballs were average.... nothing to write home about. Carbonara was a bit over-sauced and the marinara was under-sauced. What I was shocked and surprised over was the $160 bill for having 4 glasses of wine-by-the-glass, one appetizer, and two bowls of pasta. Ouch! I would say, go for lunch and happy hour, but avoid it for dinner.

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  5. Kristin

    Chicago13 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on February 18, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    I've been wanting to try Cafe Zoetrope for a while as it is in an iconic building and such a beautiful setting and it did not disappoint.

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  6. Sandy VIP

    San Francisco35 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time at the restaurant- it was a busy day for them with the Chinese New Year Parade The good was excellent- service was good I will absolutely go back again.

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  7. tanya

    San Francisco5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It’s been over 15 years since I’ve eaten there and I’m so happy my spouse chose to have his birthday dinner there. Food and service were excellent- it’s great that it’s not touristy even though it’s in a hub. We will definitely be coming back.

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  8. Lynda

    San Francisco1 review

    4.0

    Dined on February 7, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It’s a lovely little spot. The service was fabulous. Not impressed by the Caesar salad was just too salty. why salt the dressing so much when you have a salty sardine on it? I’ve had a lot of Caesars and that was saltiest one ever. I’m still puckered from it. Pasta was yummy, but not spectacular. Nothing to write home about. Or come back for.

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  9. Joseph

    San Francisco3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best wine in the city, the food was absolutely superb. And the staff is professional and attentive.

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  10. Rose VIP

    San Francisco41 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on January 7, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Lovely quiet place with good pizza and pasta And good service!

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FAQs

Cafe Zoetrope offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Cafe Zoetrope also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 291-1700.

Cafe Zoetrope is rated 4.7 stars by 306 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 6 times today
Google Map for Cafe Zoetrope

916 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94133

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Pizzeria
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Lidia Valledor
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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