spaghetti and meat sauce
Penne Bettola
Sit inside and watch the cooks and enjoy the aroma.
Outdoor patio with heaters
Sparkling wine and peroni
Front door
the outside of the restaurant
Front signage
Menu specials
Heavenly Gnocchi in Marinara Sauce
Front entrance and patio of restaurant
Gnocchi Bolognese
Dessert
interior
Remnants of chicken Pollo Alla Parmigiana - big portion, if coming with a group I recommend eating family style
Fettuccine Al Pesto
Spaghetti and meatballs
Gnocchi Bolognese
Small slice of the special pizza (Gorgonzola, prosciutto, pear) + pasta special
Penne Bettola and Gnocchi Bolognese
Gnocchi Bolognese
Outside
Brooke A.
Dec 6, 2024
Nob Hill Cafe is an excellent dining option for a night out with loved ones. It is a small and intimate restaurant with seating in close quarters, and the waitlist is always long during dinner, but the wait is very much worth it. The service staff is very attentive and kind, and they are eager to make good recommendations on what their favorite dishes are - these tend to be different for everyone!We got the olives as an appetizer, and these were bold and robust in flavor. They were not filling in the way that table bread is, but they were delicious and a great way of tying over our appetites as we waited for our food without getting overly full. I got the special of the day, a risotto with tomato sauce and sausage. I felt like the risotto was a bit undercooked, but it was delicious in flavor nonetheless and presented beautifully. The bolognese was also delicious. I love the intimate, dimly lit nature of the cafe and will definitely be back.
Read MoreMelanie M.
Feb 23, 2025
came here on a hot saturday night in october. they have very cute options of where to sit (outside with heaters, by the window, near the kitchen) with cutesy lights decorating the outside. the service was super kind and quickly got us a huge glass of water. we got one of their special pizzas; the flavors of the fig, gorgonzola, hot honey pizza was balanced with sweet and salty elements, but the crust of the pizza fell flat. It was dense, flavorless, undersalted, and underprooved. we also got the pesto. the pasta was just simple boxed pasta with a sauce that was too heavy with cream and not enough herbs -- lacking in flavor.
Read MoreLanya L.
Sep 1, 2024
3.5 stars. Started with the focaccia, and it was very moist and yummy but they did not serve it warm which was a bit of a disappointment. Ordered the chicken parm, and the gnocchi bolognese. The chicken parm was mediocre, would not recommend. Too much cheese, the chicken is not breaded, tastes boiled. And the pasta is just okay. The gnocci bolognese was much better, good flavor (but needed some salt and parm). Also ordered the tiramisu, and it was very yummy but a bit too much cream. Overall, not sure if I would go again. Very cute ambiance though.
Read MoreSamantha C.
Feb 5, 2025
I always walk past here and stumbled upon the fact that they have brunch! Cute outdoor seating great for a sunny SF brunch. Server was very personable and engaging. Portions were hearty and delicious!
Read MoreTracy D.
Oct 14, 2024
This place is so good. We came before a concert at the Masonic and put our name on the waitlist digitally. Then arrived and waited around 545/6 another 15 mins or so. We missed part of the opening act but that's ok. It was worth it and they did everything to make it a quick. Although I wish we had more time to take it all in. Service from the hostess to the server was friendly, attentive and kind. We had lasagna and spaghetti carbonara with our sparkling wine and peroni. The lasagna was sooo delicious. Both fresh, crispy and Al dente. A lot of places over do it and it ends up being soggy. This lasagna was perfecto. I can't wait to come back and more leisurely enjoy dinner or a meal. Cozy indoor and outdoor seating. Great place!
Read MoreAnne C.
Jun 29, 2024
Decided to come by Nob Hill cafe as I heard it's a great local neighborhood staple! Overall, the food was decent but prices were not that cheap considering what was served. For example the caprese salad was $18 for what was shown in the photo (3 tomatoes and cheese). The pastas were a decent size however but pretty standard! The tables were also really cramped, I had to put my chair at an angle to sit at the table or I'd hit the people behind us. Overall a decent place for a quick bite and for some comfort neighborhood food.
Read MoreMatty E.
May 13, 2024
LET ME PREACH THE GOOD WORD OF NOB HILL CAFE: the Penne Bettola is the pasta of your DREAMS. Creamy sauce. Chewy mouthfeel. Slightly spicy zing. From literally the first bite, I was already talking about coming back to eat it again. TRY THE PENNE BETTOLA!!!! The service was friendly and made us feel like neighborhood locals. There were families and couples alike dining together and made for the perfect dinner sport before a quick walk to the Masonic for a show. We also loved the Caesar salad, though we'd skip the chicken parm next time -- it was a bit greasy and didn't spark joy. The Penne Bettola, though? Now THAT sparked joy They don't accept reservations, and we waited about 10 minutes for a table for two. Not bad at all. The seating outside had heat lamps, though we were lucky and got a cute table next to the open kitchen. We loved watching them cook! This restaurant feels like stepping into a truly San Franciscan establishment. Looking forward to eating there again soon.
Read MoreMichael F.
Feb 2, 2025
Great and beautiful spot for food. Service is exceptional and the pasta served is amazing. Cant wait to go back
Read MoreMichael R.
Feb 25, 2025
Beautiful small place on Nob Hill with a neighborhood vibe. Been here many times but this time was extra good. I had carpaccio and clam linguine. The clams were chopped and the dish was very tasty with a lemon caper favor. I visit SF from LA every winter and always come here.
Read MoreBennett R.
Feb 26, 2025
Re-exploring SF, had dinner by myself. Food was very good, service was kind but a bit understaffed.
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