Cafe Zoetrope

Review summary

1. T

   Tara

   VIP

   San Francisco

   8 reviews

   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   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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2. D

   Deirdre

   San Francisco

   30 reviews

   5.0

   30 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   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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3. J

   Jeff

   VIP

   Fort Lauderdale

   23 reviews

   3.0

   23 reviews

   Dined on 18 February 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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4. K

   Kristin

   Chicago

   13 reviews

   4.0

   13 reviews

   Dined on 18 February 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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5. S

   Sandy

   VIP

   San Francisco

   35 reviews

   5.0

   35 reviews

   Dined on 15 February 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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6. t

   tanya

   San Francisco

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on 11 February 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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7. L

   Lynda

   San Francisco

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on 7 February 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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8. J

   Joseph

   San Francisco

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 27 January 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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9. R

   Rose

   VIP

   San Francisco

   41 reviews

   4.0

   41 reviews

   Dined on 7 January 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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10. L

    Lee

    VIP

    Portland

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 15 December 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2

    Menu hasn’t changed for decades and is too mediocre and bland for the price. We were asked to leave after 1hr5 mins even though we still had drinks left and had booked a reservation.
    

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