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Armani Cafe - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
1 Grant Ave(between Market St & Ofarrell St)
San Francisco, CA 94108
Neighborhood: Union Square
(415) 677-9010
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
77 reviews for Armani Cafe
Review Highlights
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"...the Bistecca Panini (Thinly sliced kobe beef, imported brie..." In 3 reviews -
"Another one of my favorite lunch spots in Union Square." In 3 reviews -
"I ordered the smoked salmon panini and i loved it." In 18 reviews
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77 reviews in English
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Review from Christine C.
San Francisco, CA
10/7/2010 1 photo
Another one of my favorite lunch spots in Union Square. (Yes, I spend a lot of time in Union Square.)
Easy salads (prosciutto and melon is my favorite http://www.yelp.com/bi...), classic pizzas, freshly pressed panini (I love the bistecca - grilled portobello mushroom, caramelized onion, kobe roast beef and sliced brie cheese), freshly whipped up pasta dishes, a little dolci and various espresso drinks filled the menu.
What's better than having a light and refreshing lunch than to have it amongst the latest artful creations by the ever-so-talented Mr. Armani?Listed in: Fabulous Union Square
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Review from Annie N.
8/30/2010
If a girl's refuge is breakfast at Tiffany's, a guy's refuge would be breakfast at Armani. And this is made possible by the Armani cafe right in the middle of the Armani boutique.
This place is a bit intimidating and my shopaholic eyes tend to wander as I was trying to have a meal. I'd have to try this place again when I have more time to enjoy the food. We were in a rush, stopping by the cafe for a quick brunch while my friend tried on a custom tailored jacket he had ordered earlier.
We had the eggs benedict and eggs florentine, both served with a salad. The salad was quite delicious for just tossed greens. I preferred the florentine with spinach over the benedict with ham. The bread basket has a delightful selection that went well with balsamic vinigarette and olive oil. There was a fruit fly that followed my OJ, but I suppose that meant there were no added pesticides.
Edit: My friend had so kindly reminded me of an incident I had tried to forget. Being a natural klutz, I dropped my fork and its messy contents onto my dress. Quite embarassing, but the people there were courteous enough not to stare as I pretended it never happened.
The service was friendly and professional and next time I might try sitting in the mezzanine area to enjoy the full extent of my meal. The bar is simply not user friendly for a small girl like me. -
Review from Connie C.
San Jose, CA
2/4/2010
I've been coming here for lunch for years - and just realized I haven't yelped it yet! My bad.
I took my fellow Brooklyn and Chicagoland CMs to lunch here today, and as always, it was delightful. Much like dining at The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus, the surroundings are grand and magnificent, and it's hard to believe you're inside a clothing store.
Although you're in Union Square, you really feel like you're removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown when you're here. It's rarely busy inside (which is a shame), so it's a great place to have a relaxing bite to eat. Sit up on the mezzanine and enjoy the view of the impressive historic bank building - it's perfect for people watching. Or keep it super casual and dine at the oval bar on the first floor.
Love the Cafe Classics selections, especially the penne pasta with chicken, zucchini, mushrooms in parmigiano cream sauce. The kobe beef and brie panini is also delicious. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu though. And while you'd think the dishes would have a hefty price tag on them in this stylish setting, they're a mere fraction of the Emporio Armani pieces on the racks below ($10-$15). Service is gracious and quick, which makes for a pleasant business lunch spot.Listed in: Lunch spots near Yelp HQ
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Review from Jelena Z.
2/8/2010
Do you like your lunches lux and indulgent? Then the Armani Cafe nestled within the legendary boutique is your cup of fashion and foodie.
The space is beautifully dramatic-- it used to be a bank and it's quite ornate with its high ceilings and of course, gorgeous Armani clothes and leather goods as a backdrop.
I had the Kobe beef and brie panini... the presentation is a winner and the sandwich? Quite decadent.
It does smell a bit of Euro man in here, but that doesn't pose a problem for me. The Armani man is chic and sexy and if I manage to get a whiff during a lunch escapade, then I'm a happy girl.
The service is on-point and I relished the quiet surroundings. Who knew high fashion could be so relaxing? Go AWOL for your lunch hour, you won't regret it!Listed in: 5 super sexy stars!, I left my heart in San…
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Review from Catherine O.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2008
I surprisingly did not know they even offered a cafe, but to find that it is a great little place to grab lunch!
Located upstairs, overlooking the store, the cafe (not too big), is more of a nicer, casual dining. Walking in with some attire a little nicer than normal would make you feel a little more in place. It's a napkin on your lap type of cafe.
The food here was enjoyable. A little pricey, but not overpriced for lunch ($10-15 a plate) depending on what you order. I ordered the Bistecca Panini (Thinly sliced kobe beef, imported brie, caramelized onions & grilled portobello mushrooms). Excellent combination of ingredients, with savory flavors, and not greasy at all! Even the pasta salad accompanying it was excellent. The rigatoni was average, but I highly recommend that sandwich! Prior to the meal, they provide you with a cute basket of different breads (little bread sticks, a plain roll, & a focaccia like bread) with olive oil. As for my leftovers, they neatly packed it up: separate boxes too (one for the sandwich & one for my pasta salad)!! Impressive.
The service was good. We got served right away, and nothing to complain about. Clean & elegant eating place (the music echoing around us, sort of felt like a club below us, probably due to the high ceiling structure...but nothing bothersome!). The building itself is beautiful! Look above you, when you eat!
I enjoyed my visit here. A perfect place for a small lunch date or a business lunch! -
Review from Angela H.
Daly City, CA
9/6/2007
It was such a pleasant surprise to have lunch here - first, you get to look at the beautiful architectural details; second, you're surrounded by lovely clothes; and third, they make pretty good Italian food at reasonable prices. We got a seat on the balcony overlooking the bar in the center of the store and it was pleasant to be able to people-watch and enjoy the view.
I loved their bread basket, which came with a plate of pre-mixed balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The bread sticks, which seemed to be flavored with some sun-dried tomato and pesto, were addictive and I had to force myself not to eat every single last one. There was also a small, round roll - nice, soft, and a perfect accompaniment to the olive oil.
I had the rigatoni with chicken, mushrooms, and zucchini in a light cream sauce. It was a big portion and was more than enough to fill me up. The cream sauce was a little bland and runny though, and I would have preferred the sauce to stick to the pasta more. A little parmesan-reggiano helped but it would have been nice to get the cheese fresh grated. The chicken breast chunks were overcooked, but still tasty from a saute before being placed in the sauce. The mushrooms were meaty and the zucchini perfectly done. The pasta itself was al dente.
Overall, a very nice lunch spot in the downtown area. Service was not stuffy at all, considering the surroundings, and my water was always refilled without asking. I enjoyed my leisurely lunch here and while the food was not top-notch, it was tasty and affordable. 3.5 stars for the lunch experience - I'm dropping to 3 stars because it was a pain to get to the bathroom in the basement. -
Review from Jackie M.
San Francisco, CA
4/27/2007
I love this place. Good place to eat and drink if you are power shopping. Sunday is the best day to come because their menu changes and they have crab cakes. If you are nice to the Man behind the counter he will keep refilling your mimosa...accidentally. ;)
Yum. I like sitting downstairs better than up, you can see all the action going on. so fun and not as expensive & snooty as Rotunda. -
Review from Aimee M.
Chicago, IL
4/14/2006
how perfect, dining while enjoying the view, cute boys, clean lines, what more could you ask for? Someone to bring me jewelry while I sit and sip wine... ummmm, done.
one of my favorite lunch spots when shopping has me worn... morning, noon, or night. perfecto, bellissimo -
Review from Sean S.
Oakland, CA
7/4/2007
You don't need to spend $700 on a pair of pants to feel like your part of the glitterati at this place, when you can sit in the sun and eat very well prepared eggs and sparkling mimosas.
The service was attentive and the bread basket is an Atkins' followers worst nightmare. Perfect for a post Glide experience. -
Review from Eating Sleeping T.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2007
I came here recently on a Tuesday afternoon for a business lunch. It was pretty slow and quiet on the mezzanine level, so it was a perfect setting to discuss business. Everything I've ever had here is decent. I generally stick to the chef's salad; they don't skimp on the ham or turkey! The breadsticks that came in the bread plate had a nice peppery kick to them.
The Armani Cafe is a good place for business lunches in the Union Square area. -
Review from Tingting H.
San Francisco, CA
10/22/2007 4 photos
No, it doesn't cost a fortune to eat on the 2nd floor of an Armani store. There is nothing sweet on the brunch menu: no waffles, pancakes, or fresh fruit, except the maple syrup as a side of a sandwich(interesting, huh?) Nothing exceptional in terms of the taste of the food, but I am a bread fanatic and we got served 3 different types of flavorful breads.
Friendly service, tasty food, great ambiance, definitely a chic place to eat near downtown.
FYI, 15% gratuity is added to the bill.Listed in: Breakfast
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Review from Jon C.
8/28/2010
I enjoyed my meal very much. Food was done well, starting bread was great. I love it when there's variety in bread paired with oil and balsamic...my fav.
However, this is one of the cases where I have to dock their rating significantly due to service. Walking in, we were a little confused as no one really directed us to where we should go for dining. And then our server took a long time to take both our drink and food orders. The cook time was a little long. And one of the orders on the table was missing an addition. When asked about the missing ingredients, we were made to feel that it was our fault and we thought it was communicated that we'd still like for it be prepared and brought out. It never was as the server never put in the order.
Sure I'd come back, but only if it were free and if I was willing to sit around for a long while before getting my actual food. -
Review from Cynthia C.
Alameda, CA
10/22/2007
Solo lunch for $30 includes:
1 glass of rose
Complimentary bread, not very good, but they concoct the oil & vinegar for you
Fantastic chic setting
Subtle, but attentive service
Non-greasy LARGE chicken panini w/argula & a pungent sauce
FREE side, I chose a nice mixed green salad
Tax & Tip -
Review from Wilson K.
9/7/2009
Who doesn't walk by here and imagine what it would be like eating food at a place that is known mostly for their clothing? I always wanted to try this place and I did. It was labor day and it was fairly slow. There wasn't a crowd at all when I walked in. I ordered their bristecca (sp) panini, which was kobe beef, portobello mushroom and brie with grilled onions. The grilled onions were a little powerful, but I really did like it. They toasted the bread perfectly and everything melted in my mouth. I had my meal with a bellini, and it was fairly strong. I felt a little bit tingly, but maybe it was also because I hadn't really eaten anything prior.
Their salad was good and I think they used a raspberry vinaigrette. I finished it. The service was very friendly, and I got to look at the nice clothes while I waited for my meal to arrive. Fun, fun, fun. This is going to be my lunch time replacement for Cheesecake. It's so much less crowded and overall, I paid the same. -
Review from Rivers W.
Seattle, WA
3/29/2009
This should actually be two different places to review bc a lot of the time the dining area of the cafe isn't open. i'll write about the dining area later--probably months later, but I liked it.
Now for the cafe: Love it. But, you have to have the right mindset though. It's a cafe for going to alone. I'm actually a dyed in the wool Seattle cafe junkies, so I know good cafes. Armani Cafe is for those moments where you want an escape from those genres of cafe to ponder with your espresso not sit in a crowded cafe with tons of problem solvers or yappy caffeine rechargers. It's awesome for late afternoon moments to sit with your cappuccino, figure out your goals, and occasionally stare at the ornate ceiling (it used to be a bank a la the historic Wells Fargo across the street).
It's quiet enough, with a little client white noise. Even during the good times Armani doesn't pack in customers like Old Navy and with this recession on the noise is cut even more.
The first time i went to this cafe, I think I saw the most attractive woman I ever saw in my life. Not sure what role that plays bc I've been there many times since and that was several years ago, and I've never seen her again. Don't even think I'd recognize her now. -
Review from Candace W.
San Francisco, CA
8/11/2005
Although I can't afford anything in Emporio Armani, the cafe is a good nosh. Aside from the fact that it seems to be a bit touristy, I think it's a nice place to hang out for a quick cup of coffee (Illy cafe) or a nice leisurely lunch.
Usually, I go for their pastas, the Rigatoni Pomodoro with tomatoes, basil and marscapone is simple, but filling, with a nice piquant-creamy quality to it. On my last visit, however, I was informed that pastas weren't being served, so after glancing at the chef whipping together some panini, I chose a sandwich instead.
The selection of the Italian sandwiches range from tuna salad to Veggie, and are stuffed between foccacia and pressed briefly on a panini grill. As I am a ravenous carnivore with a blood lust for rare beef, I went for the Bisteca, a wonderful creation of thinly sliced Kobe beef (domestic) with portobello mushrooms, brie and caramelised onions. It had a peppery, sweet/salty quality to it, with the brie perfectly melted and the foccacia was nicely crunchy and chewy. It was served, as are all of the sandwiches with an over-dressed mixed green salad, which I passed on, because the leaves were a bit limp and slimy from too much vinagrette.
My companion had the Durini panini; rosemary ham with roasted red and yellow peppers, provolone and a curiously tasting Dijion aioli. We both found that sandwich boring, and bland, a disappointment at $13.00.
Emporio also serves cocktails, which we didn't partake of, but from what I can see, the moderately priced cocktails are made with top shelf liquors. The cafe is also open for private events and the space would be impressive for a party.
But I can't imagine the amount of insurance that would be needed to host an event there! -
Review from Dave d.
San Francisco, CA
4/17/2006
An awesome pre-shopping cappuccino spot. I ordered pasta here once and it really sucked, bad.
The food did not come close to the quality one would expect from such a heavily branded establishment.
But still a really good coffee spot.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from James T.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2005
I love sitting outside when they have the outdoor seating. They stop serving outside in October when San Francisco has the crazy warm days. How long of a walk is it to the front door anyway?? Somebody wake up and open outside when the weather is nice so the locals who eat there for business lunches can nibble at the corner and watch the world go by.
Okay, San Franciscans are a bit wimpy when it comes to needing heatlamps but the eye candy and people watching is good enough that people will suffer just to look cool and drink outside.
The outside tables are spread out so you can *flame me if you must* talk on your mobile and not disturb anyone. Go f'ing figure.
They have a good deal if you lay off the 2 glasses of wine that usually finds its way to my table at lunch. Then the double cap is NEEDED before I leave to (try to) work the rest of the day.
Screw it, time to go shopping. Buzzed and wired. Only once was I drunk enough to buy something there after I ate. I love the jacket, no regrets. -
Review from Stella C.
7/16/2008
Maybe we went on an off day, but we didn't get the best service. We were seated at a table that had a giant balsamic vinegar spill in the middle and it wasn't cleaned up until we asked. The table linens were white so it was obvious. They also took a long time to take our order, bring us water/drinks, and refill our water throughout the meal. On a good note, they brought us a bread basket immediately and I devoured all of them! Their sundried tomato bread tastes like the pizza protein stick from jamba juice (which was sadly discontinued, R.I.P.) and their breadsticks taste similar to it too. Very tasty!
For lunch, I ordered the bistecca panini which was pretty tasty and was pleased to see they offered pasta salad as a side (a double helping of carbs is a sweet deal!). The pasta salad was pretty dry and it was obvious it had been sitting out, but I'm sure if it was served fresh it would have been tasty because it wasn't too bad dry. Several people in our party ordered the chicken panini which was served on the sundried tomato bread, next time I am definitely going to ask for theat bread on the bistecca panini!
Overall, eating lunch here is nice because it's next door and you can sit outdoors. Even if you choose to sit inside, which we did, it's quiet and upstairs overlooking the store loft-like. I just wish the service was a bit more attentive/prompt. -
Review from Tamar N.
Astoria, NY
11/18/2006
Highly recommend the mushroom and chicken salad. The added brie brings this salad to near perfection. Two stars off because I hate the armani store and I would prefer not to be surronded by drab boring clothes while I eat.
Great for take-out. -
Review from ny h.
Emeryville, CA
10/5/2008
Not bad. Mocha and Latte were ok. Nothing spectacular to right about. Did try the chocolate boudini for dessert... again just okay.
A+ for the clothes and customer service. -
Review from Christine A.
San Francisco, CA
8/13/2008
What?! 4 stars?!
The service was soo slow. We went to the upper floor and sat for probably 10 minutes before the waitress came with the menus. There were no glasses for water, and the bread basket took forever to come. I had the house-made confit albacore tuna salad with cannellini beans, sun-dried tomato white balsamic dressing, and it tasted like crap! The tuna was soo rough and tasted like they were from the can. I also asked for the dressing to be on the side, but the waiter did not get that.
Armani should seriously just stick with making clothes instead of food, but I really wasn't expecting a gourmet meal from a company that does not primarily serve food. -
Review from Elodie P.
Palo Alto, CA
11/14/2010
You can just stop by to have a classic cappuccino at the bar, or have lunch on the terrasse on a sunny day in San Francisco, the atmosphere will just makes you feel like being in Europe ! I love the building & its architecture. The food is good and the service is excellent.
One of my favorite spots in the city ! -
Review from Samir P.
Chicago, IL
11/20/2008
It's a unique experience dining at an Armani Store. I've been to the Armani Cafe in Boston, and absolutely loved it. The SF one is not bad. It's a bit different, with the main dining area on the second floor balcony, but it is a really nice setting. The building reminds me of those old New York or Chicago banks. Anyone seen Inside Man? That's what I mean. Of course it's an upscale dining experience, being Armani and all. However, the prices are not exorbitant. We went there for lunch, and they have some great options - salads, paninis, pastas, etc. I ordered the smoked salmon panini and i loved it. It came out to about $20 per person.
The reason I dock them a star is because they took WAAAAY too long to bring out the food. I mean...this is lunchtime people. You have to realize that people actually have to get back to work.
All in all, if you can take a 2 hour lunch, and want a nice upscale dining experience....check out this place. -
Review from Amelyn C.
San Francisco, CA
7/23/2010
Think indoor picnic inside one of the giant walk-in closets at your winter palace.
Armani Café is where fashionista(-o)s and foodies can come together. I recommend the mezzanine because you can experience the grandeur of early San Francisco architecture while drinking ice water out of curvy water glasses. I had a very yummy homemade tuna confit salad (if you like salted fish, this is heaven), and my friend chose the fig and goat cheese salad with grilled chicken, which she enjoyed.
After a few hours of shopping, an hour at the café is just what you need to find the energy for one more store visit. I agree with the other reviewers that the bread basket was exceptional, but I think the service was better for us than other Yelpers (we did lunch a bit later at 1:30p). -
Review from Sarah T.
San Francisco, CA
8/25/2008
I can't say I've experienced ACTUALLY dining here because my food took too long to come out! Our waiter was HORRIBLE! I don't know what was going on but he seemed more like a sales associate who just stands around and twiddles their thumbs than an actual waiter. Another bad point is the atmosphere, it was very quite and felt like I was dining in a museum. I would have loved to sit outside but all the tables were full and we were on a bit of a time constraint. So after waiting 45 minutes for our food, I had to leave!
To sum it up:
- Horrible service
- Decent food, (Although it was cold by the time it got to me)
- Weird/ stuffy atmosphere..
Overall, there are better places to eat downtown then here! -
Review from Vickie L.
San Francisco, CA
12/29/2007
Not that I would have high expectation for this place to begin with but it sure disappointed me more than I anticipated. First the service was very very lacking....There were at least 4 open tables but they had us wait and almost forgot about us. We had to ask 3 times to get our bread and coffee (which they ran out and had to go downstairs for refill...) and twice for cream. Then they forgot about our antipasto when our entree came out. I guess she was nice enough to see if we still wanted it and she'd comp it but hey there is a reason why it's called "antipasto" - u eat it before entree!
I think the ambiance is quite ok but just don't go on a busy day like we did (after x'mas shopping). Or maybe opt for the bar next time for more attentive service. -
Review from Carley B.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2008
My friends from work and I went to the Armani cafe for brunch on our hour long lunch break. We were one of two tables in the entire place. We placed our order within the first five minutes. The drinks came 15 minutes later and the food, thirty. Every one of our meals was cold or luke warm. The waitress told us that her system could not split checks for our party. After complaining about the food, we just asked her to bring the check. Miraculously she was able to split them!!! (a christmas miracle!) She added a gratuity to the checks when our party was only 5 people large. It's illegal to gratuitize parties of less than 6 btw.
I am forgiving, but SERIOUSLY get your s*** together Armani Cafe. -
Review from Matthew R.
San Ramon, CA
3/14/2009
My Lady friend and I went here last Sunday for Brunch. Upon first entering this establishment, I caught a real snooty vibe. This "Cafe" was in the middle of the retail floor for Armani. So, all around you, it was nothing but overpriced Italian Designed, Chinese Made garment, with many of San Francisco's "elitists" were enjoying their brunch when we first sat down.
When we first sat down, it took some time for our Bartenders/Waitresses to greet us, they both seemed a bit frazzled. However, once they did their initial greet, it was smooth sailing from there, and I was immediately offered an Absolut Peppar Vodka Bloody Mary. This was one of the best Blood Mary's I have had in ages. After enjoying that for a bit, I ordered a Monte Christo for my entree. I am very critical of how this sandwich is made, as the best ones I have ever had were at Prings Restaurant in San Leandro. This Monte Christo defintely impressed, and also boasted much less grease than the ones from Yesteryear at Prings.
Also, for being in the midst of a higher-end clothier, the prices at this cafe were surprisingly good.
After enjoying our scrumptious breakfast, we proceeded to walk down to the Pier and Ferry Building. Anyone who is in this neighborhood should grab a bite, although I would forego the overpriced clothes. You can find last season's Armani at Nordstrom Rack for much cheaper! -
Review from Black K.
Oakland, CA
6/15/2010 1 photo
Ok... This place gets a "soft" three stars from me.
Basically its a bar literally in the center of the Armani clothes store in downtown SF. All I will say is, its hard from me to enjoy myself when I feel like one of the sales attendants is going to run up on me and try to sell me a suit. lol
Guys, if your girl like high end cool places for a quick drink, then this is the place for her. The decor is extremely nice... Unfortunately, I believe the cafe would be better served if it wasn't located in the center of a men's fashion store.... lol -
Review from Wuda W.
Mountain View, CA
12/3/2007 1 photo
+ amazing bread .. 3 kinds:
1. bread sticks - thin & crunchy, with some sort of spices
2. rolls - quite doughy
3. thick focaccia (?) - uniquely tasty
- chicken panini: too bland & tasteless for my liking
+ A+ for the presentation of food -
Review from Jean K.
1/12/2011
It's no surprise that the Armani Cafe is now closed. When we visited in the fall, it was like entering a time warp straight to the 80's. Though the decor may once have been grand, it was now looking a bit worn. Service was super slow. They were slow taking our order then slow with the food. Granted, we had a group of 10 people, but the cafe was only half full and there were only a few other people there. Everyone at the table was complaining about how hungry they were. When the bread came out, it was devoured. And then we waited some more and tried to get more bread. When the food finally came out, it was meh.
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Review from Jay U.
San Francisco, CA
3/20/2009
I came here for lunch with my Mom hoping to have a nice, sit down lunch without emptying my wallet. This cafe is very oddly laid out, as one section is on the retail floor of the Armani store centered around the semi-bar, semi-dishwashing area and the other area a balcony overlooking the retail area. A point off for trying to find where and how to get food and having no one ask if we needed help. Also, the upstairs was closed to walk-ins apparently.
We ordered quickly and after hardly 10 minutes, our food came up looking and smelling delicious. Fresh pepper on top of her salad and we're off. We both enjoyed our food (I had a grilled panini), agreeing the ingredients tasted fresh. The service was reasonably prompt with water refills, the bill, etc., but nothing great.
I don't think I'll come here again as I'm still discovering many places to eat, but with a subtle mention to a friend about the awkward layout, I'd recommend the place for lunch. -
Review from Brian B.
Livermore, CA
4/20/2009
It was 90 degrees out there today. So it was perfect to sit, have some comprese and a beer and watch the beautiful people walk by. It's all good. Friendlier service than was expected.
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Review from Veronica W.
San Rafael, CA
10/16/2007
I think the best part about the cafe is the architecture. The marble floors, high ceilings, huge columns and ornate capitals evoke the sense that one is in a Roman temple. The cafe sits within the Emporio Armani store and overlooks the main floor. Yes, I know it seems odd that a cafe would be located in an expensive clothing store, but somehow, it works. I would have thought that food + high priced clothing = unwise. I guess not. Their prices are pretty reasonable, particularly considering the location. The only thing is that I didn't find the food very remarkable. It's alright, not spectacular; it didn't really leave a lasting impression, hence the 3 stars. Also, I had a really snotty server, which kind of cast an uncomfortable shadow over the meal b/c she just sort of lingered around. Overall, it's a nice place; I would go only for the surroundings (i.e. architecture), though.
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Review from Scott A.
New York, NY
1/4/2008
Armani Cafe is my favorite lunch spot around Union Square. The food is good - my favorite is the bistecca panino but I usually get the fig salad which is also good but not as indulgent. The bistecca has carmelized onions and brie - mmmm. Not only is the food good but the setting is wonderful. Sit at the bar and watch the goings-on or sit upstairs and have a quieter experience.
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Review from Katie P.
San Francisco, CA
7/2/2007
I didn't even know that there was an Armani Cafe, I just happened to be next store at Amy Kuschel's with a friend and we decided to come here for lunch after. It reminds me of a European Cafe - the large bar when you walk in is beautiful. We lunched upstairs overlooking the shop. Food and service both good, but I think it is the atmosphere which makes this a cool place to eat. The ceiling kind of reminds me of the rotunda in Neiman Marcus. Best of all the food prices do not match the price point of their clothes so you do not walk out of there completely broke, unless of course you get sidetracked with some shopping before you make it out the door.
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Review from Nish N.
Where else can you enjoy a strong espresso or panini sandwich under the backdrop of stylish and elegant clothes. The cafe is literally inside the Emporio Armani store, but they also have great sidewalk seating when weather permits.
Listed in: Pirate-Friendly Stores, My Favorite Public Bathrooms!
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Review from Richard C.
Palo Alto, CA
3/5/2008
Location, Location, Location. Charming place, great food, service and when sitting outside, the people watching can't be beat. Enough other people have reviewed the great food so I won't bother.
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Review from Natalie S.
San Francisco, CA
It's tres chic here. I've walked by numerous times and always admired having a latte while sitting at the middle bar in between all of the clothes. I came today and it was relatively crowded. We both had a wine and cocktail and the arugula prosciutto con melone insalata. The other primis and secondis also looked delicious, but I'm getting married and was wedding dress shopping, so I couldn't feast on a ton of carbs. I like the ambiance and it feels very European. Prices aren't extraordinary, but definitely on the pricier side.
