Cafe Campbell

 

2

33

Laura B.

San Jose, CA

Iced vanilla latte was great! Nice outdoor seating too. I didn't actually go inside since my husband went in to buy our drinks and bring them outside, but it looked cute from what I could see.

Only complaint is they don't have nonfat milk, only 2%, but some more European places don't have that I guess. That said, it tasted soooooo good with 2%!

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135

260

Chrystal B.

San Jose, CA

I had the yummiest and wonderful caprese salad here today for a late lunch. What  a refreshing and nice surprise. Sort of a counter style restaurant with a dessert case, coffee, Italian sodas, etc.

For $6.95 I got 5 big chunks of some yummy soft mozz on very ripe and flavoroful Roma tomates. They had a fresh piece of basil sandwiched in between each piece and a VERY light drizzle of some "EVO" as Rachel Ray says and a sprinkle of some oregano and other Italian herbs. They also gave me two SUPER fresh slices of Italian bread that was superb. I could not eat all of it. I brought some home for a little snack for tomorrow.

Service was very friendly, comfortable seating though smallish but I will definitely be back to sample the other goodies on their menu.

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Elite '08

16

33

Catherine H.

Campbell, CA

First, allow me to do a silly-slap-happy-dance that Campbell has managed to bring in a business that is neither a furniture store nor an art gallery!!

Now to the review....

Lattes are excellent.  I've been there for them a couple times already and the quality is consistent.

Sausages/meats - important to this NY native - are excellent quality and yummy.  Try their salami sandwich (doesn't sound fancy and its not but it is really good) or sausage and peppers).

Salmon - also great.

Service - very friendly and attentive.  

Atmosphere - clean, quiet, well kept, and comfortable.  No wi-fi which is actually a good thing because there are other cafes with it and it discourages squatting and people working and chirping into their cell phones while you're trying to eat.

Prices - excellent.  Very reasonable.

I really hope this place stays open.  The powers-that-be over in city planning finally seem to have gotten the message that a dozen expensive furniture stores and 10 galleries does not a community make.  To get traffic and a real neighborhood you need variety including shops, restaurants, family, teen, and grown-up fare.

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Elite '08

145

233

Donna P.

San Jose, CA

Not to pop the 5-star bubble or anything...but I don't think I'd recommend Cafe Campbell for lunch (at least not the panini). The desserts looked AMAZING though and they also have a full bar. And you know me...drinks + dessert = all I need.

The decor is great and this is a much-anticipated addition to Downtown Campbell; that's why I'm sorry to say I was disappointed with my lunch. I ordered the prosciutto panini. I asked the cashier which cheese he'd recommend on it and he suggested the provolone, which I went with. Oh and a light spread of mustard, no mayo. Maybe I was being presumptuous, but I thought it would come with some sort of veggie on it...arugula...spinach...tomato...something, but it didn't. I also thought it would be grilled, gooey goodness (just like my alien-head hero on the Food Network makes them)...but it wasn't. They should also let the customers know that the mustard is not your "traditional" yellow mustard, but a slightly spicy one that, for me, was really not good at all and ruined the flavor of the sandwich.

I'll definitely be back for dessert though, so it's likely the rating will go up.

5 star service the entire time as well!

Sidenote:

You know what I learned when I got back to the office?
"Panini" is the plural form!
So actually...I had a "panino" today.
[...I was an English major...things like this amuse me.]

Oh and Wiki said they aren't always grilled, so I guess I shouldn't have assumed it would be. Much like Vogue, whatever Wiki says, goes.

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Elite '08

39

324

Amanda G.

Campbell, CA

This place finally opened! I have no clue what took them so long, and they still don't seem to be fully operational.

I've been there twice. Once I had their gelato, I have to say, I prefer the gelato down the street.

Although, we went back for dessert with some friends a few weeks later. I had some kind of chocolate cake-mousse type thing. It was really good.

Campbell really needed a dessert place that was open late!

I live in the neighborhood, so I'm sure I'll be back.

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Elite '08

13

131

Nathan C.

Campbell, CA

With the opening of Cafe Campbell, there should be a motion to rename the downtown area "Little Italy" because the fellow who brought you A Bellagio and La Pizzeria just gave this town ANOTHER knock-out business!!

Cafe Campbell is basically a suped-up, well, cafe. This place houses some awesome paninis (the owner touts that you won't find better salami than the one found in the salami panini), killer deserts (gelato and various cakes are to die for), and adult beverages! The staff is extremely nice and attentive and the prices are very reasonable. This place is a BIG winner in my book!!

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178

61

Brooke R.

Campbell, CA

Wow, this place got rave reviews. Hmm. Well, let me just say that I am in love with La Pizzeria, which Pino owns, as well.

I am a downtown Campbell business owner as well, so I like to support the local businesses anyway that I can. It was a weight watchers cheat day for me and I was stoked to grab a sandwich at the highly anticipated Cafe Campbell.

I haven't given up, I will go back again soon, but I have to say my first experience was not what I expected. I had to wait for over a half hour fro the sand which. When I placed the order the register attendee didn't know what type of meat was served at the establishment. And then I was given salami, instead of what I ordered.

On the good side, the sandwich was super yummy! I can't wait to try a desert for my next cheat day.

And if you liked Cafe Campbell, check out La Pizzeria, it was amazing!

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0

20

Eco F.

San Jose, CA

We walked in here for dessert one evening, but nothing was labeled. They were pretty exotic looking desserts, so it wasn't obvious what they were (apple something? lemon? etc). The man trying to help us figure it out didn't speak English very well, and had to go ask someone working at the bar. The guy at the bar didn't come over to help us, and it wasn't even crowded. After too many attempts just to understand what was available, we just left. (Hint: staff that knows your desserts OR labels on your fancy desserts would be helpful)

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Elite '08

121

385

Mara T.

San Jose, CA

Five stars for an amazing owner with a passion for what he does.

Wandered in here this evening with Vivian after leaving the boys downing beers over at King's Head in pre-honor of St. Patty's Day.

We remember this place as Alie's Corner Cafe from a few years ago, and we miss the fabulous french toast and omelets we had there for many years before they finally closed down. I haven't been to Campbell in a while, so I had no idea that Cafe Campbell opened up in the now-defunct Alie's and Rico's Cafe spot. I had to see what it was all about.

Gelato. Cheese. Panini. Salads. Desserts. But this place is more than just about the food. It's about Innovation. Imagination. Passion.

We had the opp to meet the owner, Pino, when I asked a few questions about their gelato vs. the gelato up the street @ Gelato Classico. I was curious as to WHY theirs was different than GC, aka what is different in the production process.

What resulted was a 15 minute discussion and education on gelato and *authentic* Italian cooking. Then Pino sat us down and presented us with an amazing looking martini glass filled with gelato, espresso, something else we couldn't place, a cute cookie and a pink umbrella. YUM! He asked if we liked it. UM YEAH.

I had no idea he owned La Pizzeria and A Bellagio. He was an utter delight to talk to and such a fount of knowledge.

They are working on breakfast offerings, homemade from-scratch apple pancakes and eggs benedict are on the potential menu. I can't wait for that...especially in light of the salivation that still occurs when I think about Alie's old french toast. I need a breakfast replacement BAD. And ummm...some more gelato. And maybe a panini. Did I mention they had an amazing looking tiramisu served in a stemless wine glass??

PS....check out the awesome gelato creation in the photos.

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0

7

amelia t.

Campbell, CA

TASTY!!!! They have some interesting sandwiches that I've never tried, and they were really good!!!!   It's a nice set up inside, and the staff was really nice.  

I've only been there a couple times for lunch, but I can't wait to go back for the desserts!!!!

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8

84

Laura S.

Campbell, CA

So nice that this place finally opened!  I was really getting tired of seeing the space empty/not fully constructed.
Went for lunch one day and got the caprese panini, which is just mozarella and basil.  The price was quite cheap, $5.5 I think.  The panini is served with a side of greens, which has a nice light dressing, and both the salad and sandwich were very fresh, which includes the bread used.  The inside of the panini wasn't loaded with ingredients, but for the price, I think it was definitely fair.  
The atmosphere is nice, too.  It's different from your typical restaurant, and feels somewhat European (as much I can say that without having been to Europe much).

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3

23

Scott C.

Campbell, CA

Thank goodness! Cafe Campbell is finally open!

After much waiting and salivating and driving by wondering when the place was going to open, at last there's bona fide Italian gelato in Campbell!

OK, the place down the street opened last year, when Cafe Campbell was still a coming attraction, but can it compare? I think not. Take Sal's Pizza, for example. They opened when Pino was still putting La Pizzeria together and should have been able to steal some of his thunder, but they'll never be able to generate that "Pino buzz". Slice? Bah! Cucumber slices in the water will only get you so far. The same will be true of that other gelato place, whose name escapes me. See what I mean? It's started already!

We stopped in last week, while waiting for our pizza to cook during our "let's give all our money to Pino" evening. Yep, sometimes you've just gotta empty your pockets for the man.

The gelato? Excellent! We sampled many, er most, finally settling on Hazelnut, Dulce and something Italian that was equally delicious. Top notch stuff! Too bad the city shot him down on the full liquor license, which would have enabled him to mix the gelato with whiskey or vodka, as they do in Italy. Oh well, maybe we can rig up some sort of tunnel to A Bellagio...

They also serve a short list of sandwiches, which weren't available when we stopped by (late dinner), and a variety of pastries and desserts. That cherry custard pie thing was mighty tasty. Pino even kicked down a free croissant-y pastry with Nutella that was flaky and delicious.

Summer's coming! Get some chairs out in front! Let's watch the trainwreck that is Katie Bloom's while sipping wine and eating gelato!

Hoo ha!

*UPDATE*

He's got the liquor license! Now you can have gelato with booze! It's sooooooo gooooood! Mmmmmmm... Bailey's and hazelnut gelato...

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11

18

Paula S.

Campbell, CA

This place is the real deal.  If you have ever been to Italy and want to return - go here!  The clincher - the Tiramisu comes in a cup (just like in Italy).  The eggplant parmigianna was wonderful. Speak italian to the owner.  Great asset to downtown Campbell.

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3

17

Denise C.

Campbell, CA

My friends and I dropped in Cafe Campbell after dinner at La Pizzeria last  Thursday evening for a little something sweet to eat and a coffee.  All I can say is "oh my gawd", delectable pastries, authentic gelatos and sorbettos, perfectly prepared espresso/coffees - all amazing!!!  This is certainly my new favorite after dinner/dessert spot.  The decor is upscale and relaxing.  Trust me this is not your run of the mill sterile ice cream joint - you can truly relax here after a crazy day - did I mention they are a wine bar too?!  Cafe Campbell is a fantastic date night with your honey or impressive first date destination, or simply cozy up in the corner to read a book or sit by the window and "people watch".

Great job Pino!  You did it again - another wonderful addition to downtown Campbell!

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0

13

Harry P.

Cupertino, CA

I so want to give this place five stars.  Maybe next time.  In a very short time (like a couple of months) this wonderful place has drawn a crowd.  It started as a dessert place, but the owner (Pino) quickly expanded the menu to include breakfast and lunch, and now it's drawing all sorts of folks.

While I'm happy for him, it means I HAVE to WAIT....  EXCELLENT gelato.  They have something called a gelato martini where you can order up to three different flavors of gelato and add a liquor or some alcohol like Vodka or champagne.  YUM.  Y.U.M.  I'm telling you it's great.

If you are lucky, Pino is there and he will advise you on the mix of flavors and will make your martini for you.  If you're not so lucky, you'll get stuck in a line up to 20 people deep because they simply don't have  the staff to serve you nor do they have someone for traffic control.

The evening I was there I saw at least 6-8 people leave because it was too crowded.  There seemed to be no order in which people were served.  

On one hand  I want to tell you to go there and wait if you have to do so.  On the other hand...they need more / better help behind the counter/

I've been there twice for gelato and once for breakfast. Had the panini.  DElicious.

OK, go.  (sigh)  Yeah I'll wait in line, dammit.

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Elite '08

128

102

Carol L.

Campbell, CA

I got soooo excited when I saw all the reviews for Cafe Campbell!  I'm a regular at La Pizzeria, one of my absolute favorite places to eat, so when I heard that the owner opened another Campbell spot, I was eager to check it out.  

My friend and I stepped in after walking around the Farmers' Market and each had salame panini, his with provolone, mine with manchego.  The meat tasted fresh and high quality, as did the cheese.  I was surprised it wasn't grilled, but ended up enjoying the soft ciabatta better anyway.  We followed lunch with the tiramisu, served traditionally in a cup with layers of espresso-soaked cake and creamy custard/frosting.  My cafe latte went perfectly with the dessert!  (See uploaded pictures.)  

Overall, I enjoyed the food.  However, the cafe itself still needs a little bit of polish, which is totally understandable since it just opened!  I just felt like they were trying to do too much in one place.  When you first step in, you notice all the pastries and desserts.  Behind that is the huge gelato selection.  This makes the place seem primarily a dessert place -- had I not read the reviews, I would not have looked for the whiteboards that had the panini, salads, soups, and other Italian savory dishes.  It gave me the impression that their focus was not the lunch/dinner food, but rather dessert... so I almost left to get lunch elsewhere.  Next to the Gelato display is a glass case with large meats and cheese bricks, likely for the panini.  Crammed onto the little counter next to that was the espresso machine and the cash register, leaving little room for people to make their order and pay.

Definitely a lot of potential!  I am looking forward to seeing the place grow and thrive.

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2

13

Joycelyn A.

San Francisco, CA

The staff here is so helpful and nice! It's really small but the food/desert was tasty. I enjoy the gelato at the gelato shop across the street more though.... It's very 'European Cafe'

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Elite '08

18

127

Vivian J.

Campbell, CA

We went after dinner last night for some gelato and we were WOWED!!! They have tons of flavors and of course give you lots of samples to try! I got 1/2 tiramsu and half strawberry with chocolate chip and my hubby got 1/2 mint and 1/2 pinapple that were so good! Prices were very reasonable and they gave us a ton to eat! They have one side with coffee, panani's, appetizers and wine. The middle has gelato and the other side if filled with tons of dessets in a case from Italy of little cookies, cakes, cheesecake, tortes, crossiants, etc.  The place is decorated super cute in dark lightening with candles, lamps and italian decor. It felt super cozy in there.  Staff was super helpful and there was a little line but we did not wait long to be waited on. I can't wait to go there again and have more gelato!!! Maybe even try a dessert ;))

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1

17

Rickey S.

Saratoga, CA

I wanted to try all the A Bellagio owned places since the food and service is excellent and Cafe Campbell is no exception. The Gelato is just as it is in europe. They have many flavor choices to choose from. The server gave us a sample of pretty much every flavor until we decided on one. Our party had gelato and a coffee and we were all satisfied with our choice.

Nice place to kick back, read, hang out or just grab some gelato for the road. Visit. You won't be let down.

Ciao!

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2

4

Breaksfast L.

Campbell, CA

They finally opened the much expected cafe. I went there yesterday and tried their gelato: it's amazing! I look forward to try the italian appetizers and desserts. They are open all day, so you can go there to have breakfast, lunch, gelato, etc.

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10

136

Patricia A.

Campbell, CA

They opened for a few hours on the 16th, and I got to go in tonite.
I had a delicious cream filled crossiant. I gained three pounds looking at the gelato and desserts from italian mascopone cakes and tea cookies. The lunch hour there are freshly made panini's and dinner is a nice selection.
I had a grande mocha and got the crossiant.
why are they missing a star well the mocha wasn't exceptionally hot and
WE HAD TO WAIT FOREVER FOR THEM TO OPEN!
Okay maybe I should fault them for that...but I look forward to another opportunity to give Cafe Campbell 5 stars.
Great job pino!

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11

177

Katherine L.

Santa Clara, CA

Coffee gelato was delicious!  I didn't try anything else though.  I will next time.

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3

14

Celeste L.

San Jose, CA

Ok, I am practically full blooded italian so you can be sure my review is unbiased!! :)
Ok first, the decor is so cute. Just sitting inside, I was transported to la-la land...relaxing, not looking at your watch, sipping coffee and watching rugrats run around outside.  Pure bliss. On to the food...we ordered caprese and a panini. Delicious! Just remember, just cause it says "panini" does not mean it's got grill marks kids! haha...the bread is amazing, so fresh and chewy. We got coppa with fontina and pesto. Just delicious with a small mixed green salad which was really fresh. The mozz on the caprese was delish. Not a thing to complain about. So where do they lose the star? Their counter people are now as knowledgeable as they should be. There is a beautiful dessert case but the woman behind it didn't know what anything in the case was. And when we ordered the panini, the guy at the register didn't know what coppa was (it's kind of like proscioutto). It was a little annoying, especially since the cafe has that true italian feeling, so if you don't know what the stuff on the menu board is, you'd kind of like someone to help you along. However, Pino is the bomb and their chef is amazing so I am sure that aspect will come together.

OK, dessert deserves its own paragraph.

The cannolis...ok all I can say are these are the BEST cannolis I have EVER had. That is all you need to know. GET 3. One is not enough. 2 is good but you will be sorry later when they are gone and you don't have one more.

The gelato...I had pistachio and chocolate...mmmm...*orgasm sounds*...so rich, so creamy. THE BEST gelato I have had, even BETTER than Ciao Bella. In fact I think I must be pregnant because I am craving that gelato so badly right now I could kill for it.

...looking for car keys....need to get back to Cafe Campbell...

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0

33

l c.

San Francisco, CA

what a wonderful addition to downtown!  pino is a most gracious host and his newest venture mirrors the helpful service and delicious foods at his other great spots - a'bellagio & the pizzeria.

we love pino and what he has done for our little town.  molto grazie, pino XX00  ( AND, i am not even related!!)

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0

23

Eric D.

Campbell, CA

Great atmosphere and the gelato was delicous.

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