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Cafe Madeleine
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches [Edit]
43 O'Farrell St(between Grant Ave & Market St)
San Francisco, CA 94108
Neighborhood: Union Square
(415) 362-1713
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 6 pm
Sat 9 am - 5 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
256 reviews for Cafe Madeleine
Review Highlights
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"They make their own chocolate whipped cream." In 13 reviews -
"Andre cheese with sliced pears and candied walnut spread on..." In 3 reviews -
"Artfully, beautifully presented cakes." In 41 reviews
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256 reviews in English
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Review from Kimya P.
4/4/2012
*layers of hazelnut meringue, vanilla buttercream and bittersweet chocolate*
Last week I ordered Cafe Madeleine's Marjolaine cake - it was divine.
On 24 hours notice, Cafe Madeleine baked and decorated a cake for my brother's birthday. The Marjolaine cake (as described above) was delicious, the fruit decoration on top was exquisite, and the taste - well let's just say that the interspersed layers of chocolate, cream, and meringue gave the Marjolaine tasty depth and character. Also, the ordering process was really easy. I used their website to identify the cake I wanted, called them Friday morning to place the order (and paid over the phone at that time). Their pricing is based on the cake size you order. The 8 inch Marjolaine was $35. The following afternoon I picked it up.
While the owners are not French, the place with its big glass windows, perfectly crafted desserts in the vitrine, and, of course, its name - scream French. Also, they bake everything daily. They have three locations in SF; all of their baking occurs at their Montgomery location and then they deliver the goods to the other two locations each morning.
If you have a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, going away party) and you want a delicate, yet filling and amazingly rich dessert for your event - this is your place. They were totally accommodating and, as I'm sure you've already guessed, delicious.Listed in: Life is uncertain. Eat…
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Review from Jon L.
5/14/2012 1 photo
Cafe Madeleine is an efficient little place for a grab and go lunch in Union Square. You just need a little more will power to not leave with an extra pastry or cake.
Seating here is limited so most folks just order lunch to go. The seats outside were taken but we found some bar-seating by the window inside. They have a nice selection of sandwiches and salads. Besides the ones listed on the board, I would also look into the chiller to see what the specials and quiches are. I ordered the ham and brie grilled sandwich (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) which was pretty good. Overall I thought it was a little salty where some sweetness (more than what the balsamic onions provided) would have been a nice counterpoint. Loved the bread though.
I wouldn't mind stopping by for lunch the next time I'm in the area. I spied some interesting specials like a heirloom tomato salad that I would like to try... and even though I'm not too much of a fan of sweets, I won't be opposed to ordering an eclair for tea. -
Review from Dee M.
Daly City, CA
3/28/2012
Love it. Gil is the cutest thing ever ever. The desserts looked so freaking delicious and perfect. I had the pulled pork with the coleslaw on it...really yummy and the perfect amount.
Love their selection of beverages and other snacks like chicken pot pie and quiches.
Gil clearly knows all the regulars and is so welcoming to everyone. -
Review from svetlana m.
San Francisco, CA
5/14/2012
I've come here for lunch a few times, but this was my last. Only good thing about this place is their cakes. Order them, pick-up, and leave...the customer service here has been horrible each and every time. Not worth it for me getting lunch here! sorry
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Review from lyn m.
San Francisco, CA
5/14/2012
Cute little spot grabbed a Cobb salad to go it was very good pastries are really good too
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Review from Cindy L.
5/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
good for a quick bite. kind of expensive. was nice sitting outside tho
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Review from Dominique F.
Arlington, VA
3/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Came here for a Mocha which was actually pretty good.
However, there's not a big seating area, so I had to take the mocha to go. Too sad I didn't get to enjoy it in the sun that day. -
Review from Amy C.
1/25/2012
I've been here twice and the first time was better than the second.
I got a fresh and delicious mixed fruit salad and a sweet cinnamon roll. Which was wonderful. The second time was kind of bad. I ordered a chicken sandwich and got a very salty beacon sandwich. How can they get it wrong? Sigh.. Worst part was I got my sandwich before work and anticipated eating it for lunch and was very disappointed. I don't know if I'll come here again.Comment from Michelle L. of Cafe Madeleine 1/29/2012
I'm so sorry you were given the wrong sandwich! They must… More » -
Review from Mei C.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 11/26/2011
Five stars for their made to order Napoleon 8" cake. It was delicious. The custard/cream was perfect. The pastry layers very fresh. There was a creme brulee top. the nut shavings on the sides. A little difficult to serve, but this was expected, and worth the effort.
I ordered this cake for my husband's birthday 3-4 days ahead of time. He loved it. I loved it. Best Napoleon cake we've tried so far, beating any chinatown bakery {whose napoleon cakes are dry and stale} and one of the northbeach/chinatown bakeries.
Thank you Cafe Madeleine, you're awesome.Listed in: Weight Gain Guaranteed., Cafes Galore, Sandwiches, Indulgences
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/12/2010
I rarely come here because the times I have dropped by in the recent months for a sandwich or slice… Read more »
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Review from Ryan S.
Berkeley, CA
4/1/2012
This place has amazing sandwiches / salads and I find myself there at least once a week. They lost a star due to very sporadic service - sometimes pleasant, other times un-accommodating. I'm not one to hold grudges and my affinity for their hot/cold sandwich masterpieces will keep bringing me back.
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Review from Erika C.
3/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Pretty good quiche, comes with a salad. Good egginess, could use a better crust. I can't think of another good takeout quiche in this location, so four stars. I'd come back. It's nothing mind blowing, just a solid takeout quiche for a reasonable price in FiDi.
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Review from Jennifer M.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2012
Great place for sweets, I have to say the Pecan Bar is my favorite; just filled with pecan and gooey yuminess. I tried their double fudge chocloate cookie a little dry, but not awful either. Great place for afternoon decaf also, fresh with a great taste. Overall , a great small place busy in the afternoon but will come back. Yeah, Pecan Bars!!!!!!!
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Review from Jordan F.
San Francisco, CA
8/25/2011
Seems like a good dessert shop. I came in for a small birthday goodie for a coworker. It was hard to choose everything looked so good! I tried a cookie and a lemon bar which were okay...I am not huge into sweets, so I'm not a great judge in this category (I would also take a donut over any other dessert). But my coworker loved the small tart with fresh glazed fruit on top.
I would go back for other small goodies (especially if another b-day comes up) and to try out their savory selections. -
Review from Shirley F.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2011
Review for Decadence:
Design = 4 stars! The plate for message writing should be white chocolate and not some paper-like material (My friend said it's almond paste...) It tasted nasty
Taste = 3 stars!
Really Chocolate-y but the strawberries were too sour and the cream cheese/butter cream icing was too sweet
Service = 4 stars!
cute girl and guy!
enjoy! -
Review from Rosalynn D.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 9/26/2011 1 photo
Placed my first cake order from here & i must say it won't be the last time!
Ordered the Berry Torte and it was divine! If you LOVE moist brownies, this cake is for you. The tartness of the berries on top w/ the sweet rich chocolate cake compliments each other out perfectly. The raspberry jam glazed on the cake just topped it off. Definitely not disappointed.
I know I already mentioned about their paninis, but this time I tried their chicken mozzarella poppy seed panini w/ avocado & pickled red onions...OMG. Melts in my mouth good.
Love them!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/19/2010
This place is so cute!
Sweets galore with mini cakes, cupcakes & pastries. Every girls dream. I've… Read more »
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Review from Keith R.
Davis, CA
1/29/2012
Have again: Hot chocolate was very good. The evasion mousse cake was very good, but would have been much better without the pistachio filling.
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Review from Sabrina A.
Oakland, CA
9/21/2011
OMG they came up with the best sandwich ever...
St. Andre cheese with sliced pears and candied walnut spread on michi bread $7.50
Then a diet coke, ask for a cup with ice, and some chips.
TA-DAH! best lunch spot in downtown SF IMHO
And I get a nice little outdoor table (if I'm lucky to snatch one of the four) -
Review from Vaibhavi U.
Berkeley, CA
5/29/2011
This cafe is a really cute cafe and the cakes look great! I went here for lunch on Saturday and did not try any of their pastries/cake, so this review is based only on their lunch selection.
Pros:
- Cute cafe, seems nice for a quick bite if you are lucky enough to find seating. If the weather is sunny, the outside seating is nice. Inside is pretty crammed.
- French Roast Coffee was good, but nothing special.
Cons:
- I got the mozzarella grilled sandwich. Really really ordinary. It was basically a slab of melted mozzarella on an italian roll. Really unoriginal and there was barely any of the pesto spread they said was on it. The tomatoes were also really soggy and made the sandwich drippy. I feel like I could've made that sandwich myself at home and saved myself 8 bucks.
- One of the staff members also seemed a little cold and had a scowl on her face the entire time I was ordering.
I probably won't come back here for lunch. May pay a visit to try their dessert which everyone else has rated highly! -
Review from Kinga H.
7/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Chic & Adorable.
In the middle of shopping I decided it was time for a beverage. Upon seeing this quaint little cafe I knew this would be my stop. Must say, was a bit disappointed... not a big variety of coffees however at least a decent tea selection. The menu did offer plenty of pastries and sandwiches... to bad I was not in the mood for food. Service was so-so. Not many areas to sit although I loved the indoor/outdoor layout. -
Review from Audrey B.
11/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
A cute little place on a somewhat forgotten street in Union Sq - perfect for grabbing coffee or a pastry while shopping. They also make sandwiches - hot and cold - that are really good. I had a hot mozzarella sandwich with pesto that was really nice on a cold day. There is some seating inside the cafe, but it's a pretty small space so you'll probably have better luck finding a table outside.
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Review from Chloe M.
12/9/2011
Oh my goodness gracious. I went to a holiday party last night where they served one of the best cakes I think I've ever had. (Besides my mom's of course!) It was a layered chocolate on chocolate sheet cake loaded with fresh fruit on top. It was such a dilemma for me... on the one hand, the layered frosting was so delicious I wanted to savor every little bite and let it melt in my mouth, on the other hand, it was so yummy I was in what my friend Lele calls "shove it in your face" mode. To savor or gobble it up? That is the question! If only all my problems were so delicious.
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Review from Jennifer K.
Oakland, CA
4/20/2011
I love Cafe Madeleine for their excellent desserts and panini.
I eat about 2 mozzarella sandwiches a week and would highly recommend them to anyone, although I'm only giving four stars because in the last 3 weeks or so they haven't been as good as usual (there must be a new sandwich maker who skimps on the cheese and pesto sauce).
The palmieres are also kickass. But the new sandwich maker needs to get up to speed or I'll have to settle for another sandwich place! -
Review from Marcia H.
San Jose, CA
9/16/2011
This cafe is just a few blocks from the Moscone Center, which makes it in ideal stop when you're in San Francisco for a conference.
I LOVE their salads with organic greens -- fresh and delicious. I've had the Cobb and the Goat Cheese with strawberries and almonds. Plus, they didn't hesitate to say yes to my special request to add tuna.
In previous trips I've tried some of their baked goods and really enjoyed those as well. -
Review from Bethany D.
San Francisco, CA
8/28/2011
Cafe Madeleine is an everyday stop for me. I come here right before work b/c it's right in the same building where I work and I get the self-serve drip coffee, usually the french roast. For 2.25, you get a 16 oz cup of joe, the plus is the frequent coffee card, after 7 coffees you get a free one.
I've tried many of their other lunch menu items as well, but none of their desserts, although they look tempting, I'm just not a huge sweets fan
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My favorite sandwich, hands down is the tomato mozzarella w/pesto. It's really delish b/c they put it in the panini press, so you get it nice and warm and gooey. I LOVE it.
I've also tried the tuna melt, just OK, the veggie hummus (not good at ALL and would never order again), and the petite grilled cheese w/tomato bisque soup (really tasty and a perfect sandwich for when you come to work with a hangover).
The staff is super-friendly and they get your drinks and sandwiches fairly quick.
The only con for me is that you have to spend over $5 to use your debit card, so I always have to have my cash for my 2.25 coffee. -
Review from Steven B.
6/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is quite expensive for the amount you get, but quality over quantity in my book.
The butterscotch pudding I brought here was pretty amazing.
The salad here is alright. Nothing too special about it or salads in general. -
Review from Josh A.
Clifton Park, NY
7/5/2011
Grabbed a quick bite to eat on the way out of San Fran. Was not disappointed.
Food- 5 Stars
Great fairly large sandwich. Interesting and good quality ingredients.
Value- 3 Stars
Good deal, not great.
Atmosphere- 3 Stars
More like a coffee shop, pretty much no seating. -
Review from Chirag V.
San Francisco, CA
Came here looking for a cafe to sit at after a day of shopping in union square.
Pro:
1. Great lattes (added a shot of vanilla, made it taste great)
2. Decent macaroons
Cons:
1. Cake tasted a little to average (could have found it at safeway)
I would come back for the coffee, but wouldn't waste time buying any of their baked goods. -
Review from Adelina W.
San Francisco, CA
12/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I used to work downstairs for Cafe Madeleine. Oh, how I miss going downstairs for a cup of hot chocolate with extra chocolate whipped cream . . . my waistline doesn't miss it though. They have a really nice selection of pastries and cakes. There are a lot of lunch options as well, from salads to pressed sandwiches. Their non-menu salads change daily as does their soup and pre-made sandwiches.
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Review from Vivien C.
San Ramon, CA
3/7/2011
Came here because of the review on Yelp. I tried the fruit tart which was pricey for a little fruit tart. It didn't tasted good. The crust was so hard that I have to bit really hard to crack it. Fruits was a little on the dry side. I think this place is a little over rated.
I'll try other things again next time and hope to give it a better review. -
Review from S R.
San Francisco, CA
9/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
a friend dropped into town unexpectedly, and he was in that area, which i dont frequent often, so we stopped by to kill some time.
mocha was one of the best ive had in a while. smooth. sweet but not too much. vanilla pudding was too rich and too thick. -
Review from Corey B.
San Francisco, CA
6/29/2011
CUTEST.
Decent coffee, sweet and hospitable staff, pretty good sandwiches. Tried the quickie sandwich -- cheap and fast, definitely the way to go if you happen to like today's options. -
Review from Jen H.
3/23/2011
Cute place. In the heart of Union Square.
Met up with my gfs here late Saturday afternoon. Be warned, there are not that many tables. We ordered pastries to share but there were none that were memorable. Out of the three pastries, I enjoyed the Tiramisu and Napoleon the most.
Maybe I will drop by for their savory food. -
Review from LH J.
Newark, CA
6/9/2011
I come here mostly for the pastries and cupcakes/cakes. I've also tried their hot chocolate which was nice and rich.
Their sandwhiches are on the smaller side, but very tasty.
Not much seating for the place so I usually get everything to go. -
Review from Natalia K.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2011 15 Check-ins Here
I'm in love with this place. Every darn thing I've eaten here is good. I would have to say the chicken sandwich (served hot with havarti cheese, avocado, marinated onions, fresh cilantro and chili-lime cilantro spread on a Kaiser bun) is fabulous, as are their macaroons and white chocolate-coconut cookies.
The service could be a bit better, but I'm more concerned with the quality of the product, which is why I keep coming back. -
Review from Christine H.
San Jose, CA
11/18/2010
- 5 Stars for their breakfast quiches! I stopped in for a chicken sausage and mushroom quiche and was pleasantly surprised at the taste. It was sooo yummy and it was nice that it came with a small salad.
- 4 Stars for their albacore tuna sandwich. I wasn't too thrilled with this sandwich.. though they are quite large. I just didn't think it went well with the sweet onion and did not have a distinct enough taste to it.
- 3 Stars for their tomato bisque soup. It was too salty for my palate. I did not finish it all..
- 5 Stars for their pumpkin cheesecake. I will have to come back to try their creme brulee and other sweets!
Overall, service is quick and pretty good here. It's a cute little cafe with some outdoor seating and a bit of indoor bar stool seating.
Right next to the Walgreens. -
Review from Jenny G.
I love their cakes here! it's so yummy! The manager at my previous job always get us a cake here when we hit our monthly goal. It's so tasteful and smooth, it's really addicting! I believe their cakes are made fresh daily, and are very limited. So if you don't get it fast, you're gonna have to wait for the next day.
Cafe Madeline also serve sandwiches and coffees. Their chocolate croissant is SOOO delicious! -
Review from Sally M.
1/13/2011
For the last two years, I've been addicted to this sandwich whenever I come here:
St. Andre cheese with sliced pears and candied walnut spread on michi bread.
(Though sometimes it's made with Manchego - my favorite.)
Stellar. -
Review from Simona M.
San Francisco, CA
7/29/2011
I ordered my best friend's bridal shower cake from them... To say it was beautiful would be an understatement. The bride's theme kind of surrounds peacock feathers so I asked them to add a peacock feather to the cake decorations - it came out amazingly! They even took her favorite cupcake flavor from there and made it into a cake. It was delicious and got many compliments. Everyone I spoke to was very helpful and knew exactly what I was talking about.
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Review from Sabrina S.
San Francisco, CA
5/14/2011 1 photo
Stopped by for a latte and little snack...opted for the almond croissant which was DELICIOUS! There is not a lot of selection, but I think they are on point with their taste level.
Don't be afraid to stop in and grab something sweet from this darling little Cafe - it doesn't disappoint. -
Review from Gemma J.
10/1/2010
Madeleine is good to me.
I'd been meaning to stop by for some time now... and was not at all disappointed. I love the venue: it's cute, but not "sticky-sweet"... Just subtly charming. Tucked away on O'Farrell, it's also conveniently located for a quick bite on your lunch break or a brief snack to liven up a shopping spree or tedious afternoon.
While I don't have any serious complaints about customer service, I did experience an unpleasant standoff-ish attitude... though in my case it was tolerable (especially by Bay Area standards). My server was, in fact, perfectly cordial throughout the majority of our interaction -- granted, she spared no niceties and, when I first approached the counter, had me wait awkwardly as she finished her conversation with a co-worker. Not a great first impression. When she finally did grace me with her (full?) attention, she was cold, albeit polite and efficient.
They warm up the quiche for you, which is kind, but sort of pointless when you're getting it to go... and a long wait when you're on the clock (I'm perfectly capable of using the microwave on my own time!). But that's the least of it and it, after all, was a gesture worth appreciating, so no problems there. As a bonus, they throw in some salad on the side (thank goodness because, at $6.50, the quiche slice on its own would've been a tad expensive) -- and both were absolutely delicious! An excellent recovery.
Overall, the quality of the food, the presentation (I wanted to try EVERYTHING on display and on the chalkboards), and the charming venue won me over, despite the sub-par service... And I definitely plan on becoming a regular!
