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Caffe Ambrosia
Categories: Restaurants Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Restaurants, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt [Edit]
14 Trinity Pl(at Sutter St)
San Francisco, CA 94104
Neighborhood: Financial District
(415) 362-0538
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dessert
- Alcohol:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
181 reviews for Caffe Ambrosia
Review Highlights
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181 reviews in English
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Review from Talia G.
San Francisco, CA
$2.85-ish for a HUGE thing of good-quality froyo? Yes please!
This little place may not have any inside tables, but it has interesting flavors, large portions, really nice owners, and a stamp card reward system. Last year in January and February they stamped your card twice for every froyo purchased, but I don't know if the same rewards system is in place currently.
Caffe Ambrosia may not be "serve-yourself" like everywhere else nowadays, but they the quality and quantity is definitely superior to Yoppi across the street. They also make sandwiches and sell a variety of other products, but I can't attest to those. I stick to my froyo :-) -
Review from Marlon T.
Nice little spot hidden away in an alley way of the Financial District.
I got the Vanilla Frozen Yogurt. The junior size was already a lot of yogurt for me--I didn't even finish it. It was yummy and probably would've been better if I had gotten a topping on it.
The person serving seemed very nice.
I'd stop by if you're on the go but craving some frozen yogurt. -
Review from Bert K.
Just a little sando place in an alley; but good customer service, fresh sando's and very decent prices.
Pretty good lightly curried chicken sandwich for $5.50; your choice of bread and for a buck more, you get your choice of chips, choice of canned soda or bottled water. The sandwich is def. good sized.
Tip: two light eaters could split the sandwich and get their own chips/drink. -
Review from Julie H.
San Francisco, CA
All the cool kids get their fro-yo in Trinity Alley, it's the place to be.
I LOVE Caffe Ambrosia, the yogurt is so good! Almost too good... I feel like Jerry and Elaine are going to have the fat content tested at some lab and then results are going to come back and I'm going to feel bad about myself for being such a cow and eating so much fattening yogurt. But if it weren't for the yogurt, Giuliani might not have been elected mayor. Think about it.
Also, double punches for your card on Monday!Listed in: Satisfy My Sweet Tooth
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Review from Shikshin G.
San Francisco, CA
This place is great! It's probably a bit cold in San Franciso right now to be eating froyos, but when you have a froyo-fever, you gotta have'em! I was walking back to work from a meeting around 4 in the afternoon when I saw this lady with her froyo with oreos walk out of Trinity Pl alley. I just had to have one!
The junior size is $2.65 and they have punch cards (buy 10, get 11th free). Apparently during Jan/Feb, they punch two holes for every single froyo you buy. It's my first visit here but I get the feeling by this time next week (or before), I'll be indulging on my free froyo! -
Review from tiffany l.
San Francisco, CA
Classic froyo and very reasonably priced:
The junior size is more than enough for me during those slow afternoons when only froyo can cure the case of the mondays (or tues, wed, thurs, fri!). My favorite flavors are pistachio, irish mint, toffee, and coffee.
Junior = $2.45
Small = $2.95
Medium = $3.90
Large = $4.30
Party Pack = $7.95
Dry topping = $0.75, Fruit topping = $1.00
Call ahead to get the flavors of the day! -
Review from Ashley H.
San Francisco, CA
Its about time I write a review!
This has been my spot for the late afternoon treat Mon-Fri for years now... I cheated on Caffe Ambrosia a few times with the new frozen yogurt places that have been popping up, and I always go back. They have amazing flavors that are rich and creamy. They also never skimp you on serving sizes and are a lot cheaper than other fro-yo places close by. Plus, I love the customer service there! They are so great to me every time! -
Review from Fannie S.
I still love this place. Creamy soft serve, is where it's at!
$2.45 for the junior size, and it's perfect for a post-lunch dessert. I'm a fan of their vanilla, but my friend loved the combo of coconut and chocolate. And they do have other flavors, which varies by day.
Service, always friendly and with a smile. And he will ask if you want a lid. (Which is a rarity in today's green city but helpful, to protect the goodies from being a puddle of a mess.)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/12/2008
Okay...now this is my kind of Fro-yo... The non-tart kind!
$2.75 for a small (one-two flavors) I… Read more »
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12/12/2008
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Review from Caitlin B.
San Francisco, CA
I'm not really sure what else they sell, but their frozen yogurt is worth the trip! (or maybe that is all they sell?). It is a little hole in the wall place in the little street/alley by bistro burger and what's up dog.
5 star review is because of the creamy taste, good prices, and variety of sizes (as opposed to at yoppi where the smaller cup is still huge so you get way more than you need).
And they have a frequent buyer card... which according to someone else below you get double punches on Mondays! I think they are cash only, but the positives above make up for it. -
Review from Martina M.
Kentfield, CA
This froyo was absolutely delicious. I got half nonfat pumpkin and half nonfat vanilla with crushed graham crackers on top and bottom. The froyo was extremely creamy and did not taste nonfat, it was great. I will be back, many times!
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Review from Liz H.
San Francisco, CA
Amazing froyo! Caffe Ambrosia happens to be located in the building on work in, but if it weren't I would still make the trek! They have great frozen yogurt that is definitely higher quality then you will find at Yoppi or Nubi and the prices are better too. To top it off, the couple that runs this place are super friendly!
P.S. January and February are double punch month on your frequent buyer card, so after 5 frozen yogurts, you get one free! -
Review from Vera W.
I had: Junior Size Vanilla Froyo with Chocolate Chips
It's just normal. I'll only get it if it's convenient. Frequent buyer card, two stamps on Mondays. I probably wouldn't go though. There are way better froyo around SF. -
Review from Liza T.
San Francisco, CA
I used to go here quite often. But not after Yoppi Yogurt opened in Downtown. Today, I decided to go there and check it out again!
I haven't been to this place for so long and totally forgot how generous they are. I got a small size of mixed berry and coffee. The portion was BIG and the price was reasonable. If I remember how generous they are, I should just order junior size. Their yogurt wasn't as tart as other places. It was smooth, more creamy and sweet which I like more.
Sometimes the line is out the door, but it goes really fast! -
Review from Amanda C.
San Francisco, CA
My life is a mess right now. My social security # got stolen. I'm unemployed. My love life is in shambles. I have to find a new apartment. I'm on a strict budget. My grandfather's cancer has come back. I'm exhausted all the time. I've gained like 10 lbs in the last few months. I'm just so over life it's ridiculous.
The froyo from Ambrosia made me forget all my problems for a good 20 minutes all for the low low price of $2.75 for a small. -
Review from Richard T.
Los Angeles, CA
Let's just say that this place is your wildest frozen yogurt dreams come true.
Yesterday, I had the Coconut and Mixed Berry with freshly cut strawberries on it. Yeah, it was bomb diggity yo! My friend thought the coconut tasted weird, but I liked it just fine, you can sample any of the flavors before you buy... which is nice.
Oh and the woman behind the counter. SO F-ING NICE. Fantastic first class service which seems to be a rarity these days. I'd tip them a million dollars if I could. Good service goes a long way people.
This place really is a hidden gem in the Financial District. I mean, the place is straight up ugly, but who says you have to eat there?! Get your yogurt and go! -
Review from Jessica t.
San Francisco, CA
You know a business has got to be good when Megan W. gives it four stars and Richard T. gives it 5 stars.
You just know.
Anyways, Caffe Ambrosia, is a huge find. (trust me, on a busy work day, Caffe Ambrosia will be HEAVEN)
Ambrosia serves up EXTREMELY generous portions of unique tasting frozen yogurt, and has some great toppings for their coiffed fro-yo. You can get more than one flavor in a small size (which is SOOOO far from small), and they'll even top it off with fresh strawberries and almonds for a little extra.
Also, their sandwiches, though simple, are a bargain for the low price, and very fresh tasting. I had a turkey rye sandwich and was really impressed with both the quality of the ingredients and the huge smile on the faces of the couple who served me behind the counter.
So yeah...if you're craving some sugar, some quiet, and genuine friendly service - Caffe Ambrosia is a damn 'sweet' deal.Listed in: Ice-Cream and Frozen Yogurt in…, Fro-Yo
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Review from matthew r.
San Francisco, CA
You might have a dream that you roll out of bed in the morning and you open your closet door and instead of your clothes there's a little booth with a nice couple selling four or five flavors of frozen yogurt and fifteen toppings or so, all inside your closet! Only take a look around, the closet isn't in your bedroom, it's on trinity alley downtown and you're dressed and there are people lining up into the street to buy tasty frozen yogurt in generous portions for the price and everyone's happy to be away from their jobs for a few minutes and eating yogurt outside.
You're at cafe ambrosia. you didn't dream this -
Review from Lolia S.
San Francisco, CA
Fro-yo girl here. I spied Caffe Ambrosia in the alley, on my way to Sogreen. It's tiny and their counter space is completely taken up by their fro-yo toppings. In my excitement, I didn't notice if they had anything here other than fro-yo. The fro-yo certainly catches your eye. Their fridge is filled with cartons and cartons of Caffe Ambrosia yogurt mix. There's a sign outside with the six flavors of the day:
* Golden Gate chocolate
* French vanilla
* Mixed berry
* Peanut butter
* Coffee
* Plain tart
Five sweet flavors, 1 tart flavor. I ordered the small size plain tart with blackberries, $2.25 for the yogurt. Fresh fruit toppings are $1 (they had strawberries, blueberries, mango) but they cover the entire top of your cup with fruit, unlike other fro-yo places. Dry toppings like candy, chips and granola are 70 cents per topping. Apparently they have mochi balls but I failed to see them. You have to ask for them?
The plain tart flavor here is excellent. It tasted like tangy Greek yogurt with nice icy, soft texture. Very natural, clean and healthy. The size was just right for an afternoon snack. I certainly wouldn't call it a large portion but then I'm used to Yumi Yogurt. My minor criticism is that I like my yogurt a bit firmer and denser. They have two outdoor tables.
Cash only.
You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.Listed in: Fro-Yo Girl Speaks
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Review from Jill K.
Rockville, MD
Has anyone ever seen the Seinfeld where the fro yo is so good that they end up sending it to a lab to see if it's really fat free?
I'm considering sending some of Ambrosia's yogurt into one of these labs... It's insanely creamy and delicious... on par with yogurt park (and I don't say that lightly!). Bonus points for freshly cut strawberries for topping - not that strawberry jam-like 'topping' - keeping me away from sugary gummy bears and hydrogenated-fat oreo goodness. -
Review from Peg S.
Old school fro-yo. Good sign when the people behind the counter are eating their own fro-yo AND are not the size of hot air balloons. Tried the plain tart & peanut butter all swirled up - just the right amount of sweetness. I got the french vanilla with blackberries (sweet + tart) in size small. When I saw three people all sharing a size small, I realized my mistake. Come see me in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year.
Thanks for the fro-yo, Cathy K.! -
Review from Joyce L.
OK I need a re-definition of what a Fro-Yo is....
Pinkberry tells me its something super sour, So Green says its icy and sorbet like... meantime Red Mango says its sour, semi-creamy and comes in only 3 flavors.
Well Cafe Ambrosia - you blew all these guys out of the water. You're so good I am not even sure if you should be in the Fro-Yo category. You're more like the forbidden ice cream - which I adore muchly... as shown by my waistline.
This stuff they sell cannot POSSIBLY be non-fat. You kidding, right? Of course they are... fat free but high carb/ sugar. Meh... can't have it all.
I am so glad you're 4 blocks from my work.Listed in: I come here for dates...
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Review from megan w.
San Francisco, CA
This is kind of a wierd little place, but I don't know anywhere else to get frozen yogurt in the financial district, so I go here sometimes after lunch. The frozen yogurt is good, if you can ignore the cartons of prepackaged frozen yogurt mix in the fridge next to the door. Now, I realize it's a really small place (really, really small, actually) but is it necessary to put the unceremonious cartons of pre-made mix within full view? Can you just indulge my fantasy that sometime in the not-too-distant past someone actually milked a cow for this?
Other important things of note: a "mini" size cup of fro-yo should actually be entitled a "medium" in normal people land. I'm not sure what their large looks like, but I can only guess it's like a half gallon. Order smaller than you think you want.
Vanilla with Oreo topping is delicious.
Apparently they have some deal on morning smoothies. I've never had one, but if you like morning smoothies and work around Bush and Montgomery, try it out.
It's on the little alley across from Escape from New York pizza and Bistro Burger, near 333 Bush. -
Review from Nicole L.
San Francisco, CA
People were not kidding when they said this place was generous!! A "small" cup, unlike at typical froyo places, is more like a filled standard cup (think "Grande" from Starbucks). I chose 1 fruit topping for $1, and fruit was literally piled on top. The kind owner had to mush the topping down so it wouldn't topple as I left the place with eyes as big as my greed. Yumm!
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Review from Amy W.
San Mateo, CA
I went to Caffe Ambrosia on a recommendation from a coworker today. It was 4pm and there was a line of five people. I got a junior size (which is still a pretty generous portion) with toasted almonds for $2.75. I was blown away! How do they get the vanilla frogurt to taste so GOOD? It's so flavorful!
I think I've found my remedy for a bad day at work. Make that ANY day at work. I work too close by - I can't afford NOT to go everyday.
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Edit 3.25.08
I indeed have been going there everyday. No joke.Listed in: Lunch spots in the Financial…
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Review from Angela K.
Get the vanilla yogurt with the hot brownie on top. What a great way to end a meal. If you get it with fruit toppings, they are very generous with the amount they give you.
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Review from Shawn S.
San Francisco, CA
The best advertisement for ice cream is... well... the ice cream itself.
It has happened to you many times. You're walking around on a sunny day, perfectly content, free of worldly desires, at one with the universe. Suddenly you see that one of your fellow citizens of earth is holding something frozen and creamy and delicious.
You need one. But where?
You eyeball the person's cup or cone and try to gauge how far they have traveled with it. It's not a simple calculation. For one, there's the matter of cup or cone. If cup, then how big is the spoon? You must take into account the air temperature - how melty is it? You factor in the average time it takes a person to eat a serving of the size in question. You scan the crowded block. Is there another person with an ice cream? Has that person eaten more or less than the first person? Which way are they walking? You do all of this in a split second without realizing how much is involved.
In this case, it's frozen yogurt, not ice cream. A choice of six flavors and maybe a dozen toppings from a little (literal) hole in the wall in the Financial District.
There is a notable lack of frozen treat vendors in this part of the city, which is the main reason this place gets my big love. -
Review from alexis m.
San Francisco, CA
I hadn't had a frozen dairy treat in a long time. So when my coworker suggested we go to Caffe Ambrosia for some froyo I was all about it.
I got the toffee nut fat free with gummy bears on top. Delish. But. Frozen gummy bears = tough chewing = knocking your jaw out of joint. Not too serious, but it makes that sweet yogurt just a little less fun to eat.
In the past, Caffe Ambrosia has had fresh fruit as a yogurt topping, but today, no such luck. I hope this doesn't mean they are doing away with the fruit. It is by far the best topping. -
Review from Halle T.
San Francisco, CA
Seeing that I spent my first 22 years in Ohio, the idea of year-round frozen yogurt is a newer concept in my life. And a concept I think I can live with. (But only because of places like Caffe Ambrosia.)
Unlike it's more pretentious peers (ahem, SoGreen), Caffe Ambrosia does not skimp on the portions or toppings. The prices are reasonable and the owners are super friendly-- the kind of folks you just want to support.
So if you work downtown, you should find your way to this little gem tucked in the alleys of the financial district. It won't be disappointing.Listed in: Financial District Gems
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Review from Helene K.
I had passed by Caffe Ambrosia multiple times in the past two years, but of course, only via Yelp do I find out about the greatness of their offerings.
Probably the reason why Caffe Ambrosia attracts a huge following in the Financial District is for their great value in the area. It's a modest little shop along Trinity Place, so it doesn't fit many people inside. I didn't have a chance to look over the non-froyo offerings, but according to Guy B., they have a killer curried chicken salad sandwich which sounds pretty enticing to me.
But about the froyo: Mm, indeed it was creamy. I went for the French Vanilla, and wow! Didn't seem like I was eating frozen yogurt at all. The junior size is pretty big (roughly 1 c.) and cost only $2.25; I think I went when they were about to close for the day, so I wasn't able to really look at the menu thoroughly. The man was very nice, though, was patient while I gawked at the menu briefly.
I'll try sneaking by during lunch sometime to try out the sandwiches and the other froyo flavors. Mm, I'm already craving more froyo from them right now as I write...Listed in: Quest for Froyo, Downtown Eats
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Review from Jess C.
Can't even really describe this yogurt, it is very different from the usual. Not very icy (unless you go to a 3rd party Ambrosia Yogurt vendor), not very tart, very different flavor.
Personally, not my style, but the owner was really nice. He beamed proudly and pointed at the tub of mochii when I asked him if he had any. Bumpin' it up to 3 stars just cuz of that.Listed in: Froyo Love
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Review from Heidi C.
San Francisco, CA
Aside from the awesome yogurt (and toppings) they offer, I just have to yelp about their service once again. Everytime I come here, I always get flawless, friendly, nice, awesome, impeccable service. The nice Asian lady behind the counter always has a smile on her face when taking my order. Always asks if I want a lid with my yogurt, or toppings, and always says "Enjoy!" or "Have a nice day!" when I walk out the door.
Places usually say "I can take your order..." or "can I take your order?" or "what would you like?" but the nice Asian lady always asks "are you going to be having some yogurt today?" And for some reason it seems more genuine than other questions asked before taking an order at other places. Call me crazy but I love awesome service!
Even if the yogurt wasn't that great, I'd still give this place 5 stars (and my monies) for it's spectacular service. Keep it up!!Listed in: The Working Person's Eats, Froyo CRAZEEE
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/2/2008
My friend showed me this place and at first I was kinda skeptical since it literally is a hole in… Read more »
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7/2/2008
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Review from Karen Y.
San Francisco, CA
Perfect day for a junior sized ($2.25) original tart froyo.
It was as delicious as I remembered it being the first time except the consistency was firmer and didn't melt as fast. Score!
It tasted mostly sweet with a hint of tartness. I like!Listed in: I *heart* Froyo!
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/11/2009
Finally got to try their pistachio flavor today!
Delightfully sweet (might be TOO sweet for some… Read more »
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5/11/2009
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Review from Sheryl S.
Honolulu, HI
I love this place. It's definitely no Pinkberry, but when I'm in need of a remedy to relieve stress at work, the froyo at Cafe Ambrosia is my solution.
This is why I love this place, even though it's no Pinkberry.
1. It's froyo a block from where I work.
2. Servings are pretty generous. The extra-small size is more than enough for me.
3. It's damn cheap. $2.05 for the extra small size. Also, put into consideration this is the fidi.
4. The owner is not cheap with the toppings. Love it!!!
5. Fruit toppings are fresh. I had the strawberries & I didn't taste any frozen ice in the fruit. They didn't have pomegranates, but.... that's ok!
Caveat: This is not Asian style froyo... like Pinkberry. It's more creamier. But, that's ok!
Can't wait for Sogreen yogurt to open up. It looks like it would taste like Pinkberry, we'll see!!!Listed in: FroYo Monster
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Review from Lorrie N.
Fort Irwin, CA
Update 06/01/2008
Mochi Balls, Hot Brownie, more flavors. So good.
Original Review 07/31/2007
Silly me originally thought this little Cafe was a place to sit and have lunch. I must have read so many reviews I mixed up what I remembered. I called and asked to make reservations for lunch. They said they are a yogurt shop. I said, "Oh, really, I LOVE YOGURT!"
We ended up having lunch over at Medicine, then after I got a medium vanilla frozen yogurt. It was yummy, creamy, cold. The medium is big, next time I'll get a small.
I love frozen yogurt. I have to get strawberries on it next time.
GO NOW, but remember there are no chairs or tables. There is really only room in there to stand and order your yogurt. For maybe 2 or 2.5 people tops. -
Review from Nilu r.
San Francisco, CA
Tasty yogurt, not too sweet, lots of fresh strawberries to top in off. I like that they don't overfill the container so you get just enough, not too much.
I can only eat a little bit though...I wish I was not lactose intolerant! -
Review from natasha s.
Oakland, CA
I obviously don't get this place. The froyo was not that good. And I had the chocolate, pumpkin, marshmallow and toffee nut. Plus the guy serving it was annoyed that I asked him to try 3 of the flavors, ending up with chocolate and toffee nut. Granted, likely close to closing. But with no one else in the store. Hmmff.
I had the froyo at Working Girls' yesterday. Now, THAT was some good nonfat froyo, rich chocolate flavor, and creamy vanilla, without that weird froyo chemical-y taste. Plus, service with a smiley. Thank ya :-)! http://www.yelp.com/bi... -
Review from Anna D.
After reading all the praise on Caffe Ambrosia, I thought this place would be an all star in my search for froyo in downtown SF. While the guy who helped me seemed really nice, the yogurt was less memorable.
I tried the Toffee Nut and Chocolate, which were both tasty but way too creamy for my liking. I went with the Original Tart which upon first bite tasted good. But after a few more, I sort of lost interest. It also had this weird filmy texture to it which started to get distracting. Interestingly enough the Toffee Nut and Chocolate are both non fat while the Original Tart is low-fat.
I got a reasonably priced junior for $2.45 and paid an additional 50 cents for chocolate chips and $1.00 for strawberries. A little stingy on the chocolate chips, he kinda just threw a dash on my yogurt - I think maybe there were ten chips in there!
I can say I've tried their yogurt now and as discerning as my froyo palate has become, I don't think I'll be craving Caffe Ambrosia anytime soon. -
Review from Vanessa W.
San Francisco, CA
Today was freezing.
I still had to trek through the windy, cold streets of Fidi just to satisfy my sweet tooth.
Caffe Ambrosia's [non-fat] coconut froyo is heaven. God forbid I put a damn lid on it and wait until I get back into my office (which is one street away). The flu? Whatever, I'll get it later - after I finish my froyo.Listed in: Financial District, Ice Cream
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/30/2008
Even though it was cold today, I decided to go to Caffe Ambrosia and get some froyo.
Since tomorrow… Read more »
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10/30/2008
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Review from Gigi T.
San Pablo, CA
I'm so outdated when it comes to Froyo.... People talks about it all the time but I still haven't tried it.. until... today....
This is a HOT HOT week in Frisko, and for 3pm tea time, Janie and Lily want froyo. Janie tried the Froyo place in Embarcadero and didn't think it's worth it, so I yelped and off we go to Caffe Ambrosia.
I played it safe. I ordered the jr. vanilla froyo with mixed berries. Like other yelpers said, they are EXTREMELY generous when it comes to toppings. Oh so fresh fruits on top of super delicious creamy not too sweet froyo. It was love at first bite... mMmm
Janie and Lily both got the tart froyo with mixed berries and they were both raving about it. Seems like we're going back tomorrow....Listed in: Sweeeeeeetttt~
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Review from Lisa N.
Review based on multiple fro-yo experiences of perfection:
This place is tucked along an alley and isn't a very well kept secret of the FiDi. The owners are super friendly and the line will be long on warm afternoons. The space is small so consider just eating your treat outside or back to the office. My original love is their never disappointing French Vanilla flavor, but now they occasionally have Pistachio flavor which is SO awesome! Caffe Ambrosia, I heart you!
