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Emporio Rulli Gran Caffe - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
2300 Chestnut St(between Divisadero St & Scott St)
San Francisco, CA 94123
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
(415) 923-6464
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dessert, Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
159 reviews for Emporio Rulli Gran Caffe
Review Highlights
"My wife also deeply enjoyed the pastries."
(in 34 reviews)
"was great and the little cookies are yummy."
(in 27 reviews)
"Here's how she arranged the fruit tarts on a tray."
(in 3 reviews)
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159 reviews in English
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Review from Meg O.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2009
If I could eat here everyday...I would.
Unfortunately my Spanish/Irish and French/Italian background has blessed me with curves like a croissant and prohibits me from giving in to my decadent Emporio Rulli urge more frequently.
I happened to be shopping in the area and amazingly stumbled across this lovely little place a few months ago. It looked cute and had a nice outside patio so I decided to grab a table for a relaxing sun-drenched lunch date.
My waiter (wish I remembered his name) was phenomenal.
I ordered the grilled Cypress Island salmon, and my friend had a nice chicken breast with roasted potatoes and vegetables . We enjoyed a great bottle of Resling while waiting for our cheese tray (that the waiter forgot about but definitely made up for it in the end by taking it off the tab).
Overall this is a beautiful cafe with amazing artwork, lovely ambiance and great people watching on Chestnut st. Ive been back ever since ordering cakes for celebrations (I love how they go all out with wrapping the cakes and tarts in beautiful pink cellophane and a bow) or stopping in for espresso and pastry. I also heard they do great brunch here too.
Mangiare! -
Review from Mindy S.
Tucson, AZ
9/25/2010
I loved you, Emporio Rulli... please come back to Chestnut St. - the other coffee houses f'ing suck!!! Your pastries and sandwiches were divine, your waiters & baristas amazing, and the half-price espresso specials that brought me in there were 10x better than the crap you can get at Peet's or Starbucks for twice the price.
I feel like a little part of me has died... -
Review from Bella W.
San Francisco, CA
6/25/2008
*This is just for the cookies and staff*
On their website- Dinner: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
They were AWESOME for letting me come in 45mins AFTER they closed to buy these cookies.
Last night:
10:38PM
*Getting off 101 Lombard exit and thinking to myself*
Hmmm...I was such a brat to him today. I shouldn't show up at his work empty handed. What's around here that's open? That Emporio Armani place should be open. It's European- you know how Europeans are up late drinking their espresso and eating their fancy schmancy desserts.
10:45PM
*Parks car around the corner on Scott St. and thinking to myself*
It looks empty, but there's a few people still at tables. I hope they aren't closed just yet!
*Walks in and scans for someone I can beg/plead with*
Me *batting eyelashes and smiles*: Hi.
Man in his chef white's: Can I help you?
Me: *pouring on the sugar THICK* Oh- can I buy some cookies? I'll be quick, I promise.
Man in his chef white's: Sure! We'd be happy to help you. So and so will help you.
*Gosh, so and so is REALLLLY freaking hot*
Me to so and so: SORRY! I know it's late!
So and so: It's ok. I was going to leave in about 2 mins before you came in.
Me : I'm sooooo sorry. I'll make this quick. I promise. I really am sorry.
So and so: It's ok. What do you want?
Me: Well, I need to make it up to a guy, so since you're one (yes- my pick up lines suck), maybe you can help me pick some cookies out for him. *Stop flirting, you're buying cookies to make it up to another guy- REMEMBER?!?!*.
So and so: I like these, and these and these.
Me: Perfect. I'll take the ones you chose and these. 8 cookies and 2 tartlets.
10:53PM
The $6 worth of cookies/tartlets worked! He loves them and all is forgiven;)! -
Review from M The C ..
Northern, CA
7/3/2006 ROTD 9/5/2006
I'm not sure why SFers don't like the Marina ... I've been told it's as "L.A." as SF can get ... but, even still, I like it over there. It's cool.
Anyway, I popped in this pretty little Italian bakery/cafe/coffee house and found the bitchin'-est little fruit tart ever. I bought a little, tiny one for a friend's birthday. It was just absolutely delicious, and I'm not a pastry fan!
The prices were quite decent, too. I paid a little over $6 for my beautiful little tart.
The staff were very nice, funny and engaging.
I really need funny and engaging ... it keeps me sane.
*OH! They offer samples!!!! :-) -
Review from phil h.
10/8/2007
*update 10/8/2007*
Wow, what a difference a year makes. I stopped by Rulli with some friends on Saturday night around 9pm for dessert and coffee. The host was quite rude, telling us we couldn't sit in the (mostly empty) dining room for dessert only and to have a seat at the bar. When I pointed out that the bar was full he relented and took us to a table off the bar area.
Fast forward to the bill - when it arrived my friend put down a $100 bill and the waiter (without checking with anyone) said he couldn't break it. Eh, what type of restaurant doesn't have change for a $100 bill?
The type of restaurant that I don't go back to.
The dessert was good but not so good to make up for the rude service. I won't be back.
*original review 10/5/2006*
Five stars for the cookies....mmmm, cookies. I've never had a full on sit down meal here and doubt I will but if you want to impress at the next dinner party make sure and stop in for a box of tasty Italian cookies. Mmmm, tasty Italian cookies.Listed in: On second thought..., The Way to a Woman's Heart...
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Review from Amber L.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2008
This neighborhood is the other side of the planet for me but I've been finding myself there frequently due to a few dance classes that I attend on Chestnut.
I came in last night after walking away from the over-crowded A16 in the rain by myself. I was welcomed immediately by the pleasant staff and I was impressed with the cozy ambiance despite the high ceilings and huge dining room. I sat in the back in the plush wine library area filled to the brim with Italian vino. The seats were comfy and red, my favorite color. The by-the-glass wine options were mostly Italian but very approachable and affordable. I tried an interesting Pinot Nero, a smooth,earthy Dolcetto and round it all off with a complimentary pour of Cannonau by the owner himself. To top off the hospitality and the warmth of a true Italian restaurant the manager served up a fresh from the oven pizza bianca.
This place is my new favorite Italian restaurant.Listed in: Get Your Europe On!, How to relive your favorite…
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Review from stephy s.
San Francisco, CA
5/7/2008
I did something yesterday that I rarely do. I went to the Marina.
*gasp*
Now I know this part of town gets all kinds of crap talked about it, but my friend was in town for the afternoon, I had the day off and we wanted to sit outside and drink wine, so Bin 38 sounded like a great bet. Only problem was, Yelp said they opened at 3pm, but they really opened at 4pm. Crap, that left us with two dehydrated palates and an hour to kill. Oh but look, is that a cute little Italian place with the words Wine Bar across the street? Sweet, let's go.
And in we walked to Emporio Rulli Gran Cafe. At first I was kinda impressed and thought the looks of this establishment were pretty nice. The cases with tasty treats looked intriguing and after a minute or so, a gentleman named Jose came up to us and told us to sit anywhere we liked. We chose the little table by the window as that looked like the perfect little spot to sip some vino and eat some cheese.
As we perused the menu, we didn't see any wines that we recognized since both of us aren't really into Italian wines...Italian men, yes, but wines, gimme the Argentina ones. You can also throw in some Argentinean men too. Wait, what was I talking about? Oh yes, the wines. So we asked for a recommendation and he said that one was his favorite and a really full-bodied one. Score, that is exactly what I love in a wine, so lemme taste it. My friend asked to try another one and after what seemed like a very long while, he brought over 2 tastes.
The one he loved, ummm, I can only describe it as, "Ooof!" That might have been the worst wine I've ever put in my mouth. It tasted rancid and olivey and full bodied? Ummm, what bodies have you been hanging with. My friend's was just as unimpressive and we quickly changed up gears and decided that if this was the kind of wine we were working with, let's just go with Prosecco.
We then ordered the cheese plate and after about 15 minutes it arrived. Definitely seems like a long time to wait for 3 piles of cheese, a fig and....wait for it....pineapple? Who puts pineapple on a cheese plate? When we asked Jose what the cheeses were, he expounded on their names and replied with, "Well, that's cheese, that one is cheese and that is cheese." Had he been kidding, it would have been funny. Sadly, we wasn't. So we asked him to go and check and after another 10 minutes came back with a list of names he couldn't really pronounce. Yikes.
From there it was a waiting game of getting a knife to cut our cheese with, a napkin and change for our meter as Jose, pretty much defines the term, "Slow service." Luckily for him, we weren't in a hurry, but even so, that was just really bad and the only prompt service we did get, was the dropping of the check. As for the cheese plate, it was a pretty sad display of dairy products and I think it is extremely safe to say, that I will not be returning to Emporio Rulli Gran Cafe after our experience here. Lucky for me and you, Bin 38 is amazing (see coming review), so don't settle on this place.Listed in: Marina Restaurants
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Review from David D.
Updated - 7/2/2009
Today's word on Investopedia is "funemployment."
So, where to go, to start this 4-day holiday weekend? The Mission, South Beach, or the Marina?
YAY MARINA !!!!!
Where the rich people live! Happy, upbeat, sunny, and warm!
We dropped into Emporio Rulli for a late lunch. A nonfat latte, some oolong tea, a handmade salsiccia pizza, a panini di salmone, and a hand-picked plate of little cookies, for $37 + tip.
Maybe we aren't spending a month in Amalfi, but we can enjoy the flavor of Italy here for a few hours. High ceilings, giant windows, frescoes on the ceilings and walls, dark wood trim, music from the 1940s and 1950s, simply transporting us out of the apparent present, into the ideal present.
Yes! Fun!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/17/2007
A pleasant refuge in the mid afternoon.
A cup of Dragon Well tea and a cappuccino were ours for $5.… Read more »
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Review from Berna T.
10/7/2007
Normally, I try to stay out of the Marina on beautiful days because it's just too crowded and crazy...but as luck would have it, we found rockstar parking and and outdoor table at Emporio Rulli for brunch at 2pm on Fleet Week Saturday (you can still call it brunch at 2pm if you haven't eaten anything yet that day, okay?).
We shared a platter that had steak AND bacon on it, served with eggs and potatoes, and another plate of eggs (it was THAT kind of morning), and proceeded to down four cups of coffee and two mimosas. Although they may want to revisit the differences between "medium" and "medium rare", the food overall was delicious. Our mimosas were a delightfully refreshing complement to our meal. The service was quick, friendly, and attentive, without being overbearing.
Our outdoor seating was great for people watching, as Fleet Week tends to bring folks from all over to the Marina, so they are walking distance from a good spot to watch the Blue Angels. However, I found myself mostly watching the two 40-something bleached, Botoxed and belly-baring ladies at the next table getting hit on by all these creepy older guys and some skeevy younger guys that passed by. I couldn't get past one of these ladies' gold glitter acrylic talons...
One beautiful Saturday afternoon.
Two mimosas.
And a couple of out-of-towner cougars at the next table.
A four star brunch experience. -
Review from Heidi C.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2009 4 photos
Wow such a nice and fancy caffe..!
NOT.
OMG. This is a review about the incompetent worker who couldn't package my sweets right.
Heidi C: How many of those small tarts can I get for one pound? http://static.px.yelp....
Worker: Well they are about $1.20 each, and a pound is $23.50, so about 10? Maybe one or two more...
(If you do the math, she is SO off...)
Heidi C: I'll take a pound of those tarts...so 3 strawberries, etcetc.
**Worker starts putting them on a tray, not arranging them or giving a rats' @$$ about the ones that are tilted over and slowly being ruined.**
Worker: You can get about maybe 1 more...
Heidi C: Ok I'll take the kiwi tart, and you know what, toss in a mango tart too.
Worker: Okay. Is that it?
Heidi C: I'll take a slice of the raspberry chocolate cake too
Worker: Okay.
At this point, the worker was trying to fit the slice of choc cake into this box. The cake was too tall for it and she was smashing it.
Heidi C: Uh do you have a bigger box?
Worker: This is all we have. I'll tape it for you.
Heidi C: Uh...suurrrre. Can you put that kiwi tart and mango tart in another box?
Worker: Okay.
I paid $30 for 17 small fruit tarts and 1 slice of raspberry chocolate cake. I noticed that I only had two boxes, one for the 15 fruit tarts and one for the raspberry chocolate cake which was taped and GHETTO.
Heidi C: Where are the other 2 tarts?
Worker: I put them in the box with the chocolate cake. Did you want a separate box?
Heidi C: Yes, that's what I stated but that's fine. Forget it.
I paid and left.
Here's how she placed my tarts in the box w/ the choc cake:
http://static.px.yelp....
Here's how she arranged the fruit tarts on a tray:
http://static.px.yelp....
Here's how I RE-arranged it. Is it so hard to make it look like this??
http://static.px.yelp....
I'm SO disappointed with this place! For a place to charge $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ for their baked goods, they should hire people to better serve those who want their goods boxed up NICELY. Not ghetto. They would get 1 star if their baked goods sucked but their fruit tarts are delicious. Could use a bit more custard but still yummy.
Sigh. -
Review from Janet H.
San Francisco, CA
8/24/2008
Having a few minutes to kill before we had our Sunday Brunch, we decided to go to Emporio Rulli in the Marina. Emporio Rulli is an Italian cafe best known for serving great coffees and desserts.
My husband will always order the single espresso and I order a Sweet Chamomile herbal tea. The single espresso reminds him of the espresso served in Europe, with the creamy foam top and robust dark roast flavor. My herbal tea was a nice relaxing tea with a unique sweet flavor to it.
Our desserts of choice are the Apple Tart and the Mixed Berry Torte. While we didn't get them this time around, we are fans of these tarts as they are the perfect individual size. (In the past we have ordered these tarts about a dozen times) The apples are fresh and thinly sliced while the mixed berry includes blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry and sometimes kiwi (nice colors in presentation).
I have seen some of the mixed reviews for lunch and dinner. We had lunch a while back and remember it as being okay. There are many dining options in the Marina, and I believe that Emporio Rulli does a great job in the dessert and coffee arena. Always a favorite! -
Review from Kimberly B.
San Francisco, CA
11/1/2009
I was surprised that I was able to get a table outside when all the other places on Chestnut St. had lines of hungover people waiting to be seated, but I wasn't going to question it.
Honestly, the jury is still out on this place. I had an egg sandwich with bacon & cheese and it wasn't anything special. The bacon was barely cooked through and the egg seemed like it was made earlier and just heated up, but the overall flavor was decent. (Fortunately, this thing only set me back $5.50.)
What really turned me off was the service. If it had been crowded or they had been short-staffed, I'd give them a break. However, there were a lot of open tables inside and only seven of the ten tables outside were taken (and there were three different servers for those outside tables). It took a while for my order to be taken and when I did get my food, I never saw my waiter again. In fact, I had to ask two different people just to get my check. Then I was signing the receipt and my credit card was missing, so I had to go up to the hostess to find it for me. It was eventually found on the floor by a table. (Good thing I wasn't using a debit card.)
I might try them again if I'm in the mood for JUST pastry and coffee, but I'd make sure to pay with cash! -
Review from Steph T.
San Francisco, CA
1/14/2009
I had come here a time or two in the past when meeting family members for [only] coffee, so I hadn't formulated much of an opinion. I loved their coffee, but a review of only their coffee cannot do Emporio Rulli justice.
I came here for lunch the other day and was quite blown away. I can actually say that this is the closest I have come to an Italian experience in San Francisco. Sure, there are restaurants in North Beach that are "Italian," but the whole vibe here reminded me of the times I've spent in Italy. We sat outside, and the weather that day was spectacular. We were taking a very long time getting to the menu because we had a lot to chat about and the waitress was nothing but hospitable when dealing with our tardiness in ordering.
I started with a cappucino (I must have really been channeling Italy) and it was perfect. For lunch I ordered the Milanese panini which contained prosciutto, asiago cheese, arugula and olive oil. It was served with a nice salad as well. This panini was so tasty. I haven't had one so good since Italy. I was then coerced into ordering dessert. Well, it doesn't take much for me to give into the temptation of tiramisu. I do have to say that I was expecting the tiramisu to be a bit better, but overall it was very good. Their dessert menu in general was mouth watering.
If you want a taste of Italy without dealing with the over crowded, too touristy, not always authentic North Beach then come to Emporio Rulli. I was very pleasantly surprised and will most definitely return.
A mi piaceva moltissimo e tornero' subito!!!Listed in: Marina Dos and Donts
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Review from Miho Y.
San Francisco, CA
7/28/2005
They have best Italian dessart. This is frined of mine recomened who is from Italy. It is just amazing, Price is afordable. If you love dessart , you might want to try it.
There are some Pannini and Sandwich, you can have it for brunch. Enjoy dessart after it. -
Review from Jen S.
12/8/2008
We had arrived an hour early to PLEY and didn't want to wait in the already forming line and in the cold so we decided to see what was around. We stumbled upon Emporio Rulli Gran Caffe, a cute wine/coffee/pastry/pizza n' pasta spot.
We sat ourselves down at the wine bar, not wanting to order a meal because we figured that there would be ample food at the event which didn't turn out to be true. So we each ordered a glass of wine and shared a raspberry meringue cake. Our server was quite attentive and should have been. There was no one in the restaurant at 7 pm. The white wine that I had was crisp and light, one that the bartender had recommended. The cake was not my favorite. The meringue was hard and tasted like hardened marshmallows.
Their pastry selections looked impressive with an array of tarts, cookies, cakes, and breads. If in the area, I would stop by again just for the pastries and coffee. -
Review from Nick H.
8/9/2009
Descent Food, but Costly!
I came here just for a cup of coffee and a snack.
So, I saw they had Brie and gave in to my temptations..
1. Prosciutto Cotto
"Home made Baguette with Brie, Ham and an olive oil and butter
spread. The baguette was a bit on the hard side and did not seem
to be that fresh. The brie was "ok." The cost was a little under
10. 2 Stars.
2. Wine (Cabernet/Merlot Blend). Just my opinion..a little shallow, but
ok. 3 Stars. The Vineyard was one which I did not recognize.
3. Coffee-About 2 bucks..Pretty darn good! 3 Stars
4. Cinnamon Twist was about 3 bucks-4 Stars!
5. Brownie..Yum. 4 stars.
Service was great. My food was good. Just the price was a tad high for this "snack." I believe the bill, just for myself, including tax and tip, was somewhere around 30 bucks. It was a pretty good place. -
Review from apple r.
San Francisco, CA
6/4/2007
The front of this cafe restuaruant reminds me of the food hall at Harrod's. Or perhaps what it should be if they let you eat there. Emporio Rulli does let you eat there so that gives it penache! There are several well lit tables in the center and cases of beautiful pastries that are appetizing if they are anything.
The back is more dark and romantic. There are booths where you can cuddle. I sat there with my boyfriend of two years a while ago staring at another happy couple making plans for their whole day, laughing and joking, shopping bags in hand! How jealous I was when I turned to my boyfriend and said, 'that is not us.' The restuarant appears to have lasted longer than the relationship which is good for them. We had a nice bottle of Italian wine. I like the atmosphere here. A great place to enjoy a rainy day and romance and laugh about the reasons and the seasons.Listed in: Places to spoil your man, Snack Time
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Review from Brandon M.
San Francisco, CA
4/7/2008
Not so good service. OK food. Ask for red pepper or hot pepper, told they don't have it? Really? At an Italian restaurant? I'm thinking it was a language barrier, because he came with black pepper mill.
Minus stars for all the above plus minus for small food selections and prices for what you get.
They have nice selections of cookies, one star. Good but not great Americano, another star.
I wouldn't go back here unless it's for pastries and coffee, so I doubt I'll be back. -
Review from Lindsay M.
San Francisco, CA
11/13/2009 3 photos
Solidly three stars. I think I was "cheated" on part of the experience because I wandered in around 9:45 am on a Thursday morning. The lunch menu doesn't start until 11:00 am and the brunch menu is only offered on weekends.
Boo hoo.
Had to "settle" for a turkey and cheese panini on a flaky and buttery brioche. I had a glass of orange juice to go with it. Yum, morning tastes good! Unfortunately morning also costs about $12.
But bring a book or a friend... and enjoy the surroundings! It's a gorgeous and sophisticated venue. And don't forget to admire their exquisite selection of desserts! -
Review from Megan L.
San Francisco, CA
3/9/2008
We walked down to Chestnut today for brunch with the dog. Since she was along, we needed to find a spot with outdoor seating and all the usual spots were packed so we decided to give this restaurant a try. It was just ok.
The good: the service was excellent. Quick, efficient and thoughtful. They have a large bowl of water outside for our furry friend. They have great tables and chairs outside on the sidewalk. Being at the end of Chestnut, there is less foot traffic so its quiet but there is still enough action for some decent people watching.
The not so good: The food. It was very plain and bleh. I had the vegetable fritatta with goat cheese that was pretty much missing the goat cheese. The boy had the french toast and while it tasted good, it was made from what appeared to be the top of a stale pastry so it was a bit hard to cut and chew. The coffee was very mediocre for being billed as "dark roast Italian". The fresh squeezed orange juice mysteriously had no pulp...? The food wasn't bad, it just wasn't great.
Next time we'll stick to Bechelli's. -
Review from kathy c.
San Francisco, CA
3/8/2007
REVIEW OF CAFE ONLY
1st visit: Went to the counter to get a decaf mocha to go, the barista messed up the drink!? How do you mess up a decaf mocha? There was no line - what happens when they get busy? Finally, while the guy was fixing my drink, another woman walks up to the counter and patiently waits to be served. There are at least 2 other people behind the counter, but no one offers to help her. Talk about awesome service.
2nd visit: I was moving my car for street cleaning, so I wouldn't get towed. As I was walking by Emporio Rulli, the people sitting at the tables outside look really happy basking in the sun. One girl was just sipping a coffee and working on a laptop. I wasn't really sure if this was acceptable behavior, but since they weren't busy, I figured I'd give it a shot. Went in, got seated quickly, and the waitress seemed fine that we were just going to have coffee and not lunch. She did, however, hover around the table after being very friendly. She basically grabbed my latte before I was even done. Not really a laid back atmosphere. The part I didn't understand is that, they weren't even busy!
As for the coffee drinks, it's just decent. The atmosphere would be nice, albeit a tad stuffy, with tables outside with tons of sun and people watching potential, except for the whole service issue. Parking is surprisingly easy on weekday afternoons. -
Review from Kristina A.
San Francisco, CA
8/13/2006
Dear people who own this place....change your name to "Tiramisu"...
Well, it has taken me forever and day to write a review on these guys because I can never remember what they are called. I just refer to them as the place at the corner, on the same block as Crunch and across from Mamacita's.
You see, "Emporio Rulli Gran Caffe" just doesn't flow off the tongue very easily. Am I the only one that thinks this? Please someone confirm my inability to read and speach Italian caffe language.
I've only had dessert here. The tiramisu will change your life....and your waist line. The multiple selections of cookies and cakes will make you full before you even order.
I don't like the service here....all times it has been very spotty.Listed in: My Funny Reviews
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Review from Mimi T.
5/29/2006
The two stars are for their truly delicious desserts and the beautifully hand painted ceiling...Unfortunately..that is where it stops...I have been to this place over 10 times and my best experience was when I doubled parked outside and ran inside to pick up my desserts---to go.
The absolute lack of service at this place makes it impossible to enjoy a meal or coffee on-site. The waiters always act as if it is a CHORE to bring you anything from the dessert counter...Last time I sat at the bar I witnessed the bartender arguing with the manager---I believe it was about who would bring the plate of cookies over to folks sitting adjacent to us at the bar. The bartender then seem highly irritated and subsequently grunted because my friend and I ordered a glass of wine that he couldn't locate at the bar...simply made it very uncomfortable for us.
I REALLY want to like this place...which is why I did make return visits after each bad experience...but after the 10th time or soo....I simply give up. -
Review from Jamie D.
5/23/2008
I've only ever had sweet treats & cookies for take-out & based on the reviews, maybe that's all I'll ever do. I don't want to think of their yumminess as less than 5 stars.
5 stars for the best little sweets in town. They truly are wonderful & delight every guest (when there are a few stragglers that don't make into my belly first).Listed in: My Neighborhood, Top Restaurants
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Review from Kelly L.
Durham, NC
5/15/2007
I ate there the other day with some friends, we made reservations so there was no wait.
The Bruschetta with scallops was pretty good. The bread is really good. I order the halibut which was lightly crusted and tasted very well. It was on a bed of seafood salad with some type of grain mixed in which was mediocre - it lacked flavor and needed some seasoning. The fish itself was good.
The dessert was really good which is part of the reason I gave it 3 stars. The other reason is that the waiter graciously put up with my friends and being indecisive and left us alone. With that said, this is a place for slow dining, a place to go if you want a leisurely meal. -
Review from miriam b.
San Francisco, CA
5/25/2006
Is this Berlestoni's black sheep of a son's deciding to spend molto molto dollarinos on architektura magnificato (Chestnut street) and horribile servisio as a revenge on Americanos?????
Well, just get the yummy stuff at the SFO before an international flight to go and let your neighbor drool as you savor the butter and deliciouso------- yes, we do become slaves to certain FOOD MASTER-bater-haters -
Review from Mark B.
San Francisco, CA
6/3/2007
Nice prosciutto,
Great tomatoes,
Doesn't that sound like an sleezy Italian way of sexing up a woman's part?
We were waiting to get into A16 ....hmmph. so we decided to cross the street with our beeper and eat apps at this place. The service was slow as a snail on crack, but that's ok because the waitlist at A16 is longer than Dirk Diggler. We had cocktails, pig meat, round red fruit and paid the bill just as the beeper rang. Kick Ass!
Strolled across the street, walked past the tall white folks, they were sooo jealous ! Handed in the beeper and got a slammin corner counter seat watching dude bake some pizzas.
Emporia Rulli, don't ever change you'll make a killing on apps as long as A16 makes people wait longer than then the DMV. -
Review from Kicker ..
San Francisco, CA
7/13/2007
I feel like you should only go into this place for a coffee to go. Don't go if you want to see an enticing menu, extraordinary wine list, or attentive service.
It's nice but neither fun nor worth it. Stick with the coffees and cookies. Service is non existent and slow. -
Review from Jesse E.
Sacramento, CA
3/27/2008
Nice atmosphere, attentive service, and wonderful food.
Changes are afoot at Emporio Rulli. The menu has been spiced up, the service is excellent, and the wine list is very thorough. I'd definitely recommend it for dinner, especially if you're looking for a good place to go where there won't be a long wait.
I haven't been (yet) for brunch, but I've heard it's a lot of fun. -
Review from t l.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 4/30/2009
Heard they improved their FOOD SCORE from the Dept of HEALTH -----well, thank god!
I'm still not eating here.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/6/2009
worst health inspection score!!! Go to SF health dept and see for your self!
Food Score 64----
They… Read more »
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Review from marie f.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2008
If you have had bad service here, you didn't sit at the bar and have Tristan serve you. He is such a great bartender that we came back to Emporio Rulli just for him.
He immediatly asks what you are in the mood for and once you tell him, he will give you a generous pouring of his choice. If you don't like it, he'll offfer something else. Often when bartenders do this, they choose the most expensive on the menu, but he doesn't.
So I am only rating this for him and the wine selection.. and I have only tasted one dessert.
Very comforrtable atmosphere and was very welcoming compared to A16- where we had just come from.
Tristan rocks! -
Review from Killing Me Softly ..
San Francisco, CA
4/22/2008
The worst service in the city. Period.
I get the hot-x-buns (which are the price of a small city in Asia) around Easter, take-out. Only. -
Review from Jacob L.
San Francisco, CA
8/19/2007
I met a friend here for coffee last night and we decided we were hungry and ended up having dinner. It was great.
She lived in Italy for 7 years and is really picky about coffee, but she liked theirs. So we looked at the menu and decided to stay.
Even though it was a Saturday night at 8pm, the place was not full. I really like the renaissance-style wall and ceiling murals, and the banquette was comfy. Also, the tables are spaced far enough apart that you don't have to share your conversation with your neighbors.
For an appetizer, we shared the braised artichoke with a pesto-like dipping sauce. It came sliced in half, cored, with the choke removed but some of the leaves still on it. It had been braised with olive oil and was perfectly cooked and quite tasty. The sauce was so good that I scooped some up with bread. But at $11 for an artichoke, it was a little pricey.
For mains, my friend had the gnocchi with pea sauce and I had linguine with shrimps, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, capers, etc. Both were excellent.
The gnocchi had been boiled, then sauteed and were brown on the bottoms. They were the softest gnocchi I've had in San Francisco and the sauce was great.
The linguine were also wonderful. They came with halved yellow cherry tomatoes artfully arranged around the perimeter and the other vegetables sliced thinly. The portion was generous and the shrimp were perfectly fresh. It was light and delicious.
We were both surprised at the quality of the food, since we had never considered eating anything but coffee and pastries here. My friend was happy with the gnocchi, but pronounced the linguine the best pasta dish she's had in San Francisco! -
Review from N J.
San Mateo, CA
4/23/2007
I'm only giving Emporio Rulli 3 stars because I haven't had enough of their menu to fairly say if they're phenomenal but I CAN tell you they have the best tiramisu I've ever eaten. Truly to die for.
My husband and I went there around 5 pm for dessert and had the tiramisu and a plate of different cookies - the cookies were also very good - great texture and flavor. We also ordered a Venetian hot chocolate (hoping to go into a sugar coma I guess) and that's where I have to ding Emporio Rulli - the waiter wasn't particularly friendly and it took FOREVER for him to bring us the hot chocolate. We finished our desserts and sat there watching the wait staff walk around a nearly empty restaurant for nearly 30 minutes before he brought it to us. I'm not sure if he forgot or if he had to fly to Venice to get it.
I'll give the guy some credit for comping us the hot chocolate in the end, but I was pretty grumpy by the time he did us that favor. I definitely want to go back though and try some of the entrees and other delicious looking desserts. -
Review from Rena K.
Lake Forest, CA
7/7/2009
The atmosphere and decor here was stellar. It's worth going just to see the interior, which looks authentically Italian.
I had a panini for lunch, which was good, but nothing to rave about. What really makes this place special is the large assortment of gourmet Italian pastry. I had a platter of different cookies for dessert. It was fun trying different things. I absolutely recommend the marzipan dipped in chocolate, which was to die for.
On the counter, they have a running fountain of melted chocolate. They use it for the Venetian hot cocoa, which tastes delicious. It's very rich and almost like drinking a liquid chocolate bar. -
Review from Mark H.
8/5/2009
Don't bother with this place for brekky! went here because other places were full and this place wan empty (NOW KNOW WHY!!)
Food was under sized for the price and not much taste.
Lots of other places to choose from on the street or just go hungry you would be better off! -
Review from tiny w.
Redwood City, CA
8/6/2007
Had dinner there Saturday Night.
There were about 23 of us in our group.
Had the following items:
Calametra pasta corn/Lobster
Vialone Nano Risotto
USDA Prime NY on braised greens
Fantasia Di Dolce for dessert
It was all very good. No complaints!!!
Service was also quite good.
We arranged parking with them and were able to park in front of the place along the front. Had a wonderful time. -
Review from shaun l.
San Francisco, CA
12/1/2005
The reason for the two stars is primarily based on the POOR service at this visually appealing cafe/restaurant, in addition to their coffee preparation skills.
I order a double cappuccino, which I expect to be 1/3 coffee, 1/3 milk, and 1/3 foam. Instead, I get the coffee and all milk, which is a latte. This really chaps my hide. Its such an easy thing to make. Guess I'll have to remember to tell them to make it DRY.... which I don't feel I should have to.
This place also makes me feel uncomfortable as a patron, simply because the wait staff is running around like chickens without heads. They are shouting at each other, which as a patron, I do not appreciate.
This is the third time I've been here, and nothing has changed. -
Review from Becca V.
Sausalito, CA
2/23/2008
First it was raining, then it was pouring, and then we decided to duck in to this beautiful cafe for a late lunch.
I had the Florentine omelette (spinach, shallots, ricotta). It came with applewood smoked bacon and potatoes, which could have been crispier. But the omelette, itself, was perfect. One friend had the brie panini and the other had the turkey panini. We each picked a pastry for dessert. Thumbs up all around.
Service was fantastic, our waitress offered great suggestions and best of all, they didn't hurry us through the meal. We were able to sit and talk for over two hours. -
Review from Liza B.
San Francisco, CA
10/1/2006
Elegance, beauty, sumptious desserts, a tasty menu and a lovely wine /apertif list to go along...
you will feel (and become) more elegant and graceful by simply entering this place, sitting down and being graciously waited upon (even if you are wearing jeans and a torn t-shirt).
the only places that felt quite like this to me were in France, Switzerland and Italy--you do not need to slouch to eat a dessert-only meal--you can go high life all the way
