Cafe International - San Francisco, California

Jason W.

I’ve been coming to Cafe International for years. The cafe is full of smiling people on this sunny Memorial Day.

The owner, Zara, makes everyone feel at home and treats everyone like family. She even speaks to me in italian, a language I’m learning, so I can practice.

The food is delicious and served with care and a smile. I highly recommend Cafe International, a fixture in the Lower Haight community, offering a great vibe and positive atmosphere to all.

Ojas

Extremely rude owner! We were working while eating poorly made hummus one of the friend had ordered. The owner confronted us that every person on the table should order if they want to sit and work. We left never to come back again.

Shane R.

Cozy couches, strong coffee, great art, and interesting people. Whenever I'm here it feels like home.

Zarah, the owner is so friendly and truly welcoming of everyone, and will often share a funny story or a hot San Francisco take. I love it.

The bagel plates are great and filled with fresh fruits and veggies.

The jazz on Sundays is a very special neighborhood event, with magical San Francisco vibes.

kelly T.

Cafe international is a gem, absolutely my favorite place to study. The owner Zahra is the sweetest, most caring, funny woman in the world. You won’t meet anyone more genuine. Totally reasonable prices, excellent food, amazing vibes and company. Marcus and Camillo behind the counter are more than wonderful, they always make my day. I usually order a coffee and a snack in the morning and study well into the afternoon. If you don’t enjoy this cafe or had a bad experience, you are probably the problem. Literally can’t say enough positive things about this spot, it feels like home away from home.

Kelly T.

The most precious place. Super spacious, lots of seating. Cute small outdoor space in the back. Didn’t try the food but coffee was nice. Menu looks good anyways - bagels sandwiches salads smoothies. What more could you want? Excellent vibe with oldies music and couches and funky tables and art work. So grateful places like this exist! Any other “modern” cafe would be slammed on a Sunday morning. This place is a hidden gem.

Chef T.

My kind of place, I was walking around the neighborhood waiting for my appointment and decided to have a cappuccino. I love my cappuccino, the lady behind the counter, super friendly and nice. I definitely will go back for more cappuccino.

Ayush R.

One of us ordered food for the table, and we were still getting settled, looking into the Wi-Fi. Within minutes, the owner approached us loudly and publicly reprimanded us for not ordering coffee yet.

What made it worse was how it was handled: she made sure others around us could hear, and even referenced us while speaking to customers behind us—turning what could have been a polite reminder into a public shaming. The energy was aggressive and deeply uncomfortable.

Reading other reviews, it seems we’re not alone in this experience. Would not recommend if you’re looking for a warm, inclusive environment.

Grace Z.

Most incredible place and the lady who was the cashier was the sweetest ever. They had live jazz on Sunday and it was lovely - highly recommend this gem. Sandwich and salad was delicious