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Cafe Du Soleil
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Cafe Du Soleil
7.7
Daytime French café in SoMa serving baguette sandwiches, salads, quiche, and espresso. A low-key, affordable spot for a daytime date or pre-event bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Croque monsieur, Quiche Lorraine, Niçoise salad
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Classic French café staples at friendly prices in SoMa.
Who should go: Day-date or pre-event couples
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30–1:00 to beat the lunch rush
What to order: Croque monsieur; quiche; cappuccino
Insider tip: Order ahead online for faster pickup and nearby parklet seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is available nearby, though it can be tight during weekday lunch hours. No valet or garage partnership.
Dress code: Casual café attire — jeans and sneakers are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush, quieter mid-morning and late afternoon. Easy to carry on a conversation outside of peak hours.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — café closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Expect 10–15 minute waits at peak noon rush; otherwise generally no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — quiche, salads, and some sandwiches can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of salads and customizable options, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial — salads and a few dishes are naturally gluten-free, but bread-heavy menu limits choices.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a casual daytime setting. It’s low-key, affordable, and not intimidating, though less suited for a formal romantic dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. It’s counter-service with open seating, and reservations aren’t required.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, during daytime hours. The casual setting, simple menu, and outdoor parklet make it fine for families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable French café staples in a casual SoMa setting, perfect for a daytime date or pre-event bite.
Skip if: You’re looking for a romantic, full-service French dinner with wine and ambiance — this is more daytime café than date-night bistro.
Cafe Du Soleil
8.1
SOMA’s French café for well-built baguette and croissant sandwiches with greens-forward sides. Lunchtime service is efficient and portions match the pricing, making it a reliable downtown sandwich stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto & Brie, Chicken Tarragon, Turkey & Avocado
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: French-leaning sandwiches on quality bread with crisp greens.
Who should go: Downtown lunchers wanting reliable French café sandwiches
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30–1:00 before peak line builds
What to order: Prosciutto & Brie; Chicken Tarragon; Turkey & Avocado
Insider tip: Half-sandwich + salad combo is the right-size midday move.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking in SoMa; nearby paid garages at 5th & Mission or Metreon are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual business attire—button-downs, polos, and neat casual wear fit the weekday lunch crowd.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush; quiet enough for conversation but background chatter is steady.
Weekend wait: Closed in the evenings; no dinner service.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak noon rush; little to no wait before 11:45 or after 1:15.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—caprese, veggie, and cheese-forward sandwiches available.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize salads or sandwiches by removing cheese and mayo, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread, though salads are a safe option.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual weekday lunch than a romantic date. The focus is on efficiency and quality sandwiches, not ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s counter-service only—seating is first-come, first-serve. Arrive a bit early if you want a spot at lunch peak.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can manage café seating, but no high chairs or kid-specific menu. Best for a quick bite rather than lingering with toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Efficient, budget-friendly French café sandwiches downtown with fresh greens and simple combos.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down dinner, broad vegan options, or a quiet, lingering café atmosphere.
Cafe Du Soleil
7.7
Casual French café serving croques, tartines, and salads—an efficient lunch stop for the neighborhood. Founded in 2012 by Michael Beigi, it focuses on straightforward café fare with quick counter service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Croque Madame, Smoked salmon tartine, French mushroom bisque
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Speedy French café staples ideal for downtown lunch runs.
Who should go: Office lunchers and sandwich fans
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30–12:15 or after 1:30
What to order: Croque Madame, salmon tartine, daily soup
Insider tip: Grab-and-go moves fastest; call ahead for larger orders.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in SoMa is limited and metered; nearby paid garages at Townsend/Brannan are more reliable during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual—office attire or jeans are both fine; no dress code enforced.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush; otherwise quiet enough for solo work or conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a daytime café with limited evening hours.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak 12–1pm window; minimal wait before or after.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several salads, tartines, and egg dishes can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—about 1–2 items; modifications may be needed (e.g., hold cheese or mayo).
Gluten-free options: Partial—some salads and soups are gluten-free; sandwiches rely on baguettes unless requested otherwise.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a quick, casual lunch spot than a date destination. Better for efficient catch-ups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t typical here; seating is first-come, counter-style, and turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle café seating; no special kids’ menu or amenities, but casual setup works for families.
Best For
Better for: Faster and more straightforward than sit-down French bistros—ideal for sandwich or salad in under 30 minutes.
Skip if: Skip if you want a lingering French dining experience or dinner service; choose a full-service bistro instead.