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Cafe Tiramisu
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Cafe Tiramisu
8.3
Belden Place standby for handmade pastas, seafood, and old-school hospitality that reads intimate without being fussy. Outdoor alley seating, warm service, and a deep Italian wine list make it a reliable FiDi date-night choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Porcini Mushroom Risotto, Gnocchi al Pesto, Tuscan-Style Lamb Chops
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Long-running Belden Place Italian with hand-made pasta and patio ambiance since the early ’90s.
Who should go: Couples seeking classic, intimate FiDi Italian
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30pm for calmer patio seating
What to order: Porcini risotto; gnocchi al pesto; tiramisu
Insider tip: Request an alley table; the heaters and canopy keep it comfortable year-round.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Pine or Kearny is scarce; best to use the Sutter-Stockton Garage two blocks away (~$5/hour evenings). No valet service offered.
Dress code: Smart casual — jackets and dresses fit right in, but neat jeans with a button-down are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — lively chatter from Belden Place but still comfortable for date-night conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; patio fills up fast on warm nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though not a typical lunch spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta and risotto dishes are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — a few customizable salads and pastas with olive oil base only.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta available on request; handled separately when possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm alley lighting, Italian soundtrack, and polished yet relaxed service make it one of FiDi’s most inviting first-date spots.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — try arriving before 6:30pm or after 8:30pm for a walk-in patio table; otherwise, call ahead to check same-day cancellations.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — space is tight and the ambiance is tailored toward adults. Best suited for couples or small adult groups.
Best For
Better for: Romantic patio dining and old-school Italian warmth that feel genuine in a downtown setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quick or budget meal — pacing and pricing lean toward lingering date nights.
Cafe Tiramisu
8.1
Belden Place’s Italian standby turns out crisp, thin-crust pies alongside pastas and seafood in a lively alleyway setting. Locals use it for business lunches and relaxed date-night dinners when a proper sit-down pizza is the move.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Diavola (hot soppressata), Capricciosa
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Alleyway Italian spot serving proper thin-crust pies with polished service.
Who should go: Clients, couples, and downtown regulars
When to visit: Weeknights 6–7 pm or early lunch to avoid crowds
What to order: Margherita; Diavola; Capricciosa
Insider tip: Request outdoor alley seating for the full Belden Place vibe.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Belden Place is limited and fills quickly after 5pm; nearby Sutter-Stockton Garage is the most reliable paid option.
Dress code: Smart casual — button-downs, dresses, or dark jeans work well for the FiDi crowd.
Noise level: Moderate — outdoor seating is lively but conversation-friendly; inside is quieter for meetings or dates.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30–45 minute wait without a reservation, especially for outdoor tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait if you arrive before 12:00pm; brief waits from 12:15–12:45pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian pizzas, pastas, and salads are offered.
Vegan options: Limited — can modify a few pizzas or salads upon request.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated crust, but some dishes can be made gluten-free by substituting sides or sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s lively but intimate, with candlelit alley seating that feels authentically European without being too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible for weekday lunches, but reservations are strongly recommended for dinner, especially if you want outdoor seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids — the narrow alley and adult crowd make it better suited for older teens or family dinners with well-behaved children.
Best For
Better for: Romantic alleyway atmosphere and classic Italian pizzas served with full-service polish — ideal for lingering meals over wine.
Skip if: You want fast, grab-and-go pizza or extensive vegan/gluten-free options.
Cafe Tiramisu
8.2
Belden Place mainstay since the early ’90s serving handmade pastas and classic Northern Italian plates with efficient FiDi pacing. It’s the alleyway spot for client lunches and convivial evening plates before downtown events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle Bolognese, Gnocchi Nero (squid ink, octopus ragu), Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Long-running Belden Place staple with hand-made pastas.
Who should go: FiDi diners wanting reliable Italian classics
When to visit: Book early evening to beat alley rush
What to order: Pappardelle Bolognese; gnocchi nero; tiramisu
Insider tip: Request outdoor alley seating for peak Belden ambience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; nearby garage at Sutter Stockton is the most reliable. Street parking in FiDi is scarce, especially after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—FiDi diners often arrive in business attire; jeans are fine if paired with a collared shirt or nice top.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially outdoors in the alley during dinner service. Indoor tables are slightly quieter for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially during warm weather when alley seating fills fast.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait before 12:15pm; reservations recommended for peak lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several pastas and salads are vegetarian-friendly, including the caprese and mushroom risotto.
Vegan options: Limited – can accommodate with minor modifications; confirm with server about sauces and pasta dough.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free pasta available on request, though kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the outdoor alley seating offers a charming, European feel with twinkling lights and bustling FiDi energy, ideal for relaxed conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or later seatings, but expect a wait during peak times. Walk-ins are seated faster at lunch than dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly – the tight alley seating and business-heavy crowd skew adult. Older kids who enjoy Italian food will be fine, but it’s not a family-focused venue.
Best For
Better for: Polished service and consistent pastas in a lively yet professional setting—ideal for business or date-night dining in FiDi.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic setting or avant-garde Italian; opt for Perbacco or Acquerello instead.
Cafe Tiramisu
7.7
Belden Place Italian spot that includes a handful of classic pizzas alongside pastas. Outdoor alley seating and efficient lunch service make it a practical FiDi choice when you want a sit-down pie without leaving the block.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita with Salami, Capricciosa, Prosciutto Margherita
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Sit-down Italian with pizzas and alley patio in the heart of FiDi.
Who should go: Teams needing a comfortable lunch option
When to visit: 11:30–12:00 or after 1:15 for easier seating
What to order: Capricciosa, salami margherita, prosciutto margherita
Insider tip: On warm days, request an alley table—service is faster at lunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in FiDi is very limited; nearby paid garages like Sutter Stockton or Portsmouth Square are the best bet.
Dress code: Business casual; suits common at lunch but smart jeans and a shirt are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during lunch rush and after work—conversation possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes without a reservation, longer in peak season evenings.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minutes during peak noon rush; faster after 1:15.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pizzas and pastas feature vegetables and cheeses.
Vegan options: Limited—may request cheeseless pizza or simple pasta with tomato sauce.
Gluten-free options: Not formally offered; kitchen may accommodate simple substitutions but no dedicated gluten-free dough.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or second dates than a romantic first impression; lively alley seating is more social than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—weekday lunch usually has space if you arrive early or late; dinner reservations recommended for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy pizza and pasta; limited amenities for very young children and seating is mostly patio-style.
Best For
Better for: Outdoor alley dining in the FiDi with reliable service—ideal for business lunches and group meals.
Skip if: You want quiet, romantic dining or dedicated gluten-free/vegan menus—better alternatives exist nearby.
Cafe Tiramisu
8.2
Classic Italian pastas and mains served on a pedestrian alley with patio seating—easy for families to share plates without fuss. Friendly pacing and straightforward flavors make it a reliable FiDi pick before or after downtown errands.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle with pork & beef ragù, Gnocchi nero with octopus ragù, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Belden Place patio with crowd-pleasing, housemade pasta staples.
Who should go: Families wanting sit-down Italian near downtown
When to visit: Early dinner before the FiDi rush returns
What to order: Pappardelle ragù, gnocchi nero, tiramisu
Insider tip: Request patio seating for stroller space and lower noise.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby blocks is limited; best bet is the Sutter-Stockton Garage (5 min walk) or valet at neighboring hotels.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and polos are fine, some guests lean dressy for FiDi dinners.
Noise level: Moderate—alley seating keeps it lively but you can hold a family conversation without strain.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, but patio fills by 12:30.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pastas and starters, including eggplant parmigiana and margherita pizza.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2 options (salads with adjustments, some pasta without cheese).
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta available on request, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for families and groups; for dates it feels casual and lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weekdays; for weekend dinners or large groups, reservations are highly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids are welcome, high chairs available, and patio seating gives space for strollers. Best for ages 3+ who can share plates.
Best For
Better for: Easygoing group Italian with outdoor seating; simpler flavors and crowd-pleasing pastas make it less fussy than higher-end FiDi Italian spots.
Skip if: You want white-tablecloth formality, quiet romance, or a wide vegan menu—consider other FiDi Italian destinations instead.
Cafe Tiramisu
8.3
Belden Place stalwart serving handmade pastas and a proper oven-baked lasagna in a cozy alleyway setting. Locals use it for business lunches and relaxed date nights where service is polished and portions satisfy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegetarian Lasagna (roasted vegetables, Parmesan fondue), Pappardelle al Ragù, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Handmade pastas and a true oven-baked lasagna on Belden Place.
Who should go: FiDi diners seeking classic Italian comfort
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7 pm for easier patio seating
What to order: Lasagna, pappardelle ragù, grilled octopus
Insider tip: Request a patio table along the alley for the best ambiance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking nearby; closest reliable option is the Sutter-Stockton Garage (5-minute walk).
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs, blouses, and nice jeans are fine; many come slightly dressier for dates or business.
Noise level: Moderate; lively alley chatter outside but still possible to converse comfortably at your table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait if you arrive before 12:15 pm; after that, short lines for Belden Place crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pasta and antipasti options including vegetarian lasagna.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly salads or modified pasta plates on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available on request, but not every dish can be adapted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The cozy alleyway setting and polished service make it intimate but relaxed—ideal for a low-pressure date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can sometimes walk in early on weeknights, but patio tables and prime slots fill fast—book ahead for dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. It’s better suited for adults—no kids’ menu and seating is tighter in the alley. Older children may be fine.
Best For
Better for: Handmade pastas, authentic lasagna, and an intimate Belden Place patio experience that feels tucked away from FiDi bustle.
Skip if: You want ultra-modern Italian or a broad vegan selection—other downtown spots may suit those needs better.