Caffe Centro
102 South Park
Tel: 415.882.1500
SOMA is an area undergoing rapid development and expansion. While there is no shortage of coffee shops, good (& quick) lunch options do not abound here. That said, working in the SOMA area means that you'll be facing some serious competition for good food. The more "south" of market you go, the fewer your options. That's one of the reasons why Caffe Centro is so popular -- not only is it a good spot, but it's one of the few. Other nearby dining options include more formal full-service restaurants like Ecco, South Park Cafe and Infusion, to the greaseball chinese or carryout deli stuff you'll find over around 2nd & 3rd. Caffe Centro is the sole occupant of a "happy medium" sort of dining option -- well situated, well priced and well worth waiting in line.
THE FOOD:
Caffe Centro serves pretty good coffee, but they also have a wide range of baked goods, salads and sandwiches. I found the blueberry crumbcake to be pretty tasty and had to fight my friend Scott for the last morsels during our recent visit.
My favorite salad from Caffe Centro is their version of panzanetta which they just call "Bread Salad" on the menu. It's a very savory mix of greens, resh corn, cucumber, onions, pine nuts and tomatoes tossed in a sweet/sour balsamic dressing. You get a huge clear plastic clamshell container full of this yummy lunch for $4.95 -- my lunch for two days!
I've also had the Nicoise salad which is pretty tasty but the Pear & Brie Salad is my favorite treat. When I've been watching my diet, I'll go splurge on this one -- I also recommend the Spinach Salad.
Sandwiches aren't always my favorite but they've got a pretty tasty caprese sandwich (mozzarella, tomatoes, basil on foccacia). I skip their vegetarian sandwich because of an eggplant allergy but it looks good! My meat-eating friends say that the ham & brie sandwich is pretty good, but you'll have to try it for yourself.
OTHER PERQS:
Caffe Centro is conveniently located in the heart of South Park -- this makes it kid friendly because there's actually a playground out there, though you're more likely to see green spiky haired pierced-tongued web developers playing on the jungle gym than kids. Of course, the location also makes it an excellent place to overhear some internet business related conversations -- some interesting, most boring. Lots of SOMA job interviews happen at Caffe Centro.
Caffe Centro is open M-F, 7am - 7pm; Saturday 8-4:30pm and closed on Sunday (go home already!)
Jennifer R. Accettola
Originally published on http://www.planetx.org/~jenn/
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