My recent visit to The Velvet Raven left me with mixed feelings. Located conveniently near a park, it seemed promising for a quick coffee and bite. We were greeted warmly upon entry, and despite the charming decor of what purported to be a chocolate cafe, there was a surprising absence of chocolate-themed items on the menu. Even the staff seemed unenthusiastic about discussing their specialties.
Opting for the smoked salmon Benedict, we hoped for a satisfying meal. It arrived tasting decent, though the overcooked asparagus hinted at microwave preparation, which was disappointing given the $18 price tag. Curious about their chocolates, I approached the chocolatier who, while friendly, offered little guidance on their selection. We chose four chocolates priced at $2 each; they were fine but failed to impress.
Despite its unique setting and potential, The Velvet Raven fell short in delivering a memorable experience. The disconnect between its concept and execution, coupled with lackluster enthusiasm from the staff, left me underwhelmed and unlikely to revisit anytime soon.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 4
dzung do
Chill cool space for coffee! Also had an afternoon drink to enjoy the sunshine in the park. Service was friendly. Glad it’s an option at south park ??
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Oindrila Amin
It's a quaint little cafe with the best hot chocolate ever! I always look for rich hot chocolate and this cafe delivers. Transported me to chocolate heaven literally! So delicious ?
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Hot Chocolate
Simple Snacc
I came for a simple request and it was for a to-go iced coffee with milk and vanilla and the very kind blonde guy in the front quickly served it to me upon drinking it it definitely got my approval and it was very cheap for what it was great place hoping to take my girlfriend here for breakfast very soon
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
薛良斌（hlb）
Great hot chocolate!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anya Lee Brink
Absolutely delightful experience. Food was incredible, we got the caprese sandwich, hot chocolate (AMAZING), and the beet salad. Highly recommend it all. The ambiance was great and service was excellent as well. If you are in the area make sure to stop by!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ignacio Dominguez Davila
The most amazing place in San Francisco to enjoy wine and chocolate. I just love it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
J.L. F.
This is a strange, almost magical little place that seems almost out of place along the street front—on the outside it’s cooler looking than anything else around it.First off, the chocolates are not to be missed. These are some of the most interesting chocolate flavors I’ve tasted in a long time, and they pair perfectly with the wines. Ask the owner, Basil, to pair your wine with the chocolates; you’ll encounter alchemical flavors, and they will be divine.Inside The Velvet Raven, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into someone’s living room, slightly overcrowded, certainly eclectic, somewhat messy. It’s hard to find a corner that doesn’t have something stacked in it, some piece of equipment that’s slightly in the way, and this is the one thing that felt awkward about being here.That’s a small thing, and it’s not reason not to visit. Just be ready for a delightful but slightly funky experience.Also, an LGBTQ-welcoming place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Allison Gee
Really great cozy little cafe. Super nice hot chocolate, food is good too.
Andres Mendieta
One of those great places you wouldn't know about unless you live nearby or you just happen to walk past it. Next to a park if you want to take something to-go as well.
A truly exquisite tucked away cafe. Nothing but the best
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tee Ponsukcharoen
Great place to get a hot chocolate in a cold day. This is a legit, french, thick, creamy, indulgent (yet not sweet - up to your choice) hot chocolate. The shop is relatively quiet so you can enjoy the sip of chocolate and conversation easily. I would love to come and try other stuffs in the shop too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Hot Chocolate
Greg Bodnar
Amazing dark chocolate mocha and vanilla latte, amazing service, super fast. Owner is very friendly. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ashley Rosas
I wont be going back. There’s a rude man that has a weird vibe.I ordered a coffee that felt watered down and I asked if maybe I got an americano, he said “No, it’s a coffee. When you have too many espressos everyday, coffee won’t taste as strong” I have no idea what made him assume I have espressos everyday but it was a weird thing to say.Later, when I was paying at the counter with another server and was given the tablet to tip, he yelled across the room that I couldn’t use the tablet and that they weren’t self service.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
J
Very low-key and chill chocolate, coffee, wine, mixed drinks location with a very unique atmosphere and friendly man running the shop. This was open late before our dinner reservations so we decided to pop in and taste a few small chocolate options. The chocolate was very tasty and you could smell more being made in the back. The apple mixed drink tasted like a very sweet apple juice. The inside decorations seem to have changed significantly since the current featured photo from Jan 2020, perhaps for the better as the location felt very cosy and comforting as opposed to the photo that seems more modern.
My recent visit to The Velvet Raven left me with mixed feelings. Located conveniently near a park, it seemed promising for a quick coffee and bite. We were greeted warmly upon entry, and despite the charming decor of what purported to be a chocolate cafe, there was a surprising absence of chocolate-themed items on the menu. Even the staff seemed unenthusiastic about discussing their specialties.
Opting for the smoked salmon Benedict, we hoped for a satisfying meal. It arrived tasting decent, though the overcooked asparagus hinted at microwave preparation, which was disappointing given the $18 price tag. Curious about their chocolates, I approached the chocolatier who, while friendly, offered little guidance on their selection. We chose four chocolates priced at $2 each; they were fine but failed to impress.
Despite its unique setting and potential, The Velvet Raven fell short in delivering a memorable experience. The disconnect between its concept and execution, coupled with lackluster enthusiasm from the staff, left me underwhelmed and unlikely to revisit anytime soon.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 4
Chill cool space for coffee! Also had an afternoon drink to enjoy the sunshine in the park. Service was friendly. Glad it’s an option at south park ??
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
It's a quaint little cafe with the best hot chocolate ever! I always look for rich hot chocolate and this cafe delivers. Transported me to chocolate heaven literally! So delicious ?
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Hot Chocolate
I came for a simple request and it was for a to-go iced coffee with milk and vanilla and the very kind blonde guy in the front quickly served it to me upon drinking it it definitely got my approval and it was very cheap for what it was great place hoping to take my girlfriend here for breakfast very soon
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great hot chocolate!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely delightful experience. Food was incredible, we got the caprese sandwich, hot chocolate (AMAZING), and the beet salad. Highly recommend it all. The ambiance was great and service was excellent as well. If you are in the area make sure to stop by!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The most amazing place in San Francisco to enjoy wine and chocolate. I just love it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is a strange, almost magical little place that seems almost out of place along the street front—on the outside it’s cooler looking than anything else around it.First off, the chocolates are not to be missed. These are some of the most interesting chocolate flavors I’ve tasted in a long time, and they pair perfectly with the wines. Ask the owner, Basil, to pair your wine with the chocolates; you’ll encounter alchemical flavors, and they will be divine.Inside The Velvet Raven, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into someone’s living room, slightly overcrowded, certainly eclectic, somewhat messy. It’s hard to find a corner that doesn’t have something stacked in it, some piece of equipment that’s slightly in the way, and this is the one thing that felt awkward about being here.That’s a small thing, and it’s not reason not to visit. Just be ready for a delightful but slightly funky experience.Also, an LGBTQ-welcoming place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really great cozy little cafe. Super nice hot chocolate, food is good too.
One of those great places you wouldn't know about unless you live nearby or you just happen to walk past it. Next to a park if you want to take something to-go as well.
Restaurantji Recommends
A truly exquisite tucked away cafe. Nothing but the best
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great place to get a hot chocolate in a cold day. This is a legit, french, thick, creamy, indulgent (yet not sweet - up to your choice) hot chocolate. The shop is relatively quiet so you can enjoy the sip of chocolate and conversation easily. I would love to come and try other stuffs in the shop too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Hot Chocolate
Amazing dark chocolate mocha and vanilla latte, amazing service, super fast. Owner is very friendly. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I wont be going back. There’s a rude man that has a weird vibe.I ordered a coffee that felt watered down and I asked if maybe I got an americano, he said “No, it’s a coffee. When you have too many espressos everyday, coffee won’t taste as strong” I have no idea what made him assume I have espressos everyday but it was a weird thing to say.Later, when I was paying at the counter with another server and was given the tablet to tip, he yelled across the room that I couldn’t use the tablet and that they weren’t self service.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Very low-key and chill chocolate, coffee, wine, mixed drinks location with a very unique atmosphere and friendly man running the shop. This was open late before our dinner reservations so we decided to pop in and taste a few small chocolate options. The chocolate was very tasty and you could smell more being made in the back. The apple mixed drink tasted like a very sweet apple juice. The inside decorations seem to have changed significantly since the current featured photo from Jan 2020, perhaps for the better as the location felt very cosy and comforting as opposed to the photo that seems more modern.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
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