Lemon gelato tasted great, but man it's expensive!
(4)
Nick B.
Great food!! They've got a nice little menu to choose from, but you can also "build your own" panini, which is what I did. Ingredients were great and fresh. Nice little cafe in the midst of crappy touristy shops and "restaurants".
(5)
Christie L.
Stopped here for lunch. We all had a panini and they were all just ok. Two of us got a chicken panini with roasted red pepper, but they were plain and we had to ask for mayo on the side to get some flavor. Maybe our experience would have been better if we'd stuck to the gelato...
(2)
Rebecca B.
Any lover of gelato will enjoy this little place. Sample first, then order at coffee counter, and tell the gelato man what's your fancy. I enjoy their Oreo cookie flavor in a waffle cone.
(5)
Luis L.
Coffee and gelato are good but that doesn't make up for the horrible customer service by the management /owner. I was sitting having a coffee and my family came in with some fries from across the way. The owner came over and immediately told my family that they couldn't be there. They said that they can't bring other food in. Ok I understand that, but what if they didn't have that? They wouldn't be allowed to sit there either? Because she yelled at my kids my son got nervous and spilled a few of his fries. I was going to clean it up. But she got all bent out of shape that he spilled them on her antique tables. So wait, it's OK to have her food on the table but not other food? Does that make sense? If you're worried about your antique tables then why have them in a cafe in the 1st place. Customer Service is the key now a days. If you want to be inviting and keep customers coming, you let them sit and enjoy themselves with their families. You don't tell them to leave, especially if they are a patron. Needless to say I will not eat from there again.
(1)
Matt M.
Been going here for 8 years now during field trips to St. Augustine for gelato and have never had a bad experience. I typically get a good third of my class to follow me in and order too! They do a good job with the kids' orders too!
(5)
Tara J.
What's my problem and why did I not love their coffee like everyone else? I'm a pretty picky coffee drinker and love it strong and dark! Since this is a French coffee roaster, I had expectations of strong coffee. I ordered my usual soy latte, but received what tasted like a soy latte with a chai chaser. Odd. Yes, after each sip, it tasted like I took a shot of chai tea to wash it down. Interesting. The after taste was just not right. I'd try them again just to see if I could experience a better coffee than I did this time around.
(3)
H. H.
Gelato good.
(4)
Joseph L.
Yesterday we had to get our fix of the best gelato I have ever tasted ANYWHERE. This place is a regular for us and I always call ahead to make sure they have my favorite flavor Mango ! They make many many flavors and they will gladly let you taste because, they know wants you taste they have got you hooked( WHICH THEY DO). This is so good I even had some shipped to NC for Christmas I mean its that good! Yes shipping 2 gallons in a cooler with ( What I call Hot ice) was not cheap but, I could not take it any longer! I needed my mango Gelato fix! Its a must stop if in the Old City..
(5)
Brooke W.
Lots of yummy gelato. I could not choose just one and so I opted to get a panini instead. It was a good choice but I still dream of the gelato that could have been. Next time Cafe del Hidalgo, next time.
(3)
Frank L.
I love Gelato, and this place has some good Gelato..relatively inexpensive and so creamy and light..also, a lot lower fat than ice cream...so eat more!
(4)
Ayanna B.
It's not exactly like genuine Italian gelato, but it's really, really good. Especially classy compared to the 4 other ice cream shops. There are a ton of flavours, all of which are good and supposedly healthier than ice cream. LOL. I usually get 1/2 amaretto, 1/2 cookies and cream. My mum had tea there, and a not good croisssant. I had a mediocre muffin and water. So I wouldn't recommend ordering anything other than gelato. This place is surprisingly pricey, but I'll go back again and again. Indoor seating is a nice relaxing escape from the tourists.
(4)
Tyler G.
Great food, but slow kitchen. Stopped in here for lunch. Counter service was quick, but took a while for food to come out. I had the mona lisa and it was GREAT! If you're prepared to wait, it's well worth it. If you're in a hurry, keep on walkin.
(4)
Anthony D.
Both of us had the Asian Salad which was equally satisfying and delicious at a very reasonable price. Ambiance was a bit Disney like and scattered but still the food was good and worth the trip.
(4)
Kamila T.
mmm mmm mmm good. I love Gelato and their summer special (4 flavor) cup was deliciously smooth and creamy. If it wasn't so fattening I would have had 2 cups!
(4)
Leisa B.
The Mona Lisa sandwich was excellent.
(4)
Caity W.
Checking out the other reviews, I'm sorry we did not try the gelato. But, I'll make a mental note to return, if the temperature here in Florida ever goes back above 40 degrees! My youngest son and I wandered around St Augustine on a late morning Christmas shopping expedition. We wanted to find unique gifts, and we wanted a nice, casual meal. Cafe Hidalgo was just right. An old, historic setting. A fabulous salad (for me) with such an abundance of dried cranberries, walnuts, feta, etc. that I couldn't finish. A perfectly toasted panini dripping with ham and cheese(for him). We liked. We sat outside in a pretty courtyard, as it was a bit cold inside - result of those old thick stone walls, I suppose. I am looking forward to the return of hot weather, and wandering with a gelato - maybe exploring the fort across the street!
(4)
Juli M.
Wandering around St. George street with my family - this was a great place to stop in for a cool drink and a gelato. They have a weird ordering system - when you walk in, there is this lovely big gelato display and you can taste samples, etc. - but you order your gelato or whatever else from the main counter around the corner. Then, this is relayed to the "gelato guy." Decor is cozy with some Moorish antique looking stuff. very comfortable. Gelato was just OK (had chocolate, grapefruit, lemon between us), but I wouldn't say no to a second scoop!
(3)
Hopper C.
Sandwiches are great! I had the Pollo Royale. Chicken was soft, not dry & hard. Bread was firm but not rough & cheese was gooey & delicious. Great panini! They have Italian sodas that are good. The large iced tea was perfect but small. I would definitely return!
(5)
Carlos C.
Love this place! I have been here many times before I started Yelping. The gelato is always a great choice here. You can sample any flavor to help you decide what you want. The Salads are huge and so are the sandwiches. Very filling. I always make it a point to stop in here whenever I am in the area.
(5)
Tim M.
I would have gave this cafe a 4/5 star because getting the food was rather slow, but I can't help but up tick it to a 5/5 because of the fresh gelato they make every morning. I thought they hit a home run on the flavors. The only last time I have seen great gelato like that was in San Diego, CA. I also had the Pollo Royalle (Panini with chicken, tomato, mozzarella, and mayonnaise). It took a bit of time to get it, but it was worth the wait because the bread was cooked nicely on the outside, but still soft and the chicken was cooked great and there was plenty of mozzarella. Yum. The service was excellent for the gelato and the girl was so nice to be patient so you could give the flavors you wanted to try a taste. The portions I thought were generous and the freshness is definitely there. I would recommend this place to anyone visiting St. Augustine. I am so lucky to be a resident; I will be coming back often.
(5)
Brian S.
I came here with a few friends after the Food Truck Wars over the weekend, and love it every time I do. They apparently have food, but I am a fan solely for the gelato. I suppose one day I will need to try the food that received equally-ravenous reviews. Until then, eat up and you will be happy that you did!
(5)
Lindsey H.
My husband and I got gelato here last night and it did not disappoint! We split a small, which we were a little worried that it might not be enough, but it was packed with gelato! It was easily 2 scoops worth! I absolutely loved the chocolate flavor. It was so smooth and creamy, with almost a mousse like texture. We will probably be back before we leave!
(4)
Mae B.
I would have given this place a five but they did not tell me that one of the ice cream and liquor in it. That is really something you should tell somebody. I only had a small taste but it was enough to make me sick to my stomach. Other than that the ice cream is very tasty. It's actually not normal ice cream it's Italian ice cream. This is my second time here today, I had hot chocolate earlier. It was just warm I prefer my hot chocolate hot. They do have other beverages and Paninis and salads but we did not try any of those.
(4)
Rachel R.
After a hefty night of drinking, we were looking for a place to get a good sandwich before relaxing by the pool. Everything we tried was good, nothing to rant and rave about but good. I ordered the meatball panini, my boyfriend ordered the rock and my bf's mom ordered one I can't recall the name of. Tried an Italian soda which was okay. The homemade gelato and ice cream was the best part.
(4)
Philip L.
One of the best cafe's in town. Their paninis are unique and well prepared - easy to eat while still having pretty complex flavor profiles for a small eatery. Their Cafe drinks can get a bit pricey, but are usually worth the indulgence. In addition, their range of Gelatos and Sorbets is like none other in the area - made fresh daily, you can have anything from Limoncello Sorbet to Chocolate Cherry Gelato - all for a fairly reasonable price. Great place to stop in for a quick bite.
(5)
L K.
I didn't exactly eat here. I'm giving two stars for wonderful gelato, and zero stars for service. The building is charming. My companion wanted a coffee because it was a cold drizzly morning, I stopped to shop the gelato offerings. Woman behind counter greeted me, but that's all. I was about to move on when my friend saw a sign that offered tastes, so I asked for and was graciously given generous samples. The gelato is very dense and almost too creamy. The coconut was very. very sweet, which is not to my taste, but had good coconut flavor. The mango flavor tasted exactly like fresh ripe mango, fruity and not overly sweet. I planned to try a few other flavors later. It was early and we wanted to explore the area first, so planned to return later for refreshments. However, after 10 minutes, my companion said no one had even tried to take his coffee order - he was third in line, first customer had just been served as he joined line, they had been making second customer's order that entire time! We only had one day in town with our friends, and wanted to do other things too.
(2)
Kevin B.
Quaint space with eclectic decor. Excellent panini and salads (you create or featured on menu). Fresh ingredients and delicious combos. Must save room for some amazing gelato. Wait time was a little excessive (20+ min) for food, but not a deal breaker for good meal.
(4)
Danielle R.
Super cute and quaint. As soon as you walk in the Gelato counter is the first thing you see. You can sample the flavors to help make your decision then go around the corner to pay. Once you pay you go back to the counter to get your Gelato. It was all amazing and they had lots of flavors to choose from. I went with the Strawberry and Amaretto. The strawberry was a nice vanilla with fresh strawberry preserve jam mixed in. Soooo tasty!
(5)
J C.
Good prices, crowded and small inside. Try ALL the flavors first then go around to the cash register, place your order then hand the small ticket to the person behind the gelato counter and they will fill your order. Of course you will have to endure the embarrassment of having them look at you after you just sampled every single flavor they had......and still can't make up your mind. LOL Good gelato, good prices and some shade to sit and people watch while you eat it. Will be back.
(4)
Matt D.
Great place! Really fair pricing. Had the Hidalgo salad. Delicious. They do need to have 2 registers. One for Gelato and another for food. It would be much more efficient that way. That is my only suggestion. Love the ambiance.
(4)
M H.
Right in the heart of St Augustine's quasi promenade, this cafe sits on the corner and is good considering the price and location. The sandwiches are good and filling. You order at a counter and seat yourself. The indoor area had several tables and loads of Spanish explorer inspired artwork. There is an outdoor area, but the tables and chairs were dirty and run down. Great coffee, which can be taken to go. There is a "gelato" ice cream parlor section. The flavors tasted more like ice cream than gelato though. Very friendly staff and good choice for a quick bite.
(4)
Anne J.
My daughter ordered a 16 oz. speciality drink which was supposed to cost $2.00. I was charged $2.25--the cost of the 20 oz. drink. When I brought this to the cashier's attention, she looked at me like I was crazy and said "I'll let my manager know". She did not offer to upsize the drink or refund my money. I realize that it's just 25 cents but it's the principle of customer service and doing what's right.
(3)
Cassie R.
A bit on the pricey side, but the gelato is fantastic! As other reviews have stated, you can sample the flavors before you order, and you can even mix two flavors together; I ended up getting a chocolate raspberry cup that was creamy, flavorful and amazingly refreshing in the summer heat. Service was pleasant and quick and the decor is very aesthetically pleasing, with an air of classiness. While I've only tried the gelato so far, I'd definitely like to try some of their other goodies the next time I'm in St. Augustine; the deli selections and coffee drinks looked very promising as well!
(4)
Rayni K.
I love the Gelato here but that's pretty much all I've tried. They allow you to sample the flavors prior to deciding on one (or two), but they're not the best at accommodating customers at times. In fact, service has grown steadily worse with every visit I've made here. The ordering and payment process is also rather non-intuitive. You have to go past the gelato counter into what looks like the coffee counter to first pay for your order (waffle cone or not, how many scoops, etc.). Then you take the receipt to the gelato counter to get what you want. It's a little bizarre to go further into the restaurant first when the gelato is right by the door and so distracting! The gelato's worth all the hassle, though.
(3)
Amanda C.
At first I was skeptical about eating lunch here since it seemed very touristy but my boyfriend loves him a good sandwich so once he saw they had paninis there was no stopping him! I'm glad we chose to eat here for lunch the paninis were very good! I had the Mediterranean panini that had red pepper hummus, feta, cukes, tomatoes and onions, spinach and provolone cheese. I would definitely recommend eating here if you are looking for a good sandwich!
(4)
Amber K.
I've been here twice now, and I would for sure go back for either coffee or a quick bite to eat. My mom and I stopped in here for dinner when wandering around looking at the Christmas lights. We both got a panini and they were both sooooo good. I got the caprese because I love mozzarella and basil. OK, and tomato. Mom got the Mediterranean, which to me sounded like it would be weird because it had 2 types of cheese PLUS hummus (hummus and melted cheese just didn't sound right to me) but it ended up being delicious. At $7-8 bucks each, you definitely get a good sized sandwich. We also had some coffee to go. They made us a fresh pot because they were out. It wasn't really the type of coffee I like, but a little milk made it good. Stopped in here again a few weeks later for a Mexican hot chocolate. It was raining and freezing outside, so I requested it extra hot so it wouldn't cool down so fast. It came out luke warm at best, but they were so busy I didn't feel like trying to grab someone to have them fix it. Overall, it's a nice little place to grab a snack and a drink. The gelato looks great, but I have yet to try that.
(3)
Andy J.
Love the gelato here. Pink Grapefruit on a hot day can't be beat. Flavors rotate daily so you never know which they'll have that day. Sample them 'til you find the one or two you like best.
(4)
Katherine N.
Gelato here is always delicious. Staff is always fairly friendly. I've noticed the last few summers when we were visiting they've been a bit more impatient but it does get busy and quite hot in there. They still let you take your time, but you can see them getting antsy as the line builds up of paid customers waiting to get their gelato. However, when we lived there and it wasn't the height of the tourist season they were happy to let you take your time deciding on gelato and chat with you while you choose.
I am an idiot. I walked right through Cafe del Hidalgo to enter the upstairs restaurant, Sangria's. After spending close to $50 for two grapes and 1/2 a strawberry upstairs, we were forced to walk through Cafe del Hidalgo once again, feeling like IDIOTS! I wish I would have had lunch here! It's a mix of Panera Bread, Starbucks, and a gelato place, in a beautiful setting. For downtown, it's probably one of the more affordable options. We did splurge on gelato which was incredible! Did you know that St. Augustine is America's least friendly city for ice cream. I had never seen a "No Ice Cream' sign, but once I had this gelato in my hand, they appeared everywhere, essentially trapping me in the street.
(4)
Neil S.
Great gelato. Didn't eat there but the gelato was worth the 4 stars.
(4)
Dan S.
Haven't had much here apart from the gelato, but it's pretty fantastic stuff. They have a great selection, and it's always so delicious-looking in the case, nice and fluffy. The coffee here is supposedly good as well, as cited by my wife and mother who are coffee drinkers. They offer decent teas too. Meal-wise, they have paninis, which I can't attest to the quality of. The atmosphere is a Spanish vibe, yet all the food is Italian, so that's odd, but interesting. The ordering process always seems to confuse everybody, so some better signage might help in that regard.
(4)
Marissa H.
The ONLY reason this place isn't getting 5 stars is b/c I've eaten gelato in Italy & NOTHING here in the US compares to that. But....about this place. Why isn't my metabolism that of a stick? I would eat here - the gelato, more about the salad in a minute - every day, AM & PM...the flavors are very fresh. But make sure you try a few as you'll certainly be paying a fair share for 2 (rather large) scoops....over $4. I had cocounut & choco/hazelnut.....it was divine! Salad was the tuna spinach salad for me....$9. good amout of spinach, way too much cheese, tuna that tasted like it came from a can covered w/ a few diced onions & way too much cheese. Did I mention it had cheese? The dressing was good but nothing that stood out as I can't remember what it was called. Go for the gelato...nothing else, just stuff your face w/ gelato. Oh - & my salad was served w/ 2 cracker packets - Pepperidge Farms, I think? I don't know - I gave them back. Why eat something from a plastic wrap when I'm about to stuff my face w/ gelato? The panna cotta, chocolate, banana gelato were also very tasty.
(4)
Catherine P.
Awesome espressos and espresso drinks! I had a iced espresso (I think it was a Picasso?) and it was good. My husband, after a failed attempt to add his own spin on a italian soda flavor, got an espresso. The espresso was so good I made him go back and get me one. We looked up the type of bean they use to buy at home. The staff was very nice and the prices were reasonable too.
(5)
Amy Y.
Sample the gelato until you had your winning selections in mind, then go around the corner (slight right as you enter the store) and pay for your selection there, get a voucher/receipt, then return to the gelato counter to get your delicious gelato. My favorite is the limoncello that was tart and sweet and just plain refreshing.
(4)
Sundi P.
We came in here because of the information in our walking tour which said the Spanish government reconstructed this dwelling to be that of a typical gentleman's dwelling in rural Spain. Now it is a little Spanish cafe and they have gelato and sorbet. We tried the gelato and it was great, but ordered a sorbet to split. It was good too.
(3)
Doug K.
Since I was visiting Florida, I had to have a slice of key lime pie. While walking down St. George Street in St. Augustine, I had seen the Cafe del Hidalgo and decided to have a slice of that coveted key lime pie. Cafe del Hidalgo is a coffee house and cafe, serving various coffees and bakery items. Service was fast, and the ambiance was quite relaxed. The slice of pie, however, was seemingly average.
(3)
Andrea C.
Love this place! I'm a local and this is one of my favorite cafes downtown. My husband and I have have visited multiple times just ourselves and with family and friends and we've never had a bad experience or dish. The gelato is excellent and consistently kept at a cold enough temperature that it isn't slushy when it's dished out. The sandwiches and salads are excellent. Just a really great, inexpensive place all around.
(4)
Betsi K.
YUMMY - great paninis and salads - fun location and atmosphere - highly recommend stopping in if you are in the area!
(4)
Sarah K.
I stopped here for lunch while in St. Augustine for the day. I did not try the gelato, but apparently I should have! I did get a mango smoothie and the Mona Lisa panini. This sandwich was delicious! Anytime you combine turkey, cherry, apples, and brie, it's amazing. The drink and sandwich really hit the spot. This is a place I'd go if it were near my house, not just when I'm on vacation for the day.
(4)
J. Lynn T.
Everyone's reviews rave about the gelato, I must regrettably say I didn't get a chance to have any, for once, I was too full for dessert! I ordered the New Yorker panini, portions are generous. My friend ordered a Caesar Salad, sadly, the chicken was a bit dry there. Atmosphere was real chill, I enjoyed the antiquity of the furniture and decor. I'd definitely recommend.
(4)
Phil C.
Good stuff, nice selection. pretty prompt & leisure.
(4)
Rick E.
Staff were great and venue ok but gelato tasted stale or old. We've both had good gelato and know the difference between stale and fresh.
(3)
Karolin B.
Best Gelato ever! Anywhere! Luv the Hazelnut!!! I definitely recommend trying it.
(5)
Kat T.
Great gelato in a wide range of flavors, and one of the only "make up your own" salad places in town. The salad offerings are always fresh, the coffee drinks and other beverages are good. They have an odd payment system for the gelato - you pay for the size you want, and then take a payment chit to the gelato counter to order your selection. They're quite willing to give sample tastes, and I always end up dithering before choosing, because they have so many tempting flavors.
(4)
Rosemarie d.
Gelato was tasty... Iced tea was good. I can't give a proper review since that's all I had.... but I'd def go back for ice cream.
(3)
j f.
The best gelato you can find! In Florida. I have not found better gelato anywhere in my great state. Great coffee. Gelato. Great
(5)
Cassandra D.
YUMMY GELATO! Very good, reminds me of gelato I had in Florence :) On a hot day the mango flavor is so refreshing. Also tried strawberry and dulce de leche - Yum! Cute place too.
(5)
Laura E.
While staying in St. Augustine we went to the Cafe del Hidalgo every night! The variety of gelato's make choosing hard, but you really can't go wrong. FYI Once you walk in, make sure you pay first and then order. If you don't, the family will let you know. It's quiet funny.
(5)
Jenna S.
Great service, amazing mexican hot chocolate. :D It's awesome that they have soymilk too, even though they don't have it on their menu (just ask).
(5)
E P.
We've stopped here many times and have found the food and service to be mediocre. Nothing special with so many other cafes and restaurants around. The gelato is good. Conveniently-located on the main tourist street.
We came here for the gelato which is amazing. The paying system is a little annoying. You come in- taste the flavors then go to a register around the corner to pay if you liked the flavors then go back to the flavors to pick out and order. Super friendly service- let us try there different flavors and the gelato is delicious!
(5)
Tara B.
We went to St. Augustine for the day. We had such a great time. My son decided he wanted ice cream and chose this place to have ice cream. The service was ok and he seemed to like the ice cream. We'd go back if in St. Augustine again.
(3)
Rebecca M.
If you have any type of allergy to dairy and miss ice cream, yogurt, gelato, frozen confection goodness.. This is one place you can't pass up. The dairy free fruit gelatos are out of this world!
(5)
Dave O.
Stopped in for gelato last weekend. The best way of describing it is to say it was okay while shrugging. The cafe was clean and the employees were nice. They also make a good cup of coffee. Probably won't go back because there are better gelato/ice cream options in the area.
(3)
Cindy M.
Two stars because "Meh. I've definitely experienced better." I'm guessing that their location in the heart of the tourist area of St. Augustine is what keeps this place going. It was the first place I stopped in during a recent trip to St. Augustine and the whole experience was in one word "disorganized". From the ordering process, to the cashier taking my order and not having a clue what I was ordering from their own menu, to asking a staff member where I could pick up my coffee order -- which they apparently shout out your order when it's finished and is hard to hear over the crowd, to the large and heavy pieces of furniture cluttering the space and hard to move around. Also would agree with some other reviews -- it doesn't seem like the staff is that happy to be working there either. To top it off my order was completely wrong and had to wait further for them to re-make the order. I'm giving it two stars because the coffee I did order was good and hit the spot but probably not worth the chaos to get it after a 15 minute wait.
(2)
Cristine V.
Their gelato was soooooo good!! I had a mix of pistachio, almond and banana gelato. The hubby had a mix of their strawberry and also the banana gelato. They get quite busy, but the Polish girl behind the counter was quite patient with me wanting to try different flavors. It's definitely worth it to stop by this place when you have a craving for some cold, creamy and nummy dessert.
(5)
Patrick B.
This review is primarily for the gelato, as I didn't try anything else in here. Cafe del Hidalgo is a great gelato place/Italian lunch spot/coffee shop in the Old City of St. Augustine. You can either order a panini or salad for lunch or gelato for a delicious dessert (and don't forget a caffeine boost from their coffee). Everything you order is at the counter, but be warned, there are different counters for everything. I just had the gelato, so I can't comment on everything else served, although the paninis looked really good from the menu. The biggest quirk I have is you have to order the gelato at the salad bar counter and take the receipt to the gelato guy for him to serve you. You are offered tasting spoons if you want to test out there awesome selection of flavors. I had a small dish of amaretto and hazelnut (you can have two flavors with a small, three with a large). It was phenominal! The gelato just melted in your mouth! Overall, if you're looking for a treat in St Augustine (or lunch, even though I can't comment on it), head over to Cafe del Hidalgo and enjoy a taste of Italy via gelato.
(5)
Natalie B.
Perfect place to grab a cold treat while wandering the Old City section of St. Augustine. The selection of gelato is amazing. I ordered a small which allow you two flavors from which to choose. I had a hard time narrowing my choice down, but finally decided on Limoncello and Coconut. It was so amazing! My friends' gelato was also tasty!
(5)
Jay L.
Totally agree with the previous poster (Natalie). It's a great spot to get a gelato while walking around St. Augustine. They have a nice lil indoor seating area if you want to relax. They also have coffee and sandwiches which I have not partaken of. Thumbs up. It'd get 5 stars but it's a lil pricey.
(4)
Ashley D.
This was a random stop for food while we were exploring St. Augustine. Wow it was so good. We all tried different paninis. I had the Mona Lisa (turkey, brie, green apple, and cherry preserves). I'm not a huge fan of cherries so I asked to have them removed, and the chef suggested substituting pesto. It was a fantastic suggestion. I also had the Iced Chai drink and loved every little bit. The atmosphere was great. The people working were super friendly and helpful. I would definitely go back if I'm in the area again.
(5)
Laura Terese H.
We were walking hand in hand in hand around St Augustine on a very very busy night, our usual restaurant was an hours wait and we were hungry! We three like to try to eat healthy, and we all love to share food. Spotted the Gelato first, then saw that they have salads and panini's! Went in, eyed the gelato and menu boards some more and the blonde girl behind counter kinda shooed us away to the back where you actually order the food. We decided to get the: Hildago salad - fresh green apple, walnuts, mandarin oranges, sun dried cherries, blue cheese and sesame ginger dressing on a bed of baby field greens 8.95 and Bruschetta Panini- tomatos, basil and mozzerella cheese. 8.95 and three waters. Found our table, waited for our number to be called (which we missed cause the guy calling it out was not very loud nor could you understand him) It did not take very long. The food was really good. The salad was huge and fresh and the dressing was seriously delicious. The panini comes with a pickle and chips, and it was well toasted and savory. All of it fed the three of us, and we were very satisfied and full! The place itself? a bit unorganized and had cheap christmas decorations everywhere. A bit too cluttered for my tastes, but it was still comfortable. We sat at the back counter. They have huge tables to sit at for big families. No public bathrooms, but there is one right down the hallway. The only real negative here, was the blonde girl at the front serving Gelato. She never smiled, she did not want to be there, when my husband asked her what flavor she liked the best to maybe get a staff favorite, she repied 'all of them' ...unenthusiastic as heck. We would come back here, in fact we DID come back later for a nice cup of coffee after a romantic moonlit snuggle at the fort.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dessert Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Jonathan V.
Lemon gelato tasted great, but man it's expensive!
(4)Nick B.
Great food!! They've got a nice little menu to choose from, but you can also "build your own" panini, which is what I did. Ingredients were great and fresh. Nice little cafe in the midst of crappy touristy shops and "restaurants".
(5)Christie L.
Stopped here for lunch. We all had a panini and they were all just ok. Two of us got a chicken panini with roasted red pepper, but they were plain and we had to ask for mayo on the side to get some flavor. Maybe our experience would have been better if we'd stuck to the gelato...
(2)Rebecca B.
Any lover of gelato will enjoy this little place. Sample first, then order at coffee counter, and tell the gelato man what's your fancy. I enjoy their Oreo cookie flavor in a waffle cone.
(5)Luis L.
Coffee and gelato are good but that doesn't make up for the horrible customer service by the management /owner. I was sitting having a coffee and my family came in with some fries from across the way. The owner came over and immediately told my family that they couldn't be there. They said that they can't bring other food in. Ok I understand that, but what if they didn't have that? They wouldn't be allowed to sit there either? Because she yelled at my kids my son got nervous and spilled a few of his fries. I was going to clean it up. But she got all bent out of shape that he spilled them on her antique tables. So wait, it's OK to have her food on the table but not other food? Does that make sense? If you're worried about your antique tables then why have them in a cafe in the 1st place. Customer Service is the key now a days. If you want to be inviting and keep customers coming, you let them sit and enjoy themselves with their families. You don't tell them to leave, especially if they are a patron. Needless to say I will not eat from there again.
(1)Matt M.
Been going here for 8 years now during field trips to St. Augustine for gelato and have never had a bad experience. I typically get a good third of my class to follow me in and order too! They do a good job with the kids' orders too!
(5)Tara J.
What's my problem and why did I not love their coffee like everyone else? I'm a pretty picky coffee drinker and love it strong and dark! Since this is a French coffee roaster, I had expectations of strong coffee. I ordered my usual soy latte, but received what tasted like a soy latte with a chai chaser. Odd. Yes, after each sip, it tasted like I took a shot of chai tea to wash it down. Interesting. The after taste was just not right. I'd try them again just to see if I could experience a better coffee than I did this time around.
(3)H. H.
Gelato good.
(4)Joseph L.
Yesterday we had to get our fix of the best gelato I have ever tasted ANYWHERE. This place is a regular for us and I always call ahead to make sure they have my favorite flavor Mango ! They make many many flavors and they will gladly let you taste because, they know wants you taste they have got you hooked( WHICH THEY DO). This is so good I even had some shipped to NC for Christmas I mean its that good! Yes shipping 2 gallons in a cooler with ( What I call Hot ice) was not cheap but, I could not take it any longer! I needed my mango Gelato fix! Its a must stop if in the Old City..
(5)Brooke W.
Lots of yummy gelato. I could not choose just one and so I opted to get a panini instead. It was a good choice but I still dream of the gelato that could have been. Next time Cafe del Hidalgo, next time.
(3)Frank L.
I love Gelato, and this place has some good Gelato..relatively inexpensive and so creamy and light..also, a lot lower fat than ice cream...so eat more!
(4)Ayanna B.
It's not exactly like genuine Italian gelato, but it's really, really good. Especially classy compared to the 4 other ice cream shops. There are a ton of flavours, all of which are good and supposedly healthier than ice cream. LOL. I usually get 1/2 amaretto, 1/2 cookies and cream. My mum had tea there, and a not good croisssant. I had a mediocre muffin and water. So I wouldn't recommend ordering anything other than gelato. This place is surprisingly pricey, but I'll go back again and again. Indoor seating is a nice relaxing escape from the tourists.
(4)Tyler G.
Great food, but slow kitchen. Stopped in here for lunch. Counter service was quick, but took a while for food to come out. I had the mona lisa and it was GREAT! If you're prepared to wait, it's well worth it. If you're in a hurry, keep on walkin.
(4)Anthony D.
Both of us had the Asian Salad which was equally satisfying and delicious at a very reasonable price. Ambiance was a bit Disney like and scattered but still the food was good and worth the trip.
(4)Kamila T.
mmm mmm mmm good. I love Gelato and their summer special (4 flavor) cup was deliciously smooth and creamy. If it wasn't so fattening I would have had 2 cups!
(4)Leisa B.
The Mona Lisa sandwich was excellent.
(4)Caity W.
Checking out the other reviews, I'm sorry we did not try the gelato. But, I'll make a mental note to return, if the temperature here in Florida ever goes back above 40 degrees! My youngest son and I wandered around St Augustine on a late morning Christmas shopping expedition. We wanted to find unique gifts, and we wanted a nice, casual meal. Cafe Hidalgo was just right. An old, historic setting. A fabulous salad (for me) with such an abundance of dried cranberries, walnuts, feta, etc. that I couldn't finish. A perfectly toasted panini dripping with ham and cheese(for him). We liked. We sat outside in a pretty courtyard, as it was a bit cold inside - result of those old thick stone walls, I suppose. I am looking forward to the return of hot weather, and wandering with a gelato - maybe exploring the fort across the street!
(4)Juli M.
Wandering around St. George street with my family - this was a great place to stop in for a cool drink and a gelato. They have a weird ordering system - when you walk in, there is this lovely big gelato display and you can taste samples, etc. - but you order your gelato or whatever else from the main counter around the corner. Then, this is relayed to the "gelato guy." Decor is cozy with some Moorish antique looking stuff. very comfortable. Gelato was just OK (had chocolate, grapefruit, lemon between us), but I wouldn't say no to a second scoop!
(3)Hopper C.
Sandwiches are great! I had the Pollo Royale. Chicken was soft, not dry & hard. Bread was firm but not rough & cheese was gooey & delicious. Great panini! They have Italian sodas that are good. The large iced tea was perfect but small. I would definitely return!
(5)Carlos C.
Love this place! I have been here many times before I started Yelping. The gelato is always a great choice here. You can sample any flavor to help you decide what you want. The Salads are huge and so are the sandwiches. Very filling. I always make it a point to stop in here whenever I am in the area.
(5)Tim M.
I would have gave this cafe a 4/5 star because getting the food was rather slow, but I can't help but up tick it to a 5/5 because of the fresh gelato they make every morning. I thought they hit a home run on the flavors. The only last time I have seen great gelato like that was in San Diego, CA. I also had the Pollo Royalle (Panini with chicken, tomato, mozzarella, and mayonnaise). It took a bit of time to get it, but it was worth the wait because the bread was cooked nicely on the outside, but still soft and the chicken was cooked great and there was plenty of mozzarella. Yum. The service was excellent for the gelato and the girl was so nice to be patient so you could give the flavors you wanted to try a taste. The portions I thought were generous and the freshness is definitely there. I would recommend this place to anyone visiting St. Augustine. I am so lucky to be a resident; I will be coming back often.
(5)Brian S.
I came here with a few friends after the Food Truck Wars over the weekend, and love it every time I do. They apparently have food, but I am a fan solely for the gelato. I suppose one day I will need to try the food that received equally-ravenous reviews. Until then, eat up and you will be happy that you did!
(5)Lindsey H.
My husband and I got gelato here last night and it did not disappoint! We split a small, which we were a little worried that it might not be enough, but it was packed with gelato! It was easily 2 scoops worth! I absolutely loved the chocolate flavor. It was so smooth and creamy, with almost a mousse like texture. We will probably be back before we leave!
(4)Mae B.
I would have given this place a five but they did not tell me that one of the ice cream and liquor in it. That is really something you should tell somebody. I only had a small taste but it was enough to make me sick to my stomach. Other than that the ice cream is very tasty. It's actually not normal ice cream it's Italian ice cream. This is my second time here today, I had hot chocolate earlier. It was just warm I prefer my hot chocolate hot. They do have other beverages and Paninis and salads but we did not try any of those.
(4)Rachel R.
After a hefty night of drinking, we were looking for a place to get a good sandwich before relaxing by the pool. Everything we tried was good, nothing to rant and rave about but good. I ordered the meatball panini, my boyfriend ordered the rock and my bf's mom ordered one I can't recall the name of. Tried an Italian soda which was okay. The homemade gelato and ice cream was the best part.
(4)Philip L.
One of the best cafe's in town. Their paninis are unique and well prepared - easy to eat while still having pretty complex flavor profiles for a small eatery. Their Cafe drinks can get a bit pricey, but are usually worth the indulgence. In addition, their range of Gelatos and Sorbets is like none other in the area - made fresh daily, you can have anything from Limoncello Sorbet to Chocolate Cherry Gelato - all for a fairly reasonable price. Great place to stop in for a quick bite.
(5)L K.
I didn't exactly eat here. I'm giving two stars for wonderful gelato, and zero stars for service. The building is charming. My companion wanted a coffee because it was a cold drizzly morning, I stopped to shop the gelato offerings. Woman behind counter greeted me, but that's all. I was about to move on when my friend saw a sign that offered tastes, so I asked for and was graciously given generous samples. The gelato is very dense and almost too creamy. The coconut was very. very sweet, which is not to my taste, but had good coconut flavor. The mango flavor tasted exactly like fresh ripe mango, fruity and not overly sweet. I planned to try a few other flavors later. It was early and we wanted to explore the area first, so planned to return later for refreshments. However, after 10 minutes, my companion said no one had even tried to take his coffee order - he was third in line, first customer had just been served as he joined line, they had been making second customer's order that entire time! We only had one day in town with our friends, and wanted to do other things too.
(2)Kevin B.
Quaint space with eclectic decor. Excellent panini and salads (you create or featured on menu). Fresh ingredients and delicious combos. Must save room for some amazing gelato. Wait time was a little excessive (20+ min) for food, but not a deal breaker for good meal.
(4)Danielle R.
Super cute and quaint. As soon as you walk in the Gelato counter is the first thing you see. You can sample the flavors to help make your decision then go around the corner to pay. Once you pay you go back to the counter to get your Gelato. It was all amazing and they had lots of flavors to choose from. I went with the Strawberry and Amaretto. The strawberry was a nice vanilla with fresh strawberry preserve jam mixed in. Soooo tasty!
(5)J C.
Good prices, crowded and small inside. Try ALL the flavors first then go around to the cash register, place your order then hand the small ticket to the person behind the gelato counter and they will fill your order. Of course you will have to endure the embarrassment of having them look at you after you just sampled every single flavor they had......and still can't make up your mind. LOL Good gelato, good prices and some shade to sit and people watch while you eat it. Will be back.
(4)Matt D.
Great place! Really fair pricing. Had the Hidalgo salad. Delicious. They do need to have 2 registers. One for Gelato and another for food. It would be much more efficient that way. That is my only suggestion. Love the ambiance.
(4)M H.
Right in the heart of St Augustine's quasi promenade, this cafe sits on the corner and is good considering the price and location. The sandwiches are good and filling. You order at a counter and seat yourself. The indoor area had several tables and loads of Spanish explorer inspired artwork. There is an outdoor area, but the tables and chairs were dirty and run down. Great coffee, which can be taken to go. There is a "gelato" ice cream parlor section. The flavors tasted more like ice cream than gelato though. Very friendly staff and good choice for a quick bite.
(4)Anne J.
My daughter ordered a 16 oz. speciality drink which was supposed to cost $2.00. I was charged $2.25--the cost of the 20 oz. drink. When I brought this to the cashier's attention, she looked at me like I was crazy and said "I'll let my manager know". She did not offer to upsize the drink or refund my money. I realize that it's just 25 cents but it's the principle of customer service and doing what's right.
(3)Cassie R.
A bit on the pricey side, but the gelato is fantastic! As other reviews have stated, you can sample the flavors before you order, and you can even mix two flavors together; I ended up getting a chocolate raspberry cup that was creamy, flavorful and amazingly refreshing in the summer heat. Service was pleasant and quick and the decor is very aesthetically pleasing, with an air of classiness. While I've only tried the gelato so far, I'd definitely like to try some of their other goodies the next time I'm in St. Augustine; the deli selections and coffee drinks looked very promising as well!
(4)Rayni K.
I love the Gelato here but that's pretty much all I've tried. They allow you to sample the flavors prior to deciding on one (or two), but they're not the best at accommodating customers at times. In fact, service has grown steadily worse with every visit I've made here. The ordering and payment process is also rather non-intuitive. You have to go past the gelato counter into what looks like the coffee counter to first pay for your order (waffle cone or not, how many scoops, etc.). Then you take the receipt to the gelato counter to get what you want. It's a little bizarre to go further into the restaurant first when the gelato is right by the door and so distracting! The gelato's worth all the hassle, though.
(3)Amanda C.
At first I was skeptical about eating lunch here since it seemed very touristy but my boyfriend loves him a good sandwich so once he saw they had paninis there was no stopping him! I'm glad we chose to eat here for lunch the paninis were very good! I had the Mediterranean panini that had red pepper hummus, feta, cukes, tomatoes and onions, spinach and provolone cheese. I would definitely recommend eating here if you are looking for a good sandwich!
(4)Amber K.
I've been here twice now, and I would for sure go back for either coffee or a quick bite to eat. My mom and I stopped in here for dinner when wandering around looking at the Christmas lights. We both got a panini and they were both sooooo good. I got the caprese because I love mozzarella and basil. OK, and tomato. Mom got the Mediterranean, which to me sounded like it would be weird because it had 2 types of cheese PLUS hummus (hummus and melted cheese just didn't sound right to me) but it ended up being delicious. At $7-8 bucks each, you definitely get a good sized sandwich. We also had some coffee to go. They made us a fresh pot because they were out. It wasn't really the type of coffee I like, but a little milk made it good. Stopped in here again a few weeks later for a Mexican hot chocolate. It was raining and freezing outside, so I requested it extra hot so it wouldn't cool down so fast. It came out luke warm at best, but they were so busy I didn't feel like trying to grab someone to have them fix it. Overall, it's a nice little place to grab a snack and a drink. The gelato looks great, but I have yet to try that.
(3)Andy J.
Love the gelato here. Pink Grapefruit on a hot day can't be beat. Flavors rotate daily so you never know which they'll have that day. Sample them 'til you find the one or two you like best.
(4)Katherine N.
Gelato here is always delicious. Staff is always fairly friendly. I've noticed the last few summers when we were visiting they've been a bit more impatient but it does get busy and quite hot in there. They still let you take your time, but you can see them getting antsy as the line builds up of paid customers waiting to get their gelato. However, when we lived there and it wasn't the height of the tourist season they were happy to let you take your time deciding on gelato and chat with you while you choose.
(5)Diana G.
Unfortunately, I didn't try the gelato but they have the best coffee I've ever tried in Florida!!! One more time: THE BEST COFFFEE IN FLORIDA! We went there 3 days in a row (while were in town) to try their different "Signature Drinks": Cafe Don Quixote - caramel and hazelnut Cafe Carmen - white chocolate and raspberry Cafe Flamenco - chocolate and caramel Cafe Barcelona - caramel and vanilla Cafe Madrid - raspberry and amaretto Cafe Mocha Valencia - chocolate and orange My favorite was the Café Carmen and the BF's favorite was the Cafe Madrid but I'm sure you can't go wrong with any of them. Starbucks who?!?!
(5)Jordan S.
I am an idiot. I walked right through Cafe del Hidalgo to enter the upstairs restaurant, Sangria's. After spending close to $50 for two grapes and 1/2 a strawberry upstairs, we were forced to walk through Cafe del Hidalgo once again, feeling like IDIOTS! I wish I would have had lunch here! It's a mix of Panera Bread, Starbucks, and a gelato place, in a beautiful setting. For downtown, it's probably one of the more affordable options. We did splurge on gelato which was incredible! Did you know that St. Augustine is America's least friendly city for ice cream. I had never seen a "No Ice Cream' sign, but once I had this gelato in my hand, they appeared everywhere, essentially trapping me in the street.
(4)Neil S.
Great gelato. Didn't eat there but the gelato was worth the 4 stars.
(4)Dan S.
Haven't had much here apart from the gelato, but it's pretty fantastic stuff. They have a great selection, and it's always so delicious-looking in the case, nice and fluffy. The coffee here is supposedly good as well, as cited by my wife and mother who are coffee drinkers. They offer decent teas too. Meal-wise, they have paninis, which I can't attest to the quality of. The atmosphere is a Spanish vibe, yet all the food is Italian, so that's odd, but interesting. The ordering process always seems to confuse everybody, so some better signage might help in that regard.
(4)Marissa H.
The ONLY reason this place isn't getting 5 stars is b/c I've eaten gelato in Italy & NOTHING here in the US compares to that. But....about this place. Why isn't my metabolism that of a stick? I would eat here - the gelato, more about the salad in a minute - every day, AM & PM...the flavors are very fresh. But make sure you try a few as you'll certainly be paying a fair share for 2 (rather large) scoops....over $4. I had cocounut & choco/hazelnut.....it was divine! Salad was the tuna spinach salad for me....$9. good amout of spinach, way too much cheese, tuna that tasted like it came from a can covered w/ a few diced onions & way too much cheese. Did I mention it had cheese? The dressing was good but nothing that stood out as I can't remember what it was called. Go for the gelato...nothing else, just stuff your face w/ gelato. Oh - & my salad was served w/ 2 cracker packets - Pepperidge Farms, I think? I don't know - I gave them back. Why eat something from a plastic wrap when I'm about to stuff my face w/ gelato? The panna cotta, chocolate, banana gelato were also very tasty.
(4)Catherine P.
Awesome espressos and espresso drinks! I had a iced espresso (I think it was a Picasso?) and it was good. My husband, after a failed attempt to add his own spin on a italian soda flavor, got an espresso. The espresso was so good I made him go back and get me one. We looked up the type of bean they use to buy at home. The staff was very nice and the prices were reasonable too.
(5)Amy Y.
Sample the gelato until you had your winning selections in mind, then go around the corner (slight right as you enter the store) and pay for your selection there, get a voucher/receipt, then return to the gelato counter to get your delicious gelato. My favorite is the limoncello that was tart and sweet and just plain refreshing.
(4)Sundi P.
We came in here because of the information in our walking tour which said the Spanish government reconstructed this dwelling to be that of a typical gentleman's dwelling in rural Spain. Now it is a little Spanish cafe and they have gelato and sorbet. We tried the gelato and it was great, but ordered a sorbet to split. It was good too.
(3)Doug K.
Since I was visiting Florida, I had to have a slice of key lime pie. While walking down St. George Street in St. Augustine, I had seen the Cafe del Hidalgo and decided to have a slice of that coveted key lime pie. Cafe del Hidalgo is a coffee house and cafe, serving various coffees and bakery items. Service was fast, and the ambiance was quite relaxed. The slice of pie, however, was seemingly average.
(3)Andrea C.
Love this place! I'm a local and this is one of my favorite cafes downtown. My husband and I have have visited multiple times just ourselves and with family and friends and we've never had a bad experience or dish. The gelato is excellent and consistently kept at a cold enough temperature that it isn't slushy when it's dished out. The sandwiches and salads are excellent. Just a really great, inexpensive place all around.
(4)Betsi K.
YUMMY - great paninis and salads - fun location and atmosphere - highly recommend stopping in if you are in the area!
(4)Sarah K.
I stopped here for lunch while in St. Augustine for the day. I did not try the gelato, but apparently I should have! I did get a mango smoothie and the Mona Lisa panini. This sandwich was delicious! Anytime you combine turkey, cherry, apples, and brie, it's amazing. The drink and sandwich really hit the spot. This is a place I'd go if it were near my house, not just when I'm on vacation for the day.
(4)J. Lynn T.
Everyone's reviews rave about the gelato, I must regrettably say I didn't get a chance to have any, for once, I was too full for dessert! I ordered the New Yorker panini, portions are generous. My friend ordered a Caesar Salad, sadly, the chicken was a bit dry there. Atmosphere was real chill, I enjoyed the antiquity of the furniture and decor. I'd definitely recommend.
(4)Phil C.
Good stuff, nice selection. pretty prompt & leisure.
(4)Rick E.
Staff were great and venue ok but gelato tasted stale or old. We've both had good gelato and know the difference between stale and fresh.
(3)Karolin B.
Best Gelato ever! Anywhere! Luv the Hazelnut!!! I definitely recommend trying it.
(5)Kat T.
Great gelato in a wide range of flavors, and one of the only "make up your own" salad places in town. The salad offerings are always fresh, the coffee drinks and other beverages are good. They have an odd payment system for the gelato - you pay for the size you want, and then take a payment chit to the gelato counter to order your selection. They're quite willing to give sample tastes, and I always end up dithering before choosing, because they have so many tempting flavors.
(4)Rosemarie d.
Gelato was tasty... Iced tea was good. I can't give a proper review since that's all I had.... but I'd def go back for ice cream.
(3)j f.
The best gelato you can find! In Florida. I have not found better gelato anywhere in my great state. Great coffee. Gelato. Great
(5)Cassandra D.
YUMMY GELATO! Very good, reminds me of gelato I had in Florence :) On a hot day the mango flavor is so refreshing. Also tried strawberry and dulce de leche - Yum! Cute place too.
(5)Laura E.
While staying in St. Augustine we went to the Cafe del Hidalgo every night! The variety of gelato's make choosing hard, but you really can't go wrong. FYI Once you walk in, make sure you pay first and then order. If you don't, the family will let you know. It's quiet funny.
(5)Jenna S.
Great service, amazing mexican hot chocolate. :D It's awesome that they have soymilk too, even though they don't have it on their menu (just ask).
(5)E P.
We've stopped here many times and have found the food and service to be mediocre. Nothing special with so many other cafes and restaurants around. The gelato is good. Conveniently-located on the main tourist street.
(3)Mike W.
Café del Hidalgo has a prime location and offers what people want: sandwiches, simple salads, and let's not forget gelato, which is probably its biggest draw. The space is festive, ample enough, and busy but not cluttered or tight. It's clear this is a restaurant used to tourists coming in and out, having quick meals, and fussing over samples of the famed gelato. From a business standpoint, this makes plenty of sense, but it doesn't lend over to the highest of quality control. Indeed, you cannot concentrate on a superb, hand-crafted approach with great attention-to-detail in a place like this. And that's fine, there is a place for restaurants like this one and certainly a town's tourist epicenter is that place, but don't expect the level of consummate service and food found at, say, The Floridian. The gelato is very good most of the time. It tastes very fresh and many flavors are offered. The sandwiches are not as impressive, and seem an afterthought of sorts, even. The service is mostly young, college-aged, kids and they are super-friendly and try to be helpful. Alas, they are not always able to keep up with the crowds: it can get slow here, downright pokey at times. They do try their best, but its seems there is some issue with organization plus the sheer volume of business they contend with here. So, in all, I would recommend Café del Hidalgo for gelato but not lunch or dinner. And not if you're in a rush.
(3)Ashley B.
We came here for the gelato which is amazing. The paying system is a little annoying. You come in- taste the flavors then go to a register around the corner to pay if you liked the flavors then go back to the flavors to pick out and order. Super friendly service- let us try there different flavors and the gelato is delicious!
(5)Tara B.
We went to St. Augustine for the day. We had such a great time. My son decided he wanted ice cream and chose this place to have ice cream. The service was ok and he seemed to like the ice cream. We'd go back if in St. Augustine again.
(3)Rebecca M.
If you have any type of allergy to dairy and miss ice cream, yogurt, gelato, frozen confection goodness.. This is one place you can't pass up. The dairy free fruit gelatos are out of this world!
(5)Dave O.
Stopped in for gelato last weekend. The best way of describing it is to say it was okay while shrugging. The cafe was clean and the employees were nice. They also make a good cup of coffee. Probably won't go back because there are better gelato/ice cream options in the area.
(3)Cindy M.
Two stars because "Meh. I've definitely experienced better." I'm guessing that their location in the heart of the tourist area of St. Augustine is what keeps this place going. It was the first place I stopped in during a recent trip to St. Augustine and the whole experience was in one word "disorganized". From the ordering process, to the cashier taking my order and not having a clue what I was ordering from their own menu, to asking a staff member where I could pick up my coffee order -- which they apparently shout out your order when it's finished and is hard to hear over the crowd, to the large and heavy pieces of furniture cluttering the space and hard to move around. Also would agree with some other reviews -- it doesn't seem like the staff is that happy to be working there either. To top it off my order was completely wrong and had to wait further for them to re-make the order. I'm giving it two stars because the coffee I did order was good and hit the spot but probably not worth the chaos to get it after a 15 minute wait.
(2)Cristine V.
Their gelato was soooooo good!! I had a mix of pistachio, almond and banana gelato. The hubby had a mix of their strawberry and also the banana gelato. They get quite busy, but the Polish girl behind the counter was quite patient with me wanting to try different flavors. It's definitely worth it to stop by this place when you have a craving for some cold, creamy and nummy dessert.
(5)Patrick B.
This review is primarily for the gelato, as I didn't try anything else in here. Cafe del Hidalgo is a great gelato place/Italian lunch spot/coffee shop in the Old City of St. Augustine. You can either order a panini or salad for lunch or gelato for a delicious dessert (and don't forget a caffeine boost from their coffee). Everything you order is at the counter, but be warned, there are different counters for everything. I just had the gelato, so I can't comment on everything else served, although the paninis looked really good from the menu. The biggest quirk I have is you have to order the gelato at the salad bar counter and take the receipt to the gelato guy for him to serve you. You are offered tasting spoons if you want to test out there awesome selection of flavors. I had a small dish of amaretto and hazelnut (you can have two flavors with a small, three with a large). It was phenominal! The gelato just melted in your mouth! Overall, if you're looking for a treat in St Augustine (or lunch, even though I can't comment on it), head over to Cafe del Hidalgo and enjoy a taste of Italy via gelato.
(5)Natalie B.
Perfect place to grab a cold treat while wandering the Old City section of St. Augustine. The selection of gelato is amazing. I ordered a small which allow you two flavors from which to choose. I had a hard time narrowing my choice down, but finally decided on Limoncello and Coconut. It was so amazing! My friends' gelato was also tasty!
(5)Jay L.
Totally agree with the previous poster (Natalie). It's a great spot to get a gelato while walking around St. Augustine. They have a nice lil indoor seating area if you want to relax. They also have coffee and sandwiches which I have not partaken of. Thumbs up. It'd get 5 stars but it's a lil pricey.
(4)Ashley D.
This was a random stop for food while we were exploring St. Augustine. Wow it was so good. We all tried different paninis. I had the Mona Lisa (turkey, brie, green apple, and cherry preserves). I'm not a huge fan of cherries so I asked to have them removed, and the chef suggested substituting pesto. It was a fantastic suggestion. I also had the Iced Chai drink and loved every little bit. The atmosphere was great. The people working were super friendly and helpful. I would definitely go back if I'm in the area again.
(5)Laura Terese H.
We were walking hand in hand in hand around St Augustine on a very very busy night, our usual restaurant was an hours wait and we were hungry! We three like to try to eat healthy, and we all love to share food. Spotted the Gelato first, then saw that they have salads and panini's! Went in, eyed the gelato and menu boards some more and the blonde girl behind counter kinda shooed us away to the back where you actually order the food. We decided to get the: Hildago salad - fresh green apple, walnuts, mandarin oranges, sun dried cherries, blue cheese and sesame ginger dressing on a bed of baby field greens 8.95 and Bruschetta Panini- tomatos, basil and mozzerella cheese. 8.95 and three waters. Found our table, waited for our number to be called (which we missed cause the guy calling it out was not very loud nor could you understand him) It did not take very long. The food was really good. The salad was huge and fresh and the dressing was seriously delicious. The panini comes with a pickle and chips, and it was well toasted and savory. All of it fed the three of us, and we were very satisfied and full! The place itself? a bit unorganized and had cheap christmas decorations everywhere. A bit too cluttered for my tastes, but it was still comfortable. We sat at the back counter. They have huge tables to sit at for big families. No public bathrooms, but there is one right down the hallway. The only real negative here, was the blonde girl at the front serving Gelato. She never smiled, she did not want to be there, when my husband asked her what flavor she liked the best to maybe get a staff favorite, she repied 'all of them' ...unenthusiastic as heck. We would come back here, in fact we DID come back later for a nice cup of coffee after a romantic moonlit snuggle at the fort.
(4)