San Francisco is a city that takes its food seriously, and nowhere is that more evident than in its neighborhood bakeries. From the crackle of a perfectly laminated croissant to the deep, tangy bite of a legendary sourdough loaf, the city offers a world-class carbohydrate landscape.
Whether you are a local hunting for your new daily ritual or a visitor navigating the hills, the sheer variety can be overwhelming. The foggy climate of the Bay Area plays a unique role in the baking process, particularly for bread.
The wild yeasts and humidity create a distinct environment that has put San Francisco sourdough on the global map. However, the modern baking scene has expanded far beyond just bread, incorporating French patisserie techniques, Japanese precision, and Central American traditions.
Navigating the best spots requires understanding the different “lanes” of baking. Some establishments are grab-and-go counters perfect for a morning commute, while others are sit-down cafes where you can linger over a coffee and a pastry. Knowing what you are in the mood for—savory, sweet, or strictly utilitarian—will define your ideal destination.
We have scoured the city, from the Outer Sunset to the Mission District, to curate a list that represents the pinnacle of the craft. These are the places where bakers arrive before dawn, where butter is treated with reverence, and where quality ingredients are non-negotiable. This guide prioritizes flavor, texture, and consistency above all else.
In this article, we will explore the most iconic and delicious bakeries the city has to offer. We will cover what makes each one special, what you absolutely must order when you visit, and why they have earned their reputation. Whether you are a purist seeking the perfect baguette or a sweet tooth looking for a life-changing slice of cake, there is a spot for you.
Below is the definitive list of the best bakeries in San Francisco, curated for locals and tourists alike.
Tartine Bakery
| Address | 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 487-2600 |
Came in the mid afternoon on a Weekday and there were still pastries left! Went on another time on a sunny weekend and line was out the door but line gradually moves.
The passion fruit lime coconut cake slice is SO good. Was very tempted to go back to get another. Perfect to take to Dolores park on a sunny day.
Loved their chocolate croissant - perfectly crispy on the outside with a flaky interior. Would def again. Personally, it’s slightly better than Arsicault (because of the crispy exterior).
Wasn’t a huge fan of their cherry almond frangipane croissant though. Croissant itself was good but the almond frangipane wasn’t my favorite flavor. Plus paired with the dried cherries. Part of me was expecting cherry compote and not actual dried berries.
Blueberry buckwheat scone is good if you want something a little healthy. Definitely has more of a bread-like crumb.
Ham & cheese croissant is good but only one piece of ham. Definitely heat it up before consuming.
Friendly staff!
Breakfast stop on a sunny SF Monday. Had the egg sando on a buttermilk loaf, gougere, cafe au latte and bread pudding. Loved the crusty cheese exterior with soft aerated bread of gougere. The bread pudding was a sweet fruity custardy heaven . Great egg sando too.
I completely understand why Tartine Bakery is raved about. The morning bun was one of the best pastries I’ve ever had!
Caramelized sugar + orange zest for that hint of citrus. The texture was perfectly flaky and still soft in the middle.
The line on a Saturday morning took about 30 minutes, it was wrapped around the block so I’d say it went pretty quickly.
We heard great food, long lines, and hard to find parking. We were able to find street parking ok and only had to wait for 2 people in front of us. Oh my, everything was delicious! Friendly staff. Looking forward to coming back!
Secured free two-hour street parking on Guerrero Street for a three-minute transit walk to the bakery, arriving at 8:08 AM for a pre-scheduled, prepaid 8:15 AM pickup order. The bakery was fairly busy, with some interior and exterior spaces occupied. Upon arrival, counter staff could not locate the pre-staged to-go bag on the holding racks. After cross-referencing email confirmation and register data, the order had to be manually fulfilled on the fly. The interaction lacked basic hospitality standards; the associate appeared visibly bothered by the packaging task, and no thank you was offered upon handoff.
From a distance, the employee was observed sharply tapping the small pastry box down on the countertop before folding the lid flaps. Upon returning to my home for the structural audit, the consequence of this handling error was clear. The cardboard box was completely undersized for the four-inch Lemon Cream Tart, which cost $11.50. The restricted cardboard perimeter compressed the product, completely fracturing the right side of the brittle pastry crust and causing the lemon curd surface to shear and crack cleanly down the center.
The Classic Butter Croissant at $6.75 and the Pain au Chocolat at $7.25 suffered a catastrophic structural slide, tightly crowded alongside multiple baked elements into a shared container. Macro-analysis of the croissant's exterior revealed a well-defined shell with caramelized lamination bands, but both pastries completely lacked the shattering, brittle crispiness required of an elite viennoiserie matrix. Applying a standard serrated knife resulted in immediate compression rather than a clean shear. Forensic cross-sections exposed the interior crumb network, revealing an under-baked, gummy, and dense core moisture trap near the base that rendered the matrix texturally non-viable. An identical structural failure was evident in the Pain au Chocolat, where a collapsed, wet internal crumb surrounded the chocolate batons, indicating severe thermal core under-development during the bake cycle.
The Morning Bun, priced at $6.50, offered a distinct operational contrast, delivering a well-developed, satisfyingly chewy texture complemented by a vibrant, clean citrus flavor profile. The Chocolate Rye Tea Cake, also $6.50, delivered a pleasant flavor profile, but the internal crumb structure was flatly heavy, and dense, completely missing the lighter, delicate aeration expected of a premium tea cake. Total spend was $38. At a premium tier pricing model—featuring one of the priciest lemon tarts in San Francisco—there is zero operational headroom for sloppy packaging logistics, front-of-house apathy, and under-baked pastry cores. Legacy brand hype cannot mask a visible slide in daily operational execution.
Arsicault Bakery
| Address | 397 Arguello Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Phone | (415) 750-9460 |
Very delicious and definitely not overhyped! Now I understand why so many people call this the best croissant in San Francisco. I tried the chocolate croissant, and it completely lived up to the hype. The outside was perfectly flaky and buttery, while the inside was light, airy, and filled with chocolate that wasn’t overly sweet. Every bite had the perfect balance of crisp layers and soft, and it has the best textures I've ever had. There was a line when I arrived, but it moved fast, so I only waited around 20 minutes, which was totally worth it. Overall, 10/10 experience! I would absolutely come back and happily wait in line again!
HEAVEN!! DIVINE!! HOLY DAMN! No wonder people make a huge line for this! I can't stress enough how delicious these pastries are! This is daaaaangerous!! Very, very, very dangerous! Be advised, you will be tempted! That said, if you are looking to indulge, I can't recommend the Chocolate Almond Croissant enough!! And I say this with 2 exclamation marks! I have tried half their menu so far, and I stand behind my rec. Their Chocolate Chip Cookie is nothing to scoff at, but is loaded with butter. Again, you've been warned! If I manage to get their Monkey Bread I shall come back to update this. Speaking of, even though lines can appear long, they go by really fast. So give it a try!
I love this bakery, easily my favorite spot in San Fran for pasties.
It always gets busy tho, so you really want to be early.
I loved the savory puff pastries the most.
People tend to the like the almond but It was too sweet for me to eat a full one.
Follow for more on IG @curlcouple
Top notch bakery in Inner Richmond! Buttery, flaky, and delicious croissants. We got two plain and they were excellent. Also, one chocolate-almond, which was a bit too sweet for our tastes. Expect a line! We arrived on a Tues at 8:45am (15 min before opening) and the line was 20 long. Once they opened, the queue cleared in about 5 min. Expect a LONG line and wait on weekends.
Absolutely loved my visit to Arsicault Bakery in San Francisco! 🥐✨ The almond croissant was absolutely divine — flaky, buttery and delicious. If you get there early, you can beat the queues, which makes it even better. There’s no seating, so it’s very much a pick-up-and-go kind of place. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in San Francisco!
b. patisserie
| Address | 2821 California St, San Francisco, CA 94115 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 440-1700 |
B. Patisserie is the best. If anyone is visiting San Francisco or if you simply need a pick me up, grab a kouign amann or one of their delicious croissants. They have an abundance of pastries to choose from. The space is airy and clean. The line moves quickly as well. There are so many bakeries to choose from in the city, but B. patisserie will win every time for me.
It sounds funny to say, but our first experience with the excellent baked goods of this establishment, was in Honolulu, where they are situated in a coffee shop in Waikiki.
Soz had to try the mother ship!
Busy, but line moved fast.
Nice selection of treats, and great espresso drinks.
Available seating to sit and enjoy ( and bring some home for later, of course!)
The Kouign Amann like many have mentioned is superb. I'll give the Croissant a miss though if I'm back the next time.
Just a recommendation, do takeaway and have it at the Alta Plaza Park that is nearby, it's just a short walk away
Good pastries and a nice atmosphere. I’ve been here a few times. The line is always long. Most items are already prepared yet ordering still takes a surprisingly long time.
I feel like the staff could move faster or have more staff to help with ordering since most people order a takeaway anyway. The food is worth it but the service frustrates me and could be much more efficient.
Would come back! Note to the company for addressing allergies at the bottom of my review. Came here with a friend and got a blueberry scone and a zucchini, tomato, and cheese pastry, which they heated up upon my request. Both were good and the whole place smelled like butter- yum!
PSA: no wifi and the vibes were not for a work environment. Very cute and light inside- great place to chat with a friend.
For nut allergy folks: lots of almonds and it seemed like they were guessing about which ones were nut-free without having anything to consult to confirm. The first person I spoke to was confused when I was asking about my allergy, potentially because of a language barrier. To her credit, she got someone else who seemed to understand what I was asking and had more insight but I still would’ve felt better if there was that binder of ingredient lists for each pastry that they could take out and show me like some other places have. Or if they went back to consult someone who baked it to double check. It felt mostly like guesswork from the person telling me there were no nuts in the pastry I got but I risked it (still alive lol)!
Butter & Crumble
| Address | 271 Francisco St, San Francisco, CA 94133 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 874-9484 |
Lined up at 7:45 am on a Thursday and was miraculously 2nd in line- line was around the block by 8:15!
Overall I enjoyed B&Cs sweet pastries more than their savory ones (maybe I just didn’t pick the best ones out of all the options?). The standout from the June menu was def the raspberry passionfruit pain suisse- all of the croissants that they make are super flaky and has an insane crunch to it but this was one was superior; also rly loved how they left the tartness of the passionfruit and combined it with the sweetness of the vanilla cream. Can skip the Morty P since it’s basically a ham and cheese croissant that has a similar flavor profile as juniper and arsicault, just with the pistachio pesto added to it
If you're up for the wait it's worth the try!
Lineup starts at 7:45am sharp! We arrived around 7:30am to park and walk over. Some people bring chairs and towels to sit on, expect a 2hr wait time.
While in line be sure to look up the month menu on Instagram! Each party can purchase up to 10 items, not including drinks. We got a box of 9 pastries and 1 cookie and they are amazing! The banana brown butter pastry was sooo good. You also need to get the biscuit! There's only 2 seats inside, so we took our goods to go over by Tunnel Tops park. Fun if you have a free morning.
The staff are also incredibly friendly and attentive. 10/10 service!
Definitely a busy place. The pastry is super fresh and crispy. I got their famous lamb Pasteur and it actually tastes good. Worth the wait!
Side story - Someone dropped their pastry while drinking coffee and everyone in line is “awwww”, and yeah, it’s a line. 5 seconds rule was applied. That’s how good the pastry is. 😂
Butter & Crumble has been on my list for so long because every time I walked by, the line was insane. First time I tried going around 1pm and they were already sold out even though Google said they close at 2pm. So next time, I prepared. I came back at 10am, with my kindle, waited in line around 40 minutes before finally got to the pastries.
From their May menu, I ordered the Strawberry Rhubarb Cruffin and the Pistachio Cardamom Sugar Croissant. And you know what, just wow... I was shocked. These pastries are seriously next level. The cruffin was my favorite, buttery, unbelievably flaky with layers that shattered perfectly when you bite into it. The strawberry rhubarb filling had the perfect balance of sweet and tart, while the orange blossom mascarpone cream outside had a very light floral flavor. These combination was just god made.
The pistachio croissant was also another level . Super buttery, crisp outside, soft inside, with very (very very) heavy pistachio cream filling that tasted very nutty and rich but not too sweet. The cardamom sugar coating made it even better, and aromatic. Every bite tasted so heavenly. Definitely the best bakeries I’ve had in the Bay.
After hearing about this place for months and months, we finally got up early, waited in the line and spent nearly $100 on pastries. Was it worth it? I would say so even with the obnoxious line down and around the corner. It isn’t their fault for the long line , well kind of because all of the different items we tried were all tasty and delicious. From the savory to sweet, each pastry and cookie was very very good and you could tell they are made fresh daily. We got to the line at eight and left the building with two large boxes and a coffee at 9:30. I wouldn’t show up any later than eight and expect a quick morning.
Looking forward to returning in the fall or winter to try out their new menu items of the seasons.
Neighbor Bakehouse
| Address | 2343 3rd St Unit 100, San Francisco, CA 94107 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 814-2544 |
Arrived around 8:30 AM and managed to grab a street parking spot about a half-block down the street. The corridor is definitely a bit tight, but it's completely manageable. As soon as I walked through the door, the staff gave me a warm welcome, which set a great tone for the visit. I really appreciated the layout of the counter display—it makes it incredibly easy to see exactly what they have to offer before you order. Everything I selected was carefully packed into a box, and I was happy to find that every single item survived the drive back to the East Bay completely intact.
Pistachio Blackberry Twice-Baked Croissant: A standout treat. The top has a wonderful, crispy crunch that balances perfectly with a very generous filling of rich pistachio frangipane and tart blackberry jam.
Twice-Baked Ube Croissant: Just as impressive as the pistachio. The crisp, sugar-dusted outer crust arches over a beautiful, generous core of sweet, electric-purple ube filling.
Curry Potato Bourek: Deliciously savory. The pastry folds kept a great texture, and the spiced potato filling had wonderful flavor.
Everything Croissant: A great savory option that packs tons of flavor, with a nice, even coating of everything seasoning over the layers.
Butter Croissant: It was completely soft on the outside and didn't have that classic, crisp shattering effect on the exterior shell that you usually look for in a benchmark croissant. There was no crispiness whatsoever, and i didn't detect any butter flavor.
Overall, Neighbor Bakehouse offers an excellent selection with great, vibrant flavors. Whether you are in the mood for something sweet or savory, it is absolutely worth a stop. They also have some nice tables and chairs set up outside in front if you want to enjoy your treats right there.
Finally made it to Neighbor Bakehouse to try a spread of their pastries. The Banana Bostock was easily my favorite. It has all the elements I love about a well-made pastry: a crunchy exterior and a soft, almost custard-like middle. The Pistachio Berry was a close second; I’d never had that specific combination of tart berry and nutty pistachio before, and it works perfectly.
The Ube was solid, though the Chocolate Hazelnut was my least favorite of the bunch—good, just not as standout as the others.
I walked in expecting something good and ended up completely surprised by how exceptional everything was. This pastry shop operates on a different level. I tried the everything croissant and a banana pastry, and both exceeded expectations by a wide margin. The everything croissant somehow balances savory intensity with delicate, flaky layers—it shouldn’t work this well, but it does. The banana pastry was just as impressive: rich, nuanced, and far more refined than it sounds. Nothing felt heavy or overdone, just incredibly well executed. This is the kind of place that quietly resets your standards for what pastry can be.
Got there around 9:30 and thankfully a lot of the pastries were in full stock. Everything croissant was super yummy!! Had cream cheese filling with some chives in it and the pastry was topped with a lot of the everything seasoning both on the top and the bottom, also super flaky!! Pastry itself is a lot bigger than other pasties I’ve seen in bakeries and price was super reasonable too ($6.75).
Would go back to try their sweet pastries next time since it seems like they’re well known for them as well
Every piece here is a masterpiece. Best in class croissants of all kinds. Coffee is very good. Street parking was a breeze in the weekend. No place to sit inside. Some chairs outside and it’s super windy so the crumbs of your croissants will fly everywhere, sadly docking points for atmosphere as a result. Grab your stuff and go to Crane Cove park or the park in front of the Chase center and have a nice SF weekend.
Jane The Bakery
| Address | 1881 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
This one has high ratings and reviews, but I’ve never managed to make it here early enough to experience their full selection. Every time I visit, it’s usually close to closing time, so there are only a few bread and pastry options left. Even so, the shop is always busy, which says a lot about how popular it is. This time, I tried the chocolate coconut brioche. The price was reasonable, and the flavor was pretty good. Bread was soft with some kind of sweet jam, not the freshest but it's okay. I noticed from other photo reviews that they offer several savory pastries as well, and they look really tempting. I’ll definitely come back earlier next time to give those a try.
So many great options to choose from! There’s always a line on the weekend but it moves quick. Loved the chicken mango sandwich, and you really can’t go wrong with the brunch croissant (with egg baked inside). The black sesame and yuzu cora puff pastry was also a standout. The oak latte was excellent, though I wouldn’t recommend the matcha latte.
Pastries: 3/5
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 3/5
Portion to Price: 3/5
Overall: Lots of good variety and I'd go back to try other things.
The extended review...
Pastries: 3/5 - I got a few pastries to try sample and all were pretty standard fare.
Service: 3/5 - Friendly staff
Ambiance: 3/5 - It's basically a grab and go bakery with no where to sit down.
Portion to Price: 3/5 - Pricing was comparable to other bakeries.
Jane the Bakery is my favorite find of 2026. The menu is delightfully overwhelming, with so many great options to choose from. I especially love the fresh baguettes and the dark bread selections. The staff are kind and hardworking, which makes the experience even better. The bread and baked goods remind me so much of the German bakeries I visited while traveling through Europe.
A lovely bakery with tasty breakfast options, delicious bread, and pastries that never disappoint. The prices are moderate, making it easy to come back again and again. Fresh coffee available.
Parking available
Juniper
| Address | 1401 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Juniper completely lived up to the hype. The staff was incredibly accommodating and genuinely friendly, making the whole experience even better.
The banana chocolate croissant is one of the most unique pastries I’ve had and easily the best croissant I’ve eaten in the city. The banana flavor is rich and natural without being overpowering, pairing perfectly with the chocolate.
What really sets this croissant apart is the craftsmanship. It’s baked to perfection with high-quality butter, and the lamination is outstanding. If you look at the interior (see photo), you’ll notice the butter layers are clean and intact rather than cracked or broken. That’s exactly what you want to see in a properly laminated croissant. Many bakeries miss this crucial step during the folding and lamination process, but Juniper absolutely nailed it.
The result is a croissant that’s light, crisp, buttery, and beautifully layered from the first bite to the last. If you’re a pastry lover, Juniper is a must-visit, and the banana chocolate croissant is an absolute must-order.
This is by far my most favorite bakery. The Toast was the best I’ve had. The bread was crispy and the combination of avocado and radish was surprisingly good and the other sweet bakeries that I got was also great and the Matcha was the real thing. There’s nothing to complain here except that you have to wait in line for almost an hour to get these, but totally worth it!!♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Tried Juniper and wow… easily one of the best bakeries in SF.
The croissants are insanely flaky and buttery.
Tried the pain au chocolat, banana chocolate croissant, and the raspberry almond and all of them were so good. Each one had a really nice balance of flavors without being overly sweet.
The vibe is cute and cozy, and it does get busy but definitely worth it. 10/10 recommend!
Excellent pastries, there was a line but it moved pretty quick. Pastries are light, unique and flavourful with the right balance. We tried the mushroom danish, kimchi danish and the sesame kouign amann. Of course a traditional butter croissant always serves as the best metric for judging and place and it was exceptionally good and beautiful lamination.
Juniper is a highly acclaimed, modern café and bakery located at 1401 Polk Street (at the corner of Polk and Pine) in the Nob Hill/Tendernob neighborhood of San Francisco. Opened in early 2023, it is the sister concept to the renowned Saint Frank Coffee (located just a few blocks north on Polk). Juniper was founded with the explicit goal of bringing fine-dining pastry execution into an approachable, everyday neighborhood café setting. The name and kitchen philosophy are inspired by Brother Juniper—a companion of St. Francis of Assisi known for his open, joyful hospitality.
The interior features a clean, bright, and minimalist aesthetic with soothing neutral tones, industrial architectural bones, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. A centerpiece of the café is the open view of the kitchen, allowing patrons to watch the pastry team roll, shape, and bake throughout the morning. It operates with a swift, bustling neighborhood energy, though seating is relatively limited inside.
The bakery shot to massive local fame after dominating the 2024 San Francisco Croissant Competition, sweeping the Grand Prix, People’s Choice, and Best Original Creation awards against some of the city's long-established legacy bakeries.
Open daily from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM. The Lines: Ever since their sweeping wins at the SF Croissant Competition, weekend lines can get long. However, if you are only ordering coffee, you can bypass the main pastry line and head straight to the back espresso bar.
What we enjoyed most about the pastries are these retain the crisp and the crunch of the flaky pastries like the mushroom and prosciutto danish, the mushroom danish topped them a;;
Bob's Donut & Pastry Shop
| Address | 1720 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (415) 776-3141 |
Definitely the best donut joint in the city! Also open 24h, how not to love this place? It used to be a hole-in-the-wall but they recently moved to a new, bigger location. Now they even have sitting space! I have only been here a couple times since they opened this new location and the donuts still taste the same good ol Bobs Donuts flavor.
I don’t know how something that looks so good and smells so good could be so below average. Such interesting flavors that I was excited to try but none of the donuts were anything above a 7/10 and most of them were below a 5/10. Would not recommend this spot. If you’re craving a sweet treat find another spot
My son surprised us with donuts today he brought 12 for $46. The person recommended one for him unfortunately it was not fresh.
Overall other donuts was delicious many different flavors but I think a bit overpriced. My favorite here was the tiramisu donuts yum!
i have nothing bad to say, the donuts were fresh and yummy. i got a guava, chocolate & blueberry. definitely worth a visit!
I visited San Francisco for my birthday trip from Chicago, and one stop stood out above the rest—Bob’s Donuts on Polk Street. This legendary 24-hour shop has been serving fresh, handmade donuts since the 1960s, and it’s a true gem.
As a Chicagoan, I’ve had my fair share of great donuts (think Stan’s, Do-Rite, and Firecakes), but Bob’s has a nostalgic, no-frills vibe that makes it special. It’s the kind of place that works for both late-night cravings and early-morning sugar fixes.
The donuts are big, fresh, and packed with flavor. The classic glazed raised donut is perfect, but two of my personal favorites were the apple fritter and maple bar. And if you’re up for it, they even have the famous Texas Donut Challenge—a giant donut you try to finish in under three minutes for bragging rights.
My absolute favorite, though, was the Mango Malasada. Malasadas are Portuguese-style pastries popular in Hawaii, filled with tropical fruit flavors. I chose mango, and it was heaven—soft, fluffy, and bursting with sweetness. I honestly wish we had malasadas this good back in Chicago!
Tartine Manufactory
| Address | 595 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA 94110 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 757-0007 |
It's a restaurant... It's a bakery... It's a book store... It's a home goods shop.... This location has all of these, and more. Came here for brunch, and the food was decent... Croissant didn't meet expectations, though... Especially when there are so many excellent croissants in the City. Food was very fresh and service was quick, although a bit impersonal; prices were as expected.... Elevated. But heck, this is a hipster's epicurean destination.
It's a very popular place for breakfast/ lunch in San Francisco where one can watch how the best of Sardough breads are on the making line on large scale with out compromise for the best quality and providing delicious sandwiches. I loved Samon, turkey and avocado ones. Their Cortado coffee was awesome. Loved the food and Adonis guiding us through the menu with a wide smile. Thanks for a good time inspite of waiting. Worth it !
The sourdough bread at Tartine is the best in the city. Manufactory is their best spot for brunch (other locations are smaller, more cramped and the Sunset one imo as good quality).
Their tartines and sandwiches are pricey but delicious. The tuna, hummus, avocado sandwich is one of the favorites (can easily be shared). The salmon tartine is also solid, especially with a side of avocado. The banana cream pie is also a must!
For dinner, their meatballs and the Margherita pizza are great, easy options.
First time visit for me. Great place for lunch. Very cool ceramics shop and bookstore in same building. We got the kale Caesar salad, breakfast sandwich, tuna melt and banana cream pie. The two standouts were the tuna melt and banana cream pie. Breakfast sandwich though good wasn’t as special. Kale ceasar was delicious. Generous portions. Banana cream pie definitely is an item you would need to share.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
Tartine Bakery absolutely lives up to the hype. From the moment we walked in, the service was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The staff was patient, knowledgeable about the menu, and made the whole experience feel relaxed and enjoyable — even during a busy brunch rush.
The standout dish was the soft-cooked scrambled eggs with caviar. Perfectly silky, rich, and buttery, the eggs were cooked to that ideal custardy consistency. The caviar added a beautiful pop of briny flavor that elevated the dish into something truly special. Simple ingredients, executed flawlessly.
Of course, the pastries and bread are phenomenal as always, but the combination of exceptional food and thoughtful service is what really made this visit memorable.
An easy 5 stars — can’t wait to come back. 🌟
Thorough Bread & Pastry
| Address | 248 Church St, San Francisco, CA 94114 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 558-0690 |
Really amazing bakery. We got a baguette that was perfectly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. The croissant was flaky. The veggie sandwich was fresh and the bread was really good. The oatmilk latte I had was also amazing and really large size which I loved. The cafe is large with a nice backyard with sitting. My only criticism is that the lady that was helping us wasn’t very nice. Not sure if she was just having a bad day. It might have been an off day for her. Highly recommend though
TLDR: tasty food and nice outdoor area for seating!
My favorite was the croque madame and the lemon almond croissant! I also really enjoyed the outdoor seating area with some shade. Diverse selection of pastries, sandwiches and even soup!
I really loved the patio space here — the large tree and lush greenery make it feel like such a hidden gem. I tried both the plain croissant and the almond croissant. The plain croissant wasn’t as savory as I expected, but I really enjoyed the almond croissant — it had just the right amount of sweetness. The staff were friendly, and the portions are generous for the price. I’ll definitely be back!
This bakery has the most DELICIOUS seasonal fruit frangipane tarts I’ve ever had in my life! Whoever makes these tarts is a magician and I make my way to this bakery every weekend to get some of these tarts, 100% worth it. We always get some of their other pastries while we’re there and they always taste delicious too.
Huge thank you to Juliemarie for emailing me about the tarts I asked about and making it happen!
The staff here are also all very friendly and the atmosphere is very nice, especially the cute garden in the backyard.
We tried a lot of items. Very sweet spot- casual hidden gem. The pastries are good. Nothing WOW! However if you are in the neighborhood, stop by for a cup and pastries. We had the chocolate/banana/almond croissant, apple tart, kale/cheese quiche, ham/cheese potato quiche, ham&cheese croissant, corn cheddar scone, brown sugar chocolate chip cookie,flat white w/ soy, cappuccino. (Yes, we took some home...)
Arizmendi Bakery
| Address | 1331 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 566-3117 |
I first heard about this place because Zendaya once mentioned it as one of her favorite spots in the Bay Area. After visiting, I can definitely see why it’s so popular. The bakery was busy, the bread was fresh, pastries were still warm, and everything smelled amazing. Whenever I visit a new bakery, I always order a croissant because that’s my way of judging how good a bakery is. This time, I got the chocolate croissant and a carrot muffin. The chocolate croissant was good, but not the best I’ve had in the Bay. I wish it had been flakier, with more layers and a richer buttery flavor. The carrot muffin was okay too. My mom liked it, but it just wasn’t my favorite. That said, the prices are affordable, and it’s still a solid bakery overall. So, I’d still stop by if I were in the area.
This was a beautiful place. Their whole bakery is really good. I need to try their pizza, the chocolate chip cookie was my favorite aswell as the sourdough chocolate croissant 🥐 I will be coming here more often I highly recommend especially since the workers are really nice 😊
An excellent bakery with a long line for a reason. The quality is unreal. You can taste the love put into it. The seeded bread sticks are divine and the mini focaccia and scones were amazing. I could eat here daily if I lived in SF.
Everything tastes super fresh and homemade. The focaccia and pastries are delicious, and their rotating pizza slices are such a fun touch. The vibe is very casual and neighborhood-style, and the staff is really friendly. It can get busy, but the line moves pretty fast. Great spot for a quick bite or an easy breakfast.
Food
AMAZING - Triple mushroom and vinaigrette pizza
Very good - Bialy, almond sourdough croissant, cheese roll (when warmed up - too hard otherwise)
Average - Walnut sourdough, daily scone, chocolate mint cookie
Wished I could try - cherry corn scone (missing from my order, I LOVED the one from Cheeseboard), focaccia square
Service
Ordered ahead for pick up, which was missing/not prepped when I arrived (minor inconvenience). They made the order on the spot but missed one item (bigger inconvenience). I didn't catch it until I was home, contacted them and they promptly refunded the item (great resolution).
Arsicault Bakery
| Address | 1070 Bridgeview, San Francisco, CA 94158 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 374-7310 |
Niceeee, 推推！
Kouign Amann flavorful and buttering, sweetness at the right level. Soft inside and crispy outside.
Ham and cheese, serve it hot and crispy. The portion is good, proportion also pretty good.
Croissant also soft inside and crusty outside.
I have been wanting to try their bread because I have been seeing them on my social media feed.
The chocolate and almond croissant were good. Crunchy on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside. It could be better with more chocolate (the almond though was just right).
The kouign-amann was my favorite. It was a very good caramelized pastry with the sam texture as their croissant.
The chocolate chip cookie was more of a chocolate brittle rather than a cookie. 1/2 of the outer circumference was that of a brittle while the 1/2 center had the consistency of a cookie. Good flavor though.
Price is similar to other bakeries. Each pastry was roughly about $5.
While there was a line, service was fast so not really a long wait. I was there at around 9am. Parking’s hard so my husband just had to wait for me in the car.
Maps led me astray but found the tucked down the side.
Croissants were tasty! More jammy than fresh berry (personal preference) but crispy and sweet nonetheless. Seating was a premium - definitely don’t expect to dine in! 10:15am on a Thursday still had a line out the door.
Will pop through again, earlier next time
Please note: immediate street parking is practically non-existent. After scanning the surrounding blocks to no avail, I had to utilize a nearby loading zone to preserve my placement in the queue before the doors opened at 8:00 AM. By 7:55 AM, a steady line had crystallized, with roughly 12 people ahead of me—mostly neighborhood locals out hunting for the top croissants in SF. The queue moves with impressive velocity once morning service begins.
While the culinary execution is elite, the physical atmosphere of this node leaves much to be desired, warranting a modest 3/5. Situated immediately adjacent to a massive parking lot and the stadium infrastructure, the immediate geography feels stark and corporate. Because it is a weekend, the surrounding commercial spaces are entirely locked down and vacant, creating a ghost-town environment completely lacking in charm or traditional cafe warmth. This is strictly a high-utility pickup point rather than a leisurely destination.
I ordered a baseline control set of five items for transport back to my place in the East Bay. Per bakery policy, five items do not meet the minimum threshold to warrant a rigid pastry box, so the collection was packed into a standard paper pastry bag. I highly appreciate the front-of-house staff member who assisted me; after I mentioned that these assets were designated for food photography, he was incredibly meticulous and gentle when placing them in the bag. Thanks to his precision, the pastries survived the transit back across the bridge with minimal damage to their fragile outer layers.
Ham & Cheese Croissant: This is a spectacular technical achievement and easily one of the finest savory variants I have encountered in the entire Bay Area. Many spots over-saturate their dough with excess butter to compensate for the filling, but Arsicault maintains absolute balance. The ham and cheese are clearly premium, high-quality selections. Cutting it open reveals an expansive, clean air vault with an open honeycomb structure that completely insulates the crumb from the meat's moisture. It is a deeply savory, flawlessly executed breakfast treat.
Blackberry Almond Hazelnut Croissant: This was an absolute revelation—frankly, one of the best sweet croissants I have ever had, and an execution that entirely justifies a trip back across the Bay just to secure another one. If you are hunting for the best almond croissant in the Bay Area, this unique berry twist is unmatched. The cell structure across the upper canopy is thin, delicate, and perfectly proofed. The sweetness of the berry mixture delivers an incredible, vibrant flavor profile that contrasts beautifully against the rich, nutty crunch of the hazelnut and almond topping. Exceptional depth of flavor.
Chocolate Croissant (Pain au Chocolat): Boasts a beautiful, wide geometric build that rivals the finest French pastries in SF. The exterior shatters cleanly upon compression, exposing a uniform internal cell matrix that frames the dual chocolate batons perfectly without a hint of doughiness.
Kouign Amann: A visually hypnotic, tight spiral geometry. The exterior sugar crust is flawlessly caramelized to a rich amber sheen, delivering a glass-like crunch that gives way to a glistening, syrup-laminated interior that melts seamlessly on the palate.
Morning Bun: Showcases an impressive, towering expansion coated in fine granulated sugar. It features a brilliant texturing shift—moving from a crisp, heavily caramelized lower base to a loose, pillowy, cinnamon-sugar laced core.
Despite the challenging parking infrastructure and a sterile environment, the kitchen execution at this iconic San Francisco pastry shop is pristine. From the structural calibration of the savory crumb to the incredible flavor balance of the berry croissant, Arsicault remains an elite benchmark for artisanal lamination. I will certainly be back.
We went straight here after getting into town and were highly satisfied! We arrived around 8:20 in the morning on a Saturday and there was a small line out the door. However, that line moved quickly and was efficient. The staff quickly greeted us and took our order and everything looked amazing. We settled on the ham and cheese croissant and then I got a vanilla latte. The ham and cheese croissant was good but be ready for it to be extremely flaky and get everywhere. The latte was good as well. Our main disappointment is the lack of seating. There is a bar top inside, but no seats, and only 4-5 tables outside. So if it got any busier (which it started to as we were there), you have no seat. It was also very pricey, ~$60 for the three of us.
Le Carousel Patisserie at Tilden
| Address | 345 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94102 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | (510) 214-6535 |
Pretty solid pastries. We got quite a few different types, but my favorite was the cinnamon bun. It was a real nice authentic cinnamon taste, without being overly sweet. Definitely enjoyed the sweet pastry more than the savory ones. I didn’t like the cookie at all, which was extremely dense and heavy.
Service was so kind and fast. They spoke French which was so romantic lol. Pastries were beautifully displayed, cafe was nice and toasty, and they had a steady stream of customers. We got chocolate croissants, croissants, kouign aman, mushroom truffle pastries, and some chocolate chip cookies. All were delish and well made. Would recommend this spot if your craving a little bit of France in the Bay
My brother and I kicked off our San Francisco bakery tour at Le Carousel Patisserie, and it immediately transported us straight to Paris.
Everyone working here was French, giving the spot an effortlessly authentic, warm atmosphere that set a massive bar for the rest of our crawl.
The lamination technique and flavors are pure artistry. We sampled a mix of sweet and savory, and every single bite was flawless:
1. Mango/Pineapple Croissant: A total tropical masterpiece. The fruit filling was bright, vibrant, and tangy, perfectly balancing the rich, buttery layers of the pastry. This croissant was awarded the most creative by a SF award.
2. Triple Chocolate Pain Suisse: Pure decadence. It was loaded with rich chocolate flavor without being too sweet, featuring that perfect, shatter-crisp texture on the outside.
3. Ham and Cheese Croissant: The gold standard of savory pastries. The perfect combination of savory and sweet. Flaky, perfectly baked, and packed with high-quality, comforting flavors.
Overall the experience was incredible hospitality, true French roots, and world-class baking. Starting our crawl here was the best decision we made—this place is an absolute gem!
10/10 recommend
The classic croissant was superb. The butter taste was very delightful. I also tried the mushroom pastry which was okay. The truffle mushroom filling lacked taste (needed salt).
The location is definitely not the best, but I would be willing to revisit to have their classic croissant again
Merci Ben! Very friendly service and delicious pastries. You will pleasantly have a difficult time choosing what you want to try… Perfect little stop to enjoy a pastry with a special someone on a jog through throughout the city.
Schubert's Bakery
| Address | 521 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 752-1580 |
Black Current Mousse (3.5/5): was really excited for this one but it was not as good as I anticipated. Mousse was yummy but not the perfect texture and a bit sour. Will try one of the other flavors next time.
Princess Cake (5/5): The marzipan was delicious and complemented the jam and cream well.
Chocolate Mousse Cake (4/5): Really rich and delicious almost like a fudge. The chocolate Mousse was quite dense more like a buttercream than a mousse.
I ordered the Black Forest cake for a birthday and was disappointed with the overall quality.
The cake was missing key elements that define a traditional Black Forest. There was no noticeable kirsch, and the cake layers were quite thin. The cherry filling tasted diluted and had a gelatin-like texture rather than the richness of real cherries.
The whipped cream, while light, lacked flavor and did not have the full, creamy texture expected. Overall, it felt more like a simplified version than an authentic European-style Black Forest cake.
I hope this feedback is helpful, as this is a classic dessert that, when done well, can be exceptional.
schuberts ROCKS the princess cake is so delicious holy hell
they are super nice here 🙂
only note I have is you won’t get a “your cake is ready for pickup” message — just show up at the time slot you had picked and it should be ready!
My friend brought these for me, and they were delicious. They were soft, fresh, not too sweet, and didn’t feel heavy at all. I really enjoyed them.
I enjoy their delicate flavors and attention to detail. Ordering a cake was a breeze and every part of it was delicious! Yes, including the macarons and white chocolate signage. They make the best princess cake in the area. I had their mango cake as well, but I prefer it contrasted with the saltiness of a touch of cream cheese. Lovely local spot!
Flour & Branch
| Address | 155A S Park St, San Francisco, CA 94107 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (415) 215-7437 |
I came here for lunch with my friends. We are impressed by the decor. We can see how the owner put their heart into it. Then we got the food. I got the protein plate. The brisket is a bit too greasy but the eggs and salad are light and fresh. While we enjoy the conversation, the staff, who turned out to be the owner Lauren, noticed that the food came late. So she gave us complimentary cookies! It is not what I intended to order but they are uniquely delicious! We got a chance to talk with Lauren and she is a wonderful, passionate, and inspiring chef/ owner. I would love to come and try different types of cookies here!
Such a cute little spot! The cafe is small, cozy, and very aesthetic — perfect for a relaxing coffee break. The food was phenomenal. The croissant and danish were fresh, warm, buttery, and perfectly flaky. The hot cocoa was amazing too — not overly sweet, just the right balance with a hint of cinnamon that made it even better. Definitely a gem worth visiting in SF!
I had the pleasure of visiting with some friends for breakfast, and it was absolutely amazing! The owner was incredibly sweet and provided outstanding customer service. He took the time to explain the menu and recommend some great dishes, showing so much patience. The pancakes were by far the best I've ever had, and the cookies were simply irresistible. Everything we tried was fresh, flavorful, and made from scratch. I can’t wait to return—everything was just so delicious and the place itself is so cute and cozy!
Saw all the rave reviews and their focus on high quality ingredients so decided try out brunch + pastries at this cute & cozy cafe. Did not disappoint! Prices are mostly justified by good ingredients used and the careful preparation.
Breakfast sandy was great, although the patty is on the heavier side. Mushrooms and Gruyère danish was also amazing. Would come back for the pastries and see if they have lighter options!
Michael is a happy host! Amazing breakfast bagels and pastries. Coffee is strong and delicious. Warm and relaxing atmosphere. Nice touches like fine bone china and flatware. Clean toilet is a big plus!
Essential Tips for Visiting San Francisco Bakeries
To make the most of your bakery tour, you need to plan like a local. The city’s best spots often have quirks regarding timing and inventory, so a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring you don’t miss out on the signature items.
1). Arrive Early, Especially on Weekends: The “sold out” sign is a common sight by mid-morning at the most popular spots. Bakers usually pull the last trays of croissants out between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. If you want the widest selection and the freshest pastries, aim to be in line before 9:00 AM.
2). Bring Cash or a Card—and Be Ready for Cashless: San Francisco is a hub for technology, and many modern bakeries have gone entirely cashless. Conversely, a few old-school neighborhood institutions still only accept cash. Check the door for signs or have both payment methods ready to avoid holding up the line.
3). Plan for the Weather and Limited Seating: The fog can roll in quickly, even on a sunny morning. If you plan to walk to a park to eat your pastry, bring a light jacket. Additionally, many top bakeries are strictly takeout windows with no public restrooms or seating; be prepared to eat in your car or on a nearby bench.
4). Don’t Sleep on the Savory Options: While sugar gets the attention, the savory laminated doughs (like ham and cheese croissants or seasonal vegetable danishes) are often where bakers showcase their skill. They also tend to sell out faster because locals prefer them for lunch.
5). Respect the Neighborhood: Many of these bakeries are located in residential areas like the Richmond or Noe Valley. Be mindful of parking restrictions, don’t block driveways, and keep noise levels reasonable while waiting in line early in the morning.
Exploring the bakery scene is one of the most rewarding ways to experience San Francisco’s diverse culture. It allows you to see the city block by block, tasting the influence of the immigrants and artisans who have shaped the local palate. The joy of finding that one perfect pastry or a loaf of bread that tastes like it came straight from a wood-fired oven in France is unmatched.
Whether you are checking off every spot on this list or simply stopping by the one closest to your hotel, you are participating in a vital part of the city’s economy and history. Happy eating, and may your bread always be crusty and your croissants flaky.
