San Francisco

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Desserts and Bakeries

Shops and cafes specializing in baked goods, ice cream, and other sweet treats.

Sections

1. Tartine Bakery

  • Location: 600 Guerrero St, Mission District
  • Signature Items:
    • Morning Bun: A flaky, buttery pastry with a hint of orange zest and cinnamon sugar.
    • Frangipane Tart: A rich almond tart with seasonal fruit.
    • Bread Pudding: Made with their famous country bread and seasonal ingredients.
  • Price Range: $4โ€“$12 per item.
  • Reservations/Pre-orders: No reservations; expect long lines, especially on weekends. Pre-orders for bread and pastries are available online.
  • Local Insight: Arrive early (before 9 AM) to avoid long waits. The bakery is located in the Mission District, a vibrant neighborhood known for its murals and cultural diversity. After your visit, explore nearby Dolores Park for stunning city views.

2. Bi-Rite Creamery

  • Location: 3692 18th St, Mission District (near Dolores Park)
  • Signature Items:
    • Salted Caramel Ice Cream: A perfect balance of sweet and salty.
    • Balsamic Strawberry Ice Cream: A unique flavor that highlights local produce.
    • Ice Cream Sandwiches: Made with house-baked cookies.
  • Price Range: $5โ€“$10 per serving.
  • Reservations/Pre-orders: No reservations; lines can get long on sunny days.
  • Local Insight: Grab your ice cream and head to Dolores Park, just a block away, for a quintessential San Francisco experience.

3. Mr. Holmes Bakehouse

  • Location: 1042 Larkin St, Tenderloin
  • Signature Items:
    • Cruffin: A croissant-muffin hybrid filled with rotating flavors like matcha or passionfruit.
    • Donuts: Creative flavors like milk tea or yuzu.
  • Price Range: $4โ€“$8 per item.
  • Reservations/Pre-orders: No reservations; arrive early as the cruffins often sell out by mid-morning.
  • Local Insight: The neon โ€œI Got Baked in San Franciscoโ€ sign is a popular Instagram spot. The Tenderloin neighborhood can feel gritty, so stay aware of your surroundings.

4. B. Patisserie

  • Location: 2821 California St, Pacific Heights
  • Signature Items:
    • Kouign-Amann: A caramelized, buttery pastry with a crispy exterior.
    • Tartines: Open-faced sandwiches on house-made bread.
    • Seasonal Fruit Tarts: Delicate and beautifully presented.
  • Price Range: $5โ€“$12 per item.
  • Reservations/Pre-orders: No reservations; pre-orders available for larger quantities.
  • Local Insight: Located in the upscale Pacific Heights neighborhood, this bakery is perfect for a mid-morning treat before exploring nearby Fillmore Streetโ€™s boutique shops.

5. Humphry Slocombe

  • Location: Multiple locations, including 2790A Harrison St, Mission District
  • Signature Items:
    • Secret Breakfast Ice Cream: Bourbon and cornflake-infused ice cream.
    • Blue Bottle Vietnamese Coffee Ice Cream: A nod to San Franciscoโ€™s coffee culture.
  • Price Range: $5โ€“$10 per serving.
  • Reservations/Pre-orders: No reservations; walk-ins only.
  • Local Insight: Known for its quirky flavors, this spot is a favorite among locals. The Mission location is close to the 24th Street corridor, a hub for authentic Mexican food and culture.

6. Arsicault Bakery

  • Location: 397 Arguello Blvd, Inner Richmond
  • Signature Items:
    • Croissants: Buttery, flaky, and named among the best in the country.
    • Chocolate Almond Croissant: A decadent twist on the classic.
  • Price Range: $4โ€“$8 per item.
  • Reservations/Pre-orders: No reservations; arrive early as items sell out quickly.
  • Local Insight: Located in the Inner Richmond, this bakery is near Golden Gate Park and the Presidio, making it a great stop before or after exploring these iconic areas.

7. Miette

  • Location: 1 Ferry Building, Embarcadero
  • Signature Items:
    • Macarons: Delicate and colorful, with flavors like rose and pistachio.
    • Gingerbread Cupcakes: Moist and spiced, topped with cream cheese frosting.
    • Shortbread Cookies: Buttery and crumbly, perfect for gifting.
  • Price Range: $3โ€“$8 per item.
  • Reservations/Pre-orders: No reservations; walk-ins only.
  • Local Insight: Located in the Ferry Building Marketplace, Miette is perfect for a sweet treat while exploring the waterfront or after a stroll along the Embarcadero.

8. Craftsman and Wolves

  • Location: 746 Valencia St, Mission District
  • Signature Items:
    • The Rebel Within: A savory muffin with a soft-boiled egg inside, served with a side of Tabasco.
    • Seasonal Cakes and Pastries: Always creative and beautifully presented.
  • Price Range: $5โ€“$12 per item.
  • Reservations/Pre-orders: No reservations; pre-orders available for cakes and larger items.
  • Local Insight: This modern patisserie is located on Valencia Street, a trendy area filled with boutique shops, bars, and restaurants.

9. Mitchellโ€™s Ice Cream

  • Location: 688 San Jose Ave, Bernal Heights
  • Signature Items:
    • Ube Ice Cream: A vibrant purple yam flavor thatโ€™s creamy and slightly nutty.
    • Mango Ice Cream: Made with Philippine mangoes for an authentic taste.
    • Halo-Halo Sundae: A Filipino-inspired dessert with tropical toppings.
  • Price Range: $5โ€“$10 per serving.
  • Reservations/Pre-orders: No reservations; lines can form during peak hours.
  • Local Insight: A family-owned institution since 1953, Mitchellโ€™s is a must-visit for unique, tropical flavors. Itโ€™s a bit off the beaten path but worth the trip.

10. Golden Gate Bakery

  • Location: 1029 Grant Ave, Chinatown
  • Signature Items:
    • Egg Tarts: Silky custard in a flaky crust, considered some of the best in the city.
    • Sesame Balls: Crispy and chewy with a sweet red bean filling.
  • Price Range: $2โ€“$6 per item.
  • Reservations/Pre-orders: No reservations; cash only. The bakery is known for unpredictable hours, so check ahead or be prepared for a gamble.
  • Local Insight: Located in the heart of Chinatown, this bakery is a great stop while exploring the neighborhoodโ€™s historic streets and shops.

Tips for Dessert Lovers in San Francisco:

  1. Timing Matters: Many bakeries sell out of popular items by mid-morning, so plan to visit early.
  2. Cash vs. Card: Some older establishments, like Golden Gate Bakery, are cash-only. Always carry a small amount of cash just in case.
  3. Weather Considerations: San Franciscoโ€™s microclimates can vary greatly. If youโ€™re planning to enjoy your dessert outdoors, bring a jacket, even in summer.
  4. Public Transit: Most of these spots are accessible via Muni buses or BART. Parking can be challenging, so consider using public transportation or rideshares.

With this guide, youโ€™ll be well-equipped to explore San Franciscoโ€™s vibrant dessert scene while enjoying the cityโ€™s unique neighborhoods and landmarks. Bon appรฉtit!