What is the Best Bakery in San Francisco?

Looking for the best bakery in San Francisco? Alright, fellow foodies, get ready for a mouthwatering tour. Here are the top spots where you can satisfy your carb cravings:

Pastries 🥐 & Bread 🍞

Tartine: A must-visit for any bakery enthusiast, Tartine is known for its incredible pastries and their country bread is so good. Just add a smear of butter and it is most delightful. Tartine also has a full-service outpost called Tartine Manufactory that just recently started up serving pizza.
Arsicault: This small bakery has made a big name for itself with its flaky, buttery croissants that are simply to die for. Be prepared for a line at the Richmond location, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. It does move fairly fast. Get there early before they sell out!
B. Patisserie: If you’re craving something sweet and elegant, B. Patisserie is the place to go. Their pastries are as beautiful as they are delicious. I’m partial to their kouign amanns but they have plenty of tasty offerings.
Breadbelly: A relative newcomer to the scene, Breadbelly has quickly made a name for itself with its Asian-inspired pastries and bread. The co-founders came from Atelier Crenn, so you know you can trust their goods. Rumor is that they are going to be opening up a 2nd location soon. Don’t miss their kaya bun!
Maison Nico: A cozy neighborhood bakery with a French twist, Maison Nico is known for its delicious pates, tarts, and croissants (my friend actually prefers them to Arsicault!). It’s the perfect spot to indulge your inner francophile.
Stonemill Matcha: For something a little different, check out Stonemill Matcha. This bakery specializes in matcha-flavored treats and drinks that are sure to delight any green tea lover. This bakery almost shut down but was thankfully revived by the Taishoken ramen folks nearby.
Mister Bread: A fairly nondescript looking Asian bakery, Mister Bread has delightful egg tarts and pineapple buns with custard cream filling. It’s a treat if you happen to get them piping hot. Many friends and publications favor Pineapple King Bakery, but I prefer Mister Bread. Slight downside is that they take vacation randomly and you wouldn’t know until you show up and they just have a sign on their door.
Juniper Bakery: This bakery has become very hot after it won a contest for best croissant in San Francisco. I still think Arsicault is better but Juniper does have fantastic coffee from Saint Franks.
The Mill: The Mill is shockingly expensive but Josey Baker Bread is truly very good. This bakery is known for its amazing bread made with locally sourced ingredients. Pair it with a cup of coffee for the perfect breakfast.

New Bakeries I want to Try:

Butter and Crumble
Jina Bakes

Pies, Cakes, Donuts & things

Three Babes Bakeshop: This is my favorite-est pie shop in SF. They have a relatively new shop in the Mission but can also be found at the Ferry Building on Saturdays. If you love pie, you should definitely check them out.
Yakusochi’s Sweet Stop: Hidden inside a grocery store, this coffee crunch cake is delicious and a unique SF treat. They sell out fast, so get there early!
Butter&: Really delicious homemade-feeling cakes. Not cheap but very tasty and recommended for your friend’s birthday cake.
Zanze Cheesecake: This shop for this SF Classic used to be on Ocean Avenue (technically it’s still there but it’s permanently closed) but the owner retired during the pandemic. Thankfully, the owner of Original Joe’s bought up the recipe and how to make it. You can get whole cheesecakes at the Original Joe’s West Portal side shop or slices at their various locations throughout the city.

Honorable Mentions —

Noe Valley Bakery / SusieCakes: If you want a dependable crowd-pleasing cake (read: office party), go with SusieCakes or Noe Valley Bakery. Technically not my top favorites but very solid nonetheless.
Mochihill Donut: Craving something sweet and chewy? Mochihill Donut specializes in mochi donuts that are a unique and delicious treat, similar to Mister Donut in Asia!

So there you have it, the best bakeries in San Francisco that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for a flaky croissant, a decadent pastry, or a chewy mochi donut, these spots have got you covered. Happy eating!

Did I miss one of your favorites? Let me know in the comments.