Made in SF with 鉂わ笍
Looking to sweeten up your Valentine’s Day in SF? Forget the usual grocery store chocolates and supermarket bouquets – at least get some See’s Candies or Ghirardelli or Guittard! Otherwise, I’d love to introduce you to some local gems that’ll really impress your sweetheart…or at least your sweet tooth!
For the Chocolate Lover:
- Dandelion Chocolate: This place is a chocolate lover’s dream! Not only do they make their chocolate from scratch, using only cocoa beans and sugar, but they have the most decadent European drinking chocolate. I also love that they give you a little cookie and a homemade marshmellow on top. My favorite of their single-origin bars is their Abanja from Madasgascar. It has a yogurt-like taste, which I think gives a nice tang to the sweetness of the chocolate. Check out their locations in the Mission, Ferry Building, and their impressive factory on 16th Street.
- Recchiuti Confections: Funny enough, Recchiuti and Dandelion are NYT Wirecutter picks for top chocolates, and they’re both San Francisco-based and located at the Ferry Building. Recchiuti chocolates are ultra refined. They blend single-origin chocolates and use fresh, local ingredients to create some seriously delicious flavors. They often feature fun scenic spots around the city as designs on their chocolates. If you go to the Ferry Building, you can also check out the Hearts of SF sculptures.
- Christopher Elbow Chocolates: If you’re looking for eye candy as well as deliciousness, well this is your spot. Their chocolates are like little works of art, almost too pretty to eat…almost. You can find them in Hayes Valley. I can never resist stopping in their store to get a truffle or two to go. They have a great Valentine’s Day collection but their praline flavors are absolutely divine.
- KOKAK Chocolates: Did you know that KOKAK means rabbit in Tagalog? This Asian/Filipino-inspired chocolate shop in the Castro is super unique, with awesome flavors like calamansi (similar to a lime) and adobo. While I haven’t had a chance to check them out yet, I think now might be a good time to!
- Socola Chocolatier: This SoMa/Rincon Hill-based chocolatier is run by two sisters and it draws inspiration from Vietnamese flavors and ingredients. Also, their logo is a llama with wings. So adorable! They have awesome flavors like jasmine tea, Vietnamese coffee, and even Durian! Now that I will definitely have to try out…
For the Flower Fanatic:
- Polk Street Florist: This family-owned spot has been serving San Francisco for over 20 years. They have a huge selection of flowers from all over the world, and their designers can create something truly special for your Valentine. Plus, they’re in Nob Hill, so it’s super convenient if you’re in that area.
- Hoogasian Flowers: This florist has been around even longer – since 1929! They’re known for their beautiful arrangements and gift baskets. They have a wide variety of Valentine’s Day options, from classic roses to more unique bouquets. They’re in Mission Bay but you can order online from them too!
- Brothers Papadopoulos: Brothers Papadopoulos aka the flower stand on 19th street, is a family-run flower stand in the Outer Sunset. If you’ve ever travelled down 19th, you’ve probably passed by them! They’ve been known for fresh, affordable bouquets since 1978. It’s a no-frills, classic spot with a focus on quality blooms and friendly service, perfect if you want to support a local business and get beautiful flowers without breaking the bank.
- Paul’s Florist: Not quite San Francisco but in nearby Colma, Paul’s Florist is probably much more well known for well, what Colma is known for! That being said, they have the most wonderful flowers and I’d highly recommend checking them out.
- SF Flower Market: Not just for businesses, the SF Flower Market recently moved moved to a new location in Potrero Hill (901 16th Street)! It’s open to the public and features a wide variety of vendors selling fresh flowers, plants, and supplies. Go early in the morning for the best selection.
I hope this helps you choose some local spots for flowers and chocolates for yourself or your loved one(s). While Valentine’s Day has certainly become quite commercial, I find that it’s still a good excuse to either lavish yourself or others with some love and care. San Francisco has a surprisingly large number of chocolatiers and the floral options are no slouch either. Happy almost Valentine’s!
– xoxo, AskMeSF
