This old-school North Beach bakery sells one thing only: focaccia. Bring cash and get in line for bubbly, chewy focaccia topped with onions, garlic, rosemary, mushrooms, or tomatoes. Served simply on white parchment, it’s fun to walk over to Washington Square and chew contemplatively on a park bench. The line does move along, but it never hurts to pregame with a cappuccino.

Chef Nicolas Delaroque has his viennoiserie program down, with golden, flaky pastries such as cruffins and brioche feuilletee beckoning to customers. But just as eye-catching is the picture-perfect assortment of pate en croute and aspic that Delaroque crafts, an intensely savory and earthy addition worth walking to the shop for, if you’re a fan. If you have time, for an additional $4 you can eat your pate at the shop and you’ll be supplied with baguette, mustard, and pickles.

Saint Frank is known for its coffee, but with the opening of its new bakery Juniper, the Saint Frank team is hoping it’ll also become known for its pastries, as well. Fine-dining pastry chef Andrea Correa of Parallel 37 consulted and set Juniper up with a choux-forward menu for its opening — with the French pastry shell as base for sweet and savory versions of the treat (think a tiramisu-inspired version, the “tiramichoux” or a Parmesan-anchovy choux). But there are other non-choux reasons to visit, such as the juniper lemon escargot (the sweet pastry, not the snail) and the Cubano croissant with mojo pork, ham, and whole grain mustard.

Jane serves all manner of breads, breakfast pastries, cakes, tarts, and more at its various locations in San Francisco. There's a full lunch menu, too, with sandwiches, salads, and grain bowls, plus a selection of gluten-free goodies. Don't skip the avocado toast.

After it was declared the "best croissant in America" by Bon Appétit, the lines for Armando Lacayo's flaky creations became overwhelmingly long. Years later, the Inner Richmond spot is still drawing lines for its skillfully executed kouign amann, almond croissants, morning buns, and more. And there’s a downtown location at Civic Center, too.

A trio of fine-dining chefs, coming from Atelier Crenn and Mourad, launched this popular Asian American bakery, instantly recognized by its beautiful kaya toast and tidily cut sandwiches on soft milk bread.

Opening in the former 20th Century Cafe space, Loquat has already managed to make a name for itself on the strength of its babka. Owned by business partners Jodi Geren and Tal Mor from Four Barrel Coffee and the Mill, along with pastry chef Kristina Costa, the bakery serves delightful pastries such as Turkish coffee cream pie. Don’t skip out on the aforementioned babka, which comes in various flavors such as salted chocolate.

The only dedicated German bakery in San Francisco won an Eater Award for bakery of the year, thanks to Berliner baby doughnuts pumped with jam and beautiful Black Forest cakes decked with cherries. Chef and owner Ha Do is originally from Vietnam, but grew up in Germany, and wanted to share her favorite sweets.

The Scandinavian-inspired restaurant on Market puts out gorgeous porridge and smoked fish platters, but never underestimate the buns. Chef Nichole Accettola spent a decade in Copenhagen, and specializes in cinnamon knots, cardamom morning buns, and crunchy cookies, not to mention the occasional croissant-wrapped hot dog.

This neighborhood favorite on Irving specializes in those crunchy-topped namesake buns. Those who cannot choose between butter and custard fillings can consult the “family tree,” starting with the “grandpa and grandma” plain pineapple bun and pineapple bun with butter, and getting a little more wild with the younger generations of matcha or salted egg. There’s also sweet Hong Kong–style milk tea, Chinese and Portuguese-style egg tarts, and pudding.

Day Moon is technically a new addition to the Sunset bakery scene, opening a new shop this spring on Irving Street, but it’s been a staple of the Clement Street Farmer’s Market for quite a while. Expect crusty, toothsome baguettes, unique items such as rye porridge bread, and small loaves perfect for a household of one or two.

Neighbor Bakehouse's croissants swing sweet and savory, including the everything option with poppy and sesame seeds, garlic, green onion, and cream cheese on the inside. The inventive menu also features pistachio berry twice-bakeds, passionfruit buns, and more.

In the heart of the Mission at 24th Street and York, this Mexican bakery is known for its rich and eggy pan dulce — shaped as seashells, turtles, alligators, and wiggling worms — as well as its Salvadoran sesame seed cake. It’s cash only, but less than 10 bucks will buy a tray of half a dozen sweet treats.