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Cake from Cinderella Bakery & Cafe

18 Essential Bakeries in San Francisco

These beloved bakeries constitute San Francisco’s sweetest options for cakes, pies, cookies, and more

by Lauren Saria, Becky Duffett, and Eater Staff Updated Jul 25, 2022, 12:18pm PDT

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by Lauren Saria, Becky Duffett, and Eater Staff Updated Jul 25, 2022, 12:18pm PDT

1 comment / new

Cinderella Bakery & Cafe

San Francisco is no stranger to stellar baked goods. From award-winning croissants to trendsetting toast, jam-stuffed baby doughnuts to the jiggliest of egg tarts, bakeries around town cover every craving, in every corner of the city. This list rounds up the sweetest options with a variety of pastry offerings, but if you’re specifically looking for cake, pie, cookies, or the city’s famous sourdough dig into those deeper lists. And of course, the East Bay has excellent bakeries, too.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

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Liguria Bakery

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 wouldn’t hurt to pregame with a cappuccino.

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1700 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133

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A post shared by Clarebeareats (@clarebeareats)

Also featured in:

21 Excellent North Beach Restaurants and Bars

B. Patisserie

B. Patisserie chef Belinda Leong doesn't mess around when it comes to kouign amann, the buttery, flaky pastry that sends customers to her Pac Heights shop in droves. Don't miss out on the array of gorgeous cakes and macarons that grace the display cases, either — it's all worth the wait.

2821 California St, San Francisco, CA 94115

Visit Website

Kouign amann at B. Patisserie

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jina bakes

The bakery innovator that first put kalbijjim short rib stew inside a croissant, Jina Bakes opened an official storefront in fall 2021, making the pop-up permanent. The French-Korean bakery has since expanded the menu to include a chewy injeolmi croissant topped with a rice cake and dusted in soy bean powder, black sesame pumped cream puffs, and matcha butter mochi.

Open in Google Maps

1581 Webster St Suite 150, San Francisco, CA 94115

Visit Website

Jane the Bakery

Jane serves all manner of breads, breakfast pastries, cakes, tarts, and more at all four of its 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.

Open in Google Maps

1881 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115

Visit Website

Jane pastries

Arsicault Bakery

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 now, too.

397 Arguello Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118

Visit Website

Arsicault’s croissants

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Schubert's Bakery

Schubert’s is an institution in the Richmond, known best for it’s magical Swedish Princess cake, “enrobed” in pale green marzipan. Originally founded by German immigrants in 1911, the bakery now features many old-world European cakes, as well as cookies, tarts, and turnovers.

Open in Google Maps

521 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Visit Website

Longtime regular customer Rick David (right) enjoys a pastry and coffee with his son Nicholas at Schubert’s Bakery on Clement Street in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016

Also featured in:

17 Decadent Cakes in San Francisco

Breadbelly

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.

1408 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Cinderella Bakery & Cafe

For more than six decades, first as a diner and now a bakery and cafe, this bustling Russian baked-goods specialist has been right at home in the Little Russia district of the Richmond. The expansive menu features dark and chewy rye bread, puff-pastry pirogi filled with salmon or cabbage, and deep-fried piroshki stuffed with beef and cheese — and that’s before you even get into the sweets.

Open in Google Maps

436 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Visit Website

Chocolate rum rolls, pastry puffs, and cream filled horns at Cinderella bakery in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, January 12, 2012. Cinderella bakery is the oldest homestyle Russian bakery in the bay area.

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Hahdough

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.

Open in Google Maps

1221 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Visit Website

Various slices of cakes topped with icing and fruit.

Also featured in:

Kantine

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.

Open in Google Maps

1906 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Visit Website

Cinnamon knot from Kantine

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Arizmendi Bakery

The worker-owned bakery collective is a long-cherished institution in the Bay Area, and this 9th Avenue spot comes out of that tradition. Arizmendi Bakery was founded by some members of the original bakery collective, the Cheeseboard in Berkeley, and has been keeping the Sunset full of pastries, cookies, baguettes, and pizza since 2000. Its daily changing pizza is always vegetarian and based on the Cheeseboard model: crust focused, with a film of cheese and toppings.

1331 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122

Visit Website

Baker and owner Michael Webb sweeping the sidewalk in front of Arizmendi bakery in San Francisco Calif., before the bakery opens on Tuesday, February 28, 2012. Michael Webb has been with Arizmendi bakery for the past 6 years.

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Pineapple King Bakery

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 guava butter or Spam. There’s also sweet Hong Kong–style milk tea, Chinese and Portuguese-style egg tarts, and pudding.

Open in Google Maps

1915 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122

Visit Website

Guava butter bun at Pineapple King

Tartine Bakery

Even if Tartine has become a Californian pastry empire, and management has feuded with employees, the original Tartine Bakery in Mission Dolores still has a line out the door. First timers usually go for the morning bun, a butter-bomb knot of croissant dough rolled in sugar and citrus zest. Award-winning sourdough, tarts, cookies, cakes, and more fill out the case.

600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Craftsman and Wolves

Mad scientist/baker William Werner’s masterpiece, the Rebel Within, manages to capture a soft boiled egg within a savory, sausage-studded cake. It’s served with a tiny vial of Tabasco salt for added oomph, and takes breakfast to a whole new level. Beautiful pastries and desserts are also available, from classic croissants to a “PBJ” kouign amann with raspberry peanut butter ganache and raspberry macaron.

746 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Visit Website

The Rebel Within

Also featured in:

Neighbor Bakehouse

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 kimchi toast, passionfruit buns, and more.

Open in Google Maps

2343 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107

Visit Website

A tray of pastries.

Devil's Teeth Baking Company

From straight-up delicious breakfast sandwiches on hot buttermilk biscuits to lasagna at lunch, this Outer Sunset bakery has more to offer than just baked goods. But do not pass up the opportunity to pick up some donut muffins, lemon bars, pies, cookies, or scones. There's no wrong order. And in addition to the original location of the Sunset, a second location north of the park keeps the Richmond buttered, too.

Open in Google Maps

3876 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA 94122

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Devil's Teeth Baking Company (@devilsteeth)

La Mexicana Bakery

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.

2804 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Black Jet Baking Co.

Bernal Heights’ resident cute corner bakery deals in strong coffee and nostalgic treats. Originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, hardworking baker-owner Gillian Shaw makes old-fashioned yellow and devil’s food cakes, served up whole or by the slice, and in cupcake or mini-cupcake form. It’s a fully loaded case, with pecan sticky buns and sour cream coffee cake, plus egg sandwiches on bulkie rolls and even quarantine-comfort pot pie.

Open in Google Maps

833 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110

Visit Website

Pastries from Black Jet Baking Co.

Also featured in:

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Liguria Bakery

1700 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133

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 wouldn’t hurt to pregame with a cappuccino.

Open in Google Maps

1700 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Clarebeareats (@clarebeareats)

B. Patisserie

2821 California St, San Francisco, CA 94115

B. Patisserie chef Belinda Leong doesn't mess around when it comes to kouign amann, the buttery, flaky pastry that sends customers to her Pac Heights shop in droves. Don't miss out on the array of gorgeous cakes and macarons that grace the display cases, either — it's all worth the wait.

2821 California St, San Francisco, CA 94115

Visit Website

Kouign amann at B. Patisserie

jina bakes

1581 Webster St Suite 150, San Francisco, CA 94115

The bakery innovator that first put kalbijjim short rib stew inside a croissant, Jina Bakes opened an official storefront in fall 2021, making the pop-up permanent. The French-Korean bakery has since expanded the menu to include a chewy injeolmi croissant topped with a rice cake and dusted in soy bean powder, black sesame pumped cream puffs, and matcha butter mochi.

Open in Google Maps

1581 Webster St Suite 150, San Francisco, CA 94115

Visit Website

Jane the Bakery

1881 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115

Jane serves all manner of breads, breakfast pastries, cakes, tarts, and more at all four of its 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.

Open in Google Maps

1881 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115

Visit Website

Jane pastries

Arsicault Bakery

397 Arguello Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118

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 now, too.

397 Arguello Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118

Visit Website

Arsicault’s croissants

Schubert's Bakery

521 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Schubert’s is an institution in the Richmond, known best for it’s magical Swedish Princess cake, “enrobed” in pale green marzipan. Originally founded by German immigrants in 1911, the bakery now features many old-world European cakes, as well as cookies, tarts, and turnovers.

Open in Google Maps

521 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Visit Website

Longtime regular customer Rick David (right) enjoys a pastry and coffee with his son Nicholas at Schubert’s Bakery on Clement Street in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016

Breadbelly

1408 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

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.

1408 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Visit Website

Cinderella Bakery & Cafe

436 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94118

For more than six decades, first as a diner and now a bakery and cafe, this bustling Russian baked-goods specialist has been right at home in the Little Russia district of the Richmond. The expansive menu features dark and chewy rye bread, puff-pastry pirogi filled with salmon or cabbage, and deep-fried piroshki stuffed with beef and cheese — and that’s before you even get into the sweets.

Open in Google Maps

436 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Visit Website

Chocolate rum rolls, pastry puffs, and cream filled horns at Cinderella bakery in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, January 12, 2012. Cinderella bakery is the oldest homestyle Russian bakery in the bay area.

Hahdough

1221 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94117

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.

Open in Google Maps

1221 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Visit Website

Various slices of cakes topped with icing and fruit.

Kantine

1906 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102

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.

Open in Google Maps

1906 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Visit Website

Cinnamon knot from Kantine

Arizmendi Bakery

1331 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122

The worker-owned bakery collective is a long-cherished institution in the Bay Area, and this 9th Avenue spot comes out of that tradition. Arizmendi Bakery was founded by some members of the original bakery collective, the Cheeseboard in Berkeley, and has been keeping the Sunset full of pastries, cookies, baguettes, and pizza since 2000. Its daily changing pizza is always vegetarian and based on the Cheeseboard model: crust focused, with a film of cheese and toppings.

1331 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122

Visit Website

Baker and owner Michael Webb sweeping the sidewalk in front of Arizmendi bakery in San Francisco Calif., before the bakery opens on Tuesday, February 28, 2012. Michael Webb has been with Arizmendi bakery for the past 6 years.

Pineapple King Bakery

1915 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122

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 guava butter or Spam. There’s also sweet Hong Kong–style milk tea, Chinese and Portuguese-style egg tarts, and pudding.

Open in Google Maps

1915 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122

Visit Website

Guava butter bun at Pineapple King

Tartine Bakery

600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Even if Tartine has become a Californian pastry empire, and management has feuded with employees, the original Tartine Bakery in Mission Dolores still has a line out the door. First timers usually go for the morning bun, a butter-bomb knot of croissant dough rolled in sugar and citrus zest. Award-winning sourdough, tarts, cookies, cakes, and more fill out the case.

600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Visit Website

Craftsman and Wolves

746 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Mad scientist/baker William Werner’s masterpiece, the Rebel Within, manages to capture a soft boiled egg within a savory, sausage-studded cake. It’s served with a tiny vial of Tabasco salt for added oomph, and takes breakfast to a whole new level. Beautiful pastries and desserts are also available, from classic croissants to a “PBJ” kouign amann with raspberry peanut butter ganache and raspberry macaron.

746 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Visit Website

The Rebel Within

Neighbor Bakehouse

2343 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107

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 kimchi toast, passionfruit buns, and more.

Open in Google Maps

2343 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107

Visit Website

A tray of pastries.

Related Maps

Devil's Teeth Baking Company

3876 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA 94122

From straight-up delicious breakfast sandwiches on hot buttermilk biscuits to lasagna at lunch, this Outer Sunset bakery has more to offer than just baked goods. But do not pass up the opportunity to pick up some donut muffins, lemon bars, pies, cookies, or scones. There's no wrong order. And in addition to the original location of the Sunset, a second location north of the park keeps the Richmond buttered, too.

Open in Google Maps

3876 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA 94122

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Devil's Teeth Baking Company (@devilsteeth)

La Mexicana Bakery

2804 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

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.

2804 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Black Jet Baking Co.

833 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110

Bernal Heights’ resident cute corner bakery deals in strong coffee and nostalgic treats. Originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, hardworking baker-owner Gillian Shaw makes old-fashioned yellow and devil’s food cakes, served up whole or by the slice, and in cupcake or mini-cupcake form. It’s a fully loaded case, with pecan sticky buns and sour cream coffee cake, plus egg sandwiches on bulkie rolls and even quarantine-comfort pot pie.

Open in Google Maps

833 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110

Visit Website

Pastries from Black Jet Baking Co.

Related Maps