Golden Gate Bakery
Golden Gate Bakery makes the best egg custard tarts, better than any I've ever had in Northern California. Everyone that's been to this bakery raves about them. If you're not into eggs or custard, try the pork buns, which are also impressive. Be prepared for a wait in a long line, but if you wait it out, you won't be disappointed.
PROS: Tasty pastries, good price
CONS: Crowded
Benkyodo Co
I would definitely make a trip to Japantown just for this bakery's heavenly hand-made mochi. Their strawberry mochi is my favorite - light, not super sweet, but just sweet enough. The staff here is friendly and charming, but their presentation is lacking a bit. Don't let it fool you - the food here is wonderful.
PROS: Fabulous mochi!
CONS:
The Chestnut Bakery
This little neighborhood bakery is quite deceptively a powerhouse for fantastic pastries. I adore their French sourdough baguettes, their chocolate croissants, and their decadent chocolate cookies. Everything here is made fresh daily, and their effort definitely shows in their product. Get here in the morning before everything disappears.
PROS: Perfect pastries, great bread
CONS:
Ruby Bakery
I get Chinese white cakes topped with strawberries and kiwi for my friends' birthdays all the time, and the cakes always fantastic and perfectly fluffy and light. Everything here is very affordable, and the ladies who work here are always friendly and helpful and have great suggestions for other cakes.
PROS: Great prices and service
CONS:
Crusty Tart Bakery
If you?re in the market for some perfect, tasty, gourmet baked goods for all sorts of special occasions, Crusty Tart Bakery is an ideal destination. My family always orders our Christmas cakes and cookies from this bakery because of their presentation and their always delicious products. They have yet to disappoint us!
PROS: Gorgeous presentation, delicious cookies, timely
CONS:
La Brea Bakery
La Brea Bakery is famous for its bread, and if you ever try their olive bread with their rosemary olive oil, you might understand. Freshly baked and warm, it?s perfect for a summer picnic. They also make fabulous sandwiches, croissants, and scones, and they sell a great variety of cheeses.
PROS: Fantastic bread, great selection of foods
CONS:
Elysee Bakery
I love Elysee's fruit tarts! They crumble in your mouth and the fruit tastes perfect. Their other pastries are great too, but the fruit tart is by far my favorite. They also serve a variety of delicious French breakfast plates, and their omelettes are oustanding. Affordable prices and pretty good service.
PROS: Great pastries, affordable!
CONS: Parking is difficult
Buttercake Bakery
Buttercake bakery has amazing cupcakes and the most wonderful, moist, chewy cookies. Their pastries are packed with butter (of course) and sugar, making them super rich and delicious. It is centrally located, so it?s easy to drop by for a cupcake or two. The service is always glowing and pleasant.
PROS: Lovely atmosphere, delicious pastries
CONS: None
Bluebird Cafe
I looove their red velvet cupcake, so moist and the icing is fantastic. If you're ever in the area, make a trip - you won't regret it! They also have excellent breakfast sandwiches and good salads, and they make their food quickly. However, the service can be stressed at times, especially when the bakery is bustling.
PROS: Great cupcakes!
CONS: Service is lacking sometimes
The Back Door Bakery & Cafe
The back door bakery has wonderful croissants and pastries, and I love their famous fruit pancake ? it?s topped with delicious grilled fruit. This is a perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth in the morning. It gets crowded a lot, and it only takes cash, but the trouble really is worth it.
PROS: Original recipes, great food
CONS: Crowded at times
