San Francisco’s Sweet Tooth: Best Desserts in SF
Whether you are looking for a midday pastry treat, something delicious to bring to a party, or the perfect place to continue a fabulous date, these dessert places will make a San Francisco excursion all the sweeter:
Tartine: Located in the up and coming Mission District, this modest storefront offers elaborate pastries, delicious breakfast, and artisan sandwiches. I sampled a buttery brioche, melt in your mouth Mexican wedding cakes, and a rich chocolate hazelnut tart –all sinfully delicious. The atmosphere is intimate with limited seating at asymmetrical tables and counters that still retain the shape of the tree it came from. Mobiles hang from the walls, matching the quirky ambiance of its neighborhood. This is the perfect place to stop in for a breakfast pastry and coffee, or indulge in a rich dessert after work. For a more date-friendly dessert place nearby, try the Castro’s Sweet Inspirations, where you can split a towering slice of cake with a friend. Tons of flavors and a presentation comparable to a work of art makes this place a beloved favorite among locals.
Ghiradelli Chocolate Factory: No San Francisco vacation is complete without a trip to the world famous chocolate factory and ice cream parlor. You can watch the rich chocolate being churned the the old-fashioned way, while waiting for an unforgettable sundae, made with Ghiradelli’s own chocolate sauce. This fun place is always packed with tourists and is especially festive during the holiday season with one of the city’s most famous Christmas tree and carolers on the square.
Victoria Pastry Company: 75 years ago my big Irish family merged with an even larger Italian family in a wedding that would start one of my favorite traditions. My great aunt and uncle had this North Beach bakery make their wedding cake and ever since then Victoria Pastry’s Italian delicacies have been at every Erwin-Cordini wedding, baptism, Thanksgiving feast, Christmas party, and family reunion. Every Sicilian inspired pastry is made from scratch in a brick oven as it was in 1914 when the place first opened in the heart of North Beach. My favorite indulgences are the cream puffs and miniature tiramisu cups, rich in rum and espresso flavor. Whether you are looking for the perfect arrangement of sweets to bring to your next holiday function or just want a fresh cannoli to top off a North Beach meal, stop in at this warm and inviting bakery.
Rubicon: For a fancier after-dinner treat, head to Rubicon, where famed pastry chef Nicole Krasinski will take you to entirely new dessert level. San Francisco Magazine named Krasinski the best pastry chef of 2005 for her inventive desserts that blend surprising taste with innovation. You won’t find traditional or boring sweets here, but rather creations such as Cocoa Nib Crepes, Chocolate-Toffee-Date Cake, and Honey-Thyme ice cream. The atmosphere is cozy with warm dark wood and an award-winning selection of over 1,700 wines. It is the perfect place for an intimate date where you can bond over the taste bud adventure that is dessert here.
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That photo looks delicious, Amy! And I love the personal anecdote about all the Erwin-Cordini weddings, baptisms, etc.
[…] you’ve got a sweet tooth, then check out these other posts on dining in San Francisco: Best Desserts in San Francisco Sites We Like: tablehopper Tartine […]