Hello, everyone
In our student days, there was a bakery near our apt. that had great almond croissants. Alas, it is now closed.
We will be in CA next month for a visit. So, we are open to suggestions for another bakery.
We will be in SF and Oakland.
We are willing to take a short detour along our routes. Oakland to Yountville and Oakland to Pescadero.
Our taste buds and stomachs thank you.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
In SF financial district is La Boulangere San Francisco 222 Sutter ST.
They have wonderful french style croissants baked daily.
I freq this self serve cafe often
There are afew other locations on their website in case another location is better.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
B Pattisserie at California and Divisidero in SF has mind blowing croissants, breads and pastries. Very high end quality. Very authentic French.
My 2 cents for Yountville... the Bouchon bakery is not good, if that's on your list. Bought a baguette there and threw it out. Their eclairs, croissants and macarrons were not good. But I grew up in France so I'm a tough critic. I like authentic and high quality and Bouchon bakery is not. Often a long line of tourists out the door. Bouchon restaurant was ok but not worth the high prices imo. But my favorite restaurant anywhere, ever, is Bistro Jeanty in Yountville.
Posted by
Portland
3599 posts
When you are in Oakland, try La Farine on Piedmont Ave. Their original store is on the Oakland/Berkeley line on College Ave.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3391 posts
In Yountville definitely go to Bouchon Bakery! Amazing...
Do you know about the artichoke bread in Pescadero?? Make sure to go to the old market there and buy some...yum!
We always go to La Farine in Berkeley but there is another one in Oakland as well...amazing French pastries!
Posted by
OP
Boston
380 posts
Wow, thank you so much for all the suggestions.
We are so excited to visit as many of them as possible. (Salads and chicken breasts this month, then next month...)
You all have added an extra happiness factor to our trip.
Again, thank you.
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3099 posts
Do you mean La Boulangerie? They have several locations in SF besides the Sutter Street one. My hubbie loves the Croque Monsieur, made from brioche bread ( liked it so much I bought the cookbook).
I believe they were bought by Starbucks ( and does some baking for them) but they haven't changed their vibe or their quality.
Posted by
3245 posts
The Marina Safeway in San Francisco has great almond cinnamon croissants. You're free to spend more money for the same thing elsewere, but they are really great.
The garlic artichoke bread from the bakery in Pescadero is better than any croissant - IMHO.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5835 posts
Not croissants but pretty good bakery:
SF Mission District http://arizmendi-valencia.squarespace.com/menu/
Oakland Lakeshore http://arizmendilakeshore.com/menu/
Posted by
Portland
3599 posts
Arizmendi is also in Emeryville on San Pablo near 40th.
For those of you that balk at patronizing Starbucks, I've heard that something went sour in the Starbucks/Boulange deal and the big, bad S doesn't own the latter any more. Can't confirm.
Posted by
681 posts
The best croissant is Neighbor Bakehouse 2343 3rd St. #100. San Francisco. The baker has taught classes on croissant all over the world. Our family LOVE the place.