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The 16 Best Croissants in San Francisco

For those craving a taste of France in the heart of San Francisco, the city offers a plethora of delicious croissants to choose from. Whether you prefer the traditional buttery version or a unique twist on this classic pastry, the city has something for everyone.

With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect croissant for your taste buds. From flaky layers to rich flavors, each bakery has something special to offer. To help you in your search, here are the key points to consider when deciding where to indulge in a delectable croissant in San Francisco:

Now, without further ado, here are The 16 Best Croissants in San Francisco for you to savor and enjoy!

How this guide is ordered

Our San Francisco editors picked these businesses citywide, giving priority to a reputation earned over time, details we have verified and strong, consistent work. Lists are revisited regularly, and we act on readers' notes about closures and moves.

Featured businesses may pay for a more visible position within the guide.

Top 3Full listMapHow to choose

Compare 16 local options

Arsicault Bakery#1
What stands out
  • Flaky yet buttery croissants that rival those in Paris

  • Efficient staff and quick service even when the line is long

  • Decadent and delicious pastries that are worth the wait

  • A wide selection of pastries and bread to choose from

Arsicault Bakery

4.82,436 reviews
397 Arguello Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States

Arsicault Bakery is a renowned Bakery located in San Francisco, CA. They offer a variety of delectable pastries and bread, including heavenly croissants that have left customers in awe. With a remarkable rating of 4.8 based on 2436 reviews, it's clear that Arsicault Bakery has won the hearts of many.

Some key points from customer reviews include:

If you are in the mood for a delightful breakfast or snack, make sure to visit Arsicault Bakery and experience their exceptional treats!

Tartine Bakery#2
What stands out
  • Fabulous pastries, especially the morning bun

  • Cozy atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing picnic

  • Highly recommended for first-time visitors to the area

Tartine Bakery

4.55,254 reviews
600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

Tartine Bakery is a renowned establishment in San Francisco that offers a wide range of delectable baked goods and pastries. Customers can enjoy services such as delivery, in-store pick-up, in-store shopping, takeaway, and dine-in options. The bakery is known for its delicious breakfast items and friendly service. Visitors can indulge in a variety of sweet and savory treats, from morning buns to croissants, sandwiches, tarts, cakes, and pies.

The bakery has received numerous positive reviews, with patrons praising the quality of the bread, the friendly staff, and the overall dining experience. Many customers have highlighted the standout morning buns and other offerings, making Tartine Bakery a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and pastry lovers alike.

Jane The Bakery#3
What stands out
  • A wide variety of pastries, like the curry chicken sandwich and crazy cookie, that are flavorful and satisfying.

  • Fresh, buttery, and divine croissants and coffee swirl pastries that are worth the wait.

  • A hidden gem for morning pastries with a broad selection, like the brussel & balsamic pastry, that are hard to resist.

  • An exceptional assortment of baked goods, from crazy cookies to cardamom buns, that are truly sublime and memorable.

Jane The Bakery

4.71,090 reviews
1881 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

Jane The Bakery is a charming spot nestled in San Francisco, offering an array of delectable pastries and savory treats. The bakery prides itself on its delivery and in-store pick-up options, making it convenient for customers to savor their goodies at home or on the go. With a 5-star rating, customer reviews rave about the quality and variety of baked goods at Jane The Bakery. Some key points from these reviews include:

At Jane The Bakery, customers not only enjoy delicious treats but also immerse themselves in a welcoming environment that values quality and taste above all else.

Thorough Bread & Pastry#4
What stands out
  • Best bread in the city, especially the baguette

  • Cozy atmosphere with friendly staff

  • Delicious pizza dough, hot sandwiches, and warm breakfast treats

  • Great place to bring dogs and enjoy the back patio

Thorough Bread & Pastry

4.6730 reviews
248 Church St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

Thorough Bread & Pastry is a beloved Bakery in San Francisco that offers a variety of delicious pastries and bread. Customers rave about the quality of their products and the warm, inviting atmosphere of the bakery.

Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a leisurely breakfast, Thorough Bread & Pastry is the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings. Visit their website to explore their menu and plan your next visit!

Arsicault Bakery Civic Center#5
What stands out
  • The croissants are unmatched in flakiness, texture, and taste, making them a must-try.

  • The blackberry almond hazelnut croissant is a standout pastry, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

  • While the location may be in a less desirable area, the quality of the pastries makes it worth the visit.

  • Customers appreciate the quick service and the option to order online for convenient pickup.

Arsicault Bakery Civic Center

4.6597 reviews
87 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Arsicault Bakery Civic Center is a beloved bakery in San Francisco, known for its delectable pastries and warm atmosphere. Customers rave about the outstanding croissants and other baked goods offered at this bakery. Here are some key points from customer reviews:

Visit Arsicault Bakery Civic Center to indulge in a delightful breakfast experience with a wide selection of pastries and friendly service.

Maison Nico#6
What stands out
  • This place is known for having the Best Croissants in SF. The plain croissant and ham & cheese are highly recommended.

  • Maison Nico offers a wide variety of pastries, quiches, and desserts that look authentically Parisian.

  • The pastries are outstanding, especially the layered and crispy crust that defines Maison Nico's pastries.

  • The atmosphere at Maison Nico is reminiscent of downtown Paris, with top-notch ingredients and friendly staff.

Maison Nico

4.6387 reviews
710 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States

Maison Nico is a charming cafe located in San Francisco, offering a delightful experience for those who love French pastries and a cozy atmosphere. The cafe provides various service options such as outdoor seating, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers rave about the fast service and the exceptional quality of the coffee, desserts, and tea selection. Maison Nico is particularly popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a great spot for solo dining.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

These reviews reflect the outstanding quality and authentic French experience that Maison Nico provides to its customers. Visit Maison Nico to indulge in delicious pastries, great coffee, and a cozy ambiance!

The French Spot#7
What stands out
  • The croissants and danishes are described as flaky and delicious, with a range of unique flavors like black sesame.

  • Customers appreciate the friendly service provided by the staff, enhancing their overall experience.

  • The bakery offers a rotating selection of buns, tarts, and mochi to cater to different tastes.

  • Visitors mention that the shop is a great spot for enjoying a leisurely morning coffee or picking up pastries to go.

The French Spot

4.8103 reviews
1042 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

The French Spot is a charming pastry shop located in San Francisco, offering a delightful selection of pastries and baked goods. Customers can enjoy a variety of options such as croissants, danishes, quiches, and more. The bakery prides itself on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors to indulge in their sweet treats.

LOQUAT#8
What stands out
  • A very light meal with tasty pastries, but slightly expensive for the portion size.

  • A quaint and charming ambiance with a unique selection of Levantine sweets.

  • Some mixed reviews on taste, with one customer finding the pistachio cake inedible.

  • Unique flavors, cool space, friendly staff, and fair prices for San Francisco.

LOQUAT

4.7176 reviews
198 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

LOQUAT Bakery is a charming spot in San Francisco that offers delightful pastries and baked goods. They provide a range of service options including in-store pick-up, takeaway, and dine-in. The bakery is known for its scrumptious breakfast options and unique flavors.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

Overall, LOQUAT Bakery is a cozy spot for pastry lovers looking to explore Middle Eastern-inspired flavors in a welcoming setting.

La Boulangerie de San Francisco#9
What stands out
  • Delicious pastries and coffee

  • Great selection of sandwiches

  • Friendly staff

  • Cozy atmosphere

La Boulangerie de San Francisco

4.5390 reviews
2325 Pine St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

La Boulangerie de San Francisco is a charming bakery located in the heart of San Francisco. The bakery offers a variety of delicious pastries, sandwiches, and coffees. Customers can enjoy no-contact delivery, delivery, in-store pick-up, in-store shopping, takeaway, and dine-in options. The bakery is known for its quick visit service and is LGBTQ+ friendly.

The bakery has received a high rating of 4.5 stars based on 390 reviews. Here are some key points from customer reviews:

Experience the warmth and taste of La Boulangerie de San Francisco today!

Les Croissants Cafe#10
What stands out
  • Best banh mi in the neighborhood with great service

  • Amazing old school experience with delicious vegetarian banh mi

  • Good coffee and apple fritters with friendly staff

  • Little hidden gem with ridiculously good chicken sandwich and friendly service

Les Croissants Cafe

4.935 reviews
1840 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

Les Croissants Cafe is a cozy cafe located in San Francisco, CA, known for its great coffee and great tea selection. The cafe offers a range of service options, including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers can enjoy breakfast and lunch at the cafe, making it a popular choice for solo dining and working on a laptop.

Some key points from customer reviews include:

With a high rating of 4.9, Les Croissants Cafe is praised for its excellent food, friendly atmosphere, and exceptional service. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this cafe is sure to delight your taste buds.

Vive La Tarte#11
What stands out
  • Vive La Tarte seems to be one of the few coffee shops with power outlets. The key lime croissant is highly recommended.

  • A unique menu item called the “Breakfast Tacro” is a must-try, made with a croissant shell and served on weekends only.

  • Customers praise the cafe for its pastries, people-watching opportunities, and the use of quality coffee beans.

  • One customer mentions that although the food is decent, they were disappointed by the quality of the atmosphere and service.

Vive La Tarte

4.5187 reviews
4026 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

Vive La Tarte is a charming cafe located in San Francisco, CA, offering a range of services for their customers. Boasting outdoor seating, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options, this cafe is popular for its breakfast, lunch, and solo dining experiences. Customers highlight the fast service, great coffee, great dessert, and great tea selection as some of their favorite features.

With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 187 reviews, Vive La Tarte is a neighborhood gem loved by many for its delicious offerings and cozy atmosphere.

La Boulangerie de San Francisco, Noe Valley#12
What stands out
  • Nice spread and the goat's cheese and kale quiche was amazing. Coffee was good, too. The veggie empanada and the pistachio croissant unfortunately didn't taste as good as they sounded. Baby high chair available. Can recommend.

  • The place has really gone downhill. The coffee and lattes are no longer drinkable, and the staff are rushed and forgetful. The pastries are still okay, but I would expect a better experience from them. Staff are friendly and helpful.

  • Very disappointed in how bad this location has become. Staff just weren't interested in customers at all. Will keep on driving in future. Got a cold brew and a stale pastry.

La Boulangerie de San Francisco, Noe Valley

4.3523 reviews
3898 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

La Boulangerie de San Francisco, Noe Valley is a charming bakery located in San Francisco, CA. This cozy bakery offers a range of delectable pastries and savory options that are sure to delight customers. The bakery provides various service options such as delivery, in-store pick-up, dine-in, and takeaway, making it convenient for customers to enjoy their favorite treats. Additionally, the bakery is wheelchair-accessible, ensuring that all patrons can easily visit.

Customers have shared their experiences at La Boulangerie, offering valuable insights. Here are some summarized reviews:

La Boulangerie de San Francisco#13
What stands out
  • One reviewer mentioned it's their go-to spot for brunch with specific praise for the Croissant French Toast.

  • Another highlighted the good coffee, ample seating, and excellent pastry selections.

  • A customer shared their experience of the warm and inviting decor and fresh, delicious food recommendations.

La Boulangerie de San Francisco

4.2877 reviews
500 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

La Boulangerie de San Francisco is a charming cafe located in the heart of San Francisco. Known for its great coffee and desserts, this cafe offers a cozy and trendy atmosphere perfect for solo dining or working on a laptop. With service options like outdoor seating, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in, customers have plenty of choices to enjoy their experience.

Le Marais Bakery#14
What stands out
  • Absolutely a delight to have breakfast here. The pastries are amazing and the atmosphere is very pleasant.

  • The croissants are amazing, the coffee is good with lots of milk options, and the staff is nice.

  • Visitors are met with high expectations, and the bakery delivers excellent coffee, incredibly fresh croissants, and perfect pastries.

  • Customers appreciate the delightful choices, good service, and the French ambiance ideal for a Sunday brunch.

Le Marais Bakery

4.4221 reviews
1138 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

Le Marais Bakery is a charming bakery located in San Francisco. They offer a variety of services such as delivery, in-store pick-up, in-store shopping, takeaway, and dine-in options. The bakery is wheelchair-accessible and provides gender-neutral toilets. Customers can enjoy a delicious breakfast menu and make quick payments using credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

With a rating of 4.4 stars based on 221 reviews, customers have shared rave reviews about Le Marais Bakery. Some key points from the reviews include:

These reviews highlight the high-quality products, friendly service, and inviting atmosphere that Le Marais Bakery offers to every customer. If you're in San Francisco and craving delicious pastries, this bakery is a must-visit spot!

Gateway Croissant#15
What stands out
  • Great donut place with a wide variety of donuts and reasonable prices.

  • Reliable spot for a late-night snack, open 24/7 with pleasant staff.

  • Fast service, great prices, and a taste of local flavor in the heart of downtown San Francisco.

Gateway Croissant

4.2245 reviews
390 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Gateway Croissant is a beloved donut shop located in San Francisco. With a rating of 4.2, it's known for its great coffee and wide variety of donuts. Customers have praised the friendly staff and the reasonable prices of the pastries and coffee.

Some key points from customer reviews:

Boudin Bakery Cafe#16
What stands out
  • Customers rave about the delicious sourdough bread that Boudin Bakery is famous for.

  • The quick service and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.

  • Many patrons recommend trying the clam chowder in a bread bowl for a true San Francisco experience.

Boudin Bakery Cafe

3.9377 reviews
170 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Boudin Bakery Cafe is a renowned bakery located in the heart of San Francisco, offering a variety of delicious baked goods and savory options. With a rating of 3.9 stars and 377 reviews, it is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.

Whether you're looking for a tasty breakfast or a quick lunch, Boudin Bakery Cafe provides a variety of service options such as delivery, in-store pick-up, and dine-in to accommodate your needs. Don't miss out on the opportunity to indulge in delicious bread and pastries at this iconic establishment!

The comparison at a glance

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Arsicault Bakery 4.82,436
#2Tartine Bakery 4.55,254
#3Jane The Bakery 4.71,090
#4Thorough Bread & Pastry 4.6730
#5Arsicault Bakery Civic Center 4.6597
#6Maison Nico 4.6387
#7The French Spot 4.8103
#8LOQUAT 4.7176
#9La Boulangerie de San Francisco 4.5390
#10Les Croissants Cafe 4.935
#11Vive La Tarte 4.5187
#12La Boulangerie de San Francisco, Noe Valley 4.3523
#13La Boulangerie de San Francisco 4.2877
#14Le Marais Bakery 4.4221
#15Gateway Croissant 4.2245
#16Boudin Bakery Cafe 3.9377

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Map of Croissants in San Francisco

Discover the best croissants in San Francisco with this interactive map. Indulge in flaky, buttery pastries from top bakeries and cafes across the city. From classic plain croissants to innovative flavors like chocolate almond and matcha, there's a croissant for every palate. Plan your next pastry adventure and satisfy your cravings with the finest croissants in town.

How to choose Croissants in San Francisco

  1. Quality of ingredients.
  2. Flakiness of the pastry.
  3. Butteriness.
  4. Variety of flavors.
  5. Price point.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find the best croissants in San Francisco?

If you're looking for the best croissants in San Francisco, head to renowned bakeries such as Tartine Bakery, b. Patisserie, and Arsicault Bakery. These establishments are known for their flaky and buttery croissants that are a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Additionally, you can also explore smaller neighborhood bakeries and cafes that may offer unique and delicious croissant variations. Don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path to discover hidden gems. Consider checking out online reviews and recommendations from locals to find hidden spots that serve exceptional croissants. Exploring different neighborhoods in San Francisco can lead you to some unexpected yet delightful finds.

Are there any vegan or gluten-free croissants available in San Francisco?

For those with dietary restrictions, San Francisco offers a variety of options for vegan and gluten-free croissants. Dedicated vegan bakeries like Marla Bakery and Seed + Salt offer plant-based croissants that are flaky and flavorful. Specialty bakeries like Wholesome Bakery and Bread Srsly focus on creating gluten-free croissants that are soft and crispy, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this flaky pastry. These establishments prioritize using high-quality ingredients to provide delicious alternatives for those with dietary restrictions. Additionally, many cafes and bakeries in San Francisco offer rotating menus that include vegan and gluten-free croissants, so be sure to inquire about special options when you visit a new establishment.

What is the history behind croissants in San Francisco?

Croissants have a rich history in San Francisco, with the pastry's French origins influencing the city's vibrant baking scene. In the late 19th century, European immigrants brought traditional baking techniques to San Francisco, including the art of making flaky and buttery croissants. Over the years, San Francisco has embraced croissants as a staple pastry, with local bakeries and cafes putting their own unique twist on the classic recipe. The city's diverse culinary landscape has allowed for experimentation and innovation, leading to a wide range of croissant variations available throughout San Francisco. Today, San Francisco continues to celebrate croissants as a beloved pastry, with bakeries and cafes dedicated to crafting authentic and delicious versions that pay tribute to the pastry's European heritage.

What are some tips for enjoying croissants in San Francisco?

When indulging in croissants in San Francisco, it's important to savor every bite of the flaky and buttery pastry. Start by selecting a freshly baked croissant from a reputable bakery or cafe to ensure the highest quality and taste. Pair your croissant with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for a classic breakfast or snack combination that highlights the pastry's rich flavors. Many cafes in San Francisco offer artisanal coffee blends that complement the buttery goodness of a croissant. Consider trying different croissant varieties, such as almond or chocolate-filled, to explore new flavors and textures. Don't be afraid to ask your server for recommendations or to share your preferences to find the perfect croissant for your palate.

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