Sweet
Arsicault – Oh-so-worth checking it out. Warning: it will ruin you for other croissants. We go for the chocolate ones, or have the Kouign-amann. For savory I love the ham and cheese. The original location on Arguello usually has a wait. Try the one off Market street or in Dogpatch for a shorter line.
Bread Belly – lovely fusion takes pastries and sandwiches. We always get the 50/50 (coffee & black tea). They have 2 locations now: Clement and then in Dogpatch.
Jina Bakes – they have lovely fusion flavors. In Japantown.
Kissako Tea – great onigiri. I get the “blue Hawaiian cream sode” as sweet treat. In Japantown. Jina Bakes it just a few feet away.
BakeSum – in Oakland, but worth a trip. Fusion flavors for French pastries.
Baklavastory – the best baklava I have had, but you have to order a tray. They suggest calling ahead, but I have almost always had luck going into the shop in ordering. Great for a party.
Soul Grind Coffee Roasters – if you are in Pacifica, the place to get a coffee or sandwich. Pro-tip: order ahead online to skip the line.
Savory
San-Tung – honey fried chicken. Holy moly, wonderful.
Wooly Pig – wonderful banh mi sandwiches, curry udon, and fusion flavors (lychee ice tea, pandan rice krispies)
Tadaima – Japanase sando
Reems – lovely Arabic restaurant. We love the Cali Pali’s.
Javi’s Cooking – excellent empanadas in Oakland. The owner is lovely to chat with as well.
Cupertino
Since I work down in South Baty, here are some of my favorites:
Marugame Udon – amazing udon. They have vegetarian and pescatarian options.
Marufuku Ramen – great ramen
Zeni – amazing Ethiopian. They only open at 12noon.
Fitoor – high end Indian food
Saravana Bhavan – South Indian food – a chain of restaurants, but my family loves the parotta
Manresa – wonderful pastries
To try:
- Satura Cake / Satura Patisserie
Seattle
Bebop Waffle shop – a place that was waffles in the front and flowers in the back, closed Jan 2025
Bakery Nouveau – lovely French pastries; the macaron are especially fun with the wild colors
Robot Sloth – feed your soul with lovely artwork