If you happen to see a lengthy queue of people winding down the street on a random street corner in San Francisco’s trendy Mission district, then you've more than likely stumbled upon the local baking institution, Tartine Bakery. Hidden away from the tourist crowds in the hip and vibrant Mission residential district, this cosy bakery-café is one of the most popular breakfast and lunch spots in San Francisco. Set within an intimate space on a residential street corner, Tartine Bakery is legendary for its perfectly baked sourdough breads and decadent sweet pastries. While initially cultivating their culinary skills in France, chef-owners Chad Robertson and Elisabeth Prueitt have successfully created their own unique style of French-American baking, offering crusty loaves of San Francisco sourdough bread; deliciously rich and flaky buttery croissants; along with the wickedly indulgent double pain au chocolat with Valrhona chocolate. Visit at 7am or 5pm when the ovens open for the freshest picks (and the longest lines) along with the heavenly aroma of baking bread; otherwise, try to secure one of the few tables inside or outside with San Francisco’s local crowd.
