Possibly the best bakery and Cafe that I visited in San Francisco and it has the lineup out the door to prove it. Tourists and locals in the know flock to this place in the Mission for fresh breakfast pastries, heavenly bread and artful pressed sandwiches.
Since 2002, husband and wife team of Elisabeth Pruiett and Chad Robertson have been catering to discerning bread lovers and those with a sweet tooth for patisserie perfection. Wherever possible, the focus is on fresh, organic ingredients hailing from local farms and creameries. The place is small and charming, although there is limited communal seating, this seems to be fine with the cheery patrons as they chat casually to table mates over a cafe Americano and a delicious Pain au Chocolat or fresh Buttermilk Scones. A few lucky friends snag tables outside on this gorgeous San Francisco day and enjoy their lovely, crispy gruyere- laden, bechamel- laced Croque Monsieur available with Ham, Turkey or their vegetarian version with Shitake Mushrooms. The array of pastries is staggering, and I'm happy to see a lemon tart offered amongst favourites like Chocolate Hazelnut and Banana Cream. Eclairs are puffy and light, grounded with a layer of Valrhona Chocolate.
With all thee sweet temptations, it's still hard to overlook the fresh loaves of bread that are baked in a stone oven and topped with olives, sesame or walnut. The delicious warm, yeasty smell carries you in the door, placates you while you wait in line and entertains your senses as you savour whichever delight you've chosen to enjoy.
After 12 pm, Tartine offers a varied menu of pressed sandwiches. You'll be greeted for lunch with selections such as Sheep Cheese and Crushed Almond with Lemon and Sage, Sopressata and Fontina with Broccoli Rabe Pesto, and Niman Ranch Pastrami with fresh Horseradish and Gruyere. These pockets of yum are perfect to grab for a picnic lunch in the park or a drive up the coast.
Tartine is a must do if you're visiting the city and this stretch of the Mission District, in particular is indicative of California's Slow Food revival with a focus on local ingredients and talented chefs.
Price: $6-$15 USD for a coffee and breakfast pastry and or pressed sandwich.
Value: Average
Jenny Likes it: * * * * Utter adoration.
Beer and Wine available.
Perfect for: Brunch, Take out or picnic lunch, breakfast, people watching, lazy afternoon, dining alone, patio.
Reservations: No
600 Guerrero Street San Francisco, CA 94110 t. 415 487 2600
Cafe Hours: 8am - 7pm Monday
7:30am - 7pm Tuesday, Wednesday
7:30am - 8pm Thursday, Friday
8am - 8pm Saturday
9am - 8pm Sunday
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