Eat in San Francisco: The Richfield

Everything Bagel with cream cheese


Brekkie Sandwich made with a folded omelette, cheddar, bacon, tomato, special house sauce, and avocado on sourdough

Brekkie Sandwich made with a folded omelette, cheddar, bacon, tomato, and special house sauce


Left: Flat White and Turmeric Latte

Right: Latte

The Richfield is a cozy coffee and breakfast spot found on 5th between California and Cornwall in the Inner Richmond. Since they use the inside for their operations, they've lined up bistro tables and chairs to the left and you order from the window in the center.

In the handful of times I've visited in the past year, I've tried their Brekkie Sandwich and Everything Bagels. The Brekkie Sandwich is made with a folded omelette, cheddar, bacon, tomato, special house sauce, and your choice of bread. It hits all the right notes: enough protein to start your day, dynamic flavor, and is big enough to keep you going. They also serve a variety of bagels from The Laundromat – a hip bagel and pizza spot in the Outer Richmond (review forthcoming!) – in Plain, Everything, and Cinnamon Raisin. These bagels are some of the best in the area and it's nice to be able to walk a few blocks, versus bus a few miles, to get my hands on them in the morning. 

The Richfield also serves some of the best espresso drinks in the Inner Richmond. My dining companion and I have enjoyed the Latte and Flat White, in particular. (While the Turmeric Latte is quite photogenic against their turquoise tables, I didn't realize it's not made with coffee, so it didn't provide the zip I require in the morning.)

I would definitely stop by The Richfield for a weekday coffee.

The Richfield

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195 5th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94118

Open: Monday - Friday 8am - 3pm, Saturday - Sunday 8:30am - 3:30pm

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Eat in San Francisco: The Laundromat

Laundromat Little Gem Caesar salad made with house-made croutons and parmigiano crisps

Crispy Brussels made with goat cheese and apple cider reduction

Sausage and Peppers pizza made with fennel sausage, Jimmy Nardello pepper cream, pearl peppers, mozzarella, and red sauce

Classic Pepperoni pizza made with spicy pepperoni, red sauce, mozzarella, and parmigiano

Broccoli pizza made with broccoli rabe, Calabrian chili sauce, shaved fennel, mozzarella, and red sauce

Cannoli made with pastry dough and ricotta cheese filling

Red wine: Lucien Saetti -"Rossoviola" - Lambrusco, Orange wine: Everything Is OK - "Amber" - Colombard, Muscat

I've visited The Laundromat, a hip restaurant in the Outer Richmond, twice now: in August of 2024 and in April of this year. Located on Balboa between 38th and 39th, The Laundromat is a bagel seller by day and pizza spot by night. Although I haven't been able to snag bagels from this location, I have had them at The Richfield, a cozy coffee shop in the Inner Richmond, and I definitely recommend them.

On our first trip to the restaurant, my dining companion and I started out with a glass of wine each, opting for the Lambrusco and one of their orange wines. (If you're a fan of orange wines, you'll be happy to know they had several options to choose from, one by the glass or bottle and the others by the bottle.) These were delicious and paired well with our flavorful food to come. For the appetizer, we ordered the Crispy Brussels, a towering plate of Brussels sprouts with goat cheese and apple cider reduction. They were divine and more than enough for the two of us. We then had the Sausage and Peppers pizza made with fennel sausage, Jimmy Nardello pepper cream, pearl peppers, mozzarella, and red sauce. This pizza was amazing. In terms of flavors, it had a nice balance of sweet and spicy. In terms of ingredients, I had never had pearl peppers before, but they've been on my mind ever since. I remember being very impressed by the pizza in terms of crust, taste, and uniqueness. We ended the meal with a Cannoli made with pastry dough and ricotta cheese filling. The crust was light and the filling was flavorful. This was a truly special meal.

On the second visit, we came by with a large group of friends. We began with the Laundromat Little Gem Caesar salad made with house-made croutons and parmigiano crisps, which were very good. I don't often opt for a Caesar salad, but I do remember that we finished every last bite of this one. We also split the Brussels sprouts, which was great for the number of people in our party, so we could share their tangy decadence. We tried three pizzas: along with the Sausage and Peppers, we also had the Classic Pepperoni and Broccoli. The former was made with spicy pepperoni, red sauce, mozzarella, and parmigiano — a great take on a favorite. The Broccoli pizza featured broccoli rabe, Calabrian chili sauce, shaved fennel, mozzarella, and red sauce. I do often enjoy roasted vegetables on a pizza and loved the dynamic flavor the ingredients provided. Next time, I'd try the Pizza alla Vodka Margherita or the Broccoli. 

After trying The Laundromat for yourself, you'll see why there's a line out the door. They've created such a wonderful atmosphere to try delicious food with wonderful service. Since it's popular, I would recommend coming by early or putting your name down and killing some time at Rampant Bottle & Bar, a lovely wine bar just up the street. When you're inside the restaurant, I would encourage you to take in your surroundings, from the merch they're selling up front to the interesting restroom decor in the back. 

The Laundromat

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3725 Balboa St., San Francisco, CA 94121

Bagels to go: Wednesday - Saturday 8am - 2pm, Sunday 9am - 2pm

Dinner: Wednesday - Thursday 5 - 9pm, Friday - Saturday 5 - 10pm, Sunday 5 - 8pm

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Dessert in San Francisco: Bob's Donuts, Sweet Glory, Genki Crepes, and more

Left: Cinnamon Blueberry Donut from Bob's Donuts

Right: Creme Brulee Donut filled with vanilla custard and a caramelized sugar top from Bob's Donuts

I've stopped by Bob's Donuts, a famous donut shop with locations on Polk and Baker, a handful of times over the years. 

On a recent trip in February, I tried two from the NoPa store on Baker and Fulton: the Cinnamon Blueberry Donut and the Creme Brulee Donut. As a fan of interesting donut flavors, these two both were quite intriguing. The first satisfied my sweet tooth with the cinnamon sugar dusted on the outside, while the blueberry provided a tart depth of flavor. The latter was not only photogenic, I believe I also enjoyed the vanilla custard filling and the caramelized sugar top. 

Next time I stop by, I may try a classic cake donut, such as one with sprinkles or crumbs, or another speciality one on offer.

Bob's Donuts

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601 Baker St., San Francisco, CA 94117

Open: Monday - Friday 6am - 9pm, Saturday - Sunday 7am - 9pm

Left: Pandan Custard Toast from Sweet Glory

Right: Mixed Fruits crepe with whipped cream and Nutella from Genki Crepes & Mini Mart

Last December, I stopped by Sweet Glory, a dessert cafe on 9th between Irving and Judah in the Inner Sunset, for the first time. 

I ordered something I knew I'd love: the Pandan Custard Toast. Although I don't remember the specifics, I do believe I enjoyed the sweet, coconut-y flavor of the pandan custard on the thick piece of toast. 

Next time, I may try one of their beautiful crepe cakes or a speciality drinks like the Lychee Rose Cooler or Kumquat tea.

Sweet Glory 

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1336 9th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94122

Open: Wednesday - Monday 11am - 6pm

I've visited Genki Crepes & Mini Mart many times in the past year, most often to buy groceries like fun-flavored Lay's chips or frozen dumplings. 

Last June, I tried one of their Mixed Fruits crepe made with strawberry, mango, whipped cream, and Nutella. The crepe was perfectly light, while the fruit was fresh and well-balanced by the chocolate hazelnut spread. 

Next time I've craving a crepe in the Inner Richmond, I may order the Honey, Banana, and Almond one or just the Sugar and Butter.

Genki Crepes & Mini Mart

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330 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94118

Open: Monday - Thursday 11:30am - 11pm, Friday 11:30am - 12am, Saturday 11am - 12am, Sunday 11am - 11pm

Left: Ube Cookie with coconut flakes from Rize Up Bakery

Right: Vanilla-Chocolate Twirl soft serve ice cream dipped in dark chocolate

Last August, I tried an Ube Cookie with coconut flakes from Rize Up Bakery, a popular bakery with a booth at the Clement St. Farmers' Market. Known mostly for their sourdough loaves in flavors like Ube, Gochujang, and Masala, Rize Up also serves other items like this cookie at various farmers' markets, cafes, and other locations across the Bay Area. 

Although I don't remember the specifics, I'm sure I loved the ube flavor as well as the crunchy texture the coconut flakes provided. Next time I'm in the market for a bread loaf, I may try the Masala one.

Rize Up Bakery 

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Clement St. Farmers' Market: 244 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94118

Open: Sunday 9am - 2pm

I've wanted to try a chocolate dipped cone from Twirl and Dip, a soft serve truck parked in Golden Gate Park, for a while. My dream came true (i.e. the line was short) last Bastille Day in mid-July. 

I ordered the Vanilla-Chocolate soft serve dipped in TCHO dark chocolate. It was everything I imagined. As someone who's eaten many-a McDonald's dipped cone in my life, I knew this would be messy, so I opted for a cup. This was the perfect treat with the smooth ice cream and delicious chocolate shell. 

Next time, I'll ask for salt flakes on top. Mmm!

Twirl and Dip 

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Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94117

Open: Friday - Sunday 1 - 5:30pm

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Brunch in San Francisco: Eats, El Mil Amores, Boogaloos, Art’s Café, Zazie, and Mymy

Left: Toastaquiles made with soft-scrambled eggs, fried corn tortillas, guajillo chili sauce, avocado, crema, cotija, and cilantro

Right: Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Sandwich made with Thai green curry, basil, cilantro, serrano peppers, pickled carrots, and daikon, served with fried potatoes

I've been to many a brunch in my day and it seems like time to share some places I've tried recently (i.e. in the past year). 

Last May I visited Eats, a brunch restaurant on Clement and 2nd in the Inner Richmond, with a large group of family and friends. I remember being impressed by the Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Sandwich made with Thai green curry, basil, cilantro, serrano peppers, pickled carrots, and daikon, served with fried potatoes. It had a nice, tangy flavor and provided a decent amount of protein to continue my day. Next time, I may try the Caramelized Custard French Toast or the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich.

Eats 

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50 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94118

Open: Wednesday - Monday 8am - 2pm

Chilaquiles made with fried corn tortilla, salsa roja (left) and verde (right), choice of meat, scrambled eggs, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, onion, and refried black beans

Left: Huevos Rancheros made with fried corn tortillas, refried black beans, fried eggs, and red poblana sauce

Right: Tres Leches Pancakes

Around this time last year, I visited El Mil Amores Restaurant with my dining companion and a good friend for the first time. Located on 21st and Florida in the Mission, this busy spot serves brunch classics and Mexican favorites alike. We ordered a few dishes: Chilaquiles with both red and green salsa, Huevos Rancheros, and Tres Leches Pancakes. Although I don't remember the specifics, I remember thinking this was a fun environment to catch up with friends like sharing a side of sweet pancakes. The line was long, so I would try to come by early or on a weekday.

El Mil Amores Restaurant

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2780 21st St., San Francisco, CA 94110

Open: Daily 8am - 3pm

Classic Cubano made with roasted pork, smoked ham, pickles, mustard, Swiss cheese, and a grilled roll, served with yuca fries

In early September of last year, I visited Boogaloos, a well-loved breakfast and lunch spot on the corner of 22nd and Valencia in the Mission, with a good friend. They serve the brunch foods you're looking for with a Latin and Caribbean twist. I ordered the Classic Cubano made with roasted pork, smoked ham, pickles, mustard, Swiss cheese, and a grilled roll, served with yuca fries. It hit the spot and was quite sizable. I would recommend Boogaloos for anyone looking for good food in a bit of sunshine.

Boogaloos 

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3296 22nd St., San Francisco, CA 94110

Open: Daily 9am - 3pm

Spicy Pork Bibimbap

Last September I stopped by Art’s Café, a family-owned diner on Irving and 9th in the Inner Sunset, with a good friend. They're known for serving traditional American breakfast and lunch items, as well as Korean hits. I tried the Spicy Pork Bibimbap, which came with a sunny side up egg, vegetables, homemade kimchi, and gochujang sauce. As a long-term fan of bibimbap, I remember liking this meal and having an alternative to the American brunch dishes I'm used to. Next time, I may stop by on a weekday and try a Hash Brown Sandwich made with Dakgogi chicken or the pork belly sandwich.

Art’s Café 

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747 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122

Open: Tuesday - Sunday 7:30am - 3pm

Left: Maya's Toast à l'avocat made with rustic levain, avocados, pine nut pesto, goat cheese, and eggs over easy, served with home fries

Right: Victor’s Home-Made Coffee Cake with raspberry jam and brown sugar crumble

Later that September I visited Zazie, a popular French restaurant on Cole between Carl and Parnassus in Cole Valley, for the first time. With a good friend who loves Zazie, she knew to order their famous coffee cake, which comes with jam and a brown sugar crumble on top. I tried one of their specials: Maya's Toast à l'avocat made with rustic levain, avocados, pine nut pesto, goat cheese, and eggs over easy, served with home fries. I remember enjoying the food and the experience, which reminded me of so many nice meals I had at La Note and Café Clem in Berkeley over the years.

Zazie 

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941 Cole St., San Francisco, CA 94117

Brunch: Monday - Friday 8am - 2pm & Saturday - Sunday 9am - 3pm

Dinner: Daily 5 - 9pm

Another Club Sandwich made with grilled thyme garlic chicken, bacon, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, cranberry aioli, fried egg, and smoked mozzarella, served with fries

I visited Mymy, a popular brunch spot on California at Larkin in Nob Hill, for the first time last November with two friends. With a line out the door, this cozy restaurant is made for the brunch crowd, who will be happy to see favorites like pancakes, grits, huevos rancheros, Eggs Benedict, and more on offer. I enjoyed the Another Club Sandwich, which was made with grilled thyme garlic chicken, bacon, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, cranberry aioli, fried egg, and smoked mozzarella and served with fries. I would stop by again the next time I'm looking for a good brunch selection in the neighborhood.

Mymy 

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1500 California St., San Francisco, CA 94109

Open: Daily 9am - 2pm

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Coffee in San Francisco: HI NRG, Andytown, and more

Left: Espresso with Milk from HI NRG

Right: Cafe de Olla (cinnamon cappuccino) from HI NRG


Cardamom Bun by Vinegary Personality from HI NRG

In my year of living in San Francisco, I've had the pleasure of trying many new-to-me coffee shops. Here are a few I would recommend.

After perusing the Clement Street Farmers' Market on Sundays, I've stopped by the HI NRG pop-up at High Treason, a wine bar in the Inner Richmond, a handful of times. Located on Clement between 5th and 6th, this pop-up has a succinct, thoughtful menu that features coffee prepared in a few ways as well as an interesting specialty drink. I've tried the Espresso with Milk, Cafe de Olla, and the Blueberry Bomb, all of which were dynamic in flavor and prepared perfectly. Additionally, they've partnered with Vinegary Personality in offering equally interesting baked goods. So far, I've really enjoyed the Cardamom Bun (pictured above) as well as a cheesy, flaky biscuit. While it can be hard to find your go-to espresso spots when you're new in town, I'm glad to know that HI NRG will always serve interesting drinks that my coffee industry friends approve of. I will be visiting again soon.

HI NRG: Website | Instagram | Yelp

Vinegary Personality: Instagram

Location: High Treason, 443 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94118

Open: Wednesday - Sunday 9am - 2pm

Left: Decaf Cappuccino from Andytown Coffee Roasters

Right: Lavender Latte and Cappuccino from fifty/fifty

Next, there's Andytown Coffee Roasters with a few locations throughout the city. I've only visited a couple times, most recently at the Taraval roastery at 40th in the Outer Sunset in late March. While on a long bike ride exploring the area, I stopped by for a Decaf Cappuccino, which was well-made and served by a nice, informative barista. Next time I'm in the area, I will be sure to stop by this beautiful location for a drink.

Andytown Coffee Roasters

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3016 Taraval St., San Francisco, CA 94116

Open: Monday - Friday 7am - 3pm, Saturday - Sunday 8am - 4pm

Fifty/fifty is more of a hole-in-the-wall spot located on Geary and Spruce, on the flip side of the University of San Francisco's Lone Mountain campus. They serve a variety of classic and specialty coffee and tea drinks. On this trip last November, I ordered a Lavender Latte, while my dining companion enjoyed his Cappuccino. This is a great place to catch up on reading or meet a friend, while sipping a well-made caffeinated beverage.

fifty/fifty

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3157 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94118

Open: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4pm, Saturday - Sunday 8am - 4pm

Left: Lavender Latte from Home Coffee Roasters

Right: Cappuccino from Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters

Home Coffee Roasters has a couple locations and is known for adding color to their coffee and matcha drinks. I stopped by the Chinatown location on Grant and Pine last September, where I enjoyed a Lavender Latte with a bear design in the foamy milk. It was a treat. Next time I would order one of the bright drinks that have made them popular.

Home Coffee Roasters

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455 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108

Open: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4pm, Saturday - Sunday 8am - 4pm

I stopped by Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters, another subtle spot on Union and Steiner in Cow Hollow, to catch up with an old friend last April. I enjoyed my well-prepared Cappuccino and appreciated that we could find a nice place to slow down on a busy weekend.

Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters

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2271 Union St., San Francisco, CA 94123

Open: Monday - Friday 7am - 4pm, Saturday - Sunday 8am - 4pm

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Eat in San Francisco: Breadbelly (Pt. 2)

Rhubarb-Lychee Danish




Kaya Toast made with milk bread, coconut-pandan jam, and Maldon sea salt

I've visited Breadbelly, a popular bakery on Clement and 15th in the Inner Richmond, a few times since I first reviewed them in March 2023. (They're opening a new location in Pier 70 in the Dogpatch this summer.) In that post, I said I was hoping to try their famous Kaya Toast, which I can now say has been accomplished.

On this trip last June, I tried a couple of things on their tantalizing menu: the Rhubarb-Lychee Danish and the Kaya Toast. The Danish was as delicious as it was photogenic; this lovely laminated pastry had a nice balance of sweet and savory flavors. The Kaya Toast is composed of milk bread, coconut-pandan jam, and a hint of Maldon sea salt. The bread is a great base for the creamy pandan flavor I love, which is perfectly accentuated by the sea salt added on top.

Next time I'll try their Kaya Bun – which is a milk bread bun filled with cream and reminds me of so many delicious buns I've had at Bake Sum in Oakland – or the Sesame Cookie, which is made with two kinds of sesame seeds (!!). 

Breadbelly

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1408 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94118

Open: Wednesday - Monday 8am - 2pm

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Eat in San Francisco: Cinderella Bakery & Cafe (Pt. 2)

Left: Borsch Soup made with chopped vegetables, cabbage, potatoes, beets in a broth, and sour cream

Right: Strawberry Croissant

Left: Baked Piroshki

Right: Babushka’s Chicken Soup made with shredded chicken, noodles, carrots, and chicken broth

I've visited Cinderella Bakery & Cafe — a popular Russian eatery on Balboa between 5th and 6th in the Inner Richmond — up to ten times since first reviewing it in 2020. On this trip in May of 2024, I went with my dining companion and parents, the latter of whom have never been.

We tried a few soups and baked goods for lunch. The classic Borsch Soup was made with chopped vegetables, cabbage, potatoes, beets in a broth, and sour cream, while Babushka’s Chicken Soup had shredded chicken, noodles, carrots, and chicken broth. The Strawberry Croissant had a buttery, flakiness and fresh strawberries, while the Baked Piroshki was very comforting. 

Next time I stop by, I will definitely order a few fruit pastries and maybe a boiled dumpling plate to share.

Cinderella Bakery & Cafe

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436 Balboa St., San Francisco, CA 94118

Open: Daily 7am - 7pm

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Eat in San Francisco: Cinderella Bakery & Cafe

Blueberry Brioche


Piroshki with Beef

Although I've heard about Cinderella Bakery & Cafe for years, I hadn't visited this popular San Francisco spot until this week. Located on Balboa between 5th and 6th Avenues in the Inner Richmond, Cinderella is known for their Russian baked goods, soups, and dumplings. 

With a friendly local guiding me through their expansive menu, I ordered the Piroshki with Beef and the Blueberry Brioche. Although I haven't had a piroshki before, I learned that it's essentially a fried or baked pillow—or "slipper," as my friend has coined it—half filled with beef, cheese, or mushrooms. I ordered the beef and confirmed that it was quite dreamy. The real hit was the Blueberry Brioche, which had a creamy filling and was topped with sliced almonds. This pastry balanced sweet, creamy, and salty flavors in a delightful, dynamic way.

I will definitely stop by again, potentially trying their borsch, a pirogi, or some of their other pastries. If you've visited Cinderella Bakery & Cafe, what do you recommend trying?

Cinderella Bakery & Cafe

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436 Balboa St., San Francisco, CA 94118

Open: Daily 8am - 7pm

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Eat in San Francisco: Breadbelly

Fig-Honey Danish made with figs, honey cream, dark summer jam, and toasted sesame

Breakfast Sandwich made with a fried egg, smoked ham, gruyere, sweet and sour kale, and fermented chili paste on a pandesal bun

Right: Blueberry Violet Lassis

In early September, I visited Breadbelly, a popular bakery and cafe serving pastries balancing Asian and Californian influences, with friends for the first time. Located on Clement and 15th Avenue in the Inner Richmond, Breadbelly is known for their impressive selection of exquisite pastries, sandwiches, and signature drinks.

We tried a few things when we visited: the Fig-Honey Danish, the Breakfast Sandwich, and the Blueberry Violet Lassis. The danish — made with figs, honey cream, dark summer jam, and toasted sesame – was as delicious as it is photogenic. Although I can't remember what it tasted like exactly so many months later, it's clear that it has a flakey crust, reminiscent of a kouign-amann, perfectly prepared figs, and so many sesame seeds to boot. The Breakfast Sandwich was made with a fried egg, smoked ham, gruyere, sweet and sour kale, and fermented chili paste on a pandesal bun — more sophisticated than your traditional morning sandwich. My friend seemed to enjoy his Blueberry Violet Lassis as well.

While quite a trek from Oakland, if I visited Breadbelly in the future, I would try the Kaya Toast, Curry Bun, Sesame Horchata, or one of the other delectable pastries or drinks they serve.

Breadbelly

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1408 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94118

Open: Thursday - Monday 9am - 2pm

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