THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY
Read moreThe Cheesecake Factory is a chain known for its voluminous cheesecakes. What is really worth it is to come and enjoy a dessert at the end of the day, rather than dinner or lunch. The view of the financial district and downtown is simply beautiful and the cheesecake melts in your mouth. Be prepared to wait in line, though, as patio seating is in high demand on sunny days. The menu is also very copious for lunch and dinner for about 15 US$ a dish (ask for your leftovers to take away, here it's the rule).
WALGREENS
Read moreThere are many Walgreens in San Francisco and California cities. Some are open 24 hours a day. They are best known for their pharmacy departments. However, some of them have large fresh food departments, including the one down Powell Street, near BART. You can find there on the first floor, at any time of the day, sushis, sandwiches, freshly squeezed juices, cut fruits... A good plan that can always be used to improvise a small picnic on Union Square.
WOODHOUSE CHOCOLATES
Read moreEnter the temple of chocolate or simply admire the window to avoid succumbing and ruining yourself! True works of art in chocolate, it's like being in Sofia Coppola's Marie-Antoinette. You will find chocolates, chocolates filled with praline, caramels, butter caramels, all kinds of sweets and even luxury s'mores, a kind of living room version of these funny sandwiches made of a marshmallow grilled in the fire and then wedged between two chocolate cookies. In short, you're in for a treat.
THE REAL FOOD COMPANY
Read moreThis organic super-market in what resembles an old barn will satisfy all your desires of ecology and organic food. But here we go further than agricultural products, as you will also find medicines and household products.
SAN FRANCISCO FLOWER MART
Read moreThe flower market in San Francisco is where all the florists in the city will come. To find fresh flowers at reduced prices.
RAINBOW GROCERY
Read moreThis temple of organic, recyclable and fair trade products will delight eco warriors. A historical cooperative, far from the usual capitalist system, which exists since 1975 and which San Franciscans sensitive to "responsible consumption" have integrated into their shopping habits. Moreover, Rainbow Grocery works with local organic producers and pays them a fair wage, while funding charitable organizations. Perfect for a green and ethical snacking break!
MIETTE CONFISERIE
Read moreCaramels, chocolates, réglisses, in a world of pastel colours. This is what Miette offers the visitor happy to return to childhood for a moment while he chooses his favourite candy. Flower tapestry, green anise and pale pink and many, many glass boxes filled with sweets await you. Don't delay, if only for the pleasure of eyes.
THE CANDY STORE
Read moreGiant pacifiers welcome you from the entrance to this little Russian Hill confectionery. We want everything without saying that in the end it really is the giant pacifiers that one would like to test.
SCHARFFEN BERGER
Read moreAmerican chocolate makers may not be the best known internationally, but that does not mean that there are no good ones. Scharffen Berger is the perfect example: very good chocolate, especially black 70% which is their trademark.
ARLEQUIN
Read moreYou will find in this beautiful wine cellar the best wines from Napa Valley, but also from Europe, Australia, Chile... Events are regularly organized to allow you to taste all these marvels, and a garden at the bottom of this store located in the heart of Hayes Valley makes these evenings very nice! A café with salads and sandwiches is just next door. Obviously, and even if they don't emphasize it, the owners who have been running this business for more than twenty years, are French.
HEART OF THE CITY FARMERS’ MARKET
Read moreA smaller version of the Ferry Building Market with fewer crowds and onlookers and more reasonable prices. Its objective is to offer an outlet to small local producers, who work in a sustainable way. A system finally quite close to the small French markets. In addition, the organization provides one million euros worth of food to the city's most needy. And this is no luxury, considering the misery that ravages downtown San Francisco.
WHITE CRANE TEA COMPANY
Read moreFor lovers of green teas in Japan, this small store in Japan Center will be able to dazzle you with high quality teas. A little expensive but really excellent.
VITAL TEA LEAF
Tea tasting in a setting reminiscent of 1920s Shanghai, all under the ...Read more
GUNTHER'S ICE CREAM
Read moreIt was in April 1940 that the Gunther family created this ice cream shop. Since then, the store has never been empty and is definitely considered the best in town. Large choice of flavors, more than thirty, from chewing gum to strawberry cheesecake, including green tea and ginger. Some sorbets, sundaes and yoghurts complete this picture perfect for the gourmets. All homemade. We like Gunther's character, his colorful mural and his store in a corner with a large bay window, overlooking a nice sunny terrace.
DYNAMO DONUTS AND COFFEE
Read moreA small neighborhood shop with a big hit! Pastry chef Sara Spearin offers, in addition to the usual menu, 7 to 10 donuts of the day, all made with organic ingredients and accompanied by a good coffee. Salted caramel, maple apple bacon, pumpkin chocolate chip... The choice is vast! Don't be afraid of the line, it moves fast and it's the opportunity to feel the good vibe of Mission...You can believe our experience, if you are not afraid of the donuts dripping with sweet topping you will enjoy it.
THE PENNY ICE CREAMERY
Read moreThe ice cream institution in the city of Santa Cruz. Here, everything is organic, seasonal and delicious... and above all, homemade! Enjoy classic flavors like Tahitian vanilla or dark chocolate sorbet, and depending on the season, original flavors like black tea or the unforgettable New Orleans coffee. You also have the choice in the assembly. Yummy! The establishment has a nice little terrace. The Penny institution has grown and now has 4 establishments, including a second one in Santa Cruz.
SIXTH COURSE
Read moreOne of the best chocolate makers in the bay. Truffles are to fall, and the windows are filled with a thousand and a other sweets that will make the choice difficult. But do not hesitate too long since at all strokes we fall on a surprise surprise of the most appreciable.
PEPPER PLACE
Read moreIt is easy to see that Californian cuisine, and more generally American cuisine, is much spicier than European cuisine. Under the influence of its Mexican neighbor, chillies are very present and allow to spice up the dishes with taste. Why not leave with one of the typical sauces of this cuisine, which will remind you of these flavors once you return home! You can find all the essentials (marinades, hot sauces, barbecue sauces) in this very popular store in the neighborhood, recognizable by its large windows.
SOFA MARKET
Read moreThis small shopping mall gathers several restaurants, cafes and grocery stores for the pleasure of our palate. Very good solution if you stop in San Jose to have lunch or dinner in a nice place. You can find very good burgers at On the Flip Side, great ramen at Konjoe Tei, fresh fruit juices at Vitamina, and very good toasted sandwiches at Toasted. Personally, we have a soft spot for the smoothies at Natural Sweet Delight. A digest of good addresses for food lovers!
JAMBA JUICE
Read moreThis global chain with more than 800 stores worldwide in 26 countries offers smooth and nutritious juices. You can order exotic fruit blends, but also energizing vegetable juices. You can also add a shot of vitamins to your mixture. Original, and perfect for the small munchies, it is an ideal stop of a long sunny day. The Jamba Juice in Monterey has a small outdoor terrace and a friendly service. Vegan juices and smoothies are available.