Who says you have to wait until dinner to have dessert? 

If you’re looking for the perfect way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or even just a Thursday, then we’ve got some ideas for you. Here are 20 of the best dessert spots in San Francisco. Be sure to check hours and availability before you shop! before you go.

Neighbor Bakehouse

The Mission neighborhood is wildly famous for its French pastries—and Neighbor Bakehouse offers the best of the best. This open-concept café is dedicated to selling its popular baked goods. In the mood for a classic chocolate croissant or seasonal fruit vanilla danish? What about a jam-filled oaty shortbread or ginger molasses cookie? You can find that—and much, more more—at this sweet staple.

Tartine Bakery

Just a short walk from Dolores Park, Tartine Bakery is the perfect spot for an afternoon treat. Established in 2002, Tartine Bakery is passionate about serving soul food and creating a warm atmosphere for their guests. What could be better than a banana cream tart and a cup of coffee?

Johnny Doughnut

Nestled in the Hayes Valley, Johnny Doughnut has been serving their delicious fried doughnuts since 2012. Handcrafted using high-quality ingredients from locally-sourced vendors, their menu features a variety of styles and shapes. Those who are wheat-free, allergic to nuts, or vegan can also find options here. Their vegan recipe, which is created using roasted sweet potatoes, is topped with vanilla or chocolate glaze. You can also enjoy a vegan cinnamon roll, jam-packed with golden raisins. With an option to donate coffee and donuts to local hospital workers, you can get your sugar tooth fix while simultaneously giving back to your community. Sounds like a win-win to me! 

Bi-Rite Creamery

Bi-Rite Creamery, located in the Mission, is famous for a number of reasons. But at the top of the list is their organic, flavorful, small-batch ice cream. Their menu consists of flavors such as malted vanilla with peanut brittle and milk chocolate pieces. Their unique and creative variations of ice cream are sure to have something that will make everyone happy. If you’re looking for a date night in, don’t worry—these delicious flavors are available for takeout!

Boba Guys 

Nothing beats a refreshing drink on a hot and muggy day. Established in 2011, Boba Guys is best-known for its high-quality boba milk tea. Founders Andrew Chau and Bin Chen have been praised for their thoughtful and inventive approach to boba. If you're in the mood for late-night boba, then head on over and experience the wonder of Boba Guys.

Butter& 

Got a birthday coming up? Need a cake for your big day? Want to cool down with an ice cream cake? Known as a modern cake designer, Butter& has been a part of the Dogpatch since first opening its doors in 2017. In addition to creating beautiful (and not to mention, tasty) cakes, Butter& is passionate about ethical employment. Regardless of what occasion you are celebrating, Butter& is eager to be a part of your special moments.

Bob’s Donuts

Bob’s Donuts is loved by the community—and it’s not difficult to understand why. First opened in 1960, Bob’s Donuts quickly became a central part of the Nob Hill neighborhood. This family-owned and operated establishment serves up tasty treats, such as classic glazed and maple donuts. What makes them most unique, however, is their wonderfully enormous Bob’s Donut. If you’re up for it, try Bob’s Donut Challenge and try to eat this huge donut in only three minutes.

Belly Good Cafe & Crepes

It’s hard to beat a perfectly-prepared crêpe, and at Belly Good Cafe & Crepes, you can experience irresistible Japanese-inspired crêpes. There are plenty of classic flavors, including Nutella and fruit-topped desserts. You can also try their green tea flavor (finished with homemade whipped cream, of course). These aesthetically pleasing and Instagram-worthy desserts are guaranteed to make you smile.

Dandelion Chocolate

If you have someone in your life that is a chocolate fanatic, then we know the perfect place you can take them to. Dandelion Chocolate is chocolate galore—from gourmet cakes to decadent cookies. Their online store is open for nationwide shipping, allowing you to ship a chocolate dream to someone in your life who lives far away.

20th Century Cafe

With desserts fit for royalty, 20th Century Cafe offers decadent and scrumptious desserts. Each homemade recipe is the product of baking expertise and travels through Europe. Here, you can experience their enticing Russian honey cake or Linzer torte. With a slice of cake and a cup of tea, what can get better? 

Chantal Guillon Macarons

Traveling to Paris might be temporarily out of the question, but you can still feel transported to a Parisian café when you stop by Chantal Guillon Macarons. Located in Hayes Valley, this sweet shop is famous for their macarons. By using natural colors and ingredients, this hole-in-the-wall San Francisco shop offers healthy options while indulging in this European classic. Their wide assortment of flavors ranges from salted caramel to pistachio to more original inventions, such as almond amaretto and sparkling Champagne.

Brenda’s French Soul Food 

What could be more wonderful than hot and fresh beignets, gracefully dusted with powdered sugar? With a casual and relaxed atmosphere, you will immediately feel at home at Brenda’s French Soul Food. These authentic beignets will make you feel like you are dining in New Orleans, and their beignet flight allows you to experience a variety of flavors.

Noe Valley Bakery

If you’re looking for the perfect place to take your date after dinner, head on over to Noe Valley’s own bakery—appropriately-named Noe Valley Bakery. Here, you can find almost everything your sweet tooth is craving—pies, cakes, cupcakes, and individual desserts. You can also grab something from the Bake at Home selections. What’s better than enjoying warm cookies or scones from the comfort of home—all the deliciousness, without the mess!

Chile Pies 

If you prefer a slice of pie to cake, then make sure to visit Chile Pies. With each pie lovingly made from scratch, this pie shop sells pies by the whole and slice. Here, you can experience a bountiful array of flavors, with the most unique and notable flavor being the green chile apple. This original pie comes with a walnut streusel, cheddar cheese crust, and red chile honey drizzle. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not try one of their milkshakes? This might not sound too unique—until you find out that a piece of pie is added to each milkshake.

Benkyodo Company

Benkyodo Company has been a part of Japantown since 1906 and was one of the original businesses on Geary Boulevard. Although the location has since changed, this family-owned store still makes refreshing, traditional mochi—all by hand. Try a diverse range of flavors—yomogi, pink habuti, and even peanut butter. To guarantee you’ll get to taste these sweet confections, it’s a good idea to pre-order.

Yasukochi’s Sweet Stop

Japantown is packed with an abundance of delectable desserts—which you can experience at Yasukochi’s Sweet Stop. Here, you can find a menu filled with exquisite treats, such as the coffee crunch cake. No matter what you choose, you won’t be disappointed.

Cafe Danel

A newer, fast-favorite is Maison Danel, created by a French chef wanting to bring as authentic a menu and experience as possible for this Patisserie and Salon de The in Lower Nob Hill.  The proof is in the sweets, and savories, from beautiful and tasty macarons, buttery pain au chocolat, chausson au pommes and entire tartes to breakfast and lunch fare such as charcuterie and cheese plates, Niçoise salads, and croque madames. All available for take-out, pick up or delivery. There’s even a take-home afternoon tea box complete with mini sandwiches, sweets, and loose leaf tea.

Anthony’s Cookies

It’s almost impossible to top a classic chocolate chip cookie and a tall glass of milk. At Anthony’s Cookies, located in the Mission District, they’re passionate about creating the perfect cookie. Flavors vary from cookies and cream, cinnamon, toffee chip, whole wheat oatmeal raisin, and many more. With unbeatable prices and stellar flavors, Anthony has something for you.

Honey Creme

The end of summer might be coming but there’s still enough hot days for you to enjoy some premium soft-serve ice cream. Honey Creme uses South Korea’s top fresh milk ice cream recipes to make their exclusive flavors—honeycomb and popcorn and Himalayan salt dark chocolate to name just a few.

Loving Cup

Since it was first established in 2008, Loving Cup pride themselves on being one of the city’s favorite frozen yogurt shops. Their mission is focused on using simple, high-quality ingredients to produce their divine and refreshing treats. Their hand-churned goodness begins with cultured nonfat milk, resulting in a creamy, velvety soft-serve. With a spread of flavors, you can customize your frozen yogurt to suit your preferences. 

If you want more opportunities to dine at the plethora of dessert spots in San Francisco, you’ll need a home in the area. To explore the San Francisco Bay Area real estate market, contact Mary Macpherson today. Her expertise in luxury real estate in San Francisco will help guide you through the process of finding the perfect property.