This post is also available in: French
Here’s the thing, we are in love. Butterflies in the stomach, silly smiles, breath taken away – the whole deal. Our crush? San Francisco.
San Francisco with its tasty, Eucalyptus kissed air, views that become more stunning around each corner, Victorian houses much like pastels in an artist’s box, mindblowing farmers’ markets, friendly locals, and contagious West coast positivity.
We were charmed even before stepping off the plane, while marveling at the velvet-like hills on our descend into the city.
At the Ferry Buidling market
We tried to go everywhere and see everything, which is quite a lot. Let’s get down to business and talk about our favourite places.
Muir Woods
First off, the Ferry building, a waterfront marketplace full of artisanal shops. We went there every day out of the five days in San Francisco, no joke. Think specialty cheese, bread, coffee, pastry, and a whole lot of other unique items. There is also an outdoor farmers’ market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. No wonder we couldn’t get out of there.
Every morning we would get green juice from one of the grocers inside the building. Another amazing indulgence was a candy-cap mushroom popsicle from Far West Fungi, a specialty mushroom shop. Decaf cappuccino from Blue Bottle is always very good.
The majestic Pacific
Cacao nib rocher / lemon meringue cake at Tartine bakery
Apart from the Ferry Buidling, the Mission district completely stole our hearts, neighborhood wise.
Tartine Bakery is in the Mission, and while we heard a lot of positive things about it, we had no idea what kind of crazy treat we were in for. The energy of that place is so happy, you feel it even when standing in line and eyeing the decadent cakes, croissants, scones, and tartines. There is live music on Friday evenings, and every single thing sold is beyond delicious. They have two beautiful cookbooks, which I highly recommend if you are into bread, pastry, or just great food photography.
Bi-Rite Market is right down the block from Tartine, a very nice neighborhood grocery with local produce and lots of other foodie-friendly stock.
Muir beach overlook / Far West Fungi mushroom shop at the Ferry Building
Happy 75th birthday, Golden Gate
Impressive porcini mushrooms at Far West Fungi
Veggie soup / garden roll at Cha-Ya vegan Japanese
Another noteworthy and far healthier place in the neighborhood was Cha-Ya, a vegan Japanese restaurant. They offer clean food, letting the ingredients speak for themselves. We ate there twice and each meal was truly memorable and left us with a light, nourished feeling.
Rose garden in Golden Gate Park
Other notes:
– XOX Truffles in the North Beach/Washington Square area – free small truffle with any drink, our favourites were red wine and earl grey truffles
– The view from Hamon Tower at the de Young museum is great, especially at sunset. Also, the Jean Paul Gaultier retrospective is on view now and well worth the visit.
– SFMOMA has a really nice collection, not as overwhelming as, say, the NYC MoMA. It is possible to see the whole thing in one day, and the building is cool.
– San Francisco is a transit first city. It is so pleasant to see places, where public transportation works so efficiently. We didn’t miss having a car once. Wish this was more common in the U.S.
chicago foodie girl says
Everything looks so lovely! San Francisco is one of my favorite cities in the world. :-)
therosejournals says
this makes me want to travel — as soon as possible ;)
gorgeous photos as always
lisa k. says
What a wonderful time in SF. You hit all the right spots to inspire and delight you.The photography is stunning, the food luscious and the scenes of the city are awesome.
Maybe a travel and food blog is in your future.
Lisa K.
Zhenya says
“I left my heart in San Francisco..” :)) I was waiting for this post!!! Thank you Anya!
Carolyn says
absolutely love san francisco. heading there this week!
Cleanse America says
LOVE SF – you captured it beautifully!!
– Penni
Sécotine says
Once upon a time, I felt in love with SF and its area … You make me feel nostalgic ! I’m happy you had some wonderful days there !
Anonymous says
Gorgeous post!
Tanya says
Tartine bakery and Cha-ya are one of my favorite places in SF.
Nancy says
Gorgeous photos! I’ve been to the Cha Ya in Berkeley and have such fond memories of their veggie soup and creative rolls :) Missing NoCal right now…
Sammy Kay says
San Fran never looked and sounded so good! Very cool post!
Sweet Faery says
Felt like I was there while doing the translation… Thanks for the great photos!
Sophie says
Gorgeous photos – we had a lovely holiday in San Francisco this April and these take me right back.
We stayed just around the corner from Tartine Bakery and Bi-Rite. The whole city is which a foodie paradise but especially this bit, though like you I think we went to the Ferry Building every day too! Did you try pizzeria Delfina in the Mission – if to that’s my tip for next time (worth waiting out on the sidewalk for a table)
Meridith says
Oh my goodness, I went to San Francisco two months ago for my honeymoon! The Ferry Building was my favorite part of being there…we visited more than once. Blue Bottle coffee is amazing. I’m glad that we don’t have one here in Alabama or I would find myself there all too often.
So glad you enjoyed your time away!
therosejournals says
Love! Where did you stay — if we may ask? We are thinking about heading here just because of this post!
Golubka says
Hi Noelle and David, you so should go. It is a city to fall in love with. Half the time, we stayed in the very touristy Fisherman’s Wharf and would not recommend it, to be honest. Then, we stayed with a friend in Marina, which was much nicer but a bit removed from the action. If we were to go again, I’d want to stay somewhere in the Mission/Castro, not far too away from Tartine Bakery :)
iffatali says
My favorite thing is to go where I have never gone.
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