Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » La Boulangerie – San Francisco
La Boulangerie - San Francisco
Photo from La Boulangerie
La Boulangerie at a glance
San Francisco Cole Valley
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 53 of the guests
#1141 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#91 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
335
Reviews
76.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food variety
- Friendly staff
- Charming space
Frequently criticized
- Early closing
- Croissant quality
- Disposable items
The cafe La Boulangerie de San Francisco, Cole Valley in the vibrant Cole Valley neighborhood of San Francisco offers a delightful escape. You’ll find yourself drawn in by the casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Known for its great dessert, this spot is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or enjoying lunch, you’re in for a treat.
Don’t forget to explore their excellent coffee and tea selection.
Overview: Introducting La Boulangerie
La Boulangerie offers a pleasant experience, particularly noted for its diverse pastries and other baked goods, alongside a selection of savory items. Many appreciate the friendly staff who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.
It’s a spot where you can find some truly delightful treats and enjoy attentive service. However, not all aspects are consistently praised.
While some food items shine, others, like certain croissants or coffee, have received mixed reviews. Guests have also pointed out concerns regarding the early closing time and occasional issues with the dining environment, such as disposable tableware.
Good
7.5
out of 10
335
Reviews
76.7%
Satisfaction
65
negative
13
neutral
257
positive
La Boulangerie generally earns a solid reputation, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 7.5. This indicates a good overall experience, a sentiment largely echoed by customers, with a Customer Satisfaction rate of 76.7%.
These figures are based on a substantial 335 customer opinions, with 257 positive remarks outweighing 65 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (7.8) and Service (7.5) are clear strengths, consistently receiving high marks.
The Ambience (6.9) also contributes positively, offering a pleasant setting. However, Value (6) sits in the average range, suggesting that while many find the pricing fair, some items might feel a bit steep for their quality.
What people like
- Excellent food variety
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Charming, airy space
What people don't like
- Early closing time
- Inconsistent croissant quality
- Disposable tableware
If you’re seeking a spot with a good selection of baked goods and genuinely friendly service, La Boulangerie is certainly worth considering. Its inviting atmosphere makes it a pleasant place to stop for a quick bite or a relaxed coffee, especially if you appreciate a diverse menu beyond just standard croissants.
With a strong Recommendation Score of 7.7, it’s clear many patrons leave satisfied. Just be mindful of the early closing times and manage expectations for certain baked items.
Overall, it’s a solid choice for a casual meal or treat, offering more hits than misses.
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Verdict: Our expert take on La Boulangerie
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
Overall, the food here receives a solid thumbs-up, with a 7.8 score and a 79.3% customer satisfaction rating, indicating a generally good experience. Based on 153 positive remarks out of 193 total comments, many rave about the heavenly pastries, delicious baked goods, and excellent croissants, alongside exceptional bread and a variety of savory options. However, not every bite is perfect.
There were 29 negative comments, with some finding certain items like the plain croissant to be underwhelming in texture and flavor. A few also mentioned airport quality food or factory-made items, and even a cheap substitute for butter in some baked goods, suggesting inconsistency.
Food
193
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
29
negative
11
neutral
153
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Heavenly pastries
- Exceptional bread
- Delicious baked goods
What people don't like
- Underwhelming croissants
- Factory-made items
- Cheap butter substitute
Often praised
- foodThe fruit and nut bread was a standout, perfect for enjoying by itself or as an accompaniment to any meal. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was very pleasant.
- pastriesMy experience at this neighborhood place was great for a quick bite. They offer good salads, quiches, sandwiches, pastries, and soups. The service was excellent, and the prices were reasonable.
- coffeeI've tried many cafés in San Francisco, and this one is by far the most authentic to the pastries I've had in France. Alongside great coffee, including an almond croissant latte that surprisingly tastes exactly like the croissant, the café also does an amazing job introducing pastries beyond the usual croissants. I utterly recommend the kouign amanns and canelés.
- croissantsMy experience at the restaurant was a mix of highs and lows. I found the food to be generally good, particularly the eggwhite omelette, the “fantastic croissant French toast”, the croissants, and the tarts. However, the onion soup was a letdown; it was not at all French, and the onions were not caramelized.
- quicheit’s their quiche! Any kind is great honestly
- sandwichesMy experience at this neighborhood place was great for a quick bite. They offer good salads, quiches, sandwiches, pastries, and soups. The service was excellent, and the prices were reasonable.
- FoodFood is good
- almond croissant latteI've tried many cafés in San Francisco, and this one is by far the most authentic to the pastries I've had in France. Alongside great coffee, including an almond croissant latte that surprisingly tastes exactly like the croissant, the café also does an amazing job introducing pastries beyond the usual croissants. I utterly recommend the kouign amanns and canelés.
- chocolate chip cookiesthe chocolate chip cookies are my favorite in the city
- chocolate hazelnut croissantthe chocolate hazelnut croissant they are like desserts
Frequently criticized
- coffeethe coffee is not that great
- plain croissantunderwhelming both in terms of texture
- Cappuccinothe 2nd worst Cappuccino after starbucks
- Croc MonsieurCroc Moncier was served room temp
- French BoulangerieHow dare you to imitate to be French Boulangerie !!!
- almond croissantI was underwhelmed. Maybe I was expecting the typical almond paste inside but it was almost overcompensating with being absolutely coated with chopped almonds.
- almondsThe plain croissant was underwhelming in terms of both texture and flavor. The almond croissant was not as sweet as most, which was good, but the almonds were overbaked, which was bad.
- baconthe bacon was mediocre
- baked goodsInstead, it was just like a load of bread. I can't speak to the competence of their bakers, but their baked goods don't reflect well upon them. The food quality was disappointing, with the croissants lacking the expected texture and layers.
- breadbread was stale
If you're looking for a spot with generally delicious baked goods and exceptional bread, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that while many items shine, a few might not live up to the high standards set by their best offerings.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.5 and a customer satisfaction rate of 76.1%, both landing squarely in the good category. Based on 66 customer remarks, with 51 positive and 15 negative, many rave about the friendly staff and attentive service, often highlighting local recommendations and a generally positive experience. However, not every interaction is perfect.
Some customers have encountered slow service or an unpleasant staff member, with a few mentioning issues like a long line. While these instances are fewer, they do point to areas where consistency could be improved, ensuring every guest feels welcome and served efficiently.
Service
67
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
15
negative
1
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great recommendations
- Positive experience
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Unpleasant staff member
- Long lines
Often praised
- servicegreat service staff seem happy and enjoying their job
- staffIt's important to note that this is NOT the Starbucks owned La Boulange and shares no resemblance. The staff are really friendly and the interior is clean and quiet. On a nice day, it’s a great place to hang out before heading over to the park.
- MarcusMarcus, the guy in front, was really attentive and was hilarious.
- ServiceService:Dine in
- peopleMy companion raved about the chorizo and potato empanada and wants to go back for more soon. We want this place to stay exactly as it is: quiet, charming, with lovely people and perfect in every way ❤️.
- Friendly staffFriendly staff
- StaffStaff are super friendly
- attentionthe attention wonderful girls
- attentiveMarcus, the guy in front, was really attentive and was hilarious.
- attentive serviceJacob was above and beyond with his attentive service
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe first and really only person to greet me was the younger guy working there. However, the older white woman behind the register not only ignored me but she looked at me like I was an inconvenience, even though I had said hello. The bread was alright, but the matcha tasted like pure milk.
- WiFithe WiFi is extra important
- closes at 4:30only downside is it closes at 4:30
- do not recommendDon’t recommend it!!
- early closingbecause they close so early
- early closing timeextremely disappointing due to its early closing time
- everyone elseEveryone else was unpleasant
- internetVery very slow internet
- linethe line is too long
- older womanThe best thing was the young man creating everyone, including people of color, and smiling. However, everyone else was unpleasant, especially the older woman at the register who looked disappointed that I entered the business to buy breakfast. The service was unfriendly and not worth the trouble.
Overall, you can expect a good experience here, especially with the friendly and attentive staff. While there might be an occasional hiccup with speed or a less-than-stellar interaction, the positives largely outweigh the negatives, making it worth a visit.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 6.9 and a solid customer satisfaction of 74.6%. Based on 44 positive remarks out of 59 total comments, many adore the relaxing environment and atmosphere, especially the outdoor seating and bright light indoors. Its often described as a charming, airy space perfect for special occasions or just enjoying a sunny day.
However, not everyone finds the vibe perfect. With 15 negative comments, some found it cold due to open doors, leading to uncomfortable seating. There are also concerns about the use of disposable plates, ' plastic cups, and utensils, which detract from the overall experience for those seeking a more sustainable or comfortable setting.
Ambience
59
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
15
negative
0
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Relaxing environment
- Bright, airy space
- Good outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable seating
- Cold indoors
- Disposable dishware
Often praised
- atmosphereThe fruit and nut bread was a standout, perfect for enjoying by itself or as an accompaniment to any meal. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was very pleasant.
- placeThe staff are really friendly and the interior is clean and quiet. On a nice day, it’s a great place to hang out before heading over to the park.
- environmentSpacious, 'contemporary rustic' environment
- outdoor seatingThe parklet and other outdoor seating are nice
- spaceThe space is airy, sunny, charming, and inviting
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- French petite atmosphereThe cafe is set with a French petite atmosphere
- Indoors seatingThe outside seating area is kept clean, but the frequent homeless folks may be a bother at times. Indoors seating is comfortable and filled with light. Staff are super friendly and make sure to prepare your order per your request.
- bakeryGreat little bakery
- cafeVery cute cafe
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe name of the store and the atmosphere is a lie
- tablesdirty wobbly tables
- coldquite cold in morning
- disposable platesuse disposable and plastic plates
- doors openThe baked goods and sandwiches were good, but the atmosphere was very uncomfortable. They leave the doors open when it’s cold, making it difficult to sit and eat. 🥶
- front doorrefuse to close front door
- homeless folksThis is a super cute little cafe that offers amazing brunch items. The outside seating area is kept clean, but the frequent homeless folks may be a bother at times. Indoors seating is comfortable and filled with light.
- plastic cupsuse disposable and plastic cups
- plastic utensilsuse disposable and plastic utensils
- seatingNot the world’s most comfortable seating
If youre seeking a bright, airy spot with good outdoor options and a generally pleasant atmosphere, this place is worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially chilly indoor temperatures and the use of disposable dishware, which might not suit everyones preference.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
Diving into the value, it seems many guests found reasons to smile, with 9 positive remarks praising the affordable and well-priced options. Folks often mentioned getting good value for their money, with some even noting that portions could easily stretch into 2 meals. While the overall customer satisfaction sits at a 56.3% (a mixed bag), the score for value is an average 6.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows, as 6 negative comments out of 16 total pointed out that some items can be quite pricy or even overpriced. A few felt the cost was steep for the quality or service received, particularly for certain breakfast options. This suggests that while some find it a good deal, others might feel the pinch, leading to that mixed satisfaction.
Value
16
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Good value
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Can be pricy
- Overpriced breakfast
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was pretty special. Everything I tried was tasty and reasonably priced. The staff were friendly and masked, and I was in and out quickly.
- pricesprices were what you’d expect
- 2 mealscan easily be 2 meals
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- affordableThe service was personably professional, making the dining experience enjoyable. Furthermore, the prices were reasonably affordable, offering good value for the overall experience. It's definitely worth a visit.
- menueverything is very reasonably priced
- well-pricedthe food is well-priced
Frequently criticized
- priceThe price is steep, but everything was perfect, from the food to the welcome. Our experience was excellent, with food and service both receiving top marks.
- $8They charged 8$ for a mid/Starbucks type chocolate croissant
- pricya little bit pricy
If youre looking for generally affordable options and good portion sizes, youll likely find decent value here. However, be mindful that some specific items, especially breakfast, might feel a bit overpriced, so choose wisely.
How are the prices at La Boulangerie?
On average, you’ll spend around 17 per person – from 53 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners spend in the $11–$20 range, showing prices cluster nicely around the average, though a few guests opt for a slightly more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 53 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Cafe in San Francisco, offering good value for its mid-range positioning.
Customer Reviews: what people think about La Boulangerie
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
8
Cute Cafe with Delicious Brunch
This is a super cute little cafe that offers amazing brunch items. The outside seating area is kept clean, but the frequent homeless folks may be a bother at times. Indoors seating is comfortable and filled with light.
Staff are super friendly and make sure to prepare your order per your request. There is a big kitchen in the back and food is freshly made daily.
- brunch items9
- outside seating area7
- Indoors seating8
- homeless folks3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Food, Quick Service
My experience at this restaurant was great. I usually get the chicken pesto baguette, which is hella good. The service was quick and polite.
It seems like a place for techies to hang out, so I doubt I'll ever pop a squat, but it is nice in there.
- chicken pesto baguette10
- service9
- atmosphere7
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Croissants, Lost Faith
I've lost faith in their products. Earlier this week, I purchased croissants from them. Upon opening one, I saw that the classic laminated layers of butter and dough weren't there.
Instead, it was just like a load of bread. I can't speak to the competence of their bakers, but their baked goods don't reflect well upon them. The food quality was disappointing, with the croissants lacking the expected texture and layers.
While I didn't experience the service or atmosphere directly in this instance, the poor quality of the baked goods has significantly impacted my overall perception.
- croissants2
- baked goods2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Croissant, Misleading Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. They charged $8 for a chocolate croissant that tasted like it was from Starbucks and was likely factory-made. The store's name and atmosphere felt like a lie, though I suppose that's understandable given our proximity to the Castro.
- chocolate croissant1
- factory-made1
- atmosphere1
Price per Person
- $101+
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Top-notch team and community welcome
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional, thanks to Jose and his team. They are top-notch and truly great members of the community. They made me feel so welcome to the neighborhood.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, the service was a 5, and the food was also a 5. The noise level was quiet, easy to talk, and it's suitable for all group sizes. The price per person is $100+.
- team10
- community10
- atmosphere10
What La Boulangerie offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Vegetarian options
- Coffee
Dining options
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What can you expect to find on the menu at La Boulangerie de San Francisco, Cole Valley?
At this charming Cole Valley cafe, you can enjoy a variety of offerings including quick bites, vegetarian options, and excellent coffee. They are particularly known for their great dessert and a wide selection of teas, making it an ideal spot for breakfast, lunch, or just a sweet treat.
What kind of atmosphere and amenities does La Boulangerie de San Francisco, Cole Valley offer?
This San Francisco cafe provides a casual and trendy atmosphere with options for outdoor seating, dine-in, and delivery. You can enjoy free Wi-Fi, and it’s a family-friendly spot with high chairs available. If you have a furry friend, dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
How does La Boulangerie rate overall, and what are its strongest aspects?
La Boulangerie holds a Restaurant Score of 7.5, indicating a good overall experience. Its strongest aspects are its Food (7.8) and Service (7.5), with Ambience (6.9) also contributing positively.
What food items are particularly recommended at La Boulangerie?
Customers frequently praise the diverse pastries , including unique items like the almond croissant latte and chocolate hazelnut croissants. The fruit and nut bread, quiches, and sandwiches also receive positive mentions for their quality.
Are there any common complaints or drawbacks to consider before visiting La Boulangerie?
Some patrons note the early closing time as a drawback. There are also mixed opinions on the quality of certain croissants and coffee, and some find the use of disposable tableware less appealing.