Arsicault Bakery Civic Center

Alright so this is easily one of the most hyped croissants in in SF, if not California and beyond. SF has some legit, top tier bakeries. I have been to Arsicault once before and got the chocolate Croissant and thought it was okay, as I found it to be overly flakey and a little dry to be honest.

But I couldn’t stop hearing about their twice baked croissants, so after a couple of years I came back to try it and I gotta say this is the real deal. The texture is absolutely spectacular, with a crisp bottom, soft interior and not overly sweet filling. The seasonal berry filled one is easily one of the best croissants I’ve ever had.

While the regular chocolate one may not have been up to my preference (there was nothing wrong with it), the twice baked ones are on another level. Definitely recommend you stop by and try it. Super nice staff too and decent it interior just not much of a vibe.

All the pastries were amazing but the almond croissant was the best I’ve had, especially when it was still warm. The quiche is also excellent. Worth walking through the tenderloin to get to.

The best！

Best croissant I’ve ever had.

Arsicault on Mission Street is right on the edge of the Tenderloin. So, pay attention to your surroundings if you walk there - which my daughter and I did and it was fine. But it was so worth it. I don't qualify as a food critic, but I’ve eaten some outstanding croissants from French bakers in the Washington, DC area, in Paris, and everywhere else that I can try them. And Arsicault was the best I’ve ever had.

The roll was huge but as light as air. It seemed like it had a 1,000 layers. It was so big and fluffy and buttery, but not oily. I want to go back right now!

Exceptional value. My chocolate almond croissant actually had weight and heft to it. It was chock full of chocolate and almond, absolutely delicious. At $6.75 in SF a true bargain. Staff are quick and friendly. I love you can watch them glaze croissants and bake in the background. Dog park right next door for dog viewing. Wish there was one in the east bay.

The croissants were great. The Kouign-amann was a little bit too greasy for me. The quiche was really tasty.
The surrounding area was scary as tourists, but I think it is worthwhile to try this bakery.

When ordering a sandwich became a micro-aggression.
Customer service person- hey boss
Me- what happened to sir. Calling a black man boss is a horrible insult.
Customer service person- why...
Me. It directly connected to slavery when black men knew everything but had no authority to make any decisions.
I'm sick of being insulted by people who have no historical or cultural knowledge. I hope I don't get sick from the food.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 2

Like the other Arsicault, this place is magic. Impossible to find a bad pastry, very easy to find a great one. Their almond croissant is my personal favorite.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Arsicault is amazing, and I should I written this review a long time ago. I'm finally writing it after catering a party I threw with their quiches, sandwiches and pastries. (They do not do full service catering, I had to take care of everything once the food left the bakery.) I had a biiig order (that I made several weeks in advance!), and they nailed it. Everything was absolutely delicious. My guests (many of them from out of town) were raving about the food. Morning Bun, The Londoner and the quiches were particular highlights for my guests.

Both locations are great, but I do love that this location has the baguettes, which are absolutely the best baguettes in SF. I'm looking forward to their third location's opening!

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Baguette

Shame the city can’t keep the area safe or clean, but these are undoubtedly the most authentic delicious French pastries in the city. Great coffee helps too.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pastries, Chocolate Croissant

I’m a fan of their kouign amann and morning buns. Simple but delicious and made with quality ingredients. Also, I think they serve the best vanilla latte in SF! The vanilla flavor is subtle and smooth and goes perfectly with their espresso; give it a try! Convenient location near Civic Center BART and City Hall—you may even find yourself sitting next to the Mayor!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Best ham and cheese baguette on the planet.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Baguette

I’m not sure what the hype is about, basic croissants & other pastries are way too sweet - feels like a pound of sugar per pastry…also, $4.75 for a plain croissant sounds bit overstated. SF doesn’t have high standards for food and pastry and general, so probably ok for these standards..

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 2

Best croissants I’ve ever tried (yes, including France).

Also amazing: the sourdough bread!

I don't know what I expected when I ordered the ham and cheese croissant. I literally just thought I was ordering a ham and cheese croissant. But I was poorly mistaken! That was a level of delicious that I wasn't prepared to experience. This is literally the most flaky, buttery, delicate, perfectly savory, yet somehow elegantly gourmet ham and cheese croissant I've ever had. I am halfway through and I had to write this review. I also got the chocolate chip cookie, almond croissant, and chocolate croissant and now I'm salivating at the thought of those after trying this. Literally, the best croissants I've had outside of Paris - no cap!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pastries, Almond, Ham & Cheese Croissant