Never will go back again, two times we have been there, waited long time for them to open and both time an old lady open the door with a little crack and said their stuff sold out. Come back later! I think they just cater to tour groups! Can’t run a business like that!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Elaine C.
I recently took a road trip from Southern California to San Francisco with a few friends and a family member. One of the highlights we were looking forward to was visiting Golden Gate Bakery, known for its classic Chinese pastries and glowing reviews on social media.
Unfortunately, our experience was a major letdown. Totally disappointed!
The bakery opened at 11:00 a.m., but only a small crack of the front door was opened—customers weren’t allowed inside. A middle-aged woman took orders through the narrow opening, then shut the door to pack each order individually. This process created a long line of customers waiting outside.
After waiting for half an hour, we finally placed our order, hoping to try some of the traditional pastries mentioned in those rave reviews. To our surprise, we were told they only had egg tarts and almond cookies available—none of those pastries we requested were available.
It’s baffling that a business with such high ratings would operate this way: making people wait in long lines for a long time but only to offer a limited selection. If negative stars were an option, Golden Gate Bakery would earn a -5 from me.
If you’re craving a variety of Chinese baked goods, skip Golden Gate Bakery. Just two blocks away, you’ll find Little Swan Bakery & Cafe and Fancy Wheat Field Bakery—both offer a much better experience and won’t disappoint.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Yasmine Q
Cash only spot local Chinatown gem. Loved the almond cookies. Walked by on a Sunday around 1 pm no line yet. Quick efficient and tasty like something out of Chinese grandmas kitchen in ziplock bags (the cookies). Chewy and not overly sweet just the perfect almond cookie.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wes McAda
Go patient with the understanding of where you are. Fantastic and worth the price. I think the Pineapple moon cake had macadamia nuts, which was a nice surprise. Delicious and not too sweet. Great egg tart too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Humberto Rocha
I’ve often seen long lines at Golden Bakery , patrons patiently waiting their turn to get their hands on those famous golden crusted tarts. Every time I passed by, the line was enough to make me keep walking.
One day, I finally noticed a short line and thought I’d take my chance. About a 10-minute wait, not bad compared to usual. I was excited to finally taste what so many seemed to love.
My verdict? B-.
Nothing extraordinary. The tarts were okay, but the long lines aren’t worth the wait. Maybe they were better at one time, or maybe it just wasn’t their best day. Either way, I can’t say they lived up to the hype.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Theo Walton
Doesn’t accept Apple Pay or Venmo and had no sign up front saying that. Waited an hour in line
Phuong Luong
FYI they're still open (still at random times of course) and currently selling mooncakes! Was prepared to call it overhyped but unfortunately this is the best Chinese egg tart I've ever had. So buttery and light, hot cause it just came out of the oven
K Kong
The best Moon Cakes are over there at S&E Cafe on 19th Ave in the Sunset District.
Go somewhere else if you want cheaper egg tarts that taste better than this establishment. I've been here before, and the number of people lining up for expensive egg tarts that can be comparable to Oakland's Chinatown bakeries is not worth it, and thank God I didn't even buy one since I saw those prices for just one. Don't fall for the hype and the news outlets that praised this bakery before.
Megan
The egg tarts are truly worth the hype. Custard had just the right amount of chew and the tart crust was flaky yet sturdy. They’re made to order so they’re best if eaten immediately. And the grandma was so kind and sweet!
My only gripe was older locals cutting to the front of the line. But it is what it is.
Ellen Liang
Still says VAC in the front, closed
Alanna Parrish
Finally got my hands on one of these. Hot and fresh, perfect.
Never will go back again, two times we have been there, waited long time for them to open and both time an old lady open the door with a little crack and said their stuff sold out. Come back later! I think they just cater to tour groups! Can’t run a business like that!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I recently took a road trip from Southern California to San Francisco with a few friends and a family member. One of the highlights we were looking forward to was visiting Golden Gate Bakery, known for its classic Chinese pastries and glowing reviews on social media.
Unfortunately, our experience was a major letdown. Totally disappointed!
The bakery opened at 11:00 a.m., but only a small crack of the front door was opened—customers weren’t allowed inside. A middle-aged woman took orders through the narrow opening, then shut the door to pack each order individually. This process created a long line of customers waiting outside.
After waiting for half an hour, we finally placed our order, hoping to try some of the traditional pastries mentioned in those rave reviews. To our surprise, we were told they only had egg tarts and almond cookies available—none of those pastries we requested were available.
It’s baffling that a business with such high ratings would operate this way: making people wait in long lines for a long time but only to offer a limited selection. If negative stars were an option, Golden Gate Bakery would earn a -5 from me.
If you’re craving a variety of Chinese baked goods, skip Golden Gate Bakery. Just two blocks away, you’ll find Little Swan Bakery & Cafe and Fancy Wheat Field Bakery—both offer a much better experience and won’t disappoint.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Cash only spot local Chinatown gem. Loved the almond cookies. Walked by on a Sunday around 1 pm no line yet. Quick efficient and tasty like something out of Chinese grandmas kitchen in ziplock bags (the cookies). Chewy and not overly sweet just the perfect almond cookie.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Go patient with the understanding of where you are. Fantastic and worth the price. I think the Pineapple moon cake had macadamia nuts, which was a nice surprise. Delicious and not too sweet. Great egg tart too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ve often seen long lines at Golden Bakery , patrons patiently waiting their turn to get their hands on those famous golden crusted tarts. Every time I passed by, the line was enough to make me keep walking.
One day, I finally noticed a short line and thought I’d take my chance. About a 10-minute wait, not bad compared to usual. I was excited to finally taste what so many seemed to love.
My verdict? B-.
Nothing extraordinary. The tarts were okay, but the long lines aren’t worth the wait. Maybe they were better at one time, or maybe it just wasn’t their best day. Either way, I can’t say they lived up to the hype.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Doesn’t accept Apple Pay or Venmo and had no sign up front saying that. Waited an hour in line
FYI they're still open (still at random times of course) and currently selling mooncakes! Was prepared to call it overhyped but unfortunately this is the best Chinese egg tart I've ever had. So buttery and light, hot cause it just came out of the oven
The best Moon Cakes are over there at S&E Cafe on 19th Ave in the Sunset District.
Sometimes opened, mostly closed
Atmosphere: 1
On vacation as of July 13th, 2025.
Restaurantji Recommends
Says they are still on vacation 6/24/25
Go somewhere else if you want cheaper egg tarts that taste better than this establishment. I've been here before, and the number of people lining up for expensive egg tarts that can be comparable to Oakland's Chinatown bakeries is not worth it, and thank God I didn't even buy one since I saw those prices for just one. Don't fall for the hype and the news outlets that praised this bakery before.
The egg tarts are truly worth the hype. Custard had just the right amount of chew and the tart crust was flaky yet sturdy. They’re made to order so they’re best if eaten immediately. And the grandma was so kind and sweet!
My only gripe was older locals cutting to the front of the line. But it is what it is.
Still says VAC in the front, closed
Finally got my hands on one of these. Hot and fresh, perfect.
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