When you think California, you think Apple, Hollywood, and avocado toast. And not necessarily in that order. Artisanal toast is a wave that has swept the Golden State and as a huge proponent of artistically-displayed carbs, I made it my mission to find the best one. After all, if you’re going to spend ~$10 on toast, it should be the prettiest, best toast you’ve ever had. Here is your designated list for the best avocado toast in San Francisco, CA.
1. Little Gem on Grove
I am not kidding when I say I tried over a dozen different avocado toasts in the makings of this blog post, and this is the best avocado toast in San Francisco, CA – it’s the one I see in my dreams. What I want to know is where Little Gem gets its produce from because those cherry tomatoes are the most flavorful fruits I have ever had. The grated egg is a unique touch and the basil is so fragrant. I could go on forever, but you’ll have to try it for yourself. And, most importantly, it’s all gluten free!
- Neighborhood: Hayes Valley
- Address: 400 Grove St C1, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Price: $9.75 (egg included)
- Vibes: Little Gem just epitomizes “chic brunch”. It has a cute outdoor seating section (a must for me because I bring my dog Dante everywhere) and indoor seating along the large, sun-filled windows. Get there after 10 AM on a Sunday and it’s packed.
2. The Mill
If a café could be renowned for toast, this is it. At 10 AM on a cloudy Sunday morning, a line of eager coffee & toast enthusiasts queues up outside the storefront. The Mill offers thick slices of their fresh baked bread slathered in your topping of choice (avocado + lime, cream cheese + pesto, and my personal favorite, halva + pistachios). And it’s exactly what you would expect: crunchy on the edges, soft in the middle, and weighted down with whatever delicious spread you select.
- Neighborhood: Alamo Square
- Address: 736 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117
- Price: $8 for avocado toast / date toast
- Vibes: This place attracts everyone – bookworms, bloggers, and brunchers, to name a few. There are long tables crammed with seats, forcing two perfect strangers to at least exchange a smile as they sit side-by-side and enjoy their toast. And for dog owners, there is outdoor seating as well as Alamo Square park a block away.
3. Jane on Larkin
Jane is anything but plain when it comes to avocado toast. The unique additions of pickled onions and jalapenos add a kick to the humble avocado, and the egg is poached to perfection. Jane’s gluten-free nutty bird bread is also a must-buy, with its generous slathering of almond butter and tartly sweet fruit preserves.
- Neighborhood: Polk Gulch
- Address: 925 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94115
- Price: $9 for avocado toast (egg included) / $6 for nutty bird bread
- Vibes: While the plain black storefront does not even have the word “Jane” anywhere, the inside of this Jane is bustling. Tables go fast on weekend mornings, as groups of friends flock here to catch up over toast and breakfast bowls.
4. Mazarine Coffee
Did anyone else know beets could taste like that? Mazarine Coffee’s beet hummus is truly the star of their avocado toast. I would recommend swapping out the whole wheat bread for pain de mie, which is almost an inch-thick and able to hold up the generous layer of hummus. The bright magenta from the beets and the light green from the avocado also makes this look like the perfect springtime snack.
- Neighborhood: Financial District
- Address: 720 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Price: $8 for beet and avocado
- Vibes: Mazarine is more quiet, “hole up for hours with your test prep” vibes. It opens at 8 AM and I showed up at 8:15 to a quiet but packed café. The dim lighting and two-person tables create a more intimate atmosphere.
5. Provender
Provender’s toast is simple (thin but aerated bread, finely sliced avocado, a sprinkle of sesame seeds) but photographs perfectly and tastes divine. I am firmly convinced that whatever they put in their butter is addicting.
- Neighborhood: Potrero Hill
- Address: 1415 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
- Price: $12 (yeah it’s pricey)
- Vibes: Provender is a no frills stop. With minimal seating, indoor and outdoor, it’s more of a grab-and-go environment.
6. Scullery
While Scullery’s toast is as simple as it gets (think bread, butter, avocado), it hosts an impressive array of chutneys and jellies. I opted for the fig and finger chutney (their bestseller) and despite my skepticism over the flavor combination, I was not disappointed.
- Neighborhood: Tenderloin
- Address: 687 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Price: $7 with $1.50 for chutneys
- Vibes: Scullery is cute but bright, with yellow stools and a hand written menu. There’s not much seating indoors, making it more of a “grab and go” place for groups but perfect for someone looking to study in a cozy café.
7. As Quoted
As Quoted is the other gluten-free establishment on this list, but you would never guess it is gluten free. Their avocado toast is among the most aesthetic ones on my list, partly because of the vibrant radish and chive garnish and partly because the egg oozes oh-so-perfectly when split.
- Neighborhood: Presidio Heights
- Address: 3613 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94118
- Price: $9 with $3 for egg
- Vibes: As quoted has a very chic, all white interior with indoor and outdoor seating. It’s gaining popularity, though, so be sure to check it out while the lines are still relatively short!
8. Native Co
Native Co is extremely popular for a working lunch, as evidenced by the long line and packed store. Their avocado toast is simple but sublime, and I would recommend pairing it with their Sunshake (liquid chocolate-y heaven).
- Neighborhood: The East Cut
- Address: 163 2nd St, San Francisco, CA 94105
- Price: $7.75 ($1.50 extra for hard boiled egg)
- Vibes: Native Co has a brick storefront and peach accents with a wooden interior and plants everywhere (i.e., an aesthetic heaven). There’s single person window seats and cozy tables, with plenty of sunlight pouring in from all angles.
9. Farm : Table
This avocado toast could use a tad more seasoning, but the presentation is too good to overlook. The pickled vegetables are my favorite part of the toast, and it comes with a side salad. Would highly encourage you to pair this toast with one of their lattes (I got the matcha chai latte, which is a combination of my two favorite flavors).
- Neighborhood: Nob Hill
- Address: 754 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94109
- Price: $8 (includes hard-boiled egg)
- Vibes: The small but cozy interior of Farm : Table seems like just the place where book clubs will huddle to discuss Jane Austen. Their mascot seems to be a pug, and when Dante and I visited there were plenty of dog owners sharing eggs with their canines outside. It’s not much to look at, but the toast is pretty, the staff is friendly and the crowd is strictly breakfast enthusiasts.
Honorable Mentions for Best Avocado Toast in San Francisco, CA:
Breadbelly
The Kaya toast is one of the most unique toasts I have ever had. It’s perfectly sweet and salty with a creamy spread and soft, melt-in-your-mouth bread. The green color and perfect piping makes it a highly instagrammable dessert.
- Neighborhood: Outer Richmond
- Address: 408 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118
- Price: $7 Kaya toast
- Vibes: Parking around Breadbelly is nothing short of a nightmare, given the high popularity. The store has plenty of seating but it is still packed at 1 PM on a Sunday.
Stable Cafe
I want to give this café an honorable mention more for the vibes than the food. The avocado toast is certainly something I could make in my own kitchen, but the café itself is a must-stop.
- Neighborhood: Mission
- Address: 2128 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110
- Price: $6
- Vibes: While Stable Café food is extremely no frills, the café is beautiful. It’s wonderful for large groups, with a spacious outdoor seating area filled with greenery and sunlight.
