San Francisco is unique and vibrant, and you can experience it most in a Persian Bakery. The smell of Persian bread and pastries will take you home and give you hope for the rest of the day. Today, stay with Nazdikia as we search to find the best Persian Bakery in San Francisco.
Komaaj Pila Bazaar
Business Description
Komaaj Pila Bazaar is a vibrant and cozy spot in San Francisco’s Mission/Bernal Heights neighborhood that introduces the unique, vegetable-and-herb-rich flavors of Northern Iranian (Gilan and Mazandaran) cuisine. Though it is more of a restaurant, you can find Persian Sangak bread here. Most of their customers highlighted their neat, authentic Sangak, which makes any food more desirable.
Royal Market Food & Bakery
Business Description
Royal Market Food & Bakery is a large, well-stocked European and Middle Eastern market in the Richmond District, offering a blend of Armenian, Russian, and Persian/Mediterranean cuisine. Products are also stated to be halal, which aligns with the needs of many Persian shoppers. You can find some Iranian Pastries like Shirini Zaban and other Persian cookies that can be preserved for a longer time.
Persian Bakeries in San Francisco: what they offer
As we’ve always said, Persian Bakeries are more than bread and pastries; they are a place to celebrate an old culture. If you are from Iran, you are likely familiar with all the details. However, if you are new, we encourage you to read this section.
Persian Breads
Unlike revenge, Persian Breads are best served hot and fresh! Among different types of Persian Bread, Barbari is the most beloved in Iran. It’s crispy on the outside and soft inside, making it one of the best options for breakfast and stews. Then, we have Sangak, which has a rustic texture and nutty flavor that makes it the perfect accompaniment to different types of Kebab. There are other breads, such as Taftoon and Lavash; both are soft and best for wraps.
Classic Persian Pastries & Sweets
Get your hand on any Persian pastry in San Francisco and you’ll get to feel the perfect harmony between saffron, rosewater, and cardamom in ways that feel both familiar and deeply comforting.
Among Classic Persian pastries and sweets, you can find zoolbia, bamieh, noon khamei, sohan, pistachio baklava, Nan-e Berenji, Koloocheh, Nan-e Nokhodchi, and cakes infused with saffron or topped with crushed nuts. Each pastry reflects a piece of Iran’s dessert tradition, adapted thoughtfully to local tastes.
Ordering Persian Pastries in San Francisco online
The world we live in is as fast as it can get. You might think traditional Persian bakeries are not familiar with that concept, but the truth is that most of them have adapted to modern ways. So, you can enjoy your favorite breads and sweets, whether you prefer stopping by in person or having everything delivered to your doorstep. Most bakeries give you the option for delivery through platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats
There is one thing, though, that you should keep in mind. Persian Bakeries in San Francisco are limited. For holidays like Nowruz or Yalda Night or occasions like birthdays and weddings, you should preorder and work out the details with the bakery.
How to Choose the Best Iranian Pastry in San Francisco
Persian pastry is about authenticity, so how should we find an authentic Persian Bakery? The first and most obvious answer will be the aroma and the taste. Persian Pastries are aromatic and have a bland taste, not overly sweet, but sweet enough to give you joy. So if you smell something good and the taste is like a musical harmony, you are in an authentic Persian Bakery.
Another answer would be the business itself. Family-run bakeries are more authentic most of the time. Remember to check their history, how they started, and how they are evolving their business. Also, customer reviews are the best when you want to get to know a business.
Persian Bakeries and Persian Holidays in San Francisco
Persian Bakeries in San Francisco are important to the cultural diversity of the whole Bay Area. During Persian holidays like Nowruz and Yalda Night, you can see that these bakeries are the center of celebration. They often cook symbolic pastries that are traditional sweets of the holiday.
For Nowruz, you expect to see spring-themed boxes of pastries that contain Nan Brenji, Nokhodchi, and other traditional treats. Yalda Night, on the other hand, inspires winter pastries and pomegranate flavors, and Ramadan evenings glow with warm zoolbia and bamieh. Many bakeries also join community festivals, tastings, and cultural events, helping introduce iconic pastries and the stories behind them to the wider Bay Area.