While I’m dreaming of my next trip to Paris, a little piece of Paris has come to San Francisco: Pâtisserie Philippe.
This beautiful jewel box of a bakery takes me right back to the City of Light, with its gorgeous vintage lamp fixtures, opulent mirrors, and marble counter covered with every classic of the pâtissier’s repertoire. Croissants and brioches spill out of baskets, fruit tarts and cakes gleam enticingly from trays, a ethereal bouquet of rose petal meringues each as big as my hand beckons from its airy perch above the display cases, and little bags of sablés and sugar cookies beg to be taken home and nibbled happily.
The patisserie is a dream realized for chef and co-proprietor Philippe Delarue, who began his career back in France in some of the noblest houses of pastry like Lenôtre, and who at one time had as his commis none other than a certain Pierre Hermé. Delarue gained many adoring clients in San Francisco who loved his traditional French pastries and elaborate wedding croquembouche.
Now he finally has a place where everyone can visit and have some of his dreamy éclairs, macarons, and breakfast pastries. It’s hard, when faced with six different kinds of croissant and brioche and about twice that many types of mousse cakes and tartlets, to not want to just camp out in the shop until one is able to try everything.
Delarue also offers an extensive savory menu, so you are able to munch on everything from a tomato and mozzarella salad to a fabulous flaky quiche Lorraine to some earthy pâte de Campagne. Tucking into a classic ham and cheese panino made with a chewy baguette, I could imagine myself in any of those inimitable cafes strung along the Parisian boulevards.
Pictured are a couple of the treats we made off with one weekend afternoon, a mere tickle of the pleasures Philippe’s has to offer: top of page, a pear frangipane strip, with sweet slices of pear on a gloriously fragrant frangipane nestled in a perfect-crisp crust. Note the thin layer of raspberry jam on the bottom of the frangipane.
A palm-size Paris-Brest, with delicately airy rings of choux sandwiching a sweet, intense hazelnut filling.
Sablés Bretons – those wonderful, toothsome butter cookies – crumble perfectly under the bite and are utterly addictive.
So while I’m waiting for my next visit to Paris aka Pastry Heaven, I’ll be soothing my longings at Philippe’s very charming and very delicious pâtisserie. If you’re anywhere near San Francisco, you shouldn’t miss it!
Pâtisserie Philippe
655 Townsend Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-558-8016
Open M-F 8-6, Sat 8-5
Tagged with: San Francisco bakeries + Patisserie Philippe
Anita Chu, also known as pastrygirl, is a baker, writer, and photographer with a passion for pastry. She trained at Tante Marie's Cooking School and is the author of Field Guide to Cookies, Field Guide to Candy, and Lollipop Love. Anita lives in San Francisco with her husband, baby girl, and rescue cockapoo Snickerdoodle. 
Dang. You are one lucky girl. I like your idea of just camping out until you’ve tried it all!
Thanks for the tip, Anita. Looks delicious. I’ll have to check it out, especially the Paris-Brest, one of my favorites.
This looks so nice.ooh ..laaa..laaa…irre3sistable..hmm nice…
Mmmmmm, all of that looks like buttery goodness.
Wow, how gorgeous are these! I love the presentation style of all three of these desserts – the selective powdered sugar decorating, beautiful piping, and cut designs on the biscuits.
You sampled some of my favorites. Pears and frangipan are a classic and bearutiful combo, Paris-Brest is light and satisfying and palets bretons are perfect dunkables for afternoon tea! You are one lucky gal to have such quality near by!
Gosh, another place to add to “my list”! You are so lucky to be nearby!
I love patisserie’s. I don’t blame you for wanting to camp out at that place. I feel the same love for the one we have near us.
Nothing like quality pastries, plus the photos are beautiful. Another place to visit when in S.F.
Tanna,
Believe me if I could camp out there I would!
Brett,
Hope you get the chance to check it out – Philippe is a great guy!
soumya,
I’m really glad this delicious place opened up!
Peabody,
Yes, this place isn’t afraid to use butter in all the delicious ways!
Gilly,
Hi! Yes, this guy is a real master – it totally shows in his work!
Helen,
Do you miss all the patisseries in France? I feel very lucky that this place opened up in SF!
Kat,
I hope I will slowly tempt you into visiting SF!:)
Cheryl,
A great little bakery is like heaven, isn’t it? I’m really glad this one opened up!
Elle,
Thank you! This is definitely a must-visit if you come to SF!