Arsicault Bakery

"Arsicault in the Richmond always has a line, even when it's 55 degrees out ("California cold"). Join the horde of cyclists, families, and tourists—this French bakery/to-go window pumps out the city's finest croissants. The must-order is the almond version, a buttery masterpiece that unleashes a confetti-like cloud of sugary, crispy flakes with every bite. Also load up on fluffy ham and cheese croissants, kouign amann with ultra-caramelized bottoms, and chocolate chip cookies. If time is minimal, the Civic Center outpost rarely has a wait." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong

"You’ll see the line for Arsicault before you even spot the bakery itself. It’s basically a permanent sidewalk fixture, and for good reason—the pastries are phenomenal. Once you get to the front, you’ll take your pick from a short menu of pastries like kouign amann, morning buns, and croissants, which are the crown jewels of the Richmond bakery. Each crackly outer layer of these buttery masterpieces is so delicate it practically melts when you touch it, and the fillings, from chocolate or almond to ham and cheese, are rich and decadent. The croissants are all fantastic, but our favorite is the almond with its powdered sugar coating and perfectly caramelized bottom. photo credit: Carly Hackbarth Food Rundown photo credit: Carly Hackbarth Almond Croissant The gold standard. No one does it better. Ham & Cheese Croissant If you’re sugared out, go for this. It’s filled with thinly sliced prosciutto cotto and comté, and it’s fantastic. Plain Croissant Still good, but not their strongest. You’re better off going with the almond, chocolate, or ham & cheese. photo credit: Carly Hackbarth Kouign Amann This place may be known for their croissants, but they do a damn good kouign amann, too. Overlooking this sugar-bottomed pastry would be sacrilege." - Julia Chen

"The croissants from Arsicault are the best in the city, full stop. Everyone knows it, as evidenced by the locals and many, many cyclists that line up down the block for one. They're caramelized on the bottom, have delicate, buttery layers, and will become the benchmark for every croissant you encounter in the future. You’re here for this almond croissant, but the swirly kouign amann and chocolate chip cookies loaded with chunks of dark chocolate should also be a priority. " - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez

"Arsicault needs little introduction. At this point, you, your neighbor, and your neighbor’s cousin from Ohio have all done time waiting in line at the Richmond bakery. The croissants, especially of the almond, chocolate, and ham and cheese variety, are flat-out masterpieces. Caramelized bottoms, warm layers, flaky bits that get all over your shirt—there’s really nothing better. For less of a line and the same wondrous pastries, go to their Civic Center location." - julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez

"After it was declared the "best croissant in America" by Bon Appétit, Armando Lacayo's flaky creation became subject to overwhelmingly long lines. Years later, the Inner Richmond spot is still drawing hoards for its skillfully executed kouign amann, almond croissants, morning buns, and more. There’s a downtown location at Civic Center, too, which tends to have a shorter wait." - Lauren Saria, Dianne de Guzman, Becky Duffett