Liguria Bakery

On the corner of Stockton and Filbert, across from Washington Square, Liguria Bakery takes its name from the Italian region behind its recipe. The Soracco family opened the business in 1911, and the original brick oven is still in use, according to San Francisco’s municipal legacy-business register. The bakery focuses on focaccia, both plain and topped with ingredients such as onion, olives or herbs; it is a takeaway shop rather than a café where you can settle in for a long meal.

In recent reviews collected by Restaurantji, customers mention the bread’s texture and aroma as well as rosemary, garlic and olive varieties. Several recommend arriving early because the counter can have a queue and some items sell out before closing. There are also less enthusiastic comments about service or the texture of a particular focaccia: an artisan bakery can offer a different experience depending on the day and what is available.

The address is 1700 Stockton Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; phone (415) 421-3786. The local listing checked gives hours of 7 a.m. to noon, Tuesday to Saturday, and says the bakery is closed Sunday and Monday. Because the morning window is short, plan your visit before climbing Coit Tower or walking around Washington Square, and check that it is open that day. For an economical meal, a piece of focaccia can be shared or saved for the walk, but the price depends on the size and varieties available.