5 Best Shopping in San Francisco, California

San Francisco is one of the culinary centers of the world, and this universally adored grocery store is its beating heart. It's a farmers' market every day inside and well worth browsing around to see the bounty of Northern California, from peak summer tomatoes to local king salmon, plus all kinds of goodies from small producers. Buy a local peach or blood orange to snack on before strolling across the street for a scoop of salted caramel ice cream from Bi-Rite's equally beloved creamery.

A specialty Italian grocer for lovers of Slow Food, this shop is owned by Abruzzo-born Lorenzo Scarpone, who founded SF's Slow Food chapter; he also moonlights as a wine importer. Stop by for dried pastas from ancient villages like Gragnano; imported Italian specialty cheeses; aged balsamic vinegar from Modena; holiday cookies and specialties; and canned goods, such as San Marzano tomatoes. Also on offer are Roman roasted coffee and bottles of extra-virgin olive oil from Scarpone's family's production in Abruzzo.

Located around the city, this small group of markets presents a terrific selection of gourmet foods and high-quality artisanal food and drink products. Paninis, baguettes and espresso drinks are also available for hungry Union Street shoppers. However, it's best known for the extensive selections of craft spirits and cocktail ingredients, making this the shopping headquarters for San Francisco's home bartenders.

In business since the early 1900s and a throwback to the North Beach of old, this bakery has display cases full of Italian pastries (although most hard-core Italian food experts would disapprove of them), traditional holiday cookies, and buttercream-based cakes.