Washington Square focaccia bakery operating since 1911; arrive early before items sell out.
Liguria Bakery at 1700 Stockton Street faces Washington Square in North Beach, San Francisco, California, and has baked focaccia since 1911. It is one of the last traditional Italian bakeries in a neighborhood that was once the center of the city's Italian community. The cuisine is Ligurian-style focaccia baked in sheets and sold by the piece or the slab. The bakery is known for a short list of flavors rather than a wide menu, including plain, rosemary, pizza-style with tomato sauce, and other seasonal variations such as onion or raisin. Customers typically receive their order wrapped in paper, and the product is meant to be eaten warm or at room temperature on the same day. The shop is a tiny counter with no seating, a long glass case and an unadorned interior, so the atmosphere is practical, friendly and quick, with locals and visitors forming a line out the door early in the morning. Dress is casual, and noise comes mostly from the line and the street. The bakery does not serve a wine or beverage programme; many visitors buy a coffee at one of the nearby North Beach cafes and eat on a bench in Washington Square. There are no reservations, and the bakery is open only in the morning: roughly 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM Tuesday to Friday and from 7:00 AM on Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday. Focaccia often sells out by mid-morning, so arriving early is important. Cash is customary, so visitors should carry some. Prices are very low, around $5 to $12 per person. The location beside Washington Square Park and Saints Peter and Paul Church makes it an easy stop on a North Beach walking route.
| Price | $ (about $5-12 per person) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue-Fri 8:00 AM-1:00 PM, Sat 7:00 AM-1:00 PM; closed Sunday and Monday; focaccia often sells out by mid-morning |
| Reservations | Counter only; cash is customary |
| Address | 1700 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133 |
Signature dishes
- Plain
- rosemary and pizza-style focaccia
- wrapped in paper
Good to know
- Known for
- Washington Square focaccia bakery operating since 1911; arrive early before items sell out.
Location
1700 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
37.8015, -122.4093 View on map
Highlights
- Focaccia baked here since 1911
- Plain, rosemary and pizza-style varieties
- Orders wrapped in paper to carry out
- Faces Washington Square in North Beach
- Very low prices, around $5 to $12 per person
Tips for visiting
- Arrive early; focaccia often sells out by mid-morning.
- Bring cash, as it is customary at the counter.
- Closed Sunday and Monday; check hours before going.
- Eat on a bench in Washington Square across the street.
- Buy a coffee at a nearby North Beach cafe to go with the focaccia.
When to visit
Go shortly after opening on a weekday morning, before the focaccia sells out.
Accessibility
The bakery is a small street-level shop with a narrow interior and a line that often forms outside. Visitors with mobility needs may find the space tight, and weekday off-peak mornings are easier.
Frequently asked questions
What does Liguria Bakery sell?
Focaccia in a few flavors, such as plain, rosemary and pizza-style, sold by the piece and wrapped in paper.
When does it sell out?
Popular items often sell out by mid-morning, so an early visit is advised.
Which days is it open?
Tuesday to Saturday in the morning; it is closed Sunday and Monday.
Is there seating?
No. It is a takeaway counter, and visitors usually eat in nearby Washington Square.