Liguria Bakery is where generations of locals have stopped by the vintage counter to buy the generous authentic slices of focaccia topped with tomato or onion to eat right away or save for a hearty and tasty lunch. The place is not fancy, but that has not stopped the steady stream of tourists who have joined the line of locals that forms daily as soon as the doors open. Only focaccia is sold here and when the day's freshly baked stock runs out, the doors close for the day. Arrive early so as to not be disappointed.
Here book-lovers will find the romantic notion of shelves stacked up to the ceiling with books, so heavy they threaten to give way. The fading smell of bookbinding glue conjures images of ancient libraries. You could spend hours wandering the aisles like that kid in The Neverending Story. If you do not find what you are looking for, which is nearly impossible since Moe's has just about everything ever printed, you are sure to find something to appease you. For those looking for antique or rare books, check out the huge collection on the fourth floor.
When Chef Jean-Marc Gorce started XOX Truffles, he never knew that so many patrons would share his passion for chocolates. This store, with branches in other cities has created a niche with their unmatched packaging and wide variety of flavors. There are special chocolates made for vegans, apart from the liquored and non-liquored ones. The store offers a small sit-out and also serves coffee.
The first of these gourmet bakeries in the Bay Area (they now have stores in San Francisco and Emeryville), Arizmendi bakes up amazing fresh breads and gourmet pizzas daily. Some baked goods are regulars, while others change daily, like Irish Soda Bread and fig-Fennel Sourdough. The huge draw here, besides the urge to overstuff your breadbox are the fresh, specialty pizzas which change daily. Whether its a more basic version like Tomato Sauce, Olives and Rosemary, or slightly more daring and unusual, like Pasilla Peppers, Red Onions, Zucchini and Cilantro Pesto, the pizza will please any palate. Pizzas can be bought by the slice, half-pizza, or a whole and can be heated up there for immediate consumption, or half baked for you to finish yourself when you get home.
Dr. Comics & Mr. Games has been delighting kids and adults since 1988. Fans of comic books delight in the huge, organized selection of comics, ranging from classics to new and everything in between. The manga section gets particular rave reviews. In addition to the comics, they also have a selection of puzzles and games.
Though Roxie Food Center is a grocery store, it is also a sandwich shop that is very popular among the locals. Freshly prepared and delicious to boot, their sandwiches sell like hot cakes and are very affordable as well. Their fillings are also generous. So if you want a quick bite that is tasty as well, then Roxie is a very good bet.