The Solo Scale:

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This review is about a dinner in July 2023. The menu, food, and experience may vary depending on when you visit.

When you’re visiting San Francisco, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf is a must-do. As you approach, you’ll notice a tempting smell that fills the air — the sourdough from Boudin Bakery and their fresh loaves (piped directly into the street). While Boudin has a quick-service option for dine-in and take-out, there’s also the option for a slightly more refined experience on the second floor.

Bistro Boudin features a sourdough-heavy menu and fantastic views. With sourdough being the claim to fame, it’s inescapable in most dishes, but in the best way. It won’t take long before you see a table enjoying a Bistro Boudin bread bowl. It’s easy to understand why, seeing as there’s multiple soup and hot bowl options that can be served in the bowls. Even the breading for the fish and chips is sourdough inspired (so is the pizza).

The Meal

Every dish tried during the experience was fantastic, with the Baked Artisan Goat Cheese (served with toasted sourdough, of course) was a standout because of the complexity of flavours that worked so well together. Nothing was overpowering and everything was super delicious. In retrospect, I would have avoided ordering the soup (tomato) in a bread bowl as it was simply too much bread.

The drinks menu is comprehensive as well, and for those who prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, both the Strawberry Guava Lemonade and Pomegranate Blackberry Lemonade are an incredible treat.

That’s not all the sourdough either. On top of what you might get in your order, you also receive sourdough bread for the table, so you’ll absolutely get your fill.

Considering its location in a tourist-heavy district, Bistro Boudin packs in value for your money, and then delivers on quality in a way that some other locations don’t. Be sure to check out the demonstration room (right where they’re piping the sourdough scent into the street) to see bakers hard at work, creating unique sourdough loves in iconic and strange shapes, like crocodiles.

Ready to dine? Make a reservation for your next visit!

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