Beyond Paris, few bakeries have the unique ability to turn a simple pain au chocolate into a religious experience. But Tartine, a truly legendary bakery in San Francisco’s Mission District, not only delivers on such a promise, it makes a tiny corner patisserie a place of serious worship. A creamy fragrant bread pudding chockfull of fresh peaches, a dense chocolate walnut drop, and a transcendent croque monsieur with mushrooms and sundried tomatoes were all so incredibly good, we considered coming back again before we head home. And given we’re still talking about that ridiculously light quiche we couldn’t resist upon departure, we probably will. 600 Guerrero Street, www.tartinebakery.com