Maison Nico

The plain croissants from Maison Nico in North Beach have the two-toned look of a candy cane in pastry form, with flaky top layers that peel off like petals from a daisy. Basically, the bakers at this French cafe know what they’re doing. The plump croissants aren’t the only reason to get here—the pastry case is also filled with pâté en croûte, croissant sandwiches, and mesmerizingly swirly brioche feuilletée. We also like it here because you can chill at a table in the back, and admire (and eat) your baked things from a real plate, which will catch all the inevitable flakes.