Dianda's Italian American Pastry Co.--Mission Street

05/17/2008 Posted by pierrettel1

This bakery is one of the best in SF (besides Victoria in North Beach.) I looove their St honore. I like it for the quality of their products, as well as their prices. Too many bakeries over charge under the pretence of being "quality" outlets. I am French, and really get frustrated seeing bakers charging an arm and a leg for cakes. This is definitely a winner. When I want a good cake at a reasonable price, I drive to Dianda's. Do yourself a favor and try it :-)

11/16/2005 Posted by pierre_de_plume

This is the kind of bakery dreams are made of. Now that I live in the Midwest, I can only fantasize about true Italian pastries. Try the St. Honore Cake - it's the rum that defines it - or the almond torte, fedora (rum-soaked), chocolate/cream "mushroom" puff pastry, or simple rum custard cups. If you long for an exquisitely prepared Italian pastry - and maybe even a brief moment of old-fashioned Italian mothering - drop by. Around the holidays, it's best to order cakes in advance.

Pros: close to rail transit, authenticity

Cons: occasonal long lines

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

09/24/2005 Posted by ron_faur

This is one the only places in SF where you can find a good cake these days. The cakes are simply the best, you can't go wrong with any of their flavors, the best part is that you can get 4 different slices of cakes (which can feed probably 6-8 people) for $3 each, and you got a full size cake

02/17/2005 Posted by kimchimofo

What is an Italian Bakery doing in the Mission? I'll tell you, making some of the best pastries and cakes in the City. Try finding a better almond ring anywhere else ... I dare you. Just about anything in the case that looks good is at least 3 times as good as it looks at half the price you'd expect, and you better buy two of them. I don't like the cookies as much as the pastries, but maybe they just need a good cup of espresso or milk to go along with them. Or maybe it's just that the pastries are so good here that nothing else will do. Put it this way, if I buy 5 pastries here, I'll have eaten them within an hour. The best thing??? Some of the flaky pastries have just a hint of citrus in them. Masterful touch!

Pros: excellent pastries, fresh, cheap

Cons: a bit of a trek, parking

05/28/2004 Posted by maggie

I moved away from the Bay Area in 1999 and still miss Dianda's pastries ...especially the almond torte and pannatone. When I return to visit I make a stop to load up on goodies. The almond torte freezes well and makes as good a dessert as it does breakfast treat. Toasted pannatone with real butter is a treat anytime - breakfast, with sliced fruite (especially berries) for dessert or just a slice by itself with a cup of tea! YOW. Don't complain about this place ... it is what it is and I love it just the way it is!!

Pros: good bakery goods

12/19/2002 Posted by ymz1014

One you try their rum cake you never be able to enjoy one from any other bakery ever again! My family has been buying rum cakes, chocolate rum cakes (mmmmmm!), and St. Honore cakes for all our special occasions, (Weddings, anniversaries, funerals, birthdays, etc.) for over 20 years, and have never been disappointed. For every occasion I contemplate going somewhere else, trying something new, but thankfully always come back to my senses! The prices are great also. I got a wedding cake for a 50th aniversary, 3 tiers, for $75.00. The staff at the mission street shop can be rather short and impatient with you, but one taste of a napoleon on the way home in the car, (so you dont eat the cake before you get there) will erase all that.

10/25/2002 Posted by hairpin

I've only tried the cheesecake from this bakery, but plan on going back to try their other cakes. The cheesecake was decorated very nicely with strawberries, a chocolate lattice, and a slight layer of whipped cream on top. The crust seemed to have a spice similar to nutmeg. A fine cake at a very affordable price. [Edited 02-12-08: Impossible to get any service over the phone. Why do they bother answering the phone if they just answer and put the customer on hold. Costco food department has better service.]

Pros: personable staff, nice variety

Cons: service is sub-par

08/15/2002 Posted by hot_mama

TOP QUALITY PASTRIES THE BEST PLACE TO GET FRESH TASTING CAKES IN SAN FRANCISCO.

Pros: FRESH INGRIDIANTS, FAST SERVICE, DELICOUS CAKES AND PA

Cons: PARKING IS HARD TO FI