My husband and I have been visiting Ghirardelli Square for over 20 years, and this trip was our first time experiencing it through our kids' eyes. In the past, we always visited the original chocolate and ice cream experience, so I have to admit I missed some of the charm and nostalgia of the old setup. This time, with two excited kids in tow, we opted for the newer side, which is definitely geared toward handling larger crowds. The lines moved fairly efficiently, but once we were seated it still took a while for our order to arrive. The other thing that stood out was the pricing. I know a lot can change in 20 years, and inflation is certainly part of the story, but I was still surprised by how expensive everything has become. That said, sometimes the experience is bigger than the bill. The kids absolutely loved their ice cream, and seeing their excitement brought back memories of our own visits years ago. We ended up having a wonderful time together as a family. Is it as magical as I remember from decades ago? Maybe not. But it's still one of those classic San Francisco experiences that feels worth doing, especially if you're introducing it to a new generation. read more

Made me wait more than 45 minutes, and every time I asked about my order I was met with attitude instead of help. I eventually requested a return, and while they processed it, there wasn't even a simple apology or acknowledgment of the poor experience. On top of that, as shown in the attached receipt, I was charged $92.46 but only refunded $84.06, meaning I still wasn't fully reimbursed for the order. Very disappointing customer service overall. read more

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is a popular tourist spot and used to be a good dating spot when I were younger. It's definitely not as crowded as it used to be but still worth going if you are in the area. It's extremely expensive however so don't be alarmed by the price because it's in SF which is ridiculous in many of its taxes and fees. The banana split is almost $30 and I wouldn't say it better than other places but the location is nice and sometimes it's ok to support business even though it's a tourist spot. Service is just cursory but what do you expect from an ice cream place. The location is nice though if you can find seating. Good place for family and you can tell there are many tourists. read more

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience - Banana split - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Chocolate chocolate chocolate. This is the experience for you. I have always loved Ghirardelli's and being in San Francisco. I just had to hit this place up. It is a theme park for chocolate lovers. Please come and create your own adventure. read more

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It was lovey just walking through to smell all the wonderful chocolate and sugar smells :) On a beautiful day grab a sundae or a shake to go and go enjoy a sweet treat while walking the plaza. I love how you can substitute the flavors of the shake according to the ice cream flavors they have available. That Mint chip shake hits the sweeeet spot. It is pricey! Free water dispenser next to the pick up station. Thank you! read more

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Thank you Dani for your great service. Yummy treats, awesome vibes, and then delicious ice cream. A wonderful spot to splurge when you're a local playing tourist for the day. read more

Came here after a Day Date with my wife. She loves banana split. I don't eat ice cream because I'm lactose intolerant. However, I was very surprised to see that they had a non-dairy hot fudge sundae. The prices are high, but it is understandable for to it being a famous spot. So I splurged. Anything to keep the Mrs. happy I say. She loved her split and I enjoyed my sundae. Happy wife, happy life lml. read more

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Some places in San Francisco just slow life down the moment you step inside, and the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience is one of them. The second you walk through the doors, the air hits you with that rich chocolate aroma -- warm, sweet, nostalgic -- like a childhood memory drifting back at the perfect time. The whole place glows with a kind of old-school charm. Counters stacked with chocolate bars, ribbons of hot fudge running like liquid gold, and travelers from everywhere stopping to savor something simple and joyful. Staff were kind, patient, and carried that welcoming energy that makes the experience feel even sweeter. Normally I'd order some wild, over-the-top concoction -- the kind stacked high with everything but restraint -- but tonight felt different. I went with just two scoops of ice cream, no extras, no distractions. Something about walking out into the night with melting scoops in hand, feeling the San Francisco breeze roll in from the bay, just felt right. Sometimes simple hits deeper. I wandered the city streets with each bite, letting the cold sweetness mix with the cool air, the lights, the hum of the Wharf. It turned a dessert into a moment -- quiet, easy, memorable. If you're in San Francisco and want something that's both classic and grounding, this spot is worth it every time. A little sweetness, a little nostalgia, and a reminder that sometimes the simplest choice is the one that stays with you the longest. read more

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I feel the place itself and ambiance is definitely worth a visit. Entrance was filled with arching lights feel a very Christmasy vibe heading in. With the square named it, you just have to visit. Many displays of products that you prob never heard of from Ghirardelli. Service was quick to order and explained however tables weren't cleaned up fast. Many tables still have dirty utensils and pans, definitely could help if cleaned up faster so more tables are open. Off to the food review!! 3.8/5 - Mini World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae - I wish this tasted more special just being here, but it's just a hot fudge sundae. The chocolate tasted pretty sweet, but not overbearing and cools down with the vanilla. Really good, but just wish something more special was there. Comes with one square of chocolate and a cocktail cherry. Decent for the price. Overall experience might be more than the food alone. If you are just doing it for the ice cream, other ghirardelli ice cream shops will hit the same. read more

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

We went during the holiday season so it was packed and busy! We were lucky to spot a couple leaving their table so we were able to sit down. Service is friendly and fast, and a waiter quickly came by to clean up their dishes. We got the Strawberry Passion Hot Fudge Sundae ($14.95) split between two people and it was the perfect portion size for us to share. When it was served to us, a decent portion of the ice cream was already melted, but that's understandable with how busy they were. The best part of the sundae is the handmade hot fudge at the bottom - that rich chocolate flavor is hard to beat. It could definitely use more of it at the bottom! read more

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience - strawberry passion hot fudge sundae - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

If you have a sweet tooth or looking for a dessert spot and you are craving some chocolate or ice cream--this is the place to visit! It was busy inside as I noticed there were many people enjoying their chocolate cravings whether as a chocolate square, hot cocoa or hot fudge sundae. Family friendly for sure! The ambiance inside includes beautiful countertops, tables and seatings for the customers, lots of chocolate all around and the station where you see fudge being made. We didnt have to wait too long in line when we placed our order. This place is a must to experience and check off the bucketlist when visitng SF bay area. Sometimes going with a simple option off the menu is all you need. I ordered the "mini world famous hot fudge sundae" and shared with my mother. This portion was more than enough for two people and just to satisfy that sweet tooth craving. 5/5 They even provide silver spoons for you to enjoy your delicious sundae. It is an actual shop to spend money at so no other type of "experience" other than you are chocolate overloaded; which is the point. read more

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Being born and raised in San Francisco it is was fun going trick or treating and receiving all kinds of sweet treats. Mobbing through the different neighborhoods throughout San Francisco we will have garbage bags full of candies as a youth. The best candies you can ever get as a treat was not a tootsie roll but a piece of Ghirardelli chocolate. This San Francisco treat is still available at Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco every Halloween and year round ( because it's Halloween everyday in San Francisco).There is the main entrance at Ghirardelli and then there is the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience which is inside the middle of Ghirardelli Square which has its own entrance. Stepping into the Ghirardelli Square chocolate experience you will run into tourist from all around the world and the USA getting a taste of Ghirardelli. They have offer all types of chocolates including the Dubai Chocolate. They also sell coffee and shakes along with gift bags. I got the fudge sundaes which was very tasty and a bit sweet and it had a cherry on top. I also had the butterscotch ( unfortunately it contains no alcohol) sundae which was very delicious and probably my favorite sundae. Ghirardelli is open every day of the week. So don't wait till "Sunday"to try their "Sundae". Go to 900 North Point "street "where you find Ghirardelli Square we're chocolate which is "sweet"and there are plenty of places to drink and "eat" year round and also in October come for a Halloween Trick or "Treat" During Halloween say trick or treat or scare someone by saying" boo" some Tourists came to visit by bus, trains,and some just " flew" to get to Ghirardelli Chocolate in San Francisco which has been around since "1852 " If You Know you Know (IYKYK), then you already "knew" read more

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Very yummy although it was definitely a lot. Wish there were more options for the mini sizes. Vegan option too for the non-dairy hot fudge sundae which was pretty good! Ambiance is cool, there are seats by the window so you can look at the bay. You order at the bar and they give you a number stand, then they bring you your order at your table, which is nice and convenient. read more

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience - Treasure island, non dairy hot fudge sundae - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

After A Walk On Tour Of Pier39 My Co Worker And I Decided To Have Ice Cream And Where Else To Go But To Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience. As We Walk In And Passed By The Chocolate Store And Turn Left Is The Counter Were You Get To Order As We were given the number we find a seat and staff will serve the order. As We were waiting for the order we took the opportunity to check the view and the merchandise of the store as we were delighted for the different products that they offer on Ghirardelli Chocolates As We Waited For 10 To 15 Minutes The Dhubai Style Chocolate Sundae Now Was Served And Its Really Amazingly Good. Highly Recommended For Everybody To Try. The Ambiance Of The Store Is Amazingly Fabulous As You Can Experience The Ghiradelli Chocolate read more

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Holy cow are the prices insane and product meh. They sell a "hot fudge" shake that is just a regular milk shake with chocolate sauce. The small shakes cost $18 and my kids wanted two cherries which I asked for and he charged $2.50 without even mentioning it. If you are in desperate need to stop by and overpay for average chocolate then by all means come here. But I for one will be skipping this attraction in the future. read more

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience in San Francisco is a flagship store that's iconic for more than one reason! Vibes: The store is located at popular Ghirardelli Square, which was once a Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory, now transformed into a tourist spot, which is legit a part of the United States' heritage! The store is pristine with fudge making in-store, customizable chocolate bars, exclusive chocolates to order, with an elaborate hot chocolate and sundae menu, among others to offer. During my visit, I was in awe; the store was giving Chocolate-worthy Aesthetics. Crowd: The store was filled with tourists, although I went on a weekday. Luckily, we managed to secure a table. The Ghirardelli team was genial and welcoming; they were quick to take the order and deliver it. Bites: As I stepped into the store, I noticed their sundae is most popular amongst most visitors, but the portion size- it's HUGE! Especially for some like me - a low-capacity sweet tooth. So, irrespective of how inviting their sundae menu looked, I decided to get the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. It came with whipped cream and a bar of Ghirardelli's Dark Chocolate Caramel Bar on the side. And the Hot Chocolate- it was pretty darn good! Very rich, creamy, chocolaty, with hints of caramel. For a city that gets cold and windy at peak noon, this hot chocolate was the warm hug I needed. The store offers a pick and mix selection of their chocolates, which includes many exclusive flavors that are only available at this store. I got a couple of bars for gifting. The flavors and options are elaborate; there is something for everyone! This store is a must-visit for adults and kids alike. The panoramic view of the bay is beautiful from Ghirardelli Square. Tip: The square, as well as the store, can get very busy, although the lines move fast. Preferably, the best time to visit here is during weekdays (Friday excluded). It's not any average chocolate store, its landmark is historic, the view and vibes are killer, the shop itself is Instagrammable, and most importantly, the experience is Premium! read more

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Look. It's a tourist trap. They know it, we knew it going in to it. But you know what? I'm willing to pay a couple extra dollars for an ice cream sundae or chocolate because it's just that good. The store itself is large & stocked with every type of chocolate Ghirardelli makes. They also have old timey soda jerks churning out classic and not so classic desserts that are decadent if not overpriced (as mentioned before). But they have enough space between the shopping & dining area and even between the dining tables as well. You won't feel crammed in and will be able to enjoy your sweet treats in peace. The orders come out incredibly quickly (as would be expected considering they're all coming from premade elements) and once you're done, they have people bussing tables that will quickly remove any & all empty dishes. While you are eating, thankfully, they leave you alone. It's very good customer service if you ask me. So, is this the best place to get ice cream/chocolate in the city? Probably not. It is a bit of a cash grab? A bit. But you know what? I don't really care. It was a nice clean area that we could take our 3 boys to relax for a bit while recharging our energy over some sugary food. It was exactly what we wanted and what we were expecting. read more

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience - Banana split & world famous hot fudge sundae (minus the cherries that my kids instantly ate) - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

While my wife went for a swim in the San Francisco Bay, I took the time to go up and explore Ghirardelli Square. I wanted to pick up a few gifts for people back home while we were in San Francisco, and figured Ghirardelli would be a good starting point....who doesn't love chocolate? Walking into this store, you are immediately immersed, into the the world of chocolate, so much chocolate everywhere, on the shelves, in bins, the smell in the air...it made my mouth water just walking in. Unfortunately, no free samples, but they had many pre made gift packs, individual bars, and items for sale, as well as mix and match, build your own bags....I opted for the mix and match, build your own bags, getting (3) of them, with about 15-20 pieces in each...basically (1) of each flavor they had available...everything from white chocolate to mint chocolate, 60%, 70%, 80% 90% dark. They had something to please any sweet tooth out there. Of coarse premium chocolate comes with a premium price tag. Don't think you'll it any cheaper at the source, which is discouraging. The build your own mix and match bags for $18/per 1/2 pound of chocolate....and just for reference, a half pound is about 15-16 of the mini squares. My only interaction with the staff was the cashier, who was friendly adding a bow to each of my mix and match bags. It was a fun visit, but again, be prepared to spend a lot of money, you'd expected it to be a little cheaper, it 100% is not! read more

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Horrible experience!!! Spent over $50 for soupy melted ice cream. Paid over $50 for two desserts and was given a number and they said to find a table and they will find us. It was packed inside so we found a table just outside their entrance and displayed our number. After waiting 20 minutes, I went inside, showed my number and they said they'll find us and to go back to our table. At the 40 minute mark, I went back inside and asked for an update. They told us they couldn't find us and that they never looked outside. No one ever informed us that THEIR OWN seats just outside their entrance isn't somewhere they "serve". Mind you an employee poked their head out and saw us outside with our number and DID NOT say anything! So what did we get- two melted soupy trash desserts after spending over $50! I should have just demanded a refund! No direction, no signage, no one bothered poking their head outside to see if we were there??? You think people would just pay $$$ for ice cream and leave??? Horrible experience! read more

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience - Seating just outside the entrance where we sat with our number and they never bothered to look for us!!! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Oh hey Non-Dairy Hot Fudge Sundae, how you doin? https://yelp.to/lpJdopLAPc My family wanted to do the touristy thing so we rode the cable cars to Ghirardelli Square. I wasn't expecting to see a plant-based option on the menu. So when we arrived and Hubby pointed it out upon arrival, I decided to indulge in the sweet treat. The decadent layers of dark chocolate fudgy-fudge did it for me. The coconut-based ice cream helped to balance out the rich flavor. It was topped with almond-milk whipped cream, chopped almonds, maraschino cherry, and a dark chocolate square. Drool worthy! Though the dining area was crowded, we got lucky scoring a booth indoors next to a window overlooking the water. The line seemed to move fairly quick. I would come back for this! read more

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I can't believe a single milk shake was $12! I know it's a tourist trap but c'mon! The seating area was nice and didn't require us all to have ordered to enjoy. read more

When you come to San Francisco is something you cannot miss. Everything is Amazing here. From the hot cocoa to the ice cream, you won't be disappointed. Ambiance is clean and staff and service are always great. Took my family for a weekend snack and had a tourist day. Lovely area and amazing holiday atmosphere. read more

Busy.busy. be prepared to wait in line for drinks and treats, but if only buying chocolates they have a separate counter for it. Plenty of choices, plenty of tables and chairs. read more

On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I visited Ghirardelli Square to indulge in their world-famous sundae. The line was long -- it took about 20 minutes -- but it was absolutely worth the wait. The sundae was scrumptious and truly satisfied my craving. On top of that, the view from the Square was beautiful, which made the whole experience even more delightful. Next time, I'll try the Dubai chocolate sundae -- a staff recommendation I didn't want to miss. I recommend this place to locals and tourists alike. read more

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So. Much. Chocolate. And while we bought a handful of Ghirardelli chocolate squares, the real damage was done when we got back and bought 200 more through their website. Relax, we gave most of it away as Christmas gifts. But also, be concerned because we we've been eating whatever was left for MONTHS now. Anywho... THE FOOD. - Cookie Dough Ice Cream. Pretty straightforward flavor. I ordered one scoop which was a lot for me. - Vanilla Ice Cream with milk chocolate hot fudge, diced almonds, whipped cream, and a cherry on top. The hot fudge was deliciously sweet and went well with the vanilla ice cream. THE VIBE. Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory vibes. Lots of sweet treats overwhelmingly found everywhere. THE PARKING. We parked on a nearby street and walked over. Street parking was free at that time. THE RETURN? It's always a fun experience, especially rummaging through their chocolate bins in search of seasonal flavors. Peppermint bark, peppermint hot cocoa, white chocolate sugar cookie, caramel waffle cone, caramel apple, and pumpkin spice caramel are a few of my favorites! read more

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Virual Dubai Chocolate Sundae limited edition for one day only today, March 8th starting at noon. We got here at 11am and the line was around the block. Think 2.5 hour wait for the sundae. They need to really premake this and get the ball rolling because they are so slow and there's nothing but wind and no chairs or bathrooms nearby. Also at around double the price it's quite expensive for what you get. No real special hoorahs here. Just some pictures with a cardboard sign. The Dubai sundae has pistachio butter, Phyllo (did you taste this I didn't), their signature chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream, a regular chocolate square with gold leaf (picture worthy sure but didn't taste any different), pistachios on top, and whipped cream. This was a hit and miss for our group. Is it worth almost 3 hours (parking was hella expensive for 4 hours!) for thus sundae? The group said the pistachio butter eas nice but other than that this could be your average sundae. Our thoughts were meh. We gave into the hype. Also they should make this a month long dessert since most of the ingredients are ones they already have for their usual sundae. We left at 3pm and there's still a huge line. Be prepared for a 2 to 3 hour wait today until they run out. read more

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Disappointed. Yes, they sell all of their flavors of chocolate. The campus is nice. But no tours are offered. Not what we were expecting. Ambiance was ok. read more

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The staff here were nice and they bring over your ice cream to your table after you order and clean up after you. Very attentive staff. We got the hot chocolate and the mini sundae. So good! A "mini" seemed huge to me so it was definitely enough :) read more

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience - Hot chocolate and mini ice cream sundae - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

The Chocolate Experience is just what this place is, all chocolate, all the time!! I gave up chocolate long ago, but it doesn't mean that I can't enjoy this Experience. And my daughter loves chocolate, so I can enjoy it vicariously through her, lol!! This place was packed, and yes, it's a major tourist attraction in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf!! There was a line to get in the building, but it turns out that line was for people ordering something like hot chocolate or a sundae. So we walked around the line and walked into a world of chocolate. The first thing that hit me was the smell, the sweetness of it all. So, you can mix and match your chocolate and purchase it by the pound. My daughter really enjoyed her Sundae, and it was a lot for her!! Definitely worth a visit!!! read more

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Who doesn't love free chocolate? Stop by for a complimentary Ghirardelli chocolate square--we did, and it was such a fun little perk! We also made our own mixed bag of chocolates to take home. A sweet (literally) stop if you're in the area! read more

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Had to stop in for some dessert on a Saturday. We had the strawberry passion sundae and some sort chocolate freeze drink. The sundae was good and a little messy. The drink was also a little messy, but tasty. read more

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience - Chocolate freeze drink - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience is exactly what you hope it will be. Our family tried a variety of sundaes and ice cream, and everyone found something they genuinely loved. Sitting there enjoying a sugary treat with views of the bay made the experience even better. The staff was friendly and welcoming, which added to the overall visit. It is a classic San Francisco stop for a reason and well worth checking out. read more

This is a fantastic piece to grab a decadent dessert. The selection is incredible. You can also get a chocolate souvenir tin full of chocolate or a bag of Ghirardelli's mixing your favorite chocolates, if that's what you're looking for. The place is very clean and the service is excellent. The uniforms are soda jerk style which fits the atmosphere to the tee.We ordered the traditional Hot Fudge sundae and shared it. It was very tasty and every spoonful filled with delicious hot fudge and quality vanilla ice cream! Let's not forget the whipped cream and cherry on top. There's many different ice cream flavors and specialty shakes .It's definitely worth every penny, and every spoonful too. read more

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience - Outside look at the square - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I have tried SO HARD to avoid Ghirardelli's since it's so touristy but after moving closer to here, it has grown on me SO MUCH. The more I've learned about its history and significance to SF, the more I have proudly repped it. I genuinely enjoy the Treasure Island Warm Brownie Sundae SO MUCH (I am not usually a fan of warm fudge, ESPECIALLY in those flimsy plastic to-go sundae cups). Definitely the most sundae-y sundae you'll ever see or have. The hot cocoas are so hard for me to resist when it gets cloudy and cold in SF. The treats are definitely way too pricey for what they are. I can literally purchase all the ingredients in store and made these exact treats at home - but the experience of sitting in front of the chocolate wall and original letter "G" is unmatched. Really makes you feel like you're a tourist in your own home city and makes you see the beauty of Aquatic Cove again. It can get SUPER crowded on random summer days. I usually go in early morning and late evenings when it is a ghost town. I generally enjoy Ghirardelli Square when there are people running out & about though. I am a CONVERTED LOYAL GHIRARDELLI FAN! My favorite dessert to treat myself. read more

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience - Peppermint Hot Cocoa - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The waiters were very friendly, and although I didn't dare to eat too many sweets, its beautiful scenery always attracted me. read more

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There are several Ghirardelli stores in this plaza and it seems like they all serve the same thing. We decided to stop in for a sundae and it was delicious. The store itself is very pretty and there's plenty of seating. There's a lot of chocolate for purchase and lots of dessert to choose from. I would stop in again , if I could. Definitely check it out! read more

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Amazing, as usual! Always love coming bere. Fast service, yummy icecream, and a great hang out spot. read more

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - San Francisco, California

I have to be honest... I am only here for the ice cream sundaes to-go. If you are in town and have time, grab some chocolates and a sundae and leave with a smile. It is always busy but worth a visit. I love the salted caramel sundae. Just thinking about it makes me happy. Cute shop; always crowded. read more

Kris had a ginormous ice cream sundae, salted caramel with chocolate fudge. She gave it a 10* 2 days later she decided she need another sundae. This time she had a sundae with a chocolate covered waffle cone. It was just as good but a little more messy read more

We always make a point of stopping by Ghirardelli Square when we visit San Francisco and enjoy it each and every time! The staff is always so friendly and the sundaes are down right sinful. Their hot fudge is the best on the planet! This time we treated ourselves to the hot fudge brownie sundae and it did not disappoint! We also love shopping for chocolate to bring home. They had some new flavors of their signature chocolate squares. This time it was the caramel waffle cone, white chocolate caramel, and white chocolate sugar cookie that fulfilled our sweet tooths! If you are wondering if Ghirardelli's is worth visiting when in San Francisco, I would definitely say YES! Plus, it boasts some of the best views of the Bay. Enjoy! read more

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