XOX Truffles — Restaurant in San Francisco

The high rating is for the complete experience and one of the best truffles that I've ever had.

The coffee is good in the way that coffee used to be good before hipster places took over the coffee scene. It is strong and just bitter enough but just smooth enough. If you are accustomed to all of the unique flavors of the Hipster San Francisco coffee world, you might be disappointed.

The coffee came with a truffle-- one of the truffles that this place is nationally known for. I was a bit limited in my truffle choices since many of them are made with alcohol, but the pomegranate truffle was perfect. I only wished that I had more money to buy a box of the orange truffles to send to my mother. A few of the choices I wasn't able to try: espresso, hazlenut, peanut butter, caramel, spicy tequila, champagne.

I parked in the North Beach District just as the place was opening and the touristy neighborhood was beginning to wake up to a familiar chilly SF morning. The barista was kind and friendly and exactly the kind of man that you would imagine in a neighborhood truffle shop. He had an uncle-like demeanor and I felt like I was a favored niece when he offered me the same truffle that he probably offers everyone with their coffee. But that's how warm he was.

Since I walked in right when he had opened, he didn't have a chance to put the seating outside, but the Vietnamese sandwich shop next door didn't seem to mind that I sat and read at one of their tables while I enjoyed my coffee and truffle. An older man with a cane sat down at my table and explained to me that this was one of the spots that gave him relief from the incline between the shops and his home. Since I am pregnant, he congratulated me and we talked about labor and midwives.

It's easy to get annoyed in North Beach with all the tourists and the bros rudely taking up space, but this particular morning felt very comfortable and neighborly. I do believe XOX Truffles...

Jean-Marc, the chief trouble maker, erm I mean the chief truffle maker is a wonderfully passionate chef who never disappoints you.

He uses his French family recipes to conjure 26 or is it 30 types of artisinal truffles with booze (think tequila, cognac), without booze and vegan options as well.

If you buy a box for $15, you get a free truffle to try. Tip: Ask for the special gift box, makes for a great gift, and you get a free truffle.

A hidden gem is chef jean's decadent Guitard hot chocolate, available as Bitter, Classic, Milk, White, or Mexican flavor. I always go for bitter and with almond milk. This is insanely delicious. And guess what you get with it? A free truffle. I usually pick the amaretto truffle.

For a while during the pandemic, Chef Jean started to make crepes. These were insanely rich, buttery, pillowy soft and the one I loved had a ton of chocolate inside and outside. Unfortunately, he had to stop it since he was the only one working the kitchen and manning the counter. It's tough trying to do it all by yourself. But if enough people ask once the pandemic is finite, chef Jean may bring back his savory and dessert crepes.

Tip: While the shop is open 7 days a week, go early, or you will get leftovers. A safe bet is 4 pm or earlier, esp. after a nice meal at Tony's or one of the Italian ristorantes nearby.

Give Chef Jean some love and be patient if there is a line. This is an unhurried European decadent experience. You will be treated to the best chocolate this side of the river Seine.

TLDR: Best French-recipe truffles, reasonably priced, makes for a great...

A Sweet Escape in North Beach

Even though I am not a big chocolate fan, I have been a happy customer of XOX Truffles for years. I love their truffles and coffee. This small, sweet shop is one of my favorite places in North Beach, San Francisco.

Jean-Marc Gorce, the owner and main truffle maker, is very friendly and takes great care of his customers. His love for chocolate began in his childhood. He and his brother Ludvic would always search their home for their mother's hidden sweets, sometimes even mischievously blaming each other when caught. This childhood passion led him to a lifelong dedication to creating fine and delicious truffles. At XOX Truffles, Jean-Marc combines his mother's classic recipe with his own unique flavors, creating various delights for everyone to enjoy.

The truffles here are amazing. Each one is a perfect mix of rich chocolate and creative flavors, showing Jean-Marc's skill and love for his work. Whether you like classic flavors or want to try something new, XOX Truffles has over twenty different kinds to choose from. One of my personal favorites is the raspberry flavor.

The coffee at XOX is also wonderful, making it a perfect place for a cozy afternoon. The friendly atmosphere and personal touch from the boss and his staff make every visit pleasant. I highly recommend XOX Truffles to anyone looking for a great chocolate experience in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood.

Oh, by the way, with every coffee, you get your choice of a bonus truffle. So, what are you...