The Pros: Massive Variety: Truly a "one-stop shop" for tea…read moreenthusiasts. Low Pressure: The staff greeted me and then stayed hands-off until I had questions. The Price: Easily some of the best values in the city. The Con: Sealed Packaging: Everything is pre-sealed in 1lb plastic bags. Because of the sealing, you can't smell the tea before buying. I'd love to see them implement scent jars in the future to help with the selection process. Neutral Observations In-House Packaging: All the tea is packaged identically in 1lb bags, which suggests they likely process and bag everything in-house. Labeling: I didn't notice any specific organic labels on the packaging, though I didn't explicitly ask. If this is a deal breaker, you may want to ask. Review If you're looking for a genuine loose leaf tea source -- your search ends here. I stumbled upon this place after endless online searching (blogs, search engines, etc) and it was well worth the effort! Just a heads-up on navigation: G-Maps is slightly off. If you rely solely on that, you'll be a few doors down. Look for the Volvo mechanics and the shop is located just on the other side. The exterior is unassuming, no windows, just a sandwich board on the sidewalk and a door. Looking inside it's a bit of a mysterious vibe, you'll see a stairway to the left and a hallway ahead. Go for it. Ignore the single pane glass, bank-teller-style window to your right (which directs you to the main door) and just head in. Also, keep an eye on the clock because, per the phone tree, they close for lunch from 12:30 to 1:00. I arrived right after 1pm and was able to park right in front. There was also plenty of other parking spot around at that time. IDK why, but before walking in, my imagination had prepared me for an old-world San Francisco opium den. I was thinking there was going to be this lingering aromatic smoke, plush floor pillows, people lounging, sipping tea, and the soft, ambient melodies of an upscale spa. I had also pictured rows of heavy, whiskey-style wooden barrels overflowing with loose leaf tea, topped with clear lids and metal scoops. The reality is much more utilitarian. This is not a den or a spa. It's clean, straightforward, and focused entirely on their product. The selection is robust and incredibly diverse. While they claim "wholesale to the public", I can't verify the industry margins, but I can tell you the prices are very good for the quality you receive. The employee greeted me and then stayed hands-off while I browsed, which I appreciated. When I did ask specifics, they had basic foundational knowledge. Honestly with the diversity and sheer quantity of products offered, it would take forever to earn a Tea Master badge. No harm no foul. The only real bummer here is that everything is pre-sealed in 1lb plastic bags, so there is no way to smell the product. I'd really appreciate scent jars in front of the bags. Since they seem to be doing the packaging in-house anyway, it makes me wonder why they haven't set aside a small amount of each batch for scent jars. It wouldn't require a change in their supply chain, just a few ounces and a glass jar to help customers navigate that massive variety. That aside, I absolutely loved this place. I've been searching for a spot like this for a long time. I'm just glad I finally found it. If you're at all interested in loose leaf tea, I'd suggest giving these folks an honest try.

I needed dried lavender for simple syrup and ice cream and found this place online. Prices are very…read moreaffordable and they have so many options! I'm not able to post all my photos but this is some of what they offer! Will definitely come back.

Lots of awesome spices and selection along with knowledgeable and friendly staff, more than willing…read moreto help you find what you're looking for and provide their opinion! Prices are also very good even though it's located in a more expensive retail area. I'm looking forward to trying more items from here!

I noticed this spice shop while stopped in traffic and walked over after I parked…read more The store is highly visible and inviting from the street and inside, beautifully organized with tempting sounding blends like popular Cyprus Wild Mushroom Umami Sea Salt I happened to pause in front of. I remarked how this salt looked like Egyptian frost salt and got a head shake, "Don't know that one". Okay, it's esoteric but also got a non-committal head shake they don't carry Maldon sea salt, commonplace for baking and a finishing salt. I explained I use it to make Blue Bottle Coffee's granola blend. Weak smile. I remarked that I liked their photography cards of beautiful recipe ideas near the jars ("What a good idea!") and shared my use of Vadouvan in a eggplant, chicken & basil stir fry I made up. I got another tepid response. I explained I cook a lot at home and had over 200 jars from the former Spice Ace store that needed to be replaced, "Sadly they faded with time." At this point, don't you think the salesperson would've jumped on that, "Would you like me to pull some jars, get that project underway for a New Year?" No. The owners should be slapping their hands on their forehead watching hundreds of dollars not go into their till that day and developing me as a regular customer. I have money to spend, clearly like to cook and told them I need to replace 200 jars. I practically placed a grappling hook in my cheek like a big mouth bass and told them to reel me in! I decided to ask about their pricing structure, noticing the nonsensical spread on the large and small jars, "Because they didn't get good pricing when they bought the smaller jars" Now muttering to myself, "So how is that *my* problem?" Oaktown Spice Shop is a growing and well-received small chain of three retail stores, two in the East Bay, that has a wholesale roster of James Beard and Michelin starred restaurants and high end delivery services like fellow East Bay business Good Eggs. If the owners read this review, they desperately need to retrain their retail staff. They rang up my small $22 sale as I began mentally filling my old Spice Ace jars at Rainbow Grocery.

Stumbled upon this neighborhood shop and now I'm completely hooked. Perfectly Seasoned is one of…read morethose places that reminds you why shopping local matters. From the thoughtfully crafted small batch spices to the warm, welcoming feel of the space, you can tell how much care goes into everything they do. One of the owners I've met always remembers me, which instantly makes each visit feel personal and genuine. I also love that they offer two different spice sizes, which makes it easy to try new blends without committing to a large jar. Over the holidays, their spices became my go to gifts and they were a huge hit. Another favorite is their San Francisco series, a collection of curated blends inspired by nine of the city's most iconic neighborhoods. They also create and share recipe cards for many of their blends, which makes it easy and fun to actually use them at home. Everyone I've interacted with has been friendly and knowledgeable, and it's clear the people behind this shop truly love what they do. This is exactly the kind of local business I enjoy supporting and recommending.

Perfectly Seasoned is a true treasure in the heart of Noe Valley. It is a chef's dream come true,…read morethe kind of place that makes you want to rush home and start cooking. Whether you are just learning or have years in the kitchen, you will leave here with something that inspires you. The shop is spotless, inviting, and thoughtfully arranged. The owner greets you with warmth and a wealth of knowledge, happily sharing the stories behind each spice blend. Many are made in-house, and some are even inspired by San Francisco's own neighborhoods, each with flavors as distinct as the district itself. The scent of freshly ground spices fills the air, drawing you to the smell samples that beg to be explored. I found myself inhaling one amazing blend after another, already imagining how they would transform my dishes. You can choose from beautifully curated kits or have fun creating your own custom blend. I will absolutely be back, especially to find gifts for the food lovers in my family. Perfectly Seasoned is not just a store, it is an experience you will want to share.

Quick stop at San Francisco Chinatown, during this recent weekend trip and needed to buy the some…read moreAsian goods, the kine I don't see back home on Oahu. hehe. Luckily my other half happen to find a parking spot right in front of Golden Way. I had plans to go to the other store, I went last time but this works out perfect. The jumbo dried shrimp right in front of store caught my eyes. Stopped by real quick and got everything I needed, wish I could grab more but I had to limit myself since I didn't bring an extra luggagge. Golden Way, a great name, Lets go shop the Golden Way, reminds me of a store here at Chinatown, although very small cramped store it's very organized. Owner does a great job at storing everything and making use of all the spaces. Lots of Asian products here but no fresh produce or frozen products . Credit cards accepted as well, which is great! I ended up using my credit card for my entire purchase since usually cash is preferred in Chinatown. My co-worker wanted a specific soy sauce but no luck in finding it. What did I end up buying here at Golden Way, a LB of jumbo dried shrimp ( I think it was $24. or 25. lb) dried salted fish, dried scallops, long rice noods, pickled veggies, siracha, sauces, condensed milk, preserved eggs. Why on some of the products, Prices actually lower here. The only thing I wish Golden Way does is have prices on some of products, I had to ask how much?! The owner is nice & patient with me. I will be back again! I can't wait to use all those goodies, it made it safely back to Oahu.

Beautiful store. You want to take everything with you! A…read morelittle pricey but you find lots of organic herbs. Also, great selection of books and Cristals.

Staff was so nice, helpful and patient. Excellent A+…read moreproduct. Beautiful store. Not cheap but far less expensive than I expected. Gave me a discount as I checked out. 10/10.

Really good shop with lots of spices and teas. The teas are a bit pricey, but worth it for a gift…read more They also have a honey selection. They make drinks in-store. We tried the blueberry black refresher and it was so good, you can even add boba. Super calm vibe, which is rare for Pier 39.

A very cute tea shop that is tucked away from the hub-bub of Pier 39. It can get pretty crowded but…read morethe staff move their line pretty quickly. The four of us enjoyed our drinks and actually got a seat by the window! We leisurely enjoyed our beverages and took in some people watching. Would return.

Oaktown Spice Shop is a must if you are in the Oakland. Oaktown Spice Shop is well organized,…read morewelcoming, and the staff is very friendly and willing to help if you have any questions! The spice shop has a wide variety of goods which are reasonable priced. Once you walk into the store the most amazing smells which you have smelled will fill your nostrils. The smell are not overpowering but welcoming and guide you around the store to explore what the store has to offer. If you are in the area or just want to stop by, please do and you will be pleased with your experienced. If you don't want to stop by, please check out their online store!!

You'll know you're right at home as soon as you walk through the door. For anybody that's wondered…read morerows of disorganized shelves of stuff all over the place or spots that are less than well kept, look no further. Oaktown Spice Shop is immaculate, well organized, and staffed with folks that are quite passionate about the goods! Also helps that it smells amazing, but it really speaks to the quality of their stuff. If you had any doubts about them, put that to rest and just visit or use their online store! Any foodie worth their salt (hah get it) will be able to appreciate what this place has to offer.

I don't live super nearby to this Co-Op grocery market but my good friend does and she brought me…read morehere while on a walk, and I was blown away by the whole place! Firstly, it was my first time shopping at a co op and I really really really love that aspect of it. Anytime I can support a business like this, I want to! But beyond that, I was skeptical that the prices would be outrageous and was fairly surprised that they really weren't! Ok sure, some items were pricey, and that's true for any small store in this city, but for the bulk items and dry goods, the pricing was incredibly reasonable! I even found the same scones I buy at my local box box grocery store for cheaper here!! What?! I was also just blown away by the variety of choices.. they've got everything here.. produce, condiments, dry goods, chips, snacks, bulk items, tea, medicines and supplements, and a section of boutique handmade goods that was so awesome to look through!! I don't live close by but I will be back anytime I go to see my friend (which is often).

Looking for a clean, less chaotic bulk store and co-op in SF? Other Avenues is what you're looking…read morefor! OA has a plentiful bulk section with all the teas, grains, and beans you could ask for. A few hard-to-find favorites are: dried boba, soba noodles, THAI TEA(?!) and all the liquids. And of course, bringing your own containers is encouraged. Phew! I wish they would start a refrigerated section for things like miso and tofu!

I actually did not know about this place until very recently…read more I recently read a book, Cheesemonger: A Life on the Wedge by Gordan Edgar. The author has worked at this grocery for decades, and is in charge of the cheese department. Naturally, when I visit SF, I have to come by for a visit. I was a bit worried about the parking situation, but glad to find that they have their own parking garage. I thought it would be a more hippy kind of grocery store, but I was actually blown away when I walked inside. First, there were jars and jars - I mean shelves and cases of jars - of teas, and different types of herbs and spices. Some I had a hard time finding, like butterfly pea. Besides the variety, the quality is excellent. I got so excited, as if I were a kid and those jars were candies, that I kept finding more and more stuff I wanted to buy. Then the bread - okay so thisis SF and great bread is to be expected, but I was surprised again at the wide variety of selection on offer. Well, I don't want to repeat myself, but I love their chocolate selection too - so many interesting flavors and brands to try. Finally I made it to the cheese section. I didn't see the author there by the counter, but I was not disappointed with the selection they have. The cheeses also have little cards with useful information, that helped me pick up a nice variety of cheeses from different countries and different parts of the US to try, including some award winners. I most certainly love my first visit and look forward to the next time I will visit SF. It's an awesome place that is truly employee owned and managed, so most certainly worth supporting.

If I made more, I would shop here almost exclusively. But alas I can only come here on occasion…read morewhen I cant find it elsewhere. Best place fir supplements!!!! They have the best, wholistic, hippy foods and items ever! I love this grocery store so much & its very well stocked & a great part of SF for years! It has everything a earthy, health consciousness, green person would want. brands that are non toxic and ethically correct. ugh they are the best store ever for supplements and prices are fair basically the same as whole foods... Bulk stuff its wildly overpriced but worth it. I only get a few items here ...Its a co-op which is super good but kinda means employees are free to do whatever they want & they are sometimes helpful sometimes not with questions.

New speciality food and home store in the Inner Sunset! I was on my way to dinner nearby and came…read moreacross this charming shop. It's well curated with lots of cool kitchen and pantry items, as well as other household goods. It's the perfect spot if you want to treat yourself to something gourmet or to get a gift. I picked up a Fat Gold Olive Oil since it's local to California.

Pepperjack Provisions is a super cute neighborhood gem with a variety of unique, high quality food…read moreand food related items - perfect for gifts for foodies or for treating yourself. I love browsing throughout the shop, but it's pretty expensive, as most of the items are marked up from retail. Products that caught my eye include fun, colorful glass straws and glass teaspoons, matcha bowls and whisk stands, specialty chocolate bars, jarred goods like Rooted Fare spreads, and ornaments. My most frequently bought item is the Kolsvart Swedish candy fish. The elderflower is unbelievably yummy, and the sour blueberry, sour raspberry, and black currant and raspberry ones are also available. If I had more money to spend, I'd be buying a lot more from here!