The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop

I absolutely love the desserts here! I ordered a vanilla milkshake, and it tasted amazing. The Peppermint Bark Hot Fudge Sundae is also fantastic. The vanilla ice cream layered with handmade hot fudge and peppermint bark chunks, topped with whipped cream, is a delightful treat. It’s sweet, but incredibly delicious. Plus, the service was fast, which made the experience even better.

One of iconic San Francisco locations to visit. As a local, enjoying a dessert, a Ghirardelli Sundae, after lunch plus some dipped strawberries for later on a rainy San Francisco afternoon. Wonderful!!!

This place is always a vibe and I always bring people here as one of the touristy spots when they come visit SF. The calories are alotttt but arguably worth it. The hot chocolate is also a classic - I wish it was milk based but still pretty good. Banana split is a must try too! Usually crowded and price is meh

Located in Ghirardelli Square, the gift shop is open later then the others and offers many kinds of Ghirardelli chocolate bars and other treats. Inside the icecream shop resturant has seats or take out featuring icecream Sundays, shakes, coffee and cocoa with Ghirardelli Chocolates. Ice ceam sundays start at $11, with most costing $15-$19 each, but are large. Free to visit, it's a very cool and fun place for both children and adults. I highly recommend even if you don't buy anything.

Love coming to this place to finish off my sightseeing in the city. I love the world famous chocolate fudge sundae. Simple but delicious. Also, Great views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Also close to the cable car to make the trip back to market and Powell.

Just the place for chocolate lovers. We got the world famous hot fudge sundae and the Nob Hill Shake. Both were very rich but very good. Service was pretty quick considering it was pretty busy. Plenty of seats. We also bought some chocolate to take home, there’s some nice San Francisco themed gift boxes.

Constructed in 1916, the Ghirardelli Square Clock Tower has become an iconic symbol for the square, and is among several buildings here that was selected for inclusion in the National Register of Historical Places. For many years, the Clock Tower housed the original Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory whistle, which blew not only as a farewell to factory family members sailing by on ocean liners, but also as a salute to ships deployed for World Wars I and II, and the Korean War. Ghirardelli Square, considered the first successful adaptive reuse project in the country, has a history that spans more than a century and covers three continents. This specialty retail and dining complex, housing shops and restaurants, was originally a chocolate factory established by Domenico “Domingo” Ghirardelli.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The atmosphere was lively, and the staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating. I ordered their signature sundae, and it was a taste sensation. The combination of rich, creamy ice cream, decadent hot fudge, and crunchy toppings was simply heavenly. Every bite was a burst of flavor that left me craving more. While the quality of the ice cream is top-notch, I must admit that the prices are a bit on the high side. However, considering the generous portions and the exceptional quality, it's definitely worth the splurge for a special treat or occasion. I can't wait to come back and try more of their delectable offerings!

I came here for one of the sundaes, and the last time I ate at the store was probably over 10 years ago. The place looks pretty different now, and I wasn't even sure if it was the right location. We got the world's famous hot fudge sundae and sat upstairs in the cable car-looking booths. Sitting outside of it was actually pretty cold because of the AC. They have an interesting tech setup where you put your beeper on the table, and the waiter brings you your sundae. Overall, the sundae was pretty good, with the chocolate being, of course, very good. However, the ice cream was a bit icy in parts, and I wished they used better quality ice cream. It's a bit expensive for a sundae, but it's an iconic SF experience.

4+ famous Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop in the Ghirardelli Square. I'm pretty sure most people if not all have heard of the chocolates. I think they're known more for their ice cream sundae at this location, but I was really craving some hot chocolate. And I thought it was a perfect dessert after eating lunch in the same area. The space was really nice and the vibe was a little bit touristy, but in a very good way. I grew up in the bay area and didn't really appreciate the spot until I got older. The service here was really great. The cashiers were super friendly as were the people making the food. So glad I popped in to get a hot chocolate. I really enjoyed it!

Chocolate lovers will love this store:) Since it was my first time here, I ordered World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae, which seemed to be the most famous. The size is good for two people. Next time I would like to order strawberry, chocolate mint, etc! We went on a Saturday around noon and it was hard to find a place to sit because there were so many people!

I visited this Ghirardelli location and was absolutely charmed by its adorable atmosphere. They offer a delightful variety of chocolates in different kinds and flavors. The staff were exceptionally friendly and welcoming, which added to the overall pleasant experience. The prices were fair, especially with the available deals. I would definitely recommend this place and look forward to returning!

PROTIP: you can order just the ice cream. They have a small menu at the register with the prices of just the ice cream and the toppings as add ons. It adds up quick so I recommend you opt for their premade items unless you want to keep your ice cream very simple. They give you a device to place at your table and they bring out your order when it's ready. I was really disappointed by their waffle bowl. It was hard and made me regret upgrading to it. The ice cream itself is good.

I didn't think I would make it here during this trip, but on our last day in SF I really wanted ice cream or gelato, so we made our way to the Ghirardelli factory. The store is huge, but it's really like a whole compound, with other places to hang out within the area. You order at the register and opt to dine in or carry out. I kept it simple and ordered a hot fudge sundae, I was so excited to see that they had a nondairy version, so that's what I got. Not only was the ice cream nondairy, but so was the hot fudge and the whipped cream. Perfect! And it tasted really good. I got the mini size, and it was just enough. As expected, the prices were crazy high, but of course you're paying for the experience. As for the chocolate, I was really disappointed to see that they didn't have any special flavors or exclusive chocolate squares for that location. Everything I saw are the same flavors that you can buy all over the world, they just offer large quantities, and cute gift boxes. One thing I think you can do here is create custom chocolate pieces, which is their Chocolate Experience. I didn't bother to check into that or see how much it cost. It was fun to visit; happy I checked this off my list.

Nestled just outside Fisherman's Wharf, in the heart of Ghirardelli Square, lies an iconic establishment that beckons chocolate aficionados from near and far. The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate, with its rich history and delectable offerings, promises an unforgettable culinary experience. Body: Location and Accessibility: The journey to Ghirardelli Square is as delightful as the treats that await you. A leisurely 5-10 minute walk along a flat trail leads you to this chocolate haven. As you approach, the intoxicating aroma of cocoa envelops you, heightening your anticipation. Efficient Service: Fear not if you encounter a queue; it dissipates swiftly. The staff efficiently manages the flow, ensuring minimal wait times. Upon reaching the counter, place your order, and you'll receive a numbered fob. Find a cozy spot at one of the tables, and your server will promptly deliver your indulgence. Ambiance: The Ghirardelli Chocolate experience extends beyond mere consumption. Venture upstairs or downstairs to discover distinct dining areas. Upstairs, large windows frame views of the bustling square, allowing natural light to dance upon your table. Downstairs, cozy nooks provide an intimate setting for savoring each morsel. Conclusion: The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate transcends mere confectionery; it's a symphony of flavors, textures, and memories. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a loyal patron, prepare to be enchanted by the artistry that unfolds within these walls. Remember, every bite at Ghirardelli is a celebration--a moment suspended in time, where cocoa whispers secrets and sweetness dances on your palate. Bon appétit!

10/10 would recommend stopping by on your trip to San Francisco! We love ice cream and the ice cream at this shop was to die for!! We only waited a few minutes, but explored the building before we went. They had a chocolate fountain!! Like Willy Wonka! So cool! I was like a kid in a candy shop. The glass bowls were a lot cuter if you were to sit inside, but they still did a great job decorating our to go order. Definitely worth checking out!

This is a must when visiting Ghirardelli Square. You will place your order at the register and they will hand you a number. Their friendly employees will deliver your items to your table. The lines are long but move quickly. This is a great place to experience their chocolate assortment. Indoor and Outdoor seating is available. My kids loved being able to pick their chocolates and take them home in a Ghirardelli box. Parking was not an issue, since they do have a large underground parking structure.

So expensive, but you're paying more for the experience and the brand name than the product. Great sundae's, good ice cream but nothing wow'd me particularly. I like that they bring you your order to your table. Fun experience

One of the smaller locations was out of vegan ice cream so we ended up here. Overall the idea is cute and the ice cream is good but this spot seems to be understaffed. I understand that is a problem at a lot of places recently but this one was evident. The tables were dirty and sticky and slow to be bussed. Ice cream was good, I found it comparable to any other Ghirardelli experience. Overall: Be prepared to wait for your items and clean your own table

I wasn't impressed with Ghirardelli. I wanted to go here considering this is the actual, original location. The service was adequate, but not the best. The vanilla milkshake was actually solid. As for the cookie crumble hot fudge sundae, it was extremely disappointing. The cookie crumbles were as hard as a rock, to the point where I chose not to finish it. Out of the 25+ places I went to for food on my honeymoon, this was the only one I regret. To clarify, Ghirardelli Square is still something to see. As for the chocolate shop, it's an overpriced tourist trap. Save your money, or get dessert somewhere more deserving of your business, like Swenson's.

I mean you have to stop here if you're nearby!!! Number 1, the vibes are just amazing and it smells even better!!! What a perfect stop for a sweet treat. We came on a Sunday midday and there was tons of seating and it was gorgeous! We opted for to go and we got a hot chocolate and a mini sundae. The mini is a great alternative since the normal one is massive. And let me tell you both of these items were out of this world. That is the richest hot chocolate I have ever had and the best ice cream sundae. I don't normally like nuts on my mine but truly this was the best combination. Could not ask for better

A stop that is on most tourist lists to the city. We ventured to Ghirardelli square and saw that there were three spots you could get ice cream. We opted for the "original" ice cream shop which was halfway up the block and through the red Ghirardelli arch. The line moved quickly and there were menus available as you waited. It was a weekend so even though there are ours if seats, they were nearly all full. We grabbed one of the last tables on the second floor. Tip - some of the tables up top are in a small replica of a cable car, which makes for a unique experience. Our ice cream got delivered right to us as our buzzer had an RF code to tell which table we were at. Between four of us we got two sundaes, which was more than enough because they are very large. We ate our ice cream and were on our way. The ice cream is good, but you're definitely paying for the Ghirardelli experience and the quintessential San Francisco treat. Another thing at this location is the chocolate wall and examples of older chocolate making machinery. It's tucked along along the back wall for a quick photo op. This spot also has a small retail section if you wanted to get your ice cream and your shopping done in one stop.

We came here to get ice cream sundaes and were not disappointed. We had the mint bliss sundae and world famous hot fudge sundae. We split them between four people and it was more than enough. The hot fudge sauce is delicious. You stand in line to order but then they bring the sundaes to you. Although it looks like a limited amount of seating, there is more seating on the second level.

If you're seeking a yummy indulgence in San Francisco's iconic Ghirardelli Square, look no further than the original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. Nestled amidst the charm of Ghirardelli Square, this establishment exudes a warm, welcoming ambiance that envelops you in a cloud of chocolatey delight. Our taste adventure began with the Frozen Hot Cocoa--a delightful concoction that perfectly balanced the richness of Ghirardelli's hot cocoa mix with the refreshing chill of ice. Topped with a cloud of velvety whipped cream and adorned with mini dark chocolate chips, we enjoyed every sip. Next up was the World-Famous Hot Fudge Sundae. Nestled in a classic glass goblet, this sundae boasted a generous scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream smothered in Ghirardelli's handmade hot fudge. Crowned with a dollop of whipped cream, diced almonds, and a cherry, each spoonful was a delicious pairing of creamy sweetness and indulgent richness. Despite the proximity to dinner time, we couldn't resist the temptation to indulge, and we were pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the staff. Our orders arrived promptly, allowing us to relish every moment of our Ghirardelli experience. In addition to the delectable sundaes and frozen delights, Ghirardelli's menu offers a tantalizing array of chocolates, shakes, coffees, and more. Whether you're craving a classic treat or eager to explore new flavors, there's something to satisfy every chocolate lover's palate. Our visit to the original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop was nothing short of magical. From the warm hospitality of the staff to the irresistible allure of the chocolatey creations, every moment was infused with joy and sweetness.

Ordered a chocolate ice cream with two scoops of fudge. Loved it. As always! Cannot get over Ghirardelli's chocolate fudge and don't mind waiting in queues to get one when in the area

We came on a busy Saturday Night. The Lands End is what my family shared between the 4 of us. It was very good but nothing to absolutely die over.

This place is cool to see but is honestly kind of tough to navigate. I feel like they could make it so much better. We got the MINI sundae to share and it was huge (but the chocolate was delicious!)

If you find yourself in SF, Giradeli is a must-visit, especially if you have a sweet tooth! Their sundaes are absolutely divine, and the fact that they're all eggless is a bonus. Although the brownies and waffles contain eggs.The portion sizes are generous. We tried the Treasure Island Sundae, and it was simply amazing. Trust me, you won't be able to resist devouring the entire sundae in just 10 minutes--it's that delicious!

The ice cream and shake was soo good. The service was quick. Nice place to visit. I love coming here every time I visit San Francisco.

Phenomenal experience as usual! We stopped in last weekend on Sunday afternoon, the 28th of April. I had a delicious sundae, name eludes my memory, but it included mint chocolate chip and chocolate ice creams with dark chocolate fudge. So good! Service was great and atmosphere is pleasant.

This place is a must stop when you're in SF,it was a good experience when you have a sweet tooth,they have lined up friendly staff to take your orders,and this place is so packed with people,it took us at least 2 mins before we got seated,they have a chocolate wall fountain which is cool,ice cream we ordered was so good.

Who doesn't love chocolate?!? This is a must stop in San Francisco. The service was friendly and extremely helpful. The ice cream sundae was spectacular (and I'm not really a big ice cream fan)! Several options to choose from, and a fun atmosphere make the overall experience top-notch .

I will never get tired of Ghirardelli! This is truly a must-try if you are in SF. Even as a Bay Area native, this is one of my favorite places for a sweet treat. I love that they stay open past 9 PM, and parking is usually pretty easy since they have their own parking garage. My favorite treats here are their Sea Salt Hot Cocoa if I want something warm, or their Signature Hot Fudge Sundae when I'm craving ice cream. This place is so cute to explore whether you bring family/friends, go on a date, or come by yourself! Love love love Ghirardelli.

It was late(r) at night and we were both craving something sweet. Our timing was perfect because by the time we got there, finding street parking was a breeze and there was no real line to order. Because we had our puppy with us we chose to get our shakes to go and sat at one of the open tables in the square. My husband went in to order for us while I sat outside with our little guy, watching all the people walking through the square, taking pictures of the signs and staring at the menu. (Note, the menu board they have posted outside can be hard to read at night, there were no lights and the print is faded.) I got the Ocean Beach (sea salt caramel) sundae and my husband got the mint chocolate hot fudge sundae ($13.95 each). We thought we'd be able to plow through them but there was a lot to get through in both sundae cups. I made it through maybe half of mine, my husband fared much better on his but we weren't able to finish them off. He was slightly horrified that I didn't eat the chocolate square that was included in my sundae, but it was just sooo much sweet. I did enjoy the trip, but I think I can say that because it wasn't overly crowded at that time. We were able to get in and out with a relative quickness, and didn't have to fight for parking or a table or to walk around the rest of the square.

$15-20 for a sundae with solid fudge and melted ice cream. The inefficient buzzer system prints out tickets and someone that's stressed out tries to match the sundaes that somewhat miserable looking workers randomly dish out. Good luck if your ticket gets lost somehow, the order numbers are not even in order. I saw my order sit on the counter for quite some time and I wasn't sure if it was mine. It took many people until the person serving the orders to check what I ordered. And no, my sundae wasn't the only one sitting there for a while. Thanks management, great job.

I've loved this chain for forever. Looooove the Treasure Island which is the brownie sundae. So I knew when we were in the area I absolutely had to stop by here. The place is so cool. They've got a few stores all in the same area and you can buy the sundaes in a couple of spots. This was the most obvious one and they have some cool upstairs seating. We didn't get to sit in the train seating spot but it was definitely the coolest. If you want your brownie warmed, be sure to mention it when checking out. Also, you can request waters with your sundae and they'll bring them up. Sit anywhere and they'll come find you. I loved this experience and I would definitely come back here. Loved: - Sundae: Treasure Island (warm brownie) Ok: - Cone: Ghirardelli Chocolate & Vanilla Coconut Double Scoop - Sundae: World Famous Hot Fudge

First time trying Ghirardelli ice cream sundae and wow it's amazing. We got the gold rush Sundae, and we shared with 3 people. I highly recommend trying their sundae, especially the gold rush, comes with caramel, toasted almonds and a white chocolate. The staff here are super nice, place is clean, and plenty of seatings and counters. I definitely will come back to Ghirardelli and get their sundaes.

Even as a local, this place is irresistible. We usually have pretty good success finding street parking nearby to save money. The transformation into this massive expanded location makes visits so much more efficient with shorter lines and wait times. The sundaes are truly remarkable and worth it. I miss their "cookie bottom" sundae with a warm cookie at the bottom, but now I always get the sundae with the warm brownie. Can't be beat!

I was here visiting the city and I wanted to try this back in February, but they were under construction. Didn't get my chance to come back up until recently and I was excited to see them open again. It was not too busy when I came, but I know this place can get pretty crowded with seating being a luxury at times. Raspberry Sorbet: I was looking more towards eating a sorbet over an ice cream. (I go to Giants games a lot, so we were limited on what we can order at those games). The raspberry was very tart, and I absolutely love it. The chocolate fudge also paired well with the fruitiness of the dessert. It was also a good amount of dessert for one person, so feel free to share if you like. Overall, I try and visit here every time I come to the city. Next time I might try something else but I know I can always order this if I am not feeling adventurous.

Came on a Sunday and it wasn't busy at all, got our ice cream out in 5 min. Although, the banana split (2/5) was not what I wanted it to be, with bananas that were very brown and over ripe. It also didn't come with chocolate syrup, I was expecting more for a quintessential banana split from a famous landmark location. The interior is clean, seating is mainly outdoors.

Food: 4/5 | Service: 4/5 | Experience: 3.5/5 This area is generally pretty packed, so the line can definitely get long. The menu is not that long, but there is a vegan option for sundaes. There's seating inside, but there are also tables outside. Even so, it can get a bit hard to find seating as there are so many people. I got the "make your own" ice cream and got to choose 3 chocolate squares from the display to put into my concoction. The size of the sundae was not that large especially for the price, and it did take a bit for my order to come out, but the sundae itself was tasty. I just did not think it was phenomenal.

Who redesigned this horrible remodel with bleeding chocolate walls, less space, less tables, and a confusing buzzer system? Thankfully their ice cream makes up for it. They cut the eating room by half and they seem to have less tables, which makes it hard when you order for here and struggle to find a table to place your buzzer on so that they can find you. Ice cream sundaes and such are still delicious , but their funky remodel can make tourist season crazy as we locals and them play musical chairs just to get a seat!

Cute area! I'd been over 10 years ago and just wanted to go back 1 more time. Famous Sundae was good- sadly I thought it was a little skimpy on the hot fudge! For $15 they should have given an extra on the side if requested! Also tried sea salt caramel hot cocoa - very very sweet. The square is fun, a Biergarten, shops, a mini golf, another chocolate gift store.. cute area for kids. Wouldn't go back 2 & done. lol

The Ice cream was delicious. They ate open till Midnight, so when you are hanging out in San Francisco want that late night treat this is the place to go. Beautiful view of the ocean from the street. Sevice was quick and easy..

Overrated overpriced tourist trap. Was a mad house, dirty, unorgonized chaos. Ice cream wasn't anything to write home about, I've had better from many other places. I suppose the chocolate is what they're known for, not that that was anything special either. I wouldn't waste our time/money here again.

Absolut amazing! I ordered the Cookie Crumble - Hot Fudge Sundae and I am so glad I shared with a friend! The restaurant is attached to a store front so it was cute inside with all the merchandise. We were greeted when we walked in and the service was quick and easy. After placing the order, we were given a little device to set on a table and that is how the servers found you to give you the items you order. The cookie crumble comes with a scoop or cookies and cream ice cream on either side with a scoop of vanilla in the middle. Topped with chocolate chip cookie crumbles, whipped cream, hot fudge, and two mini caramel chocolate squares. I love soft cookies so I was a little disappointed when they were tough to eat. The ice cream and mini chocolates were amazing! Sweet and savory! Highly recommended!

5 stars because I am SHOCKED they're open until 10pm on weekdays. Where else are you going to find delicious late(ish) night ice cream? You line up to order at the cashier, and then the ice cream is delivered straight to your table. Wonderfully lit inside with an old rustic/industrial vibe. Kids and tourists will love the chocolate wall and chocolate fountain inside. A treat!

Okay okay I get the hype now LOL. As someone who is not a big chocolate lover, checking out Ghirardelli never appealed to me much. The square is adorable and sign iconic but didn't think I'd like anything there. I was wrong lol! Since I'm not a chocolate fan it's no surprise I don't really like hot chocolate that much but I got a small sea salt caramel hot cocoa because it was freezing and seemed to be the most basic chocolate thing on their menu and I am obsessed!!! It was soooo good. Very malty and heavy on the caramel. It was ridiculously sweet and I couldn't finish a small cup and I got the first sugar rush I have ever experienced in my life as an adult but for that quarter of a cup I could enjoy, it was the best thing ever! The shop is super cute in general and the chocolate fountain wall is cool although I heard their previous display was better. Worth checking out!!

The most loaded Sunday I've had, a classic! Diabetes in a plate, but enjoyed every bite! Vanilla ice cream loaded with chocolate chip cookie and brownie pieces, chocolate squares and whip cream. Definitely of sharing size for 2-3 people. Just read the menu very carefully, every additional toping is an additional charge which can make a $12 Sunday cost $18 very easily. Water available free of charge by the exit. The place also offers a tasting of some selected chocolate squares, which can help you decide how to personalize your own bag of chocolates. These bags are always a great souvenirs or testers to try out new flavors. Pro tip- divide and conquer! If you are a party of 2 or more, have 1 person look for a table while another person makes the line to place the order. This place can be very crowded, especially on weekends. Enjoy!

Upon arrival the line seemed to be endless, but it only took about 10 minutes for me to get to the counter. I ordered the brownie sundae with hot fudge. I was a little disappointed as the sundae was mainly whipped cream and ice cream. The brownie was extremely small and the hot fudge portions were conservative. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed the sundae. I just wish since they are a chocolatier that the chocolate servings were more generous. Especially when the sundae costs $18. Can't say I would come here again though.

Ghirardelli Square, there's 3 stores you can shop and eat around in the Square! They have coffee, shakes, ice creams of all kinds. You can sit in the ice cream parlor and stare at the oozing wall of chocolate! Like none you've ever seen! The service was very welcoming. Chocolate treats 5/5 and the chocolate factory and parlor is an adorable set up... like walking into Willy Wonka's home! Definitely felt like a kid at a candy shop! What a treat!

This place is what chocolate dreams are made of. I would say this is a must do if you're coming to visit San Francisco. Tons of history in this area. You'll find chocolate flavors here that are hard to find or not sold in other stores. Everyone is getting their sweet tooth on here what an amazing place.

Tourist trap with high prices. As long you're not expecting any sort of elevated culinary experience, you'll be just fine. $16 for a cup with non-descript ice cream and toppings seems a bit too high, especially when you consider the truly unique offerings like the Baked Bear, but to each his own. Maybe it's just me, but the ice cream did not taste creamy, so no high quality ice cream was used. The hot fudge was good but sparing. All in all, I don't mind paying premium if I'm getting premium. But in this case, all you're getting is (if you eat in) a nice view of the Bay and Alcatraz from some tables. And if you get your sundae to-go, be sure to grab extra spoons because the ones provided for take out are quite flimsy. Nice folks I'm sure, but I'm one and done.

Here's the thing: what's not to like? I mean, who doesn't love chocolate? And a San Francisco ICON! I love the smell of chocolate as you walk in, and all the decadent desserts that they create with their delicious chocolate. It's fun to bring tourists and locals alike, as a date or with a big group of friends. We love Ghirardelli, we love a tourist moment, and we love our SF classics!

The ordering process was efficient. The sundaes were delicious. What I disagree with is paying 40 dollars for food and not having easy access to a bathroom. We were sent a public bathroom that was almost a block away.

This Ghirardelli shop has a lot of history. I've been coming here ever since I was a kid. I've seen it through renovations, menu additions, and seating changes. It's also Ghirardelli's very first ice cream shop, opened 58 years ago. It's the first Ghirardelli store to focus on ice cream and their signature hot fudge. Because of all the above, this particular ice cream shop will always be a special place for me. Any dinner at Scoma's growing up wouldn't be complete without a trip to Ghirardelli's. It started out by us first suggesting going there for dessert after dinner. The next time we went, we discussed going there during dinner. After that, we planned to go there from the start for a post-dinner dessert. And from then on, there was an unspoken assumption that any meal in Fisherman's Wharf would be followed by a Ghirardelli's trip. Unfortunately, in the years since, I hadn't been around the area too much after I grew up. But I had the pleasure of being at Pier 39 recently, and I knew the one place I needed to hit. No longer with my parents, but now here with my wife - it was an unspoken assumption that we'd be going to Ghirardelli's after (well, unspoken for me. I had to actively tell my wife). The hot fudge didn't disappoint - for either of us. And the next time I'm in the area, you don't need to ask where I'll be getting an ice cream sundae from. That's been decided long ago.

Good place for tourists to buy sweets and desserts. Price is high compared to other ice cream shops and their ice cream menu is limited, but you are paying for the name brand and experience. The overall experience and service on a Friday was great! Ordered quickly and received my ice cream cone easily. The serving is large (I ordered one scoop) and can be shared. Seating is tight inside and I recommend enjoying your dessert outside near the fountain if the weather is nice. We enjoyed our visit and recommend to anyone that loves chocolate.

Great place to visit while you're touristing in San Francisco! Who doesn't love chocolate??!!! Esp with a chocolate store that sells many various chocolate desserts such as sundaes, drinks, and cookies/brownies. We got the World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae $14.95. The chocolate drizzle on the ice cream was sweet, very sweet. But the chocolate has a rich flavor to it and the texture is thick and creamy. It's one of the most ordered menu item. Frozen Hot Cocoa $9.75 it tastes very coffee like. It was good. Ghirardelli's brownie and chocolate chip cookie was so good if you have them microwaved. The chocolate melts into a soft velvety texture that tastes very delicious!! I wished they had milk to balance it out though. The Ghirardelli Plaza has other different stores in it, which is very unique. They have its own store that just sells their own chocolates. There is also a sample station inside where they give you free Ghirardelli chocolates.