You Say Tomato
1526 California Street
(between Larkin St & Polk St)
San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 921-2828
Keep an eye out for our online store! In the meantime…
Announced 4 weeks ago
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. - Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
48 Reviews for You Say Tomato
One of You Say Tomato's Favorite Reviews
I discovered this place while walking around my neighborhood.
I couldn't believe that not only did they have HP Sauce and Cadbury Buttons, but also frozen, prepared British meals! Dude! I also found my favorite Shepard's Pie season packet and imported candy and... I could go on all day.
The staff is super friendly and we chatted for a bit. When I got there, I realized they were closing in 10 minutes so I said, "I'll be quick, I know you want to go home," and the staff person said, "no worries, take your time." Now, that's customer service to me. I can't wait to make Shepard's Pie this weekend!
P.S. Prices are really great for imported stuff too!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Two Words: Turkish Delight
The stock here often changes, so it's always fun to go in and see what new treats will be waiting for me. I always end up spending more than I should (but not as much as I want), and lingering to chat with the super-friendly owner.
If you stop in and there are meal-flavored crisps in stock, don't hesitate to buy a bag (or four). They truly have to be tasted to be appreciated. Also, don't overlook the coolers and freezer which are on your left and right, respectively, as you walk in the door. They're full of cheeses, clotted cream, bangers, pasties, tiny pies, and more.
I have two words for you.
MARZIPAN GLORY!!!
The man lives around the corner and while walking by this tiny, almost invisible storefront, I ducked in when I saw the words "British Grocery".
My first trip to England a couple of months ago had me falling in love with several British treats:
#1- Mr. Kiplings Exceedingly Good Cakes - Mini Battenbergs
#2 - Cadbury Buttons
#3- Galaxy Minstrels
#4 - Lemonade (fizzy lemon)
#1 being the most important discovery of my life.
Mini Battenbergs are the most adorable, perfectly made mini cakes, white and pink checkered and slathered in apricot jam and wrapped in an amazing robe of cream colored marzipan. This dessert is all pink and cream. This dessert is epitome of all my Hello Kitty dreams, without being an actual Sanrio product.
If Hello Kitty had a mouth, she would eat Battenbergs.
I walked in, didn't see them, asked and was ushered to the freezer section.
$5.95 later I was skipping down the street with a box of exceedingly good cakes.
My life has been forever changed knowing that Battenbergs, Buttons and Minstrels were oh so readily available.
People thought this was:
Funny (3)
Cool (2)
Not bad, not brilliant... but definitely good enough to satisfy my British candy fix: Aeros, Flakes, Crunchies, plus things like Twiglets and McVities Digestive Biscuits. Oh, and best of all, Walkers Cheese & Onions Crisps....
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
So i'm in my kitchen heating up milk and opening the cadbury bournita malt chocolate drink mix.. I noticed, after leaving the store, that the drink mix was expired 11/07... was a bit ticked but i thought it was alright.. i think.. i mean, it's been expired just less than a year.. right? O_o Anyway, I'm opening the container (which was sealed) and the stuff in there is like no longer shakeable, like not even a powder anymore. Somehow moisture got in there and it has reduced to a hard mass that's half the size of the container. Dammit, it cost me 7 bucks and I have to go out of my way again to that neighborhood..
Two stars extra for the candy selection though. I'll go back for the candy but will be sure to check the expiration dates!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
passed by this place meandering Polk Gulch Saturday. My stomach was in my throat as I realized it was an English grocery store.
Walked in, I looked around, hoping, hoping, hoping...and there, hidden by the door, they were:
POT NOODLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, okay, so I don't really like the Sweet and Sour flavor that much, and alright, they only had two. But I bought em both so they can buy more. Maybe they'll get other flavors! Please? Beef and Tomato!! Tikka Masala? PLEASE?!?!
I personally vow to buy all the Pot Noodles they get in. If they get em. Fuckin' LOVE that shit.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (3)
Cool (3)
HobNobs are my Elven Lembas.
Otherwise, avoid:
- Whatever those round cheesy crackers are...they have nothing to offer.
- Anything chocolate. Leave it there for me!.
Aero bars and Kit Kat bars from the UK are good but don't let them try to convince you there isn't any hydrogenated fat in some of that stuff. They just call it vegetable fat! But I have beautiful shiny American teeth, so there.
Exterminate! Exterminate! - - I think it was the inflatable Dalek in the window that caught our eye. And of course, we had to go in to check this place out. Imagine our shock to find a veritable cornucopia of English staples and treats. And if you're an out of country Aussie or Brit looking for pasties or sausage rolls, check out the freezer section.
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Yippee!! I found Walker's toffee, frozen Yorkshire pudding, made in England English crumpets, and a large selection of Cadbury & Nestle chocolate bars that they do not carry in the U.S. They carry anything British you can think of- well except the Beckham hottie.
I thought I would have to fly back to the U.K. if I wanted to discover the taste sensation of a Nestle Lion bar, but no longer. I was like a kid in a candy store searching the shelves for my favorite Cadbury Fuse bar, but I learned that Cadbury had discontinued it 2 yrs ago. Bummer :(
This place is definitely worth checking out. The owner is super friendly, and the store is so much fun.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Is England even known for having good food (besides Indian)? Of course they are, and You Say Tomato stocks a decent supply of it.
Stopped in today, here's the grocery list:
1 bottle of Daddies Favourite Brown Sauce
1 bottle of Country Ploughman's Pickle
1 jar of Frank Cooper's 3-Fruit Oxford Marmalade
1 packet of Chiman's Chicken Korma spice blend.
Teas, jams, biscuits, crips, you guessed it, all things British. God Save The Queen! The owner, a gent named David, is one of the more welcoming chaps I've met in sometime.
Cheerio.
People thought this was:
Useful (11)
Funny (9)
Cool (13)
My friend D is known for 2 things -- being a functional alcoholic and having bad taste in food. When D's birthday rolled around, all of our mutual friends bought her booze, but I decided to be different. I decided to buy something that would fit in with her other interest -- bad food -- which is why I went to You Say Tomato, since British food is known for being terrible.
I knew that D loves Vegemite so I bought that (a large bottle of course) and also got schooled on the difference between Vegemite and Marmite -- complete with samples (yup, both are gross). But I actually found out that not ALL British food is bland. The sales person was incredibly nice and didn't mind all of my stupid and potentially offensive questions. The store is a bit small so if you are looking for something really obscure, you might not find it, but otherwise, it was a good place to buy British food.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (3)
Cool (2)
I found Digestive Biscuits! I finally found them! I've been looking all over for them. My coworkers tend to buy these biscuits every now and then for their clients and they are delish! And no, their clients are not dogs. I know it sounds like dog food but I promise you they're not, they're a type of cookie.
I wonder why it's call digestives, will it help me digest the food I've just eaten? Well either way, they're so yummy! I'm definitely coming back to get more of my digestive biscuits once I'm out!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
Yaaaay clotted cream!! I found a store that sells clotted cream! I'm so happy! :D
I've actually only bought a candy bar here. I think it's called Yorkie, but its the chocolate bar thats only for boys. I thought that was funny xD But their frozen foods look so delicious! I believe the only time I've had food that was anything close to English food was when I would go out for tea with my auntie. (Usually it's just sandwiches and bangers...) But they have frozen pies that are stuffed with meat and not sugary fruits x3 And sausages! I forget what else was there, but this store has gotten me interested in food from England now :D
Homesickness sucks and so does guilt. When my Brit husband feels the former, I feel the latter. So, when he starts to miss the land of tea, cricket and Carry On films, not only do I remind him that he moved here to be with beautiful, spectacular me, but we also make a trip here. They have all the English treats and foods to make him feel a little less homesick. I stock up on Hob Nobs and Cheese and Onion crisps. He stocks up on an insane amount of pork pies, biscuits (you know, cookies), crisps (you know, chips), marmite (you know, nasty black tar stuff) and pickle (you know, the weird English kind).
Any place that returns that cheeky smile back to his face deserves a million stars, but 5 will have to do.
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (4)
Cool (7)
Such a nice little shop to pick a few things up at. Almost reminded me of being on High Street at home.
Not only can you get your fill of dry groceries from home including the big boxes of smarties! They also have frozen foods, pasties, sausage rolls and other tasty treats.
We had a nice conversation about curry sauce and chips... something most people don't understand.
I need to stop in again soon for more sweets.
What's not to love about this awsome little ex-pat shop? I'm not British (the closest I come is Irish by descent), but seriously, British junk food is incredible. Simple chocolate candies and potato chips/crisps are much higher quality than their American counterparts. Aside from that you have a fantastic selection of teas, canned goods, condiments, cookies/biscuts, beverages and even frozen foods!
My favorites include Curly Whirleys (the British sibling of the long defunct and highly nostolgic Marathon Bar), Walker's Smokey Bacon Crisps, Ribena concentrate, Chocolate Hob Nobs, and Maynard's Wine Gums (which are perfect for smuggling into the movies).
The owner, Dave, is a great guy and will be happy to chat about the products he has and answer any silly American questions. Oh, and ask him about his remote controlled Dalek! I am soooooooo jealous.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I lived in England a while back and there is nothing I miss more than a full English breakfast when I'm hungover. So I decided to make my own and invite some friends over for brunch one weekend. I heard about this store and was so excited that it existed. Upon entering, my heart sank a little as it was a lot smaller than I had hoped. Luckily they did have everything I needed for the breakfast, and I browsed for some more goodies. The shelves were a little barren, and the selection isn't huge, but they do carry the most popular items from abroad. The frozen foods and canned foods seem to be the safest, but most of the other packaged foods are a bit overexpired. Make sure to double check the expiration date on what you buy. I'm rooting for these guys, but i'd like to see a few more things on their shelves and less old items.
I stopped by this place today and checked it out. Small store that stocks all dry food products from UK. David who runs the place is so nice. We chatted for a while about our love of Walkers Sensations crisps and he ended giving me a bag to try! I plan to come back when he gets the Slow Roasted Lamb & Mint crisps and the Oven Roasted Chicken with Lemon & Thyme crisps. Yum!
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
I came in to get quarters for street parking when I was off to the Wamu on the block, and realized it was a little Brit shop. The guy at the counter was so friendly that after I made my trip to the bank, I went back inside for a better look. It's mainly a candy shop, with other things like biscuits and tea thrown in, but if you go in thinking it's a full-fledged British grocer, you're going to be disappointed.
The items looked expired to me too, but upon checking the dates, nothing was, and the Jacob's Club chocolates that I bought had an expiration date of 12/01/08 (dd/mm/yy). That's not terribly far away, but hey, it's still good, it's still good!
I'll definitely drop by for a more extensive perusing when I have more than a lunch break.
I will admit, most of the stars for this shop isn't for their decor or their selection, because I can find British products at Asian grocers, but rather, the fact that you can't help but want to support this little shop in its mission to have a bit of England on this side of the pond.
Hubby is so very happy to find another place to stock up on food from home. We didn't have a whole lot of time to shop today, but still managed to spend $80+ in about 10 minutes. What did we get? What didn't we?? There were sausage rolls and various pies (sweet and savory). Crisps, Cadbury, cookies, candies and tea. Too bad we didn't see any Bovril or Kinder Eggs. Maybe next time....
Service was friendly. Prices are great, compare to other places we've been to. Parking is a pain though.
No doubt we will be going regularly to stock up on British favorites!
Update: FLYING SAUCERS!!!!!!!!!!!
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Cool (7)
We all seem to have British husbands who dig this place when they need a taste of home. The selection is excellent and the prices are the same or cheaper than Roxie. With other import shops like this you have to check the expiry dates (who really wants an outdated Pot Noodle?) but that's rarely an issue here.
Someone said they didn't see the frozen stuff...the tall freezer case with the pies, sausage rolls, pasties, etc. is right by the front door. The short freezer case has the Mr. Kipling's in it. If you don't see what you want it's worth asking for it--the service is always friendly and cheerful. David (the owner) will be happy to chat with you about the shop, the UK, or whatever DVD he's watching while he's working.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
McVitie's Hob Nob Digestive Biscuits. Any version of same. Just try one and you'll understand why I'm gnashing my teeth and twisting in my chair thinking about them right this second.
These little babies taste so good my jaw actually aches from the fast over-salivation when I bite down upon the first one.
I've never eaten a packaged cookie as good as these and I squealed in delight when I found them here one day. The owner laughed along with me and seemed genuinely pleased to see someone so excited about this and other Britty food goodies. Ask all the questions you want and he happily answers.
I love the way the store is focused and not too kitschy and am so happy to have easy access to the Hob Nobs before enjoying flicks at the Lumiere.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (3)
Cool (3)
I've been an anglophile since I was a little girl. My dad used to travel to London a lot, and when he came home, I always knew there would be a Flake among his things waiting just for me. If you've never had a Flake, you are missing out on a delicious melt-in-your-mouth milk chocolate experience.
You Say Tomato reminds me of my early fascination with Flake. Because not only do they have Flakes, but other varieties of coveted British sweeties (Crunchie! Yum!) as well as savory and snack foods. There is something about their packaging and the names of the product that still makes me happy.
You can get your fill of marmalade, crisps, PG Tips, Bovril, Turkish delight , curry mixes, and other treats from (or adopted by) the mother country. Today I bought my favorite McVetie's Digestives (a sweet-ish but not too sweet biscuit, perfect with tea), and a bottle of HP sauce. I refrained from buying a Flake, but since this store is only blocks from my office, you know the lure of the Cadbury siren song will capture me eventually.
The store is clean and utilitarian, thankfully NOT twee, and the vibe is very relaxed and friendly. It's not huge, but it definitely has everything that you might want to get your British on.
So go. And mind the gap.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
Cute place my sis and I stumbled upon. Whoa, Jammie Dodgers!! Woot. Timtams, bangers, Wheetabix, and everything Cadbury. If you have any friends from across the pond missing any childhood must-haves take them here. The woman running the shop chithatted and was very sweet to us. Good experience.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I happened upon this place on Yelp and a small hope arose in my heart the my love affair with McVitie's could continue. McVitie's snacking punctuated my last trip to London. Sitting in my dorm room futzing with the wireless? Time for a digestive wafer. Heading to the Turner Gallery at the Tate? Better go across the street from the museum and pick up a pack of fruit shortbread McVitie's. What? Checking out the Old Globe? Can't do that w/out a Hob Nob in hand. You can handle it- you're walking everywhere.
On my way home I passed by here and indeed, they had my hob nobs, classic rich tea biscuits and fruit shortbread- all the good stuff! They also have various canned and pickled foods, candy, cookies, bendicks mints, and some other stuff that I was only marginally interested in since I was salivating over my hob nobs. I did buy a packet of curry powder to make my own Aloo Gobi at home- I'll bet it'll be good!!
The guy at the counter was very friendly too :-)
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
Finally was able to drop in after passing by so many times. It is intimidating to be the only customer in a small store with one person behind the counter, when you have no idea what you're doing there or what you're going to buy. So, I decide to try some British candy.
The owner (as the counter person turned out to be) asked me if I needed help. I asked for suggestions on what candy to buy. He took my question so seriously I felt like I had asked him if I should cut the red wire or the green wire. Betty or Veronica? Ginger or Maryann? He finally settled on some wine gum and some chocolates. Both were marvelous.
In fact he was so excited about me trying the chocolate, despite my having just purchased the candy, he ran over and grabbed another chocolate bar, UNWRAPPED it, then made me try some right there in the store. I was a bit put off, but his enthusiasm won me over and I think this one of the cutest stores I've ever been to.
The shop owner here is the nicest guy- very pleasant English guy. On one occasion, I went in to put together a gift basket for my British expat. hubby, and after musing about what kind of chocolate other than Cadbury's that he'd like (what sensible person, British or otherwise, doesn't like Cadbury's?), I was given a complimentary 'Happy Hippo' sample by the owner. Yum! Threw in a few of those along with Cadbury Flake, Mars Bar (they're different in the UK- more like our Milky Way in the U.S.), Cadbury Drinking Chocolate, Duerr's 1881 Coarse Cut Seville Orange Marmalade (personally, I go crazy for Duerr's lemon curd), some McVities, Ribena, Tango (Orange flavor!), Lucozade (supposedly, if you're sick and drink one of these, it will spring you back to health) and Marmite (when I first tried this, I thought it tasted more like termites might taste, but I have acquired quite a liking to it. Its great on toast over a layer of butter!).
The shop has a frozen food and refrigerated selection as well (meat pies, pasties, bangers, etc.) and a selection of British drinks, creams, and other typical favorites. I'm sad that they don't carry Ecclescakes. :(
Love the life-sized Daalek in the shop window!
I came in to You Say Tomato on the hunt for a Kinderegg or 12 (I've since learned that they've been banned from sale in the US, gosh dang choking hazards that they are), and left instead with an I-don't-even-know-what-you'd-call-it bar. Exiting empty handed was simply not an option, because the shop proprietor was just too friendly and talkative. We spent a good 10 minutes talking tea pots before I grabbed the nearest candy bar, paid, and made my gracious departure.
I'll give You Say Tomato four stars for service and extensive stock, and will up it to five if the shopkeep can convince the Consumer Product Safety Commission to once again permit the sale of Kinder Eggs on American soil.
The perfect place to load up on tasty European snacks before a movie at the Lumiere. I love my chips extra bacony!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
What a place! I got a whole sack of British goodies on Friday. They had Irn-Bru, which put me in mind of Scotland. Sigh.
Yes, I recommend You Say Tomato.
Perhaps you can get pre-Lumiere treats here?
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Oh my god, all the brands I know and lurve. Branston pickle, I can now have a pickle with my cheese, hurrah! Heinz baked beans, mcvities biscuits, toffee crisps, walkers crisps, salad cream...ahhhhh...No need for me to ever return home!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
This is a nice little store to get my fix of goodies I grew up with, brands found throughout the former British Empire. I'm especially fond of the tubular smarties, ribena (*swoon*), biscuits, jams and all the familiar sweets. This is not a proper grocery store more like a special purpose convenience-style store.
That said, the goods are expensive. You can usually find Ribena and other essentials for much less at various Asian Food markets!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
You craving an Aero--mint or regular?
Out of PG tips?
Dying for marmite?
Need crumpets?
Well get thee over to the You Say Tomato. The husband and wife who run the place are AWESOME, the fare is CHEAP (cheaper, when you figure currency conversion, than I can even buy it in England).
Your English friends will think you're oh-so-thoughtful for stocking up on their homeland goods. Your non-English friends will think you're oh-so-sophisticated and worldly when you tantalize their tastebuds with trinkets from Merry Ol' England.
Cheerio!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Love the name. Owner is very friendly. Yes, others have mentioned this, but have they told you that you can buy BACON flavored potato chips? Call 'em chips, call 'em crisps, I don't care. Oh, and for your veggie friends, the bacon flavoring requires nothing from the pig. Don't worry my meat-loving brethren, they taste good enough to have required the ultimate sacrifice from 100 sows. God Save the Queen, indeed!
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
Don't want to cause too much of a fuss but vegemite is Australian, marmite is English.
Why vegemite in Brit shop.
I am sure this has something to do FDA importing regs or some such thing, but come on, until Australia can rightfully claim its national breakfast spread as its own we will never become a republic.
4 stars for PG tips though.
God save the Queen.
You Say Tomato is a very small store half-filled with all sorts of food that any Brit would miss. This is the only place in the city where I have been able to find Lion bars - the best chocolate bar ever! The owner is very sweet and while there is a good selection, they could definitely add more items to make it great.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
The owner is just about the nicest man you'll ever meet. He has a small collection of goofy toys and is also incrediably patient with dumb Americans exclaiming over English "quaintness."
It is a small shop but his selection of English goodies is steadily increasing and diversifying, which I take as a very good sign.
Everybody makes jokes about English food, but I think Americans are just mad cause we weren't smart enough to make Roast Chicken potato chips. This shop is worth the visit for chip flavors alone.
The meat products (made locally) are pretty delicious; if you've never had a sausage roll or black pudding, I triple dog dare you to come get some.
Oh, and Kinder eggs. nuff said.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
i will admit, the only things i have purchased at you say tomato are as follows:
pg tips
crunchie bars
yorkie bars (primarily because my oppositional-defiant tendencies and feminist sensibilities compell me to purchase a candy bar that purports to be for men only)
double decker bars
it's pretty hard to beat a crunchie bar paired with a nice hot cup of pg tips. especially during finals. you say tomato enables me to partake of this sugar & caffeine ridden ritual, and for that i gratefully give them 5 stars...
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (5)
Cool (6)
I'll say to'may'to, thank you.
They have an excellent selection of chutney and a good price on their PG Tips Tea. The guy who owns the store is also friendly, and glad to recommend some of his favorites.
The proprietor is a nice chap. Fine selection of crisps, candy and even a freezer with bangers and shepherd's pie. You can do a good gift basket at this place. Bring on the Devon cream!
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
my happy 'hood...
places i go for sustenance, amusement &… -
Shoppin' mama
Shopping for moms, babes, and those other people…
Hot and New
- Maverick
455 reviews
Neighborhood: Mission
- Katana-Ya
397 reviews
Neighborhood: Union Square
- Swan Oyster Depot
299 reviews
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
- Asuka Ramen
25 reviews
Neighborhood: Union Square
- Tuttimelon
275 reviews
Neighborhood: Outer Sunset