Comments (1) Best Breakfast Sandwich - 2009
Emporio Rulli Caffè
225 Stockton (at Geary)
San Francisco, CA
415-433-1122
Emporio Rulli's breakfast panini is about as far from an Egg McMuffin as the Ferrari 212/225 Barchetta is from your old Dodge Dart. Start with the bakery's incredibly flaky and buttery brioche. Add several slender strands of salt-cured prosciutto cotto and a slice of frittata with the light, fluffy texture of a souffle. Layer in some sweet and nutty fontina; grill in a panini press until the thing is warm, gooey, and fragrant; and dig in. Delectable lattes and cappuccinos are available to complement this hand-held feast, but the dreamiest drink on the menu is the Doge, a thick, dark, rich, and decadent dram of hot chocolate that will keep you abuzz beyond lunchtime. You can get the panini ($7) to go, but Rulli's al fresco Union Square location is a fine place to stop and smell the espresso. Opens at 7:30 a.m. (Other locations in the Marina and at SFO.)

















