Citywide Specialty

Angela Pinkerton honed her dough skills at Che Fico and Eleven Madison Park, and thanks to her new endeavor, we can all reap the benefits. Pie Society celebrates simplicity. Expect perfectly baked, rustic pies in nostalgic flavors like peach, key lime, and zingy passionfruit curd. The crust is flaky and buttery, and the fillings are sweet but never too sugary. Pie Society is a one-woman show, so quantities are limited (order ahead early). And remember, there are few experiences more pleasant than rolling up to an outdoor picnic or Friday night barbecue with a fresh, homemade pie baked by an absolute pro.

Using organic, local ingredients—with all of their meals boasting an average of almost six different fruits and veggies—Thistle whips up colorful gluten- and dairy-free fare, with vegan options as well. We're partial to their “poke" bowl: marinated rainbow beets, togarashi-sprinkled brown rice, edamame, cucumber, and avocado sesame ginger dressing. House-made nut milks spiked with mushrooms, plus superfoods like maca, spirulina, and moringa take the menu to the next level. Local couriers deliver in SF and LA, and shipping is available to greater California and Nevada.

Farm Hill initially became famous for its bento box lunches (which, at the time, the founders cooked themselves before class back when they were in graduate school at Stanford). Their signature is that nothing is processed, and that they never add sugar or sweeteners—the resulting meals have a definite paleo vibe, with vegan and vegetarian options and a whole lot of kale. Meals can be ordered same-day via the app or their website. Startup folks, take note: Their corporate account allows companies to cover lunch for employees while letting each person pick their own meal. Clutch, considering that they deliver as far south as San Jose.

Luke’s mission is as simple as it is admirable: to make life easier for busy professionals, working moms, stay-at-home dads, and everyone in between. There are meal plans and pre-packed lunchboxes—all prepped by professional chefs using nutritious, sustainable ingredients (there’s even a house butcher, so you know exactly where your meat comes from) and curated meal kits if you’re feeling ambitious. They’ll also stock your pantry and fridge with à la carte groceries or seasonal “bundles,” and can also deliver gourmet care packages, which make for a great gift.

This two-year-old startup is set up to offer meal delivery in 15 minutes. But that's where the corner cutting ends: All meals, which skew healthy but not diet, are chef-prepared (they’ve been known to invite local big-name chefs to guest star in Sprig kitchens) using strictly organic produce and sustainable meats and seafood. As of right now, deliveries are made throughout San Francisco, Palo Alto, and most recently, Chicago—but expansions are coming soon.

Spoonrocket is another San Francisco startup promising freshly prepared meals delivered in 15 minutes. Admittedly, not everything on the menu fits the health-food bill, which means you have to avert your eyes from plates of creamy mac & cheese and apple fritters while scrolling to more healthful options (salads, wraps, smoothies, and more). Deliveries are made throughout the Bay Area and Seattle.

With brick-and-mortar locations all over San Francisco, The Plant Cafe is always a solid standby for fresh, healthy takeout. Their signature vegan cleanse program provides clean, whole foods or juice for up to five days. Great for easing into a juice-only cleanse, the "The Health Nut" starts out with green juices, followed by fresh salads and a gentle soup for dinner. There are pickups in every neighborhood, in addition to delivery.