In what she deemed “a lifelong dream,” after clearing a few last-minute hurdles, pastry chef Belinda Leong has opened up her long-awaited shop, b. Patisserie on California Street.

Inspired by her many trips and time spent in France, the design of the shop leaves the impression of both a homey and quaint feel, much like the French patisseries she visited and staged at. There is seating for about 25 people, including perches at the front window. Guests are greeted with a long pastry counter, which Leong explains is the first of its kind in the United States. “It’s temperature-controlled and all runs along the same level,” she said.

Previous Coverage: Belinda Leong’s pop-ups at Four Barrel

Leong’s time at restaurants like Gary Danko and Manresa are quite evident in the quality of her pastries. From her famed kouign amann to different croissants and tarts – and let us not forget the cakes (including a macaron cake, yes it’s no joke), Leong said she will change up ingredients seasonally. There will also be several smaller to-go items (think kouign amann scraps,seasonal citrus sablee). b. Patisserie will not only be about pastries however; Leong’s business partner, Michel Suas, will be making daily tartines, French style opened-faced sandwiches. The tartines are prepared on a levain specially created for b. Patisserie. Coffee will also be available from Four Barrel, who helped host many of Leong’s pop-ups. She said she is currently working on a tea option as well.

b. Patisserie is located at 2821 California Street (at Divisadero). Opening hours will be Tuesday-Saturday from 7am-7pm and Sunday from 8am-6pm.

• Tag: b.patisserie, Belinda Leong, cakes, Kouign Amann, Michel Suas, pastries, Pastry Shop, Tartines, Tarts