Smoky Tomato Soup at The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen, $4
You could call us nostalgic for our childhood, but we think there’s plenty more reason this soup holds its own as one of our hands-down faves on the list. Such as its smoky twist on the cult classic (you can thank the paprika and espelette spices for that!) or the fact that the tomato paste is imported from Italy. Served in a deep square bowl and topped with crème fraîche and crunchy garlic croutons, the creamy and slightly tangy batch is ideal for dunking — and will have your taste buds forgetting all about Campbell’s. Don’t worry comfort-depraved Missionites, a new location is headed your way, too!
The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen, 1 South Park Avenue, #103A (between Brannan and Bryant streets); 415-243-0107.

Photographed by Anna-Alexia Basile