A Taste of the Local Food and Culture at San Francisco’s Iconic Ferry Building
San Francisco is rich in history, culture, and culinary innovation, boasting iconic landmarks and a vibrant community. One of the central pillars of San Francisco’s historic charm and celebrated culinary scene is the Ferry Building, a transit hub, an architectural gem, and the heart of the city’s local food culture. The Ferry Building and its adjacent farmers market offer an immersive experience of the local culture and community of San Francisco. With artisan food, wines, and fresh produce all over the market, the place is a must-visit destination on every traveller’s list.
History
The San Francisco Ferry Building first opened in 1898, when it was the largest project ever undertaken in the city. With its elegant arches and 245-foot clock tower, the enormous Beaux Arts-style building was inspired by classical European architecture. It served as the city’s primary transportation hub, welcoming as many as 50,000 commuters a day, who rode in on the ferry in the mornings and reversed the journey in the afternoons. At its peak, it was one of the busiest transit terminals in the world. The construction of the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge in the 1930s, along with the proliferation of the automobile, made the Ferry Building all but obsolete. It was transformed into office space in 1955.
In March 2003, the San Francisco Ferry Building re-opened to the public as the Ferry Building Marketplace, marking the end of an extensive four-year restoration project. Ferry services resumed. The marketplace’s mission is to promote regional artisan producers and be a gathering place for the Bay Area’s communities. It is also a very popular visitor attraction.
Sit-Down Restaurants
The Ferry Building Marketplace is packed with food vendors who offer treats from coffee and pastries to charcuterie and farmstead cheeses. Visitors can find the makings of a fine picnic or hotel room feast, but you can also stay put and enjoy a meal at one of the numerous sit-down restaurants in the marketplace.
At Cholita Linda, dine on fresh Latin dishes made from scratch. The breakfasts at Boulettes Larder, country-inspired and eaten at communal tables, are renowned. The ahi burger at Gott’s Roadside is a local favourite, as are its hand-spun milkshakes. Hog Island Oyster Company offers the freshest Tomales Bay oysters, raw or in creative preparations, serving them alongside other seafood options and incredible views of San Francisco Bay. A recent addition to the Ferry Building, and featured on Netflix’s Chefs Table series is Lunette Cambodia which serves accessible and delicious Cambodian dishes. Try their pork noodle soup and cabbage salad.
Farmers Market & Outdoor Vendors
The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is adjacent to the Ferry Building on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market attracts around 40,000 shoppers every week. The crowds come for fresh, local produce and artisan offerings including breads and cheeses. The Thursday market offers street food, and on Saturdays, a number of local restaurants come out to showcase items from their menus.
How to Get There
The Ferry Building Marketplace is located on the Embarcadero, where Market Street meets the water. It is easily accessible via public transit, including Muni, BART, the F-Line historic streetcar, and ferry. The BART Embarcadero station is one block from the marketplace, and multiple Muni buses, subways and streetcars stop at or near the building as well. Drivers are advised to park at Pier 3 along northbound Embarcadero or get validated parking at the ProPark Parking Lot at Embarcadero and Washington Street or the Golden Gateway Garage at 250 Clay Street. On Saturdays, drop off your purchases with the Veggie Valet from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. while you continue shopping.
Nearby Attractions
A number of other great San Francisco attractions are in the vicinity of the Ferry Building Marketplace, along with many hotels and restaurants.
Further up the Embarcadero at Pier 15 is the Exploratorium, one of the most unique science museums you will ever visit. A little further still is bustling PIER 39, home to the Aquarium of the Bay, a carousel, and the city’s famous resident sea lions. Continue from here to Fisherman’s Wharf, one of the most famous attractions in San Francisco. It is the departure point for ferries to Alcatraz, as well as sightseeing cruises.
Southward on the Embarcadero is Rincon Park, known for Cupid’s Span, a giant bow and arrow sculpture, and unmatched views of the Bay Bridge. Continue south into SoMa and you will find yourself at the front gates of Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. Go further south across the Third Street bridge into Mission Bay and before long you will come to Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors, and the shops and restaurants that make up its surrounding community, Thrive City.
