
The Ferry Building in San Francisco is an iconic landmark filled with delicious bites to eat. Over 40 shops, large and small, celebrate food in all its forms -- offering everything from artisan cheeses and freshly baked bread to just-caught fish and seafood. New merchants are constantly joining the band of bakeries, casual eateries, prepared food sellers, miniature grocery stores, and specialty shops.
Here are a few highlights of must-visit places at the Ferry Building. The best time to go is on a weekday mid-morning (after rush hour) when it’s quieter and less crowded.
Start the morning off with a coffee at Blue Bottle (there is always a line but it’s worth the wait!) and some freshly baked rolls at Acme Bread. Top it off with a homemade biscuit at Biscuit Bender -- an inventive biscuit bakery with flavors like Mexican Hot Chocolate and Corn-Jalapeno.
For a healthy snack, stop by Pressed Juicery. If you’re trying to get more greens into your diet, definitely try the Green 3: a leafy garden of kale, spinach and parsley that's sweetened with apple. They also have over a dozen unsweetened fresh pressed juices to try.
At lunch time, visit Bouli Bar for a pizza unique to this restaurant. Each is fired in a wood-burning oven, ending up with a wonderfully charred crust, crispy bottom and chewy puffy rim. There are many options for toppings including burrata, eggplant, zucchini blossoms, and a red pepper relish.

Cowgirl Creamery’s “sidewalk” cafe experience in the Ferry Building is a fast and easy way to sample their delicious cheeses. Order up at the counter and claim a spot at one of the standing tables -- there aren’t many seats but there is plenty of standing room! Cowgirl Creamery is famous for their cheeses, and also makes a mean grilled cheese that’s worth checking out. Call it lunch #2!
For a bit of dessert, Recchiuti makes bon bons in unique and interesting flavors like lemon verbena and bergamot tea. Miette is a traditional French bakery that provides the perfect sweet ending to your day in the form of a cupcake, cheesecake slice, or macarons.
The Ferry Building is open seven days a week, but many stalls close by 6 or 7 p.m. on weekdays so it’s best to enjoy the market for breakfast, a snack, lunch, and dessert vs. trying to visit these stalls around dinner time.