Local Getaways
Great Eats at San Francisco’s Ferry Building
Photo courtesy of Ferry Terminal MarketplaceIf you haven’t had the pleasure of taking the ferry into San Francisco lately you are truly missing out. With boats leaving from Larkspur, Sausalito and Tiburon (service has recently been reinstated), it’s both easy and convenient — driving into the city and finding parking, less so. And the cornucopia of foodie delights that await you at your destination are better than you remember. While the Saturday farmers market is a tried-and-true favorite, the Ferry Terminal Marketplace is a food lovers’ destination in itself. With wares ranging from caviar and oysters to locally roasted coffee and gourmet pantry staples, you might just add this trip to your list of weekly shopping excursions, and we wouldn’t blame you one bit. Here are a few of our favorite spots.
Part of the Ferry Building Marketplace since its inception, this women-owned eatery offers a delicious amalgamation of European and Mediterranean flavors. It offers preordering and pickup twice a week (check the website for details), and in addition to the indoor bar and restaurant, don’t miss the charming outdoor space for in-person dining. As for the food, the deep knowledge of ingredients and flavor is apparent with each bite, and really, what more could you ask for? Great service? Yep, they have that, too.
Described as a “bean-to-bar chocolate factory,” Dandelion offers gourmet goodies concocted from some of the world’s best beans. The San Francisco–made treats are handcrafted in small batches and the results are show-stopping (those truffles!). Our personal favorite? The selection of hot chocolate mixes — gorgeously packaged and so many tempting choices it is hard to pick just one.
This is a mushroom lover’s paradise. The family-owned business specializes in fresh organic mushrooms as well as grow kits at hard-to-resist prices. Want fresh Lion’s Mane? No problem. Shiitake jerky? They have it. Or maybe something more decadent like truffles? You’ve come to the right place. They also have teas, tinctures, salts and much more.
This charming wine shop offers a wide selection of both California and European wines, with an under $25 bin that should not be missed. Have some time to kill before your ferry leaves? Take a seat at the wine bar and order a glass and a bite — they offer local cheeses, Acme bread, chocolate-covered figs, olives and even caviar. Or if you’d prefer to buy a bottle from the store and enjoy it while you watch the world go by, corkage is only $9.
This old-fashioned, family-owned butcher shop is a meat lover’s dream come true and has been a San Francisco industry staple for the past 25 years. Carnivores will delight in the wide selection of beef, veal, pork, lamb, wild game and smoked meats as well as the house-made rubs. GGMC prides itself on carrying organic, pasture-raised, hormone- and antibiotic-free meats. It also offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options from the hot deli counter.
Whether you are an ice cream aficionado or a more casual lover of the cold creamy stuff, this place is sure to tickle your fancy. It’s known for its unexpected and sometimes seemingly questionable flavor combinations, yet one thing is for sure — you will never be disappointed here. A local favorite is Secret Breakfast (vanilla, cornflakes and Jim Beam bourbon), but don’t be surprised if you see flavors like cheese, mushrooms and foie gras on the menu. You can taste everything before you buy and we suggest you do.
The owner, Roy Fong, is revered as both a tea historian and a connoisseur, and when you have a gander at the selection you will certainly see why. Black, white, green, yellow, imperial, jasmine, blossom — sourced from the highest-quality producers. But Imperial doesn’t just serve tea; you’ll want to stay awhile and enjoy some of the delicious tea-inspired dishes (think wontons in jasmine tea broth and a marble tea egg) as well as the hand-pulled noodles (Roy prides himself on these). Afternoon tea and noodles, anyone?
This is the S.F. outpost of the beloved Oakland-based gluten-free bakery. Choose from a hearty array of sweet and savory treats — croissants, muffins, cookies, scones, brownies, donuts, bagels and loaves as well as gluten-free flour mixes. Even if you aren’t gluten averse, it’s worth a stop and nibble — all of the items are as delicious as their gluten-laden counterparts.
Yes Pudding
Yes Pudding takes your childhood favorites and gives them a grown-up twist with a hefty helping of nostalgia. Indulge in the classic banana pudding or try something a little more creative like the sweet potato praline pudding or the chocolate avocado with coconut cream option. We love the portable jars (perfect for a snack on the go) and the delightful homemade recipes. Dessert lovers rejoice!
