Gott's Roadside outside the Ferry Building. Photo courtesy of Marin Magazine.
When the Ferry Building Marketplace opened almost 20 years ago, San Francisco’s food scene was on fire and birthing a bevy of national food trends. Today, the building and its iconic presence on the waterfront continues to be a magnet for emerging food brands and restaurants. And even though many patrons lament the departure of original vendors like Cowgirl Creamery, the upside is that stalls have opened for new and exciting makers. BART’s close proximity to this food emporium makes it a transit-friendly must-visit experience.
The mix of new and established brands has its advantage. Acme Bread Company has been there from the start and still draws lines for their exquisite bread and pastries. Blue Bottle Coffee was the first third-wave coffee shop to take residence in the building and its appeal is still apparent. And Humphry Slocombe still attracts fans even though you can now find their premium ice creams at local retailers. The restaurants and shops listed below have opened in the last year and have a robust following so don’t be surprised if there’s a crowd. Even so, it’s a great time to visit the Ferry Building! Check out the marketplace’s full lineup of restaurants and vendors.
Some of Cholita Linda's Latin American dishes. Image courtesy of the Ferry Building Marketplace.
Cholita Linda took over the Mijita location from star chef Traci Des Jardins and is serving Latin American street food favorites like the Cubano sandwich, Baja fish tacos, and house-made agua frescas. This is the third location for Vanessa Chavez who got her start at East Bay farmers markets. Her other two restaurants are in Oakland and Alameda.
Patrons wait for their Daily Driver bagel sandwiches. Image courtesy of Sophia Markoulakis.
When
Daily Driver opened in the Dogpatch a couple of years ago, they added their signature organic, fire-roasted rings to the great bagel debate (boiled, baked, roasted). Looking to add your opinion? Then head over to their new spot in the Ferry Building and pick up a six-pack or a bagel sandwich like the Gravlax, Pastrami, or Rachel (turkey, coleslaw, and butterkäse cheese). These beauties are perfectly chewy on the outside and pillowy on the inside.
If you don't have time to wait in line, grab a pack of ready-cut meat from the cooler at Fatted Calf. Image courtesy of Sophia Markoulakis.
The Ferry Building has been without a butcher since Golden Gate Meats vacated the building so it’s welcome news that
Fatted Calf is back. Toponia Miller and Taylor Boetticher, the married duo behind Fatted Calf, got their start at the Ferry Building with their popular Saturday outdoor shop. It’s exciting to see the brand come full circle now. Besides a full butchery, the duo offers packaged cured meats and rubs.
The ever-bustling Grand Creperie serves authentic buckwheat crepes from Brittany. Image courtesy of Sophia Markoulakis.
The team behind the cult bakery, Le Marais, recently took over the vacant Frog Hollow Farm spot in the back of the building and opened
Grand Creperie. This prime real estate offers views and outdoor seating. All versions of Brittany’s iconic sweet and savory crepes are available. Coffee and wine by the glass provide a counter to a sweet nutella crepe or a savory wild mushroom and broccoli di ciccio. Of course, pastries are also available.
There are plenty of beans and products to peruse while you wait for your coffee at Red Bay Coffee Roasters. Image courtesy of Sophia Markoulakis.
Red Bay Coffee Roasters appears to do it all—roast and brew delicious coffee and give back to the community in amazing ways. Oh, and they do it with finesse in the most beautiful spaces. The Oakland roaster packs a lot into this outpost—from fresh beans to the locally made pantry and gift items to pastries from San Francisco’s Neighbor Bakehouse. This self-titled fourth-wave coffee roaster is a welcome addition.
Reem's classic lunch includes mana'eesh and hibiscus rose cooler. Image courtesy of Reem's (Jim Sullivan).
Reem Assil continues to build her Arab food empire with the recent opening of
Reem’s at the Ferry Building. Like Fatted Calf, she too launched her concept at the marketplace’s Saturday market (formerly CUESA, now Foodwise) and is thrilled to return. Look for her one-of-a-kind sourdough flatbreads served plain, with spices and herbs, or piled with California-focused fresh veggies. Specialty drinks like their house-made cardamom cold brew shouldn’t be missed.
A mouth-watering fusion burrito awaits at the new Senior Sisig location. Photo courtesy of SFGate.
Filipino fusion food wrapped tightly in a tortilla? You bet. Though
Senior Sisig and their trucks still make the rounds, you can now satisfy your craving for their mind-altering combinations downtown within close proximity to BART and the city’s financial district. Besides their pork shoulder sisig, you also have access to some of the area’s best vegan food since many of their combos are available without animal protein. The space is in the back with quick access to ferries and commuting by foot.
Yes Pudding's rotating flavors are tempting, but nothing beats their classic banana. Photo courtesy of the Ferry Building Marketplace.
For Quanisha Johnson, it all started with banana pudding. In 2020, she decided to open
Yes Pudding as a homage to the comforting dessert that gave her the initiative to become an entrepreneur. Her pudding options go far beyond banana, and she’s branched out into seasonal desserts like cranberry apple crisp. Savory bread puddings are popular this time of year. Check out her online menu and pick up at the Ferry Building kiosk.
Where: 1 Ferry Building
Station: Embarcadero
Walk Time: 5 minutes
Tell us your favorite new food stall at the Ferry Building!
We want to hear your recommendations! Let us know on social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and have fun around the Bay.
