Although I’ve been trying to stick to lesser known spots and eateries for Sites and Bites, I couldn’t very well have a travel series in San Francisco and not mention the Ferry Building! For this Sites and Bites, we’re sticking to one spot: The Ferry Building where you can find tons of stalls and shops of delicious artisan food, sweets and cookware. It’s a food lovers mecca! Plus, if you’re lucky, you can catch the Farmers Market on Saturday (morning-midday), Tuesday and Thursday (midday) for lots of local produce. Don’t forget to get the breakfast sandwiches on Saturday morning while you’re there bright and early!
So this is how the ferry building works: the food’s not complicated or exotic. It’s simply the best food in its own class. The best bread at Acme, the best cheese at Cowgirl Creamery, the best salami (get the mixed salami cone!) at Boccalone, the best beef sandwich at Il Cane Rosso. You can grab a few simple things for a delicious meal or snack pretty quick! My good friend, Sharon and her family were visiting last week so we met up there for lunch! It’s a fun place with kids if the lines aren’t too long.
Favorites include: The Slanted door for Vietnamese food. Il Cane Rosso for braised brisket sandwich (or sliced beef if they’re sold out as they often are by 12pm). Mijita for delicious Mexican food, Gotts Roadside for burgers and shakes, Ciao Bella gelato, etc the list goes on! You don’t even really need a recommendation from me. Every place in there is the best of its class. Just go with whatever sounds good and you won’t be disappointed. One of my favorite things to get is a loaf of bread (any kind- the rosemary olive oil is yummmy), some Pt Reyes cheese Red Hawk Cheese, orange and fennel salami, and tcho chocolates. Stuff all that stuff inside the bread: one side salami, one side chocolate and devour. Yum!
Keep reading to see more tips!
Head outside to watch the boats and chase seagulls after you’ve gathered your meal. Waiting in lines with kids makes them ansy, and there’s plenty of room to jump around out there. You can also take the cable car right in front of the ferry building a few stops to see the sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf or take a ferry to Angels Island for a hike to work off that braised beef sandwich you just devoured.
For those of you who have been to the Ferry Building, I’d love to hear your favorite must try items! I’m always discovering something new I love.
Which one is Henry? He’s the long lost triplet of the family!