The imposing, historic Ferry Building Marketplace (1 Ferry Building, Market St. at the Embarcadero, 415-983-8000), which contains a trove of fantastic cafes (including the stellar Taylor's Refresher), eateries, food stalls, and markets, is a must-see for foodies and gourmands visiting San Francisco. The list of first-rate purveyors is extensive, but a few highlights including Book Passage bookstore, ACME Bread Company, Cowgirl Creamery artisan cheeses, Boulette's Larder cafe, Blue Bottle coffeehouse, Kingdom of Herbs produce, Hog Island Oyster Company, Boccalone Salumeria, Ciao Bella Gelato, Scharffen Berger Chocolates, Slanted Door Asian restaurant, and Tsar Nicoulai Caviar. There's also an excellent wine purveyor, Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant.
Behind the building, the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from morning until early afternoon - it's a perfect spot for a delicious lunch - the scene overlooks the dramatic Bay Bridge.
