Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

Is the Saturday farmers market at Ferry Plaza in San Francisco the best in the world? The US? The west coast?

The answer, of course, is completely subjective.  This market, which includes an impressive indoor component every day and vendor stalls outdoors on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, stands up to some of the best anywhere.  On Saturdays, when both locals and tourists have time to wander the Embarcadero, the market pulls out all the stops.  Multiple buskers play for the crowds, on fiddles, saxaphones, guitars, and more.  Hot food vendors offer a portable feast, best eaten on a bench looking up at the Bay Bridge or out at a flock of pelicans skimming the Bay.

Besides the remarkable atmosphere, the culinary ingredients on offer are nearly overwhelming.  Any produce in season can be found, from every-color carrots and potatoes to purple bell peppers and white eggplants.  With over 100 stalls, gorgeous produce is only the beginning.  Fresh shrimp, crab and fish can be found a few feet from goat milk, cage-free eggs, pastured animal meat, honey and preserves, and even herb and vegetable starts for the home garden.

Not until I overheard the words, "Thank you, Chef" from a vendor handing over a large pile of goods did the truly cosmopolitan nature of this market sink in.  If you are serious about always having access to the freshest, highest quality seasonal ingredients, Ferry Plaza provides a one-stop cornucopia.