San Francisco: The Ferry Building

If you find yourself strolling down the Embarcadero or down Market Street from Union Square, look up and marvel at the elegant Spanish-influenced clock tower standing in front of you. That’s the San Francisco Ferry Building, a terminal for ferries that travel across the San Francisco Bay but equally important, home to some of our favorite retailers showcasing the best of luxury and uniquely San Francisco wares. If you are a gourmet, you’ll want to stop here and don’t worry because the kids will be thrilled to watch the boats pull in and out and get a taste of the good like at some of the eateries. Here are some of Momaboard’s favorites, guaranteed to be equally popular with the kids as with the adults:

The Slanted Door:

This San Francisco institution has taken its rightful seat in one of San Francisco’s most historical buildings. It is unarguably one of the toughest restaurants to get into but if you want an experience of some of the best modern Vietnamese cuisine you could ever imagine, plan ahead and make a reservation. With the kids, I would recommend doing lunch so you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Bay and the Bay Bridge. If you are not in the mood for fine dining (or couldn’t get in), you can always get a taste at Out the Door, the adjacent take-out stall which offers a sampling of the restaurant’s favorites to be enjoyed in a more casual setting of your choice.

Gott’s Roadside:

Nothing beats a sunny day by the Bay in San Francisco and if you happen to have one, grab a burger, a glass of Chardonnay and a shake for the kids and camp out on one of the outdoor tables at G’s. A hot happy hour spot, this diner has a casual atmosphere that is suited to all. They have high chairs and don’t be afraid to tell people to scoot over. That’s what “communal tables” are all about!

Ciao Bella:

If you’re ready for desert, this classic Italian gelateria is just where you and the little ones need to head. Now made in San Francisco, Ciao Bella offers a range of low carb and organic flavors in addition to other diabolical favorites like the Hazelnut Biscotti and Chocolate Jalapeno. If your kids didn’t have gourmet palettes before this, they will now!

Recchiuti San Francisco:

The first time I tasted Recchiuti’s Extra-Bitter Chocolate Sauce I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Yes, it’s more than you will ever want to pay for a truffle but it’s so worth it. Recchiuti’s divine treats are handmade in San Francisco and infused with flavors like lavender and terragon. For the kids, indulge them in handmade marshmallows or a S’Mores kit and they will be sworn to San Francisco for life.

The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market:

You’ve heard of fresh California produce but you haven’t experienced it until you have sampled the goods at the Ferry Plaza Market. Fruits, vegetables, breads, cheeses, meats, eggs and specialty stalls of jams, herbs and anything else you can think of. A smaller version of the market runs Tuesdays and Thursdays and if you’re averse to crowds, that’s when you’ll visit, but the Saturday market is the big hoohah. It is a local favorite too so be prepared for people, particularly on a nice day but there is nothing more rewarding than overlooking the San Francisco bay with a wood-fired pizza and a freshly squeezed organic orange juice while the kids chase seagulls around the deck.  That’s why we love San Francisco.

Parking is notoriously difficult around the Ferry Building but it is fairly easy to get to via the MUNI and a short walk from union square (about a 30 minute picturesque stroll from Fisherman’s Wharf).

Excited yet? Enjoy this brief video of the Ferry Building to see what you’re really in for!