When I lived in the Bay Area, well before my celiac diagnosis, I visited the Ferry Building often. We were headed back to SF for a Giants game, and I worried I might be disappointed if I stopped at my favorite San Francisco marketplace. The Ferry Building was wonderful—a gluten-free foodie wonderland. The Giants, not so much; apparently they decided not to hit the ball when the Dodgers were in town.
Below are the highlights from my Ferry Building visit—a gluten-free foodie checklist for your next trip to San Francisco:
Boccalone Salumeria: Boccalone specializes in small-batch cured meats made from premium pork. All their meats are gluten free, and they will gladly make you a gluten-free sandwich using Mariposa Baking Co.’s gluten-free bread from across the hall. My recommendation: try a meat cone filled with three kinds of cured pork (don’t miss the mortadella). Keep an eye out for chef and Food Network personality Chris Cosentino, a co-owner. If you can’t visit in person, Boccalone sells products online.
Cowgirl Creamery: Always one of my favorite stops, Cowgirl Creamery now offers a gluten-free snack pack—Mary’s gluten-free crackers paired with Cowgirl cheeses—available in their dairy case. Full boxes of Mary’s crackers are also sold if you plan to taste a lot of cheese or bring friends. Tell the counter staff what flavors you like and they’ll point out cheeses you’ll enjoy; the shop carries Cowgirl Creamery selections and cheeses from around the world. If they have fresh paneer, give it a try—it’s a rare un-aged version of this Indian-style cheese. Cowgirl Creamery products can be found at specialty grocers and are available for purchase online.
Far West Fungi: For wild mushrooms without a forest trip, Far West Fungi is a must. Ask for a sample of their candy cap ice cream—a mushroom with surprising cinnamon-maple notes that tastes otherworldly. This shop supplies truffles and specialty fungi to many of San Francisco’s top chefs; check the cooler case for rare finds. If Oregon white truffles are in stock, the aroma alone is worth the stop.
Mariposa Baking Co.: Housed in a kiosk inside the Ferry Building, Mariposa offers a broad selection of gluten-free baked goods and frozen items. Grab a roll for a Boccalone sandwich or a gluten-free focaccia to enjoy with your cheese. Many products are dairy- and nut-free or vegan, so they work for a range of dietary needs. My favorites are the cinnamon rolls, bagels, and focaccia. For kids, ask for a “penguin,” their gluten-free take on a filled cupcake. Mariposa also sells some items online.
Recchiuti Confections: Handmade chocolates in both classic and seasonal flavors—this shop is indulgent and carefully crafted. I’m partial to the burnt caramel and Kona coffee truffles; my daughter loves the peanut butter pucks. While they sell some items online, the in-store experience—tasting and chatting with the staff—is unmatched. The staff at Recchiuti are friendly and knowledgeable, which makes the visit even better.
Culinaire: This food and kitchen antique shop is a treasure trove of culinary history and inspiration. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth strolling through to admire the pieces and get ideas for your kitchen.
Stonehouse Olive Oil: At Stonehouse you can taste pure California olive oils—sample them the right way by holding a small amount on your tongue briefly to let the flavors open up. Their blood orange and Persian lime infusions are especially vibrant. My suggestion: pick an oil you love and bring home a bottle along with their dipping oil. Stonehouse and other California olive oil producers offer products for sale online.
Ciao Bella Gelato: No Ferry Building visit is complete without Ciao Bella. Their gelato and sorbets are gluten free unless a mix-in contains gluten, so ask before ordering flavors with cookies or similar additions. Sample seasonal sorbets—cranberry and blood orange is a favorite of mine—and remember sorbets are dairy free, so friends avoiding dairy can enjoy them too. If you need a recommendation, try chocolate hazelnut or coconut. Ciao Bella’s gelato and sorbet are distributed nationally and often appear in premium grocer freezers.
The Ferry Building hosts farmers’ markets on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. It’s a condensed version of San Francisco: waterfront views, bold personality, amazing food, and a little bit of chaos—exactly my kind of town.
Frisco love –
KC