San Francisco’s Ferry Building

The Ferry Building sits along the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street. Once a busy hub for San Francisco commuters arriving by ferry from across the bay, the landmark nowadays teems with foodies hungry for all things organic, artisanal and upscale. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Sept. 16, 2014 2:51 PM PT

Decisions, decisions: Shoppers check out the produce at the Ferry Building, which is also home to a lively and popular farmers market. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

The landmark building is a favorite of tourists and locals alike. Every day, thousands walk the main hall, sniffing the oysters and apricots, inspecting the gelato and olive oil, browsing the Japanese deli, the Imperial Tea Court, the rarefied desserts at Recchiuti Confections. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Patrons belly up to the bar at the Hog Island Oyster Co. One guests favorite? The chowder. Its as good as anything Ive had back on the East Coast, he says. This is the place to come for fresh, good food. And in the Bay Area, thats saying a lot.

FOR THE RECORD:
San Francisco seafood: A caption accompanying an Aug. 16 Travel article on San Francisco’s Ferry Building incorrectly identified a dining area as Hog Island Oyster Co. The counter shown in the photograph is part of Ferry Plaza Seafood. —

(Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Follow the sign to the San Francisco Fish Co., one of the many food-related shops in the citys refurbished Ferry Building. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Spend big ($200 per ounce for caviar at Tsar Nicoulai Caviar) or spend little (80 cents for an olive roll at the Acme Bread Co.). Either way, its enjoyable. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Ready for breakfast? The granola at the Ferry Building’s Market Bar is rich with berries. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

The jolly Jugtown Pirates entertain passersby at the Ferry Building. Among the bluegrass trios renderings: Dirty Old Town, (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

The Hyatt Regency San Francisco, an 802-room behemoth with an enormous atrium, stands across from the Ferry Building. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

A streetcar glides past the Ferry Building, which celebrated its 100th birthday in 1998. All these years later, its still a gateway for ferry passengers and now foodies too. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Night falls on the Ferry Building. The landmarks clock tower was modeled after the bell tower of the Seville Cathedral in Spain. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)