Are you missing international travel? Skip the plane ride and take a trip to a Bay Area food hall to experience the tastiest dishes from around the world! With a wide range of options (and some from award-winning chefs), you can find something for everyone and relax in these casual, family-friendly spaces. Bring the kids and your appetite to one of these brand new locations or a re-opened favorite for some delicious fun this fall!
San Francisco
Ferry Building Marketplace
Located at the end of Market Street, the Ferry Building is not just an elegant, iconic San Francisco landmark; it’s also a showcase for the best food and drink in the Bay Area. General manager, Jane Connors, says there is something for everyone. “The Ferry Building feels like a Main Street and it harkens to families and visitors having this beautiful opportunity to explore and discover...it’s really the best of the Bay.”
On Fridays, the marketplace hosts Ferry Fridays so be sure to grab a bite to eat or a glass of wine and enjoy live music on the plaza with sweeping views of the Bay. Outdoor dining is available both on the patio out front and at the back of the plaza.
One Ferry Building, San Francisco
Online: ferrybuildingmarketplace.com
La Cocina Municipal Marketplace
Located in the Tenderloin neighborhood, La Cocina Municipal Marketplace represents everything we love most about San Francisco: diversity, inclusivity and delicious food from around the world. Launched in April 2021, La Cocina is the nation's first women-led food hall with its restaurants owned completely by women-of-color immigrants. Fluid Cooperative Cafe serves up a jolt of caffeine and is led by three trans activists who are aiming to provide an "inclusive, welcoming, and nurturing space for trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming youth and community members."
With Senegalese, Mexican, Salvadoran, Algerian and Californian Creole all under one roof, it’s a great way to encourage kids to try out new foods.
La Cocina Municipal Marketplace
101 Hyde Street, San Francisco
Online: lacocinamarketplace.com
East Bay
Public Market Emeryville
Grab a bite to eat at one of the Bay Area’s oldest food halls, The Emeryville Public Market. Outdoor dining has been expanded on the sunny patio and takeout is also available from the 20 vendors operating from the space, which they share with other retailers, including a barbershop. During the pandemic, Public Market partnered with another local company, Pixar, to current movies on Saturdays in Christie Park, the fun ocean-themed playground right across the street. Raya and the Dragon will be shown on September 24.
Public Market Emeryville
5959 Shellmound St, Emeryville
Online: publicmarketemeryville.com
Oakland Food Hall
Does family take-out night lead to arguments over what to eat? Check out Oakland Food Hall, a new “ghost kitchen” concept for the East Bay. Order online for pick-up or delivery from 30 different restaurants in one building. By offering take-out only, the restaurants save money on staff costs and you get an incredible range of options to choose from. Whether you are in the mood for Mediterranean, Jamaican, Indian or BBQ, or prefer Vegan or gluten-free, there is sure to be something that tickles your taste buds.
Oakland Food Hall
2353 East 12th Street, Oakland
Online: oaklandfoodhall.com
Peninsula/South Bay
State Street Market
Los Altos is set to become every foodie's dream come true with the Bay Area’s newest food hall, the 20,000 square foot State Street Market. Opening on September 7th, an impressive slate of award-winning star chefs have been confirmed from Traci Des Jardins' (formerly of Jardiniere in San Francisco) Cal-Mexican restaurant El Alto, to Cal-Indian restaurant Little Blue Door by Srijith Gopinathan of Michelin-starred Taj Campton and Ettan, to Korean-Taiwanese counter Bao Bei from the Kims, formerly of Michelin-starred Maum in Palo Alto
Impervious to star power, kids will be excited to see local favorite Tin Pot Creamery slinging their delightful ice cream in the new space and cheese-lovers should head to Marin’s famous Cowgirl Creamery.
State Street Market
170 State Street, Los Altos
Online: statestreetmarket.com
San Pedro Square Market
Built around one of California’s oldest Spanish structures, the Peralta Adobe, San Pedro Square Market is the heart of San Jose’s downtown. Enjoy a coffee from Urban Ritual or lunch from local’s favorite Anchors Fish and Chips, then take a tour of the 1797 Adobe for a glimpse into San Jose’s Spanish past. With live music six nights a week, a cocktail on the plaza is ideal for date night then pick from Peruvian to sushi to tacos—it's all here!
San Pedro Square Market
87 N. San Pedro St, San Jose
Online: sanpedrosquaremarket.com
SoFA Market
SoFA is San Jose’s newest food hall, located in the city’s South First Arts (SoFA) district. Featured eateries include Hawaiian Poke Bowl, fast-casual Vietnamese restaurant Vietnoms, sushi specialist Umi Hand Roll and several more. The up-and-coming district is springing back to life with art walks, markets and street festivals, so keep an eye on our What to do this Weekend page for upcoming events.
SoFA Market
387 South 1st St, San Jose
Online: www.sofamarketsj.com
—Sarah McDonald
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