Whether you’re an avid foodie or just looking for a fun way to get around town, NYC Ferry has you covered. Read on to find a variety of restaurants and cafes aboard our fleet.
Enjoy upscale cuisine made from ingredients from local Albany County farms and Capital Region purveyors. Try dishes like Mushroom Pappardelle and Kilcoyne Farms Free-Range Half Chicken.
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is a must-visit destination for foodies. The thrice-weekly market is famous for its incredible selection of the freshest produce, gourmet recipe ideas and artisanal food products from cutting edge sustainable growers and makers. Every Saturday morning locals and tourists flock to the market in large numbers to shop and sample food from dozens of vendors.
From the artisanal breads and chocolates to the fresh seafood and produce, the Ferry Building is a food lover’s dream. Visitors can also enjoy amazing prepared foods and artisanal coffee in the many restaurants and eateries located inside the food hall.
During our visit to the market, we enjoyed a blueberry tartlet bursting with ripe fruit from Frog Hollow Farms and a grilled cheese sandwich made with smoked gouda, mozzarella, and gruyere from Cow Girl Creamery. We also sampled a variety of fresh and dried fruits from Hamada Farms, including apricots, plums and peaches, and organic citrus fruits from Catalan Family Citrus.
Although the market is only open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, we visited several of the restaurants and eateries inside the food hall. The Slanted Door served modern Vietnamese cuisine and is known for its beautiful waterfront setting, while the renowned Fatted Calf butcher shop moved from Hayes Valley to the Ferry Building in early 2013. Guests can now sample the meaty goodness at the new location.
Ferry Building Restaurants
The Ferry Building is a bustling hub of transportation that connects San Francisco with points around the Bay Area, but it’s also home to an impressive roster of restaurants and specialty food retailers. From local favorite Acme Bread to a kiosk from Dandelion Chocolate, the eateries in this marketplace churn out delicious fare that’s made using ingredients from within California.
The morning ambiance at the Ferry Building is magical, with buttery croissants, freshly squeezed juices, and artisanal coffee bringing diners into an intimate space to start their day. Patrons can choose to enjoy breakfast inside, on an outdoor patio, or even while they ride along the waterfront on a cruise boat. Many of the establishments offer tasting menus that allow guests to embark on a curated gastronomic adventure, enjoying multiple dishes expertly paired for a delectable experience.
With a commitment to supporting local farmers and artisans, the food in the Ferry Building is fresh and flavorful. This symbiotic relationship helps sustain the area and reflects a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
A few high-profile shutterings during the pandemic have shaken things up in the marketplace, but a handful of exciting new eateries have opened to replace them. Make your way to the Ferry Building on one of our e-bikes to avoid traffic hassles and parking problems, leaving you plenty of time to explore the culinary masterpieces this destination has to offer.
Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurants
A stroll down the waterfront brings visitors to the sultry seaside eateries of Fisherman’s Wharf. Here, a wide selection of seafood dishes is available at reasonable prices. For those looking for a bite to eat that is light on the wallet, grilled or raw oysters are a popular choice. Alternatively, guests can also opt for other seafood entrees including shrimp and fish dishes or a cold crab dip.
For those that are looking for something a little more filling, try a plate of griyo. This Haitian staple is made up of a stew of fresh seafood and dark-green spinach-like lalo leaves. It is a favorite dish of many of the local Haitian population.
This restaurant is best known for its oysters, but the menu has other seafood options like a cold crab dip, a shrimp skillet trio (served in Scampi, N’awlins BBQ and Jerk seasoning) or fried catfish or swordfish entrees. If you are craving something more savory, the restaurant offers beef, chicken or pork entrees as well.
This downtown restaurant is offering a three-course meal during Port City Taste for only $29! The first course is a salad or soup, followed by a choice of entrees and then capped off with dessert. PCD’s former coverage of this restaurant can be found here.
Downtown Restaurants
Whether you’re on the hunt for a quick bite before boarding or are planning an elaborate gastronomic adventure, these restaurants will satisfy your appetite. Most are within walking distance of the ferry stop and all offer delicious farm-to-table cuisine with a local flavor.
Just a few steps away from the Greenpoint Landing ferry pier, 21 Greenpoint serves up dishes like chicken tinga tacos and veggie dumplings. The restaurant has a theater-like marquee and a dining room that’s lit in bright neon pink, giving the place a buzzy, frenetic feel. The menu is diverse, but there’s a focus on locally-sourced ingredients and dishes that highlight different cultures.
Another great option is downtown’s long-running, Four Star restaurant, Yono’s. Located in the Stuyvesant Plaza, they are known for their expansive natural wine list and dishes that incorporate global flavors while still using local ingredients. Some highlights include their chargrilled peaches, slow-cooked local pork belly and pan seared La Belle farm magret duck breast.
Located in the South Street Seaport, Steam is a seafood lovers’ paradise. The restaurant is known for its impeccable service and excellent wine selections. Their menu reflects the richness of the sea, with dishes from all over the world including Long Island fluke crudo, everything-crusted calamari and longevity noodles served with a one-plus pound Maine lobster. They also have a number of specials for Restaurant Week including their Oyster Wilmington with country ham and creamed leeks, fresh prepared pappardelle with mushroom, artichokes and brown butter, and pan-seared coastal catch.