Locals and visitors flock to the Ferry Building Farmer’s Market on Saturdays because of the hive of activity, the rainbow of fresh local produce, and a vibrant waterfront scene. But for a visitor, it’s hard to take advantage of the agricultural bounty that exudes at every stand. Not to worry! Breakfast at the market provides a way to enjoy the market offerings from local restaurants and farmers. Try these four breakfast items to get a taste of the market and start a San Francisco day.

Pastries

Head to Della Fattoria and sample the delectable and traditional bakery. Get there early to have the unique almond polenta or homemade granola breakfast muffins. For those craving a little bit of savory in the morning, try the pastries at Les Elements Patisserie. This is not your typical pastry stand, but a creative take on the traditional breakfast pastry. Try an Asian-inspired beignet stuffed with rhubarb and ginger (it’s a gourmet jelly donut). Or pick up a scone infused with figs, blue cheese, and honey.  If you’re lucky, there may be cake available – like the Darjeeling tea cake with blackberry currant jam.

The Breakfast Sandwich

A portable and hearty breakfast awaits with two stands selling breakfast sandwiches. Near Pier 4, try the egg sandwich with applewood-smoked bacon from Rosa Pistola. The all-natural bacon is thick and flavorful on toasted bread. Leave room for the grilled potatoes cooked with summer squash, red peppers, and onions served with it. Rose Pistola also offers a full breakfast menu that includes a mountainous brioche French toast capped by pile of cinnamon crème. Further from the actual Ferry Building is 4505 Meats, home of a sausage patty and egg breakfast sandwich. Patrons enjoy the homemade local sausage and runny over-easy egg served on a hamburger bun with melted Gruyere cheese.

A Different Take on Fruit

There’s fruit aplenty at the market for any breakfast lover wanting a healthier choice. Depending on the season, fruit lovers will have no problem finding the juicy plum, crunchy apple, or creamy strawberry. Of course, the market offers a little something extra. Try sorbet that tastes exactly like the fruit in it at Scream Sorbet and fresh Mexican juices at Primavera. The sorbets are light, creamy and taste oh-my-god-just-like-fruit. In season, fresh-picked taste of Pink Pearl Apple fully delights. Go a little richer by indulging in the fresh and rich Orange Chocolate flavor. The fruit creativity continues at Primavera with juices like watermelon mint, pineapple cucumber, and muskmelon. Primavera is also another favorite breakfast place that serves a very popular chilaquiles verdes – breakfast nachos with fluffy, buttery eggs.

Coffee

Local favorite Blue-Bottle Coffee is a strong accompaniment to any breakfast dish. The wait is worth it for fresh-roasted coffee dripped individually into each cup.

There are over 40 stands at the Farmer’s Market so be sure to visit the information booth right beneath the clock tower and grab a map. Starting the day with breakfast at the Ferry Building Farmer’s Market with the locally sourced food means enough energy to take a ferry ride for a day trip to Sausalito or ride the historic cable cars down Market Street.

By Kristin Zibell, editor and author of travel blog Takeyourbigtrip.com. After two years of traveling around the world, she is currently traveling locally in the city of San Francisco. All photos copyright by 2011 by Kristin Zibell.