Best Butcher Shop

Golden Gate Meat Co.

1 Ferry Building, No. 13, Market & Embarcadero, 983-7800, www.goldengatemeatcompany.com

The reborn Ferry Building isn't just a fine example of architectural grace and the shining jewel of our lovely new waterfront: It's a dream come true for the many and varied food fanatics of San Francisco. Especially invaluable is the Golden Gate Meat Co. over in slot 13. This family-owned butcher shop sells an astonishing variety of natural and organic beef, pork, lamb, veal, poultry, smoked meats, sausages, and game from top-quality sources, as well as the company's own bacon, prosciutto, pancetta, dry rubs, and sauces. The adjacent charcuterie sells rotisserie chickens, barbecued ribs, pizzas, hot dogs, sandwiches, and wonderful pot pies, and during the holidays Golden Gate will cook up your ham, turkey, prime rib, or leg of lamb to your specifications. This is also the place to come for buffalo, ostrich, turtle, pheasant -- even Kobe beef.