The iconic Ferry Building is about to get a mouthwatering upgrade with a brand new southern Italian restaurant called Lucania, set to open in mid to late 2026. A16 owner Shelley Lindgren is breathing new life into the former MarketBar space, promising an exciting dining experience that captures the spirit of San Francisco and the culinary traditions of Southern Italy.

Lindgren’s vision for Lucania goes beyond just serving food - it’s about creating a vibrant dining atmosphere that connects the city’s local agricultural spirit with authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant will focus on classic dishes like pizza, pasta, and small-fish specialties such as anchovies, offering diners a taste of Southern Italian culinary heritage.

This exciting addition is part of a larger revitalization effort at the Ferry Building, which has been working to restore its nighttime energy and fill previously vacant spaces. Alongside Lucania, other new dining concepts are emerging, including Arquet from Michelin-star chef Alex Hong and Nopa Fish, a casual seafood eatery.

The restaurant’s name, “Lucania,” means “land of light” and references the ancient Southern Italian people whose culinary traditions continue to influence modern Mediterranean cooking. Lindgren’s inspiration partially stems from an Italian holiday food basket pop-up she created during the early days of the pandemic.

With its planned outdoor patio designed to offer year-round waterfront dining, Lucania promises to become a significant addition to San Francisco’s dynamic food scene. The restaurant will feature large umbrellas and heat lamps, creating an inviting al fresco dining experience that captures the essence of Italian piazza culture.

As the Ferry Building continues its post-pandemic transformation, Lucania represents more than just a new restaurant - it symbolizes the city’s resilient and innovative culinary spirit. Food lovers and locals alike can look forward to experiencing this exciting new dining destination in the coming years.