Market Detour

News flash: There's a world of enticing Saturday farmers' markets far from the Ferry Building and even the ever popular Alemany Market. In an effort to spread the love around, here's our guide to some of the city's smaller outdoor markets.

Mission Bay Farmers' Market While diminutive, this Wednesday market lends a easygoing touch to the downtown UCSF campus. Grazers in scrubs hit the Berkeley-based Tofu Yu's stall for ready-to-eat veggie wraps, artisanal tofu and soy pasta to go. Gene Friend Way (bet. 3rd and 4th sts.); Wed. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Apr. 14 to Nov. 24)

Fillmore Farmers' Market This Saturday-morning fixture stands out for its picnic-friendly digs, a relative abundance of metered parking and live jazz. Prominent neighborhood eatery 1300 On Fillmore operates a booth serving up shrimp and grits ($5). O'Farrell St. at Fillmore St., and nearby Fillmore Center Plaza; Sat. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (year-round)

Noe Valley Farmers' Market Like most small markets, Noe Valley's reflects the neighborhood, in this case swelling with fresh-faced couples pushing strollers. This market offers required goods, including Asian greens, Bennett Valley bread, Alston Farms grass-fed beef and Twin Girls Farms' dazzling stone fruits. 3861 24th St. (bet. Sanchez and Vicksburg sts.); Sat. from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (year-round)