Accessibility
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oChef » Daruma Sando – Seattle
Daruma Sando - Seattle
Photo from Daruma Sando
Daruma Sando at a glance
Seattle Fremont
- 🥪 Sandwich Shop
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 27 of the guests
#465 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#3 Sandwich Shop out of 23 in Seattle
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
310
Reviews
70.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Sandos
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Soggy Sandwiches
- Kiosk Issues
The sandwich shop Daruma Sando in Seattle’s vibrant Fremont neighborhood offers you a casual spot for a quick bite. You’ll find it’s a perfect destination for a relaxed lunch or dinner, whether you’re dining in or grabbing something to go.
This welcoming establishment ensures you have a comfortable experience, making it a great choice for any day.
Overview: Introducting Daruma Sando
Daruma Sando offers a pleasant experience, with many customers praising the quality and flavor of their main dishes. The sandos are often highlighted as delicious and filling, and the curry also receives positive remarks for its taste and satisfaction.
However, some patrons have noted concerns regarding the application of sauce, which can sometimes lead to a soggy texture. While the overall atmosphere is generally well-received, a few operational aspects, such as kiosk ordering, have occasionally caused minor friction.
Good
7.4
out of 10
310
Reviews
70.3%
Satisfaction
53
negative
39
neutral
218
positive
Daruma Sando generally earns a good reputation, reflected in its solid Restaurant Score of 7.4. This is further supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 70.3%, indicating that most visitors leave content with their experience.
These insights are drawn from a considerable 310 customer observations, with 218 positive remarks outweighing 53 negative ones. Looking closer at specific aspects, the Service (7.7) and Ambience (7.6) stand out as particularly strong points, suggesting a welcoming environment and efficient staff.
Value (7.5) is also well-regarded, offering an affordable option for many. The Food (7.3) itself maintains a good standing, though it’s slightly below the other top categories.
What people like
- Delicious Sandos
- Good Value
- Clean Ambiance
- Friendly Staff
What people don't like
- Soggy Sandwiches
- Kiosk Ordering Issues
- Lukewarm Fries
Daruma Sando presents a solid option for those seeking flavorful Japanese sandos and curry in a clean, welcoming setting. With a Recommendation Score of 7.6, it generally hits the mark for a satisfying meal, especially if you appreciate efficient service and good value.
If you’re considering a visit, be mindful of potential sauce levels on your order, particularly for takeout, and prepare for possible queues during peak times due to the ordering system. It’s a place worth trying for its core offerings, but managing expectations on these minor points will enhance your experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Daruma Sando
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, theres a lot to love, with a solid score of 7.3 and a decent 66.7% customer satisfaction. Many of the 144 positive comments rave about delicious sandwiches, crispy cutlets, and flavorful curry. Guests often praise the fluffy bread and the overall quality, making for a satisfying meal.
However, the feedback isnt entirely uniform, with 40 negative remarks pointing to some areas for improvement. Some found issues like soggy katsu, sandwiches that were too wet or saucy, and occasional bland or overly salty flavors. There were also mentions of inconsistent rice or disappointing fries.
Food
216
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
40
negative
32
neutral
144
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, crispy sandos
- Flavorful Japanese curry
- Juicy, tender katsu
What people don't like
- Soggy katsu crust
- Excessive, sweet sauce
- Wet, bland sandwiches
Often praised
- foodThere's simply no comparison to the quality and flavor they offer. The food was outstanding, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch, all receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
- sandosThe sandos were delicious and filling
- curryI had the katsu curry, and my vegetarian friend had the croquette sando. The pork was cooked nicely, and the curry hit the spot. My friend loved his sandwich and it opened his eyes to the wonders of croquettes.
- egg sandoegg sando: 🔥🔥 I could put down two of these
- pork katsu sandothe pork katsu sando, and the ratio of everything was delectable
- FoodFood was delicious
- porkdidn’t skip out on the pork, it was a thick slice
- sauceI got the spicy pork sando. It had some good heat to it, the cutlet was nice and crispy, and the sauce was delicious. Looking forward to becoming a frequent patron of Daruma.
- breadbread was in tact (not soggy)
- cabbageThe cabbage provided a nice crunch
Frequently criticized
- katsuKatsu was drenched in sauce so the Katsu lots all of its crunch
- sauceThere was a lot of sauce and the sandwich was quite soggy.
- breadbread wasn’t thick so sauce soaked through.
- friesThe fries arrived lukewarm, dry, and not hot or crispy.
- riceRice was slightly overcooked, making it slightly mushy.
- sandwichThe problem was the sweet sauce they smothered it all in. There was way too much sauce, and it was not very good, leading to a bad sandwich overall.
- sandwichesI would go back just for the playlist. However, I wouldn’t recommend takeout because the sandwiches are a bit saucy and can soak into the bread, which impacts the quality when not eaten immediately. The atmosphere was a 5/5, and the food received a 4/5.
- Chicken Katsu Curry RiceThe chicken katsu came with the skin and batter completely detached from the meat.
- Ebi SandoThe Ebi was a bit lacking
- Spiced friesSpiced fries: way too much spice to the point it was too salty and overpowering.
If you're craving a good katsu sando or flavorful Japanese curry, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention issues with sogginess or sauce levels, so manage your expectations for consistency.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at a good 79.1%, its clear most folks are happy. Out of 43 comments, a whopping 34 praised the friendly staff, quick service, and timely food delivery.
Many appreciated the convenient kiosk ordering system, making the process smooth and efficient. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. A few of the 6 critical comments pointed out some operational setup issues, particularly with a single line for ordering.
This sometimes led to frustratingly long wait times, with some orders taking over 40 minutes, despite the kiosk ordering concept aiming for speed.
Service
43
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Timely food
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Operational setup issues
- Single line ordering
Often praised
- serviceThere's simply no comparison to the quality and flavor they offer. The food was outstanding, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch, all receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
- ServiceService was helpful though
- kiosk orderingkiosk, which makes the process pretty convenient
- peoplethe people were nice
- staffMy experience was very disappointing due to an obscene amount of sauce used, which completely threw off the ratio. Despite this, the staff was friendly, and the food was ready on time. The restaurant wasn't busy when I visited.
- FoodFood was ready on time
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- delivered quicklyMy friend and I visited this restaurant one evening and had a wonderful experience. We found the sandwiches and side salads to be delicious and they were delivered quickly by some happy guys who were clearly proud of their work. The side salads were a great option for me as I needed some GF options.
- folks running the placeFolks running the place and behind and the counter are fun and friendly.
- food arrived timelyI also found the beef sando to be more like a burger patty, which was unexpected. On a positive note, there was plenty of seating, and the food arrived timely.
Frequently criticized
- wait timeit takes over 40min to get my order ready
- kiosk orderingIt felt like a 'figure it out on your own' situation. The staff there are nice, but they are set up to fail with the kiosk ordering coupled with an extremely small production area that easily exceeds capacity when bursts of customers arrive. The atmosphere and service were rated low, likely due to these operational challenges.
- operational setupoperational setup entering the store is a disaster
- single linea single line to order on one kiosk is a massive drag
- water stationnobody refilled the water station
Overall, you can expect a generally positive service experience here, especially if youre looking for quick and friendly interactions. Just be aware that during busy times, the operational setup might lead to some unexpected waits, so plan accordingly if youre in a rush.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
The ambiance generally hits the right notes, scoring a 7.6, indicating a good experience. With 79.5% customer satisfaction, many of the 31 positive comments out of 39 total praise the plenty of seating, cleanliness, and atmosphere. Reviewers often highlight the chill vibes and quiet noise level, making it a pleasant spot for conversation.
However, not everything is perfect, as 5 negative comments point out. Some found issues with the temperature being too cold and an alcove area feeling uncomfortable. There were also concerns about utensils cleanliness and how a small production area might impact the overall flow and atmosphere, suggesting operational challenges can sometimes affect the customer experience.
Ambience
39
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Ample, clean seating
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Quiet environment
What people don't like
- Dirty utensils
- Cold temperature
- Awkward alcove
Often praised
- atmosphereThere's simply no comparison to the quality and flavor they offer. The food was outstanding, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch, all receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere was perfect
- placeDuring a visit to Seattle, I had a very pleasant surprise ending up at this restaurant during its soft opening. The place is quite small but very nice and clean. Orders are taken at the kiosk, and you pick up your food and drinks at the counter, which is efficient.
- plenty of seatingPlenty of seating for the size of the place
- Noise levelNoise level: Quiet, easy to talk
- bathroomthe eating area and bathroom was clean.
- chill vibesChill vibes inside.
- cleanClean, some Japanese pop music playing.
- cleanlinessThe ordering process was super convenient with the option of ordering at the counter or via kiosk. The food was really great, and the place was super clean. I will definitely be back!
- decorationsWould love to see them decorate their spot a little more
Frequently criticized
- alcove areauncomfortable with being able to see "up" or be "looked down upon"
- cleanlinessraises serious concerns about cleanliness
- production areaIt felt like a 'figure it out on your own' situation. The staff there are nice, but they are set up to fail with the kiosk ordering coupled with an extremely small production area that easily exceeds capacity when bursts of customers arrive. The atmosphere and service were rated low, likely due to these operational challenges.
- temperaturekeep it cold in there
- utensilsutensils were extremely dirty
If youre seeking a spot with good vibes, ample seating, and a clean, relaxed atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential temperature quirks or specific seating areas that might not suit everyone. Its a solid choice for a comfortable outing.
Value (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.5 and boasting a 75% customer satisfaction rate. Many folks are thrilled to find an affordable Japanese curry spot where the prices are great and the bill doesnt break the bank. Plus, even the tip options on the kiosk get a nod for being reasonable, based on 9 positive remarks.
However, not everyone is completely sold on the price point. Out of 12 total mentions, 2 customers felt the quantity was very little for the price, or that a combo deal wasnt quite worth it for what they paid. It seems some found the overall cost a bit higher than expected for the portion size.
Value
12
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable Japanese curry
- Fair prices
- Reasonable tip options
What people don't like
- Small portions for price
- Combo deal disappointing
Often praised
- priceSeattle is desperately missing more of this kind of high quality, simple, delicious and cheap Japanese food. The sandos were delicious and filling and the curry was perfect for dipping.
- affordable Japanese curry spotso happy for an affordable Japanese curry spot
- billthe bill was fair!
- did not break the bankPlus, did not break the bank
- fries and sodaWorth the extra $6 for fries and soda
- pricesgreat prices and delicious food
- tip optionstip options on the kiosk, for once, was not outrageous
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. While the taste of the food was good, I felt the quantity was very little for the price. The fries were a little disappointing as they had no salt at all.
- pricesPrices seemed affordable at first but I got one sandwich, 2 sides, and a drink for $30. And that was with a combo deal of sandwich + drink + side. Not worth it imo.
If you're looking for an affordable Japanese curry experience that generally offers good bang for your buck, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that a few customers felt the portions could be a bit small for the price, so manage your expectations on quantity.
How are the prices at Daruma Sando?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 27 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Sandwich Shop, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most folks (23 out of 27!) stick to that $11–$20 sweet spot, with just a few venturing into the $21–$30 range. So, prices are pretty consistent around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 27 reviews.
How does this spot stack up against similar restaurants in Seattle?
For a Sandwich Shop, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It’s a solid mid-range option where you know what to expect without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Daruma Sando
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Sandwiches and Curry Dip!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had delicious sandwiches and highly recommend getting a side of curry for dipping. I can't wait to go back!
The restaurant also has high chairs for babies and toddlers.
- delicious sandwiches9
- curry for dipping9
- high chairs8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Japanese Sandos!
My experience at this restaurant was great! I found it to be a fantastic place to get Japanese Sandos, which are not readily available elsewhere. The kiosk ordering system was easy to use, the space was nice, and the food was tasty.
I highly recommend this place and would definitely come back!
- Japanese Sandos9
- kiosk ordering system8
- space8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Spicy Chicken Sandwich!
I came here for a quick lunch and ordered the spicy chicken sandwich. It was absolutely delicious! The chicken was moist and still hot when served, the slaw was crunchy and fresh, and the mayo was perfectly spicy.
I can’t wait to go back and check out the rest of the menu!
- spicy chicken sandwich10
- chicken9
- slaw9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious and Affordable Japanese Food!
Seattle is desperately missing more of this kind of high quality, simple, delicious and cheap Japanese food. The sandos were delicious and filling and the curry was perfect for dipping. Will be going back again!
- sandos9
- curry9
- Japanese food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Daruma's Katsu Sandwich is Unbeatable
My experience at Daruma was exceptional. I had the best katsu sandwich I've ever tasted in my life. While I was a big fan of other local establishments, after experiencing Daruma, I don't think I'll be going back.
There's simply no comparison to the quality and flavor they offer. The food was outstanding, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch, all receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
- katsu sandwich10
- food10
- service10
What Daruma Sando offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options does Daruma Sando offer you?
At Daruma Sando, you can expect a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite. You have dining options for lunch and dinner, with comfortable seating available. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a relaxed meal.
What service options and parking are available when you visit Daruma Sando?
Daruma Sando provides various service options including outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. For your convenience, you’ll usually find plenty of free street parking nearby, making your visit hassle-free.
How does Daruma Sando generally rate with customers?
Daruma Sando holds a good Restaurant Score of 7.4, with Customer Satisfaction at 70.3%. Customers particularly appreciate the Service (7.7), Ambience (7.6), and Value (7.5), while the Food (7.3) also receives positive feedback.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at Daruma Sando?
Many customers praise the delicious and filling sandos , often highlighting the well-cooked pork and tasty sauce . The curry is also a popular choice, noted for hitting the spot, and the bread is often mentioned for holding up well.
Are there any common concerns or issues customers have experienced?
Some patrons have noted issues with sauce being excessive, leading to sandwiches becoming soggy, especially for takeout. There are also occasional frustrations with kiosk ordering and wait time during busy periods.