Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Delica – San Francisco
Delica - San Francisco
Photo from Delica
Delica at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 32 of the guests
#1306 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#108 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
462
Reviews
74.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Japanese cuisine
- Efficient service
- Prime location
Frequently criticized
- Queueing issues
- Seating scarcity
- Customer interaction
The restaurant Delica, a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco’s bustling Financial District, offers a trendy and casual spot for your next meal. You’ll find a delightful array of healthy and vegetarian options, perfect for a quick bite during your busy day.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lunch or a satisfying dinner, Delica provides a welcoming atmosphere with convenient service options.
Overview: Introducting Delica
Delica offers a selection of Japanese dishes that many find satisfying, often praised for their quality and diverse options. Guests frequently commend the generally friendly service and the restaurant’s appealing location.
However, potential visitors should be aware that during busy periods, you might encounter a considerable wait, and the interior space can feel a bit constrained. Despite these minor points, the overall experience tends to be quite positive for many.
Good
7.4
out of 10
462
Reviews
74.5%
Satisfaction
78
negative
40
neutral
344
positive
Delica achieves a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.4, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a solid Customer Satisfaction rate of 74.5%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These insights are drawn from a substantial base of 462 customer observations, with 344 positive remarks outweighing 78 negative ones. The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring a strong (7.7).
Service also performs well at (7), suggesting efficient and pleasant interactions. While Ambience (6.6) and Value (6) are considered average, they don’t significantly detract from the overall positive impression.
What people like
- Tasty Japanese food
- Friendly quick service
- Great location
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Limited seating
- Staff attitude issues
With a solid Recommendation Score of 7.9, Delica is a place worth considering, especially if you’re seeking quality Japanese grab-and-go or a casual meal. Its strengths in food and service make it a reliable choice for a satisfying experience.
However, if you’re sensitive to crowds or looking for an extensive sit-down dining experience, you might want to plan your visit during off-peak hours. It’s a good option for those prioritizing tasty food and convenience over a spacious setting.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Delica
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
It seems the food here is generally a hit, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a solid 79.6% customer satisfaction! Many of the 266 positive remarks rave about the quality and flavors of the Japanese dishes , especially the bento boxes , sushi/poke , and healthy salads . You'll find a great range of tasty options.
However, not everyone is completely thrilled, with 39 negative comments noting basic flavors , small portions , and issues with hot food being served cold. Some also mentioned soggy tempura or poorly seasoned items, suggesting inconsistency in execution.
Food
334
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
39
negative
29
neutral
266
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality food
- Healthy options
- Variety of Japanese
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Cold hot food
- Basic flavors
Often praised
- foodThis is a perfect grab and go spot with tasty fresh Japanese options. Lines can get pretty long at peak lunch hours, but if you’re not in a rush, the food is great. They offer a variety of choices, including grab and go dishes, bento boxes, and hot food like udon or curry.
- bentoeating a bento when i eat their food
- eggplant saladTofu steak + eggplant salad + seaweed salad is my go-to
- saladslove the salads (they have an amazing one with lotus that is easily 5 stars)
- tonkatsuI tried the tofu steak as part of a lunch combo. They also offer other a la carte items like croquettes, tonkatsu, and dumplings. Additionally, they serve sushi and poke bowls.
- beef currygot the beef curry, and it was ASTOUNDING
- bento boxesI tried the tofu and chicken dumplings, the spicy tuna, and whatever my wife was having. We got them as bento boxes, and their rice was awesome. They put a lot of sesame seeds on it, so if you don't like that or have diverticulitis, it's best to tell them ahead of time.
- flavorsMy experience at this restaurant in SF Downtown has been consistently excellent. It's one of my favorite places to eat because of the best quality and flavors. When I'm unsure where to eat, I always come here.
- hijiki saladhijiki salad was exactly what I was looking for
- pork cutletwhite rice, sweet and sour chicken, pork cutlet, rice balls,all 3$ each
Frequently criticized
- foodFor $15, I was pretty disappointed. The food score was a 2, but service and atmosphere were rated a 4.
- fishThe food was very yummy. I enjoyed the 9-piece bento box as a lovely sampler, though I do wish it had more fish. The poke was also yummy.
- food qualityMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing, particularly regarding the food quality. I ordered the 9-item bento, 5-item bento, and tempura.
- Japanese foodcannot recommend this establishment for Japanese food
- Japanese side dishesThe tempura was soggy, and I couldn't taste the shrimp or vegetables. The Japanese side dishes were poorly seasoned. The maki was the worst, with too much rice that was neither cooked nor seasoned properly.
- Kakiage TempuraKakiage Tempura was what seemed like a "hot mess"
- basic flavorsVery basic flavors
- beef$20 for negligible protein is the way to go
- beef currywhat I got was just potatoes in my curry
- bento boxGot the bento box, it wasnt great.
If you're looking for a diverse selection of generally high-quality and healthy Japanese-inspired dishes, especially bento boxes and salads, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention inconsistent portion sizes or temperature for hot items, so manage your expectations for those.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7. Many customers, accounting for 43 positive remarks out of 63, frequently praise the quick service and friendly staff. Reviewers often felt well taken care of, highlighting how fast and efficient the team is, especially during busy times.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.3%, with 17 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some experiences mention issues with staff attitude or a rude cashier, while others found the ordering process rushed. Long lines and queues, particularly during peak hours, also occasionally led to frustration.
Service
63
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
17
negative
3
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick service
- Friendly staff
- Efficient team
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long lines
- Rushed ordering
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I found they have good options for small bites and the service was friendly. The location is great, and overall, there was nothing to complain about.
- staffAll the dishes were very tasty. The staff was so nice, reminding me of the excellent service I've experienced in Japan.
- counter serviceQuick counter service
- waitHowever, the space to move around inside the store can be limited, especially during rush times, and finding an outdoor seat is also challenging. Despite these drawbacks, the food is definitely worth the wait!
- Customer serviceCustomer service is top notch
- Quick serviceQuick service
- ServiceService was quick
- accommodate your requestThey’re cool. I said it was fantastic
- amazing jobdid an amazing job helping us
- complaintI found they have good options for small bites and the service was friendly. The location is great, and overall, there was nothing to complain about. I would recommend this place and plan to return to explore more of their offerings the next time I'm in the Ferry Building.
Frequently criticized
- staffWhen I mentioned it to the staff, the response was simply, “We fry the eggplant,” which felt dismissive
- LinesThis is a perfect grab and go spot with tasty fresh Japanese options. Lines can get pretty long at peak lunch hours, but if you’re not in a rush, the food is great. They offer a variety of choices, including grab and go dishes, bento boxes, and hot food like udon or curry.
- attitudeAdditionally, the beverage selection is meager and needs improvement. I won't be returning unless there's a change in attitude.
- bagwhen asking for a bag to carry we were told it cost extra
- cashierchecking out cashier very rude
- future visitsThe cashier seemed nervous to deny my request, and the manager/owner's insistence on charging for these seemingly negligible packets left me questioning the restaurant's priorities. This experience makes me cautious about future visits, as I worry about potential cost-cutting measures affecting the main ingredients. Additionally, the beverage selection is meager and needs improvement.
- lineThe line is very long from 12-1 at lunchtime
- long queuethere was a long queue around lunchtime
- low-sodium soy sauce packetscharged an extra $.50 for four low-sodium soy sauce packets
- managermanager of the store is a pretty mean
If you're after quick and friendly service, this spot is often a good bet, especially for a fast meal. Just be mindful of potential lines during peak hours and occasional minor issues with staff interactions or extra charges for small items.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
Looking at the ambience, its a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction at 63% and a score of 6.6. But dont let that deter you entirely! Many folks really enjoy the vibe, especially the fantastic outdoor seating and the great view from this Ferry Building spot.
It's often described as having a fun atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal. On the flip side, some experiences highlight areas for improvement. There are mentions of limited seating and not much space to move around, which can feel a bit cramped.
A few also noted the lack of a dedicated sitting area and, occasionally, an uncomfortably warm atmosphere, suggesting that comfort can sometimes be an issue.
Ambience
27
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
6
negative
4
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Outdoor seating available
- Great views
- Ferry Building vibe
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Cramped space
- Warm atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereWhile they didn't have tables available when I visited, you can still enjoy your delicious food right outside on the public tables and chairs. The atmosphere was great, and the food was exceptional.
- locationI found they have good options for small bites and the service was friendly. The location is great, and overall, there was nothing to complain about. I would recommend this place and plan to return to explore more of their offerings the next time I'm in the Ferry Building.
- outdoor seatingwhy sit inside when you can sit outside by the waterfront
- placeThe service was good; they were fast and nice. The place looked nice, and overall, it’s pretty good.
- Ferry Building spotWonderful Ferry Building spot
- Lots of tablesLots of tables just outside the door
- casual mealMy experience at this Japanese deli/cafe in the Ferry Building was perfect for a grab-and-go or casual meal. I tried the tofu steak as part of a lunch combo.
- chairs near windowsService was quick despite a slight lunch weekday rush. There is no seating inside, but plenty of shared outdoor tables or a few chairs near windows inside. Vegetarian options are available, including a vegetarian mapo eggplant salad, ginger carrot soup, and agedashi tofu main.
- funFast, delicious, fun
- longtime presenceLongtime presence there
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThis sushi spot in the Ferry Building is one of the few open late for dinner. However, the uncomfortably warm and humid atmosphere made me skeptical about the fish. The Delica roll was massive but unremarkable, with fresh shrimp that wouldn't entice a return visit.
- eating at the ferry buildingpaying more for eating at the ferry building
- place to sithard to find a place to sit down outside
- seatingSeating was limited
- sitting areaSad that they do not have dedicated sitting area
- space to movenot much space to move around
If youre looking for a casual spot with great outdoor seating and a view, especially in the Ferry Building, this place is worth a visit. However, be prepared for potentially limited indoor space and a lack of dedicated seating, which might not suit everyones comfort preferences.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners are pleasantly surprised! Out of 38 total comments, 18 positive remarks highlight the reasonable prices, good price, and overall value you can find. People love that they can get a lot of food without breaking the bank, especially with deals and combos.
The score for value sits at an average 6, indicating a generally fair deal. However, its not all sunshine and savings. With 16 negative remarks, some customers found certain items to be overpriced, expensive, or just plain pricy for what you get.
Customer satisfaction for value is a mixed 47.4%, suggesting that while some find it a good deal, others feel its a bit much, especially when ordering à la carte.
Value
38
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
16
negative
4
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Combos offer great value
- Filling meals for price
- Reasonable overall pricing
What people don't like
- A la carte gets pricey
- Overpriced for quantity
- Some items expensive
Often praised
- pricereasonably priced Japanese dishes
- foodthe food here, though, is fairly cheap
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was positive. I found the prices to be reasonable and the service to be quick. The hijiki salad was exactly what I was looking for.
- $15I tried the spicy burdock, hijki and soybean, and pork cutlet. The food was super fresh and filling, and I felt it was definitely worth $15. I would recommend this place and plan to return to try other items on the menu.
- $16Their 5 piece Bento box caught my eye and, oh my goodness, it hit the spot! $16 for a very filling, healthy, tasty lunch! Thank you, Delica!
- Reasonable pricesReasonable prices
- costYou can choose combinations or pick items à la carte, and everything is worth it and delicious. We got combos and added items for a feast that did not break the bank; our meals easily could have cost $30. I highly recommend the agedashi tofu (veg main), mapo eggplant salad (with chicken or vegetarian), potato croquette, and the shrimp cake (huge but with whole shrimps and cooked to perfection).
- dealsFor main dish, I like getting the tofu and chicken patty. This comes out to just under $10, so a tad pricey for lunch, but one of the better deals in Ferry Buildinglandia. If you're really in a rush to get back to the salt mines, there are bento boxes and onigiri to the left side.
- good priceat good price
- price tagso it is worth the price tag.
Frequently criticized
- priceWhile the food was certainly acceptable, my high hopes were dashed as it wasn't as tasty as it looked. Additionally, I found it to be expensive. Overall, it met basic expectations but didn't exceed them.
- overpricedThere was also a good variety of food available. However, the overall experience was marred by the fact that it was very overpriced for the quality and quantity I received.
- SF lunchThey have a great range of food with something for everyone. While SF lunch is super expensive, Delica is my go-to because you can get a lot of food for under $8 from their food bar. I highly recommend items like white rice, sweet and sour chicken, pork cutlet, and rice balls, all priced at $3 each.
- avocado pricefeel guilty paying around 7 bucks for an avocado
- expensivekinda expensive for what you get
- foodThe food is a little expensive
- happy hourTheir happy hour is whack
- items a la carteespecially if you have items a la carte
- sushi rollsThe sushi rolls seem pricey
Overall, the value here is a bit of a mixed bag. If youre strategic with combos and deals, you can find some great bargains, but be wary of à la carte items which can quickly become expensive. Its worth trying if you're looking for a filling meal without always splurging, but manage your expectations on individual item pricing.
How are the prices at Delica?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 32 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what others spend, most prices really cluster around this $11–$20 sweet spot, showing it’s a pretty consistent experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 32 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese spot in San Francisco, especially since most diners seem to agree on this mid-range sweet spot.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Delica
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
ASTOUNDING Beef Curry!
I was only at the restaurant for a short time, but I had the beef curry, and it was ASTOUNDING. It was definitely worth the price. I was initially worried the beef might be weird, tough, or fatty, but it was perfect all the way through.
The spice level was just right – not too spicy and not dull. The only downside is that I live on the other side of the country and can't just pop back anytime I want. You should definitely get some!
- beef curry10
- beef9
- price8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Popular Spot with Great Vegan Options
This is a very popular place, and there was a long queue around lunchtime. I opted for the 2 sides and 1 main. The ordering process felt a bit rushed, making it difficult to properly assess all the options.
While one of my salads was not to my liking, the aubergine salad and the tofu steak were excellent. It's also very vegan friendly.
- aubergine salad9
- tofu steak9
- vegan friendly10
- long queue3
- ordering process4
- one of my salads2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
9
Delicious Shrimp Cake & Picnic Options!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I particularly enjoyed the shrimp cake, which was both delicious and fresh, served with house-made tartar sauce. They also offer many great options to grab for a picnic, making it a convenient choice for outdoor dining.
- shrimp cake9
- house-made tartar sauce9
- great options8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Disappointing Beef Curry Experience
I've been a loyal customer of Delica since before the pandemic, and I recently returned for a nostalgic visit, specifically craving their beef curry. Unfortunately, my experience today did not meet my expectations. I spent nearly $18 after taxes and over $20 with tip for just a beef curry, without any sides.
I was hoping for a dish with substantial beef, but instead, I received a curry that was predominantly potatoes with only two small pieces of beef. While the taste was as good as I've always remembered, paying $20 for such a negligible amount of protein is not justifiable. I urge the restaurant to improve their portioning of protein for the price.
- taste8
- beef curry3
- beef2
- price3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Disappointing Salmon Sushi Roll
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing, particularly with the food. I ordered the salmon sushi roll, and it was sad. Instead of placing the salmon inside the roll, they put leftover little pieces of salmon on top.
For $15, I was pretty disappointed. The food score was a 2, but service and atmosphere were rated a 4.
- service8
- atmosphere8
- salmon sushi roll2
- food2
- price3
What Delica offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Delica in San Francisco accessible for all guests?
Yes, Delica ensures a comfortable experience for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating available, making it easy for you to enjoy your meal in the Financial District.
What dining options and services does Delica offer?
Delica provides flexible dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating available. You can also choose outdoor seating, dine-in, convenient takeout, or delivery for your convenience.
What is Delica's overall rating and what contributes to it?
Delica holds a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.4 with 74.5% customer satisfaction. Its strengths lie in Food (7.7) and Service (7), while Ambience (6.6) and Value (6) are seen as average.
What do customers appreciate most about Delica's food?
Many customers enjoy Delica’s fresh and tasty Japanese options, particularly the bento boxes and various salads, often highlighting the quality and flavors.
Are there any common issues customers experience at Delica?
Some customers have noted challenges with long lines during peak hours, limited indoor seating, and occasional concerns regarding staff interactions or perceived value for money.