Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Pica Pica Arepa – San Francisco
Pica Pica Arepa - San Francisco
Photo from Pica Pica Arepa
Pica Pica Arepa at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🇻🇪 Venezuelan Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 118 of the guests
#1602 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Venezuelan Restaurant out of 2 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
551
Reviews
69.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Food
- Gluten-Free
- Quick Service
Frequently criticized
- Service Inconsistency
- Difficult Parking
- Value Concerns
The restaurant Pica Pica Arepa is a vibrant Venezuelan Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s lively Mission District. You’ll discover an authentic taste of Venezuela, offering a delightful culinary journey.
This cozy spot is perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, providing a casual and trendy atmosphere where you can savor delicious small plates and hearty arepas. Whether you’re seeking healthy options, vegan choices, or just a satisfying dinner, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Pica Pica Arepa
Pica Pica Arepa offers a distinct culinary experience, often praised for its flavorful preparations and accommodating options for those with dietary needs. Many appreciate the establishment’s welcoming feel and the efficiency of its operations, making it a reliable choice for a quick meal.
Customers frequently highlight the food quality and the gluten-free nature of the menu. However, some experiences suggest areas for improvement, particularly concerning the overall value and consistency.
While the prices are generally seen as fair for the portions, a few find certain items less substantial for their cost. The atmosphere is often described as a casual spot, though occasional issues with noise or minor inconveniences have been noted.
Good
7.1
out of 10
551
Reviews
69.1%
Satisfaction
138
negative
32
neutral
381
positive
Pica Pica Arepa holds a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.1, indicating a generally good experience, supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 69.1%, which falls into the mixed category. This suggests that while many patrons leave content, there’s a segment that finds aspects could be better.
These insights are drawn from 551 customer comments, with 381 positive remarks outweighing 138 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Food (7.6) stands out as a strong point, frequently earning praise for its taste and authenticity.
Ambience (6.2) is considered average, offering a comfortable but not exceptional setting. Value (6.3) also hovers around average, with opinions split on whether the cost aligns perfectly with the offering.
The Service (5.3) is where the restaurant shows the most room for growth, often described as quick but sometimes lacking in warmth.
What people like
- Flavorful, authentic food
- Reliable gluten-free options
- Quick, friendly service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service interactions
- Parking can be difficult
- Some items pricey for size
If you’re seeking a quick, flavorful meal with reliable gluten-free options, Pica Pica Arepa is certainly worth considering. The strong Recommendation Score of 7.4 suggests that most diners would encourage a visit, especially for the distinctive cuisine.
It’s a solid choice for a casual outing where the food is the primary draw. However, manage your expectations regarding the service and overall atmosphere, which can be inconsistent.
While the food often shines, some aspects of the experience might not fully impress everyone. It’s a place to go for the taste, perhaps less so for a polished dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pica Pica Arepa
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a strong 7.6 score and a solid 76.2% customer satisfaction. With 291 positive remarks out of 382 total comments, diners frequently rave about the delicious arepas, flavorful sauces, and fresh ingredients, especially appreciating the extensive vegan options and dedicated gluten-free kitchen. However, not all experiences are perfect, with 72 negative comments noting issues like dry meat, lack of seasoning, or food being served cold.
Some found the arepas soggy or the black beans bland, and a few felt the food wasnt quite authentic Venezuelan, suggesting theres still room for consistency.
Food
382
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
72
negative
19
neutral
291
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- 100% Gluten-Free Menu
- Delicious Arepas & Sauces
- Great Vegan Options
What people don't like
- Meat can be dry
- Lacks authentic seasoning
- Food served cold
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was a delightful surprise! It's a true hidden gem with amazing food that offers quite the flavor experience. I also loved the staff and the atmosphere, which felt very homey.
- arepasThe guasacaca and garlic aioli were also highlights; the guasacaca was so good that I considered buying a bottled version. The arepas were good, but the nachos were the standout dish – definitely don't miss them!
- saucesrecommend trying the sauces that come with it, they're great
- gluten-freeMy experience at this restaurant was positive, primarily because it is 100% gluten-free. The food was tasty, and the location was good.
- FoodFood:4
- Venezuelan foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be the BEST Venezuelan food in the Bay Area. It's the closest you can get to authentic food, though I'd describe it as American-Venezuelan due to the addition of a spicy sauce, it still maintains the original flavor.
- yuca friesI absolutely loved their yuca fries
- yucca friesThe yucca fries and fried plantains are great too!
- ArepasTheir Arepas are to die for
- cachapaThe cachapa falls apart and is soft and wonderful in the mouth.
Frequently criticized
- foodEvery place definitely needs owner supervision. The food is a disaster, nothing like Venezuelan food, it bears no resemblance. The food is a disaster, nothing like Venezuelan food, it bears no resemblance.
- empanadasIf you’re planning to order empanadas, just be prepared — you’re basically paying full price for a bite-sized snack.
- Venezuelan foodEvery place definitely needs owner supervision. The food is a disaster, nothing like Venezuelan food, it bears no resemblance. The food is a disaster, nothing like Venezuelan food, it bears no resemblance.
- arepaseating real arepas, this place was quite a disappointment
- cachapaI ordered an arepa and was given a cachapa
- Maltathey don't even sell Malta
- arepaI ate an arepa and the caraota sauce was acid
- grilled chickenthe grilled chicken felt like it was cooked 2 days ago
- meatThis is a great place for someone with gluten intolerance as arepas are corn-based. A few of the times I’ve eaten here, the meat was pretty dry. Recently, it has improved and I haven’t run into this issue.
- plantainsNo eran plátanos o maduros eran banana fritas
If you're looking for flavorful, fresh, and especially gluten-free Venezuelan-inspired food with great sauces, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences mention dry meat or a lack of seasoning, so manage your expectations for every dish.
Service (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a real mix of experiences here. Many customers rave about the friendly staff and how incredibly quick the food delivery is, often highlighting the efficiency of the service. With 37 positive remarks, its clear that when the team is on point, they truly shine.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy. An equal number of 37 negative comments point to significant issues, particularly concerning the cashiers attitude, instances of rude behavior, and overall poor customer service. This explains why the service score is an average 5.3 and customer satisfaction is a mixed 48.7%, suggesting some inconsistencies need addressing.
Service
76
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
37
negative
2
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Fast food delivery
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Poor cashier attitude
- Unprofessional service
Often praised
- serviceThe variety of sauces and sandwiches made for a truly flavorful experience. The service was friendly and incredibly quick, and the atmosphere was pleasant with colorful decorations and plenty of natural light from the windows. A minor point to note is the absence of traditional water glasses; instead, plastic cups and a pitcher are provided on the side.
- staffthe staff speaks English and Spanish, they are friendly
- ServiceService:4
- Friendly staffFriendly staff
- amazing staffI am writing this review to inform the owner about potential issues with their gluten-free ingredients, especially in light of recent changes. While this is otherwise an excellent place with amazing staff and food, I hope this can be resolved for the celiac community. Something has gone wrong with their sourcing of gluten-free ingredients.
- foodFood was out in less than 2 minutes
- food quickthe food was really quick
- food speedFood was fast.
- person taking ordersthe person taking orders is super nice
- wait timeWait time:No wait
Frequently criticized
- serviceIt's obvious that you must condone this behavior! You should not be in business if you are unable to provide a service to those who do not share your racial identity.
- cashierShe was cold, abrupt, and seemed irritated she had to take our order.
- attentionweird attention from the girl taking the orders
- staffNo es atendido por venezolanos, venden jugo de parchita y no saben que es parchita
- accommodationstaff was not accommodating at all
- arepa serving timeFood was a bit slow (think 1 arepa served at a time)
- attitudeIncluso arrogantes
- behaviorDaniel T felt comfortable enough to enter this slur on the order. It's obvious that you must condone this behavior! You should not be in business if you are unable to provide a service to those who do not share your racial identity.
- cashier knowledgela cajera mientras le mencionaba algunas comida Venezolana no sabia ni de que se trataba
- cashier servicevery poor experience with our cashier. She was cold, abrupt, and seemed irritated
If youre looking for potentially quick service and friendly faces, you might be in luck. However, be prepared for the possibility of encountering less-than-stellar interactions, especially at the register. Its a bit of a gamble, so go with an open mind.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
The ambience here gets an average score of 6.2, with a mixed customer satisfaction of 56.5%. Many guests, 39 out of 69, found the atmosphere quite pleasant, describing it as a cozy little corner with colorful decorations and lots of windows. It's often praised for its homey and casual spot vibe, offering a nice sitting area that contributes to a good experience.
However, 23 opinions point to some significant drawbacks. The biggest recurring issue is the difficult parking, which can be a real hassle. Some also noted loud music or general noise making conversation tough, and a few even mentioned little flies or a dirty restroom, suggesting the place can feel neglected at times.
Ambience
69
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
23
negative
7
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, homey atmosphere
- Clean, casual spot
- Good location
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Loud music/noise
- Dirty restroom
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere contributed to a wonderful dining experience
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restaurantThe restaurant was small and quiet
- casual spotReally nice casual spot with no fuss
- colorful decorationscolorful decorations and lots of windows
- cozy little cornerCozy little corner on Valencia
- environmentthe environment is fantastic
- establishmentthe place is small but nice
- excellent placeit's otherwise an excellent place
- hole in the wall placeLovely hole in the wall place
Frequently criticized
- parkingIt's fantastic that 100% of the menu is gluten-free. The only bummer is that parking is extremely difficult to find nearby. As a person with limited mobility, it was disappointing that they do not provide curbside service for to-go orders.
- placeThey don't even sell Malta or Frescolita. For me, it's a zero; the place is a fraud.
- atmospherethe atmosphere felt off
- parking spaceParking space:Difficult to find parking
- Mexican musicConstantly loud Mexican music from the kitchen was inconsiderate
- areaLa zona está llena de personas de la calle.
- cook whistlingthe cook was whistling 😐
- find parkingI highly recommend trying the fried yuca and taro chips, and don't forget to try all the sauces. Parking can be a bit challenging with paid street parking, and it was somewhat difficult to find parking.
- little fliesLittle flies were buzzing all around me
- musicNo music was played
If you prioritize a cozy, casual spot and don't mind a bit of a hunt for parking, you might enjoy the vibe here. However, if easy parking and a consistently quiet, spotless environment are must-haves, you might want to consider other options.
Value (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
With 14 positive remarks out of 24 total, many diners found the value here to be quite good. Guests frequently praised the price, noting the generous portion for the price and calling it reasonably priced. It's often seen as offering good value for money, contributing to a 58.3% customer satisfaction, though the overall score sits at an average 6.3.
However, not everyone was thrilled, with 6 negative comments surfacing. Some felt the price was a bit high for what you get, especially for smaller items like empanadas. There were also mentions of being charged for an extra water bottle or a box to go, which left a few customers feeling nickel-and-dimed.
Value
24
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
6
negative
4
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Reasonable pricing
- Good overall value
What people don't like
- Prices can be high
- Extra charges surprise
- Small portions sometimes
Often praised
- priceI’ve eaten at Pica Pica many times and will continue coming here. You can get a tasty arepa for a decent price (by San Francisco standards). This is a great place for someone with gluten intolerance as arepas are corn-based.
- pricesThe prices are affordable
- cheap local jointMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff was friendly, and it's a cheap local joint. Although I had never tried Venezuelan food before, it was absolutely delicious.
- great pricesGreat prices for a quick bite
- not too expensive diningGood option for not too expensive dining at Valencia
- portion for the pricethe portion for the price I paid was generous
- reasonably pricedits reasonably priced
- value for moneyThe food was tasty, and the location was good. It also offered value for money. The service was excellent, rated 5 out of 5, and the food quality was rated 4 out of 5.
Frequently criticized
- priceIf you’re planning to order empanadas, just be prepared — you’re basically paying full price for a bite-sized snack.
- PricesEverything is 100% gluten free and there are 3 vegetarian option fillings. Prices are a little high but we come here all the time.
- box to gocharged us 0.50 for the box to go
- extra water bottlecharged me an extra water bottle
- placeEl lugar es caro
Overall, this spot offers decent value, especially if you're looking for generous portions at a reasonable cost. Just be mindful of potential extra charges for things like water or takeout containers, as these can add up and affect your perception of the overall value.
How are the prices at Pica Pica Arepa?
On average, you’ll spend around 22 per person – based on 118 guests. That places this Venezuelan spot in the $21–$30 category. For a Venezuelan Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While 22 is the average, many diners actually spend a bit less. A big chunk of prices fall in the $11–$20 range. This suggests a nice mix, offering options for both quick, cheaper bites and more substantial meals.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 118 reviews.
How this Venezuelan restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Venezuelan restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to different budgets while still providing a quality experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pica Pica Arepa
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Gluten-Free Arepas!
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a great gluten-free place. The Arepas were really good, and the person taking orders was super nice.
Everything is gluten-free, and the atmosphere, service, and food all received a 5-star rating.
- gluten-free10
- Arepas9
- person taking orders10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Venezuelan Food Experience
I had high hopes for this restaurant, especially as a first-time visitor to a Venezuelan restaurant in SFO and being Venezuelan myself. Unfortunately, the food was not representative of good Venezuelan cuisine. I ordered an arepa, and the caraota sauce was unpleasantly acid, which it shouldn't be.
The grilled chicken tasted as if it had been cooked two days prior. The service was also lacking; the lady who assisted us did not provide good customer service. The atmosphere felt off, and the restaurant appeared neglected in some way.
- Venezuelan food2
- arepa2
- caraota sauce2
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Heartbroken by Rude Service, Amazing Food
I’m so heartbroken. Every time I’m in SF, I make sure to eat here as a celiac. All other times, my friends and I have had lovely experiences, and the food is always amazing.
I came in yesterday, and a woman in a gray Cal sweatshirt took my order. I’ve never seen her there before, but she was so rude, gave me nasty looks, and watched me eat my food across the room the whole time, scoffing to herself. I talked with my friends about my experience, and they too said she was extremely short and rude to them.
I’ll never be coming back unless this woman is dealt with accordingly. This has upset me so much. *edit: I see online that the manager fired the employee responsible for the racism so I removed my comment about that.
I applaud how quickly she took action, but it doesn’t describe the bizarre experience my friends and I had with the server : (
- food10
- rude1
- server1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Great Spot for a Quick, Flavorful Bite
If you're looking for a quick bite that offers a different flavor and is fulfilling in taste, Pica Pica might be the place for you. I've visited many times after playing sports and needing something to tie me over. I particularly love their Arepas, with a good variety to choose from.
Their yuca fries are consistently yummy. The staff is efficient in moving orders, and the atmosphere is suitable for a quick meal. I recommend giving it a try if you haven't already.
- Arepas9
- yuca fries8
- staff7
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Weird Service and Spicy Venezuelan Food
My experience at the restaurant was marked by weird attention from the girl taking the orders. She even charged us $0. 50 for the box to go, which was unexpected.
The food was weirdly spicy for what I expected from Venezuelan cuisine.
- attention2
- box to go2
- food2
What Pica Pica Arepa offers
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dietary options are available at Pica Pica Arepa?
At Pica Pica Arepa, you’ll find a variety of dietary choices to suit your needs. They offer healthy options, along with dedicated vegan and vegetarian options. This ensures that everyone can enjoy their delicious Venezuelan fare, whether you’re looking for a light meal or a plant-based dish.
Does Pica Pica Arepa offer convenient services and accessibility features?
Yes, Pica Pica Arepa provides various convenient services including takeout, delivery, and dine-in options. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Parking is also available with both free and paid street parking options nearby for your convenience.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Pica Pica Arepa?
Pica Pica Arepa generally receives a good reception with a Restaurant Score of 7.1 and a Customer Satisfaction of 69.1%. While many enjoy their experience, there’s a mixed sentiment, indicating some areas could be improved.
What are the strongest and weakest aspects of Pica Pica Arepa according to customers?
Customers highly praise the Food (7.6) for its flavor and authenticity. The Ambience (6.2) and Value (6.3) are considered average, while Service (5.3) is noted as an area needing more attention, with some experiences being less positive.
Is Pica Pica Arepa a good option for those with dietary restrictions?
Yes, Pica Pica Arepa is frequently highlighted for being 100% gluten-free, making it a very accommodating choice for individuals with gluten intolerance. Many positive opinions specifically mention this aspect.