Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Proper Food – San Francisco
Proper Food - San Francisco
Photo from Proper Food
Proper Food at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍟 Fast-Food-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 17 of the guests
#2120 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#11 Fast-Food-Restaurant out of 35 in San Francisco
Good
6.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
137
Reviews
59.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Healthy meals
- Efficient staff
- Breakfast value
Frequently criticized
- Smaller portions
- Limited seating
- Service issues
The restaurant Proper Food is a popular Fast Food Restaurant located in the vibrant Transbay neighborhood of San Francisco. If you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal, this spot offers an excellent solution.
You’ll find a range of healthy options perfect for a speedy lunch or dinner. It’s a casual place where you can grab a bite without compromising on quality or your schedule.
Overview: Introducting Proper Food
Proper Food offers a convenient option for those seeking quick, healthy meals, often praised for its efficiency. Many appreciate the quality of the food, noting it’s often the fastest place to pick up a meal, making it suitable for a busy schedule.
However, some diners have found certain dishes to be bland, and there are concerns about value. While prices are generally seen as reasonable, recent observations point to reduced container sizes without corresponding price adjustments, which has caused some dissatisfaction.
Good
6.1
out of 10
137
Reviews
59.9%
Satisfaction
48
negative
7
neutral
82
positive
This establishment earns an overall score of 6.1, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 59.9%. These figures are drawn from 137 customer remarks, comprising 82 positive and 48 negative observations.
While not exceptional, this indicates a generally acceptable experience for many patrons. Looking closer, Food (6.3) receives a slightly above-average rating, though some dishes are noted for being bland.
Service (5.9) is also seen as generally efficient and friendly. However, Ambience (5.8) and Value (5.4) lag slightly, with concerns about the lack of dedicated seating and perceived portion reductions impacting the overall experience.
What people like
- Healthy, convenient meals
- Efficient, friendly staff
- Good breakfast value
What people don't like
- Reduced portion sizes
- Limited seating options
- Inconsistent service issues
This venue serves as a practical choice for those prioritizing quick, wholesome meals, especially during busy periods. While it excels in convenience and generally offers satisfying food, be mindful of the dining setup and recent changes in portioning.
With a recommendation score of 6.1, it’s a solid option if you’re seeking a fast, healthy bite and don’t require a traditional sit-down experience. However, if consistent value and a dedicated dining space are top priorities, you might consider other alternatives.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Fast-Food-Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
178
94.4%
- $$
- West Portal
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fast-Food-Restaurant
8.1
out of 10
out of 10
158
83.5%
- $$
- Excelsior
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fast-Food-Restaurant
8.1
out of 10
out of 10
271
84.5%
- $$
- Potrero Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fast-Food-Restaurant
7.7
out of 10
out of 10
104
77.9%
- $$
- South of Market
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fast-Food-Restaurant
7.5
out of 10
out of 10
158
74.1%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fast-Food-Restaurant
7.1
out of 10
out of 10
245
71.4%
- $$
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Proper Food
Food (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many customers found plenty to love, with 54 positive remarks out of 84 total. Diners frequently praised the fresh and flavorful dishes, often highlighting them as nutritious and satisfying choices. The convenience of grab and go options and wholesome options also received high marks, making it a solid choice for quick, healthy eats.
However, the food experience wasnt universally stellar, with 28 negative comments. Some found the pre-packaged food to lack flavor and be quite bland, especially noting issues with reduced portions. This contributes to an overall score of 6.3 (average) and a customer satisfaction of 64.3% (mixed), suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency.
Food
84
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
28
negative
2
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful food
- Nutritious, satisfying meals
- Convenient grab-and-go
What people don't like
- Bland, no flavor
- Small, reduced portions
- Pre-packaged food
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was great. The food is healthy and tastes really good. It's the fastest place to pick-up and pay for food, as everything is premade.
- coconut prawn and kale saladPlease bring back the coconut prawn and kale salad!
- GF breakfast sandwichused to offer a GF breakfast sandwich
- Kale Chipotle Chicken SaladEnjoyed the Kale Chipotle Chicken Salad
- Lean & Clean w/ Chickenpicked up the Lean & Clean w/ Chicken
- Power Breakfasttheir Power Breakfast may be the best value breakfast in the city
- area-sourced ingredientsmade with area-sourced ingredients
- breakfast optionsThey also have breakfast options
- broccoli, chicken, and herb sauceThe broccoli, chicken, and herb sauce made this meal
- chickenI tried the salmon and the chicken and they were both great.
Frequently criticized
- foodThey offer great wholesome options, which I appreciate. However, I did find some of the food to be a bit bland. The juices were really good.
- FoodFood:2
- GF breakfast sandwichI used to exclusively visit this spot for breakfast during busy work mornings because they offered a GF breakfast sandwich. Unfortunately, they phased that out in August 2024 and haven't replaced it with an equal gluten-free option. Because of this, I have not returned.
- GF muffinwish so badly they would stock a GF muffin
- Mexican harvest bowlMexican harvest bowl was bland
- SalmonSalmon was not delicious
- blandit was so bland
- container sizescontainer sizes have been clearly reduced
- dressingIt was so bland. The dressing was like a grown man's tears that turned sour after sitting for so long. You would think there's salt, but nope!
- flavorno flavor
If youre seeking quick, healthy, and often delicious grab-and-go meals, this spot could be a great fit, especially for its fresh and nutritious options. However, if youre sensitive to pre-packaged food or expect consistently bold flavors and generous portions, you might find some dishes disappointing. It's a convenient choice, but manage your expectations regarding flavor consistency.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers have had some really positive experiences! Folks often praise the staff and waitstaff for being friendly and providing good service, with several noting that the service was fast and always great. In fact, out of 27 comments, 15 were positive, contributing to a customer satisfaction of 55.6%.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. There are definitely some areas for improvement, as reflected in the 5.9 score, which places service in the average range. Some customers encountered issues with cashiers or employees making faces or even harassing people, and there were frustrating instances of order cancellation without explanation, impacting delivery time.
With 10 negative remarks, its clear there's a mixed bag of experiences.
Service
27
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Helpful team
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Order cancellation
- Delivery issues
Often praised
- staffThe juices were really good. The service was always great, with nice and friendly staff.
- servicethe service was fast
- ServiceService:5
- calorie lookupthey have a little lookup list at the register. Nice!
- fastest placeFastest place to pick-up and pay for food.
- good serviceWhile there's no seating inside, there's an open space upstairs with seats and tables for the general public. It's not cheap, but the quality of the food and good service made it worth the price.
- reward programjoin their reward program through the restaurant's app.
- team membersTeams members are very helpful
- waitstaffthe waitstaff has been there for decades
Frequently criticized
- cashierthe cashier left to go harass someone outside
- ServiceService:1
- delivery time1:30 delivery. PLENTY of time to fulfill the order
- employeesome weird employee with an iPad was harassing the public
- employeessomething not right with the emploees
- notificationI receive a notification that Proper Food cancelled the order
- order cancellationProper Food cancelled the order. No reason, no apology
- serviceService:1
- staff memberidiot staff member harass a guy
Overall, service here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. While many appreciate the friendly and efficient staff, there are enough reports of frustrating incidents like order cancellations or unhelpful employees to give you pause. If you're feeling lucky, you might get great service, but be prepared for potential hiccups.
Ambience (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
While the ambience gets an average score of 5.8 with customer satisfaction at 50%, some guests really enjoy the old school atmosphere. Based on 5 positive remarks out of 10 total, the open space upstairs and a nice sitting area are definite pluses, offering a pleasant spot for those who find it. However, 3 negative comments point to a significant drawback: the lack of a dedicated space to sit.
This makes the overall atmosphere feel more like a grocery store than a restaurant, which can be a real disappointment if you're expecting a traditional dining setup.
Ambience
10
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Old school atmosphere
- Open space upstairs
- Nice sitting area
What people don't like
- No dedicated seating
- Grocery store feel
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereAtmosphere:4
- old schoolThis place is definitely old school
- open space upstairsupstairs is an open space for the general public with seats and tables
- sitting areaThere is a nice sitting area
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- no dedicated spaceMy go-to pick here is the nicoise salad. This FiDi joint is more like a grocery store, as there is a counter to pay and no dedicated space to sit. I recommend Proper Food when you are looking for something quick and healthy during a solo lunch break.
If youre looking for a quick stop and dont mind a more casual, grab-and-go feel, the ambience might suit you. But if a proper, dedicated dining space is a must, you might find this spot lacking.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 50% and an average score of 5.4. Many folks appreciate the reasonable prices, especially for items like sandwiches and the standout Power Breakfast, which some call the best value breakfast in the city. Based on 8 positive comments, the general sentiment is that you can find good deals here.
However, not everyone is thrilled, with 7 negative comments highlighting concerns. Some feel the prices are on the pricey side, especially for salads or dine-in options, with complaints about tiny portions. Theres also a strong sentiment regarding a lack of transparency, as some customers feel portions have been quietly reduced while prices stayed the same or increased.
Value
16
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Best value breakfast
- Reasonable sandwich prices
- Competitive pricing
What people don't like
- Tiny portions for price
- Lack of transparency
- Expensive salads
Often praised
- PricesPrices are reasonable and competitive
- fast casualnumerous places nearby that are fast casual
- pricethe price
- price per personPrice per person:$20–30
- pricesthe prices to be reasonably priced
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price
- sandwichfind the sandwich more reasonably prices
- value breakfastI found the prices to be reasonably priced. Their Power Breakfast is a standout, potentially offering the best value breakfast in the city. It was so good!
Frequently criticized
- dine-in pricetiny portions for a dine-in price
- priceNot cheap
- pricesAs a loyal customer of Proper Food for quite some time, I've frequently ordered lunch for myself and my team. However, over the past several weeks, it's become impossible to ignore that both the food portions and container sizes have been clearly reduced, while prices remain the same or even higher. This kind of quiet downsizing feels deceptive and disrespectful to everyday consumers who have supported the brand for years.
- pricey sideWhile on the pricey side, Proper Food lives up to its name. It offers a varied selection of fresh salads, sandwiches, soups, juices, and more to keep you nourished through the workday.
- saladsTheir salads are pretty expensive
- tip amountselect low tip amount
- transparencytransparency matters and this approach erodes trust
If youre looking for a great breakfast deal or a reasonably priced sandwich, this spot could be a winner. However, be mindful that some find portions small for the price, especially for dine-in or salads, and there are concerns about pricing transparency. Its a place with some good value, but also some potential disappointments.
How are the prices at Proper Food?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 17 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Fast Food Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 23, many guests actually spend less, often in the $11–$20 range, with a few opting for much pricier options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 17 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Fast Food Restaurant in San Francisco, especially given the variety in what people choose to spend. It offers options for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Proper Food
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Helpful Staff and Simple Menu
My experience at the restaurant was positive, largely due to the helpful team members. The menu concept is simple and straightforward, offering lots of options.
- team members9
- menu concept8
- options8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
3
Disappointing Downsizing at Proper Food
As a loyal customer of Proper Food for quite some time, I've frequently ordered lunch for myself and my team. However, over the past several weeks, it's become impossible to ignore that both the food portions and container sizes have been clearly reduced, while prices remain the same or even higher. This kind of quiet downsizing feels deceptive and disrespectful to everyday consumers who have supported the brand for years.
I understand that costs rise, but transparency matters and this approach erodes trust. I've decided to change my daily lunch supplier for myself and my team going forward. It's unfortunate because Proper Food used to stand out for quality and integrity, but these recent changes make it hard to feel valued as a customer.
- quality5
- integrity5
- food portions2
- container sizes2
- prices2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Fresh and Flavorful Lean & Clean Chicken
My experience picking up the Lean & Clean w/ Chicken from Proper Food - First St. through MealPal was fantastic. The meal was incredibly fresh and flavorful. I particularly enjoyed the combination of broccoli, chicken, and herb sauce, which made the dish both nutritious and satisfying.
It was definitely a delicious choice for lunch!
- Lean & Clean w/ Chicken9
- fresh and flavorful10
- broccoli, chicken, and herb sauce9
Visit Type
- Delivery
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Order Cancelled After Long Wait
I wish I had read the reviews before I had placed my Uber Eats order. It would have saved me a lot of time and stress. I placed an order for myself and 12 others at 10 am for 1: 30 delivery, which was plenty of time to fulfill the order.
However, at 1: 15 pm, over 3 hours after placing the order, I received a notification that Proper Food cancelled the order with no reason or apology, just "Your order was cancelled by the restaurant. " This left me with 12 hungry people expecting food in 15 minutes and no explanation. Don't waste your time like I did, and look elsewhere.
- order cancellation1
- delivery time1
- notification1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
1
Cashier left to harass someone, no lunch!
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. I went here to eat, but the cashier left to go harass someone outside for recording. People record all the time, and I don't understand why he felt the need to leave all the customers to protect us.
You don't need to protect the public for minimum wage. I needed lunch and was unable to get it due to this incident. I will never be coming here again.
- cashier1
- lunch1
What Proper Food offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Coffee
Dining options
- Dinner
- Catering
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Proper Food accessible for everyone?
Yes, Proper Food ensures a welcoming experience for all its guests. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it easy for you to visit and enjoy your meal comfortably.
What kind of meals and dining options does Proper Food offer?
Proper Food provides a variety of dining options throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also enjoy quick bites, healthy options, and vegetarian choices, along with coffee.
How does this establishment generally rate with customers?
This venue has an overall score of **6.1** and a customer satisfaction of **59.9%**. Its **Food** (6.3) and **Service** (5.9) are seen as average to good, while **Ambience** (5.8) and **Value** (5.4) are slightly lower.
What are the highlights of this venue's menu?
Many customers appreciate the healthy and convenient meal options, with specific mentions of tasty items like the Kale Chipotle Chicken Salad and the value-driven Power Breakfast.
What should I know about the dining experience and pricing here?
While prices are generally considered reasonable, some customers have noted concerns about reduced portion sizes. The dining area is also limited, often utilizing an open space upstairs rather than dedicated seating.