Delica Introduce
For those living in or visiting the vibrant culinary scene of California, the quest for fresh, high-quality, and convenient dining options is ever-present. In the iconic San Francisco Ferry Building, a true gem stands out for its authentic Japanese offerings: Delica. More than just a restaurant, Delica operates as a modern Japanese deli, specializing in a delectable array of prepared foods, perfect for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal on the go, or to savor amidst the picturesque surroundings of the San Francisco Bay.
Delica embodies the essence of Japanese culinary precision and freshness, bringing it to the bustling heart of San Francisco. Their philosophy centers on providing dishes that are not only delicious but also reflect the care and balance typical of Japanese home cooking. It's a place where busy professionals, curious tourists, and local food enthusiasts can all find something to satisfy their cravings for authentic Japanese flavors without the wait of a traditional sit-down restaurant. From beautifully assembled bento boxes to a variety of unique salads and perfectly crafted onigiri, Delica is a testament to the idea that fast food can also be exceptionally good and wholesome.
Delica is perfectly situated within one of San Francisco's most beloved landmarks: the Ferry Building Marketplace. You'll find them at BLDG SHOP 45, 1 Ferry Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA. This prime location is not just picturesque but also incredibly convenient and accessible for anyone in California looking to experience the best of San Francisco's food scene.
The Ferry Building itself is a major transportation hub, making Delica easily reachable by various means. For those using public transit, the Embarcadero BART and Muni stations are directly across the street, offering seamless connections from across the Bay Area. Multiple bus lines also stop nearby. If you're arriving by ferry, you'll step directly into the marketplace, with Delica just a short stroll away. For drivers, paid parking garages are available in the vicinity, though public transport is often recommended due to city traffic. The beauty of its location in the Ferry Building means that once you've picked up your delicious meal from Delica, you can easily find ample outdoor seating to enjoy the stunning views of the Bay Bridge, the bay waters, and the passing ferries, truly enhancing your dining experience with a refreshing Bay breeze and impressive mountain landscapes.
Delica operates primarily as a Japanese deli, specializing in high-quality, prepared foods designed for convenience without compromising on flavor or authenticity. Their services are centered around providing a wide array of ready-to-eat Japanese dishes. Key offerings include:
Prepared Bento Boxes: Expertly curated bento boxes featuring a variety of dishes, offering a balanced and complete meal. These are perfect for lunch or dinner on the go.
Diverse Salad Selection: A wide range of unique and healthy Japanese-inspired salads. Popular choices highlighted by customers include the Hijiki and Soybean Salad, known for its healthy and flavorful profile.
Onigiri (Rice Balls): Freshly made onigiri with various fillings. The Beef Ginger Onigiri has been specifically praised by customers for its delicious taste and convenient format.
Hot Food Bar: A rotating selection of hot Japanese dishes, often including items like chicken karaage, salmon, and various vegetable preparations, all prepared with fresh ingredients.
Donburi (Rice Bowls): While primarily a deli, they also offer satisfying rice bowls with different toppings, providing another hearty meal option.
Japanese-inspired Sandwiches: Unique sandwich creations that blend Japanese flavors with Western deli concepts, such as the "Modern Norwegian sandwich" mentioned in a review, which suggests a fusion approach.
Beverages: A selection of Japanese beverages, including teas and other refreshing drinks, to complement your meal.
Quick Service: As a deli, Delica is designed for efficiency, ensuring that customers can get high-quality food quickly, ideal for busy schedules.
Takeout and Outdoor Dining: While primarily a grab-and-go establishment, the surrounding Ferry Building offers abundant outdoor seating with scenic views for immediate enjoyment of your meal.
Delica distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that contribute to its glowing reputation among locals and visitors alike:
Exceptional Food Quality: Customers consistently laud the "incredible quality of food" at Delica. This commitment to fresh, high-grade ingredients is a core tenet of their offerings, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
Authentic Japanese Flavors: Delica delivers genuine Japanese tastes, from their meticulously prepared salads to their onigiri and hot dishes. This authenticity resonates with those seeking a true Japanese culinary experience outside of a traditional sit-down restaurant.
Convenient Deli Format: The deli-style service means quick and efficient transactions, perfect for those with limited time or looking for a convenient meal. Despite the speed, the quality is maintained.
Variety and Innovation: Delica offers a diverse menu that goes beyond standard sushi rolls. Their salads, unique sandwich creations (like the Modern Norwegian sandwich), and various hot dishes showcase a blend of traditional Japanese techniques with modern culinary interpretations.
Specific Customer Favorites: The Hijiki and Soybean Salad and the Beef Ginger Onigiri are frequently highlighted by reviewers as must-try items, indicating their standout flavors and popularity.
Prime Ferry Building Location: Being inside the iconic Ferry Building adds significantly to the overall experience. The availability of "easy to come by" outdoor seating with "Bay breeze and mountain landscape" creates a "picturesque environment for eating," transforming a simple meal into a memorable occasion.
Friendly and Attentive Service (Despite Deli Format): Even in a busy, deli-style environment, the staff strive to provide excellent service. As one reviewer mentioned, "our waitress, Victoria, made sure we were well taken care of and did an amazing job helping us!", indicating a commitment to customer satisfaction even amidst high volume.
Healthy and Wholesome Options: Many of Delica's offerings, particularly its salads and various prepared dishes, lean towards healthier choices, catering to a health-conscious clientele.
As a Japanese deli located within the bustling Ferry Building, specific, ongoing public promotions for Delica are not widely advertised in the same way a traditional restaurant might offer happy hour or fixed-price menus. However, establishments within the Ferry Building Marketplace often participate in seasonal events, holiday specials, or joint promotions with other vendors. Given their focus on fresh, daily prepared items, their "specials" might come in the form of daily rotating hot dishes or seasonal salads that highlight the freshest ingredients available.
It is always recommended for interested customers to visit Delica's counter directly at the Ferry Building, check their website (if available), or follow their social media channels for any immediate updates on daily specials or limited-time offerings. The best "promotion" at Delica often lies in the consistent high quality and value of their freshly prepared meals, especially when compared to other quick dining options in the area.
For inquiries about Delica's offerings, daily specials, or any other questions, you can reach them using the following contact details:
Address: BLDG SHOP 45, 1 Ferry Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
Phone: (415) 834-0344
As a popular spot, especially during lunch hours, a visit in person is often the best way to experience their full selection. Their location within the Ferry Building makes them easily discoverable for anyone exploring this iconic San Francisco landmark.
For residents across California, and particularly those in the San Francisco Bay Area, Delica at the Ferry Building is an ideal culinary stop that perfectly aligns with local preferences and lifestyles. Its primary appeal lies in its unparalleled convenience paired with genuinely high-quality Japanese cuisine. Californians value fresh, wholesome ingredients, and Delica's commitment to this is evident in every dish, from their vibrant salads to their savory onigiri.
The ability to quickly grab a delicious and healthy meal, whether for a working lunch, a picnic by the bay, or a convenient dinner to take home, speaks volumes to the fast-paced yet health-conscious ethos prevalent in the state. The Ferry Building location itself is a major draw, offering stunning views and a lively atmosphere that enhances the dining experience, transforming a simple meal into a memorable moment. While one review mistakenly referred to it as a "European restaurant," the overwhelming consensus points to its distinct Japanese identity and high culinary standards. Delica provides a consistent, reliable, and delightful option for authentic Japanese food that fits seamlessly into the local Californian lifestyle, offering quality, convenience, and a taste of Japan with a view.
Delica Food & drink
All Day - Sushi Rolls
- Salmon Poke Don US$16.00
Sustainable Atlantic salmon, organic onion, and brokaw avocado tossed in our house poke sauce served over white sushi rice.
- Avocado Roll US$8.50
Organic brokaw avocado wrapped in sushi rice and nori seaweed.
- Spicy Tuna Roll US$16.00
Minced big eye tuna with cucumber, red chilis, and a hint of house mayonnaise.
- Shrimp And Crab Roll US$16.00
White shrimp, Alaskan snow crab, red bell pepper, lettuce, house mayonnaise, and soy sauce.
- Spicy Salmon Roll US$15.50
Tender salmon mixed with spicy sauce, wrapped in rice and seaweed.
All Day - Salads
- ½ LB Mabo Eggplant Salad US$8.75
Fried eggplant mixed with ground all natural chicken in a “Piri Kara” chili sauce with ginger, red bell pepper, and bean thread noodles. Tossed with cilantro and green onions.
- ½ LB Green Bean Salad US$8.75
Crunchy green beans and organic shredded carrots in a traditional creamy sesame dressing.
- ½ LB Spicy Burdock Root Salad US$9.30
A mildly spicy mix of braised burdock, lotus roots and konnyaku (mountain yam) tossed with julienned carrots, thinly sliced white onion, celery, and organic spring mix.
- ½ LB Hijiki And Soybean Salad US$9.30
Hijiki seaweed, dried soybeans, konnyaku (mountain yam), and fried tofu skin cooked with soy sauce then tossed with daikon, organic spring mix, and garnished with kuko (gojiberry), green onion and edamame, rich in iron, and protein.
All Day - Donburi - Rice in Bowl
- Mushroom Curry US$16.00
Sauteed brown mushrooms in a mildly spicy curry. Served hot over rice and topped with fried lotus chips.
- Gyu-Don US$15.50
Thinly sliced USDA Angus beef and white onion simmered in a lightly sweet soy sauce based sauce. Served over white rice.
- Beef Curry US$16.00
All natural Angus beef and Yukon potatoes in our unique interpretation of a traditional curry. Served hot over rice.
All Day - Soups
- Salmon Chowder US$8.00
Wild Sockeye Salmon from Copper River, yellow onion, potato, organic carrots, and house chicken broth in a cream based chowder.
- Organic Tofu Miso Soup US$5.00
Miso soup with bonito dashi, organic tofu, wakame seaweed, and green onion.
- Carrot And Ginger Soup US$6.50
Organic carrots, ginger, and onions pureed with chicken broth.
All Day - Deli
- Chicken Dumpling 1 Pc US$3.50
All-natural freshly ground chicken with organic tofu, water chestnuts, and shiitake mushrooms in a sweet chili sauce and topped with cilantro.
- Agedashi Tofu Steak 1 Pc US$7.00
Silken organic tofu lightly dusted with potato starch and deep fried. Served in a tentsuyu made of dashi, mirin, and shoyu then topped with far west fungi mushrooms and green onions.
- Sweet And Spicy Chicken 1 Pc US$3.50
All natural chicken marinated in sake and kiwi, lightly fried then tossed in our sweet and spicy sauce and black sesame.
- Pork Cutlet (Tonkatsu) 1 Pc US$3.50
All natural pork tenderloin cutlet in our panko drizzled with house-made tonkatsu sauce.
- Fried Shrimp Cake 1 Pc US$7.00
Made with fresh white shrimp and coated in our house made panko breadcrumbs. Served with our house tartar sauce.
- Potato Croquette 1 Pc US$3.50
Delicately fried Russet and Yukon gold potato croquette with caramelized onions.
All Day - Sides
- White Rice (Single Serving) US$2.00
Steamed white rice, served as a simple and classic side dish.
- Wasabi & Ginger US$0.25
Typically includes wasabi and ginger, often served with a light soy dressing.
All Day - Bentos
- 4-Item Bento Preset US$17.50
Customizable. Two salads, one deli item, and rice.
Delica Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
Crowd
- Tourists
Planning
- Usually a wait
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Delica Photos










Delica Location
Delica
BLDG SHOP 45, 1 Ferry Plaza SHOP 45, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
Delica Reviews
Highly recommend stopping here if you're in the ferry building! The quality of food is incredible, service is extremely quick as you would expect from a deli, and outdoor seating is easy to come by. The Bay breeze and mountain landscape created a picturesque environment for eating. The Hijiki and Soybean Salad and Beef Ginger Onigiri were by far the best of the items I tried.
August 16 · Isabel YanesThis place was very busy, but well worth it. Food was absolutely delicious (I had the Modern Norwegian sandwich and my friends had the Egg sandwich). European restaurants are much more relaxed so don’t expect immediate service or the waiters/waitresses to be at the will of all your requests. However, our waitress, Victoria, made sure we were well taken care of and did an amazing job helping us! 10/10 would recommend!
September 29 · Enzo StagnaroVery yummy food at this Japanese delicatessen! The 9-piece bento box was a lovely sampler, but I do wish it had more fish. The poke was also yummy. The salmon and avocado rolls were generous portions and lovely bites, the perfect lunch! Don’t forget to grab a rice ball, they’re easy to miss but really lovely eats. Service was kind and quick.
May 08 · Sergio DTo be exact this place is located inside the Ferry Building in San Francisco. Three stars for now. We came in to this Japanese Deli at the latter part of the afternoon so the food maybe not be as fresh as if you were to come earlier in the day. We came for dinner. They serve bento box like meals, small plates and some sushi, other stuff, and drinks.We got some sushi, a small plate of curry beef with rice, and a potato/vegetable fry thing. The food was okay. The staff weren’t really that friendly and they seemed to not hear us well because we kept repeating our order. The potato/vegetable fry thing would have been really good if it was served hot. They didn’t offer to heat it up. There are plenty of community tables but you have to be aware of your surroundings!!!
October 20 · Jemellee ManaoatGreat range of food. theres something for everyone. SF lunch is super expensive, but delica is my go to because you can get a lot of food under 8$ from their food bar. white rice, sweet and sour chicken, pork cutlet, rice balls,all 3$ each. highly recommend. opens at 930 too!
February 06 · Ernie Bello
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