Delica rf-1, San Francisco

The Three Faces of Delica Rf-1

Japanese Deli

In front of the deli counter, bento boxes and sushi are the prime grab-and-go items. Behind the counter, a whole world of food awaits by the pound: salads, tarts, and even Japanese favorites like tonkatsu—breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets—are ready to take home and share (or store in the refrigerator your family doesn’t know about). Whether you’re stopping by for a quick to-go lunch or stocking up for the week, the counter’s got something for everyone—including a bevy of tasty vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Japanese Tapas

Never heard of Japanese tapas? Don’t worry, there’s no learning curve to conquer before enjoying these small dishes from Japanese executive chef Mikiko Ando. Since it opened, the Japanese-Californian fusion restaurant has promoted food that’s local, organic, hormone-free, and wild-caught. In short: this stuff is not only tasty, but also good for you. Small plates range from slow-roasted duck sashimi at dinner to the crowd-favorite wasabi-garlic potato salad at lunch. Pick a few, pass them around, and take your time savoring them: seasonality means they might not be there on your next visit.

Very Happy Hour

In 2012, Delica won the SF Weekly award for Best Japanese Happy Hour in San Francisco—and for good reason. Between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., Delica rolls out a tantalizing special menu, featuring signature dishes and drinks at easy-to-swallow prices. For starters, a different dish and side are featured each day of the workweek for just $10. Monday through Thursday, certain glasses of wine, sake, and shōchū are $5. And every day, a selection of wine bottles are 30% off. As if you needed another reason to come out to the historic Ferry Terminal with its open-water views and Gold Rush history.