If you live in San Francisco, you know food delivery can get pricey fast. Between service fees, delivery charges, and tips, that $12 burrito suddenly costs $20. So, what’s the best app for getting your food fast without burning a hole in your wallet? Let’s break down the cheapest food delivery options in SF and help you figure out which one actually gives you the most bang for your buck.
1. DoorDash
DoorDash is a food delivery app in San Francisco, offering access to a large number of local restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience shops. The app lets users browse by cuisine, price, or rating and offers delivery, pickup, or even scheduled orders. While fees can vary depending on the restaurant and distance, it remains a popular option for those who want variety and flexibility in their delivery choices.
It also offers a subscription called DashPass, which can reduce delivery and service fees on eligible orders. That said, users still need to factor in service fees, small order fees, and tips, which can add up quickly. Overall, DoorDash is convenient for people who want lots of options and don’t mind paying a little extra for the comfort of staying in.
Key Highlights:
- Access to a wide range of local restaurants and stores
- Offers delivery, pickup, and scheduled order options
- DashPass subscription available to lower fees
- Real-time order tracking within the app
Who it’s best for:
- People who want lots of food options in one place
- Those who order delivery frequently and want membership benefits
- Users who need flexible order timing or pickup options
2. Uber Eats
Uber Eats is a food delivery app in San Francisco that partners with both chain and local restaurants. The app offers delivery and pickup options, along with estimated delivery times and in-app tracking. Users can sort by price, popularity, or dietary needs to find meals that suit their preferences. While convenient, fees like service charges and small order fees may apply in addition to the cost of the food.
The app also ties into the broader Uber platform, allowing users to bundle ride services with food delivery. A monthly subscription, Uber One, is available and offers reduced fees on eligible orders. Uber Eats is frequently used in busy areas like SoMa, the Financial District, and around major transit hubs where quick access to a variety of food options is helpful.
Key Highlights:
- Works with local and national restaurants
- Offers delivery and pickup choices
- Integrated with the main Uber app
- Optional Uber One subscription for lower fees
Who it’s best for:
- Users already familiar with the Uber ecosystem
- People who want a range of restaurant options
- Those ordering from central or high-traffic areas
3. Grubhub
Grubhub is a food delivery platform used throughout San Francisco. It offers a familiar ordering experience with access to many local restaurants, covering a variety of price ranges and cuisines. Delivery, pickup, and scheduled ordering are supported. Users can search by food type, ratings, or available deals to narrow down their options.
Like many apps, fees vary based on restaurant, location, and order size. Grubhub also provides a membership called Grubhub+ that can reduce some costs on qualifying orders. The app is particularly popular with users who order frequently from the same spots or who like to browse for occasional promotions.
Key Highlights:
- Broad restaurant selection across SF neighborhoods
- Offers delivery, pickup, and pre-ordering
- Grubhub+ available for fee savings on some orders
- Supports customer ratings and restaurant reviews
Who it’s best for:
- Regular delivery users looking for discounts
- People who prefer ordering from familiar places
- Users who like browsing for deals or promos
4. Caviar
Caviar focuses on restaurant delivery, with a curated selection that includes both local favorites and upscale dining options in San Francisco. The app has a smaller but more selective roster of restaurants compared to broader platforms. It’s known for providing access to eateries not typically found on other apps.
The ordering process is straightforward, and users can choose delivery or pickup. Caviar is owned by DoorDash, so it shares infrastructure but maintains its own app interface. While the app may not have as many low-cost options, it is still used by those looking for specific types of food or less mainstream restaurants.
Key Highlights:
- Curated list of restaurants with a focus on quality
- Offers delivery and pickup services
- Smaller but selective restaurant pool
- Shares backend with DoorDash
Who it’s best for:
- People looking for local or premium dining options
- Users who prefer fewer but curated restaurant choices
- Those familiar with the DoorDash platform but wanting a different experience
5. ChowNow
ChowNow is a food ordering platform that partners directly with local restaurants to offer delivery and pickup. Unlike traditional delivery apps, ChowNow doesn’t take a large commission from restaurants, which can sometimes lead to better pricing for customers. The app is focused on supporting independent eateries, and you won’t find big national chains here. Delivery options vary depending on the restaurant’s setup.
ChowNow has a straightforward interface and is commonly used for takeout, though some restaurants offer delivery through their own drivers or third-party logistics. In San Francisco, it’s often used by people looking to support local spots without the markup that comes from other apps.
Key Highlights:
- Connects directly with independent restaurants
- Offers pickup and sometimes delivery, depending on the restaurant
- No added service fees from the app itself
- Focuses on local businesses
Who it’s best for:
- People who want to support local restaurants
- Users looking to avoid third-party delivery fees
- Those who prefer takeout or direct restaurant delivery
6. Delivery.com
Delivery.com offers a variety of delivery options beyond food, including groceries, alcohol, and even laundry services in some areas. In San Francisco, the app connects users with a selection of restaurants and stores, with pricing and availability depending on the neighborhood. It’s useful for people who want more than just meals delivered.
The app supports both one-time orders and scheduled deliveries. Fees and delivery minimums vary based on the provider, and promotions are often available for new users or frequent customers. While it may not have the same restaurant coverage as larger platforms, it’s flexible in terms of what you can order.
Key Highlights:
- Delivery available for food, groceries, and more
- Offers restaurant and non-food delivery options
- Pickup options for select services
- Runs promotions and loyalty points system
Who it’s best for:
- Users who want more than just food delivery
- People looking for bundled delivery services
- Customers in neighborhoods with supported vendors
7. EatStreet
EatStreet connects users with local restaurants for delivery and takeout. While its presence is stronger in smaller cities, it still offers access to a range of eateries in certain parts of San Francisco. The app has a clean interface and often highlights special deals or featured restaurants to make decision-making easier.
Delivery times, fees, and restaurant selection vary by area, and it’s best suited for users in specific zip codes where it has partnered restaurants. EatStreet also allows pre-ordering and gives users the ability to schedule future deliveries or pickups.
Key Highlights:
- Offers both delivery and takeout from local restaurants
- Allows pre-ordering and scheduled deliveries
- Highlights deals and promotions
- Simplified user interface for quick ordering
Who it’s best for:
- People in neighborhoods where EatStreet is active
- Users looking for simple, no-frills ordering
- Those who want to schedule meal delivery ahead of time
8. Instacart
Instacart is primarily known for grocery delivery, but it also offers ready-to-eat meals and prepared food from select stores in San Francisco. Users can shop from major retailers like Safeway, Whole Foods, and local grocers. Some stores include prepared meals like deli items, rotisserie chicken, and sushi.
The app is useful for those who want to combine grocery shopping with meal solutions. It allows for same-day delivery, tipping, and real-time communication with the shopper. While it’s not a traditional restaurant delivery service, it can be a budget-friendly alternative for simple meals and snacks.
Key Highlights:
- Delivers groceries and prepared food from major retailers
- Same-day and scheduled delivery options
- Real-time order tracking and shopper messaging
- Offers wide product range beyond meals
Who it’s best for:
- People who want groceries and meals delivered together
- Users looking for affordable, store-prepared food
- Those planning meals ahead with bulk delivery
9. Seamless
Seamless connects users with a variety of local restaurants across San Francisco. It offers delivery and pickup with an emphasis on user-friendly navigation and filtering. Restaurants listed include everything from fast food to local diners and high-end spots.
Fees vary by restaurant, and Seamless often features discounts or promotional offers. It’s especially useful for repeat orders and quick access to past favorites. While the app does not differ much from Grubhub in functionality, some users prefer it for its familiar interface and brand loyalty.
Key Highlights:
- Offers a broad range of local and chain restaurants
- Easy reordering from previous meals
- Delivery and pickup options
- Regular deals and promotions for users
Who it’s best for:
- Users who previously used Grubhub and want a similar experience
- People who order from a few favorite spots often
- Customers looking for regular discounts or coupons
10. goPuff
goPuff delivers snacks, drinks, household items, and some ready-to-eat food directly from its own warehouses rather than through restaurant partnerships. In San Francisco, it’s used mostly for quick, convenience-focused deliveries rather than full meals. The flat delivery fee and late-night hours make it popular for essentials or last-minute cravings.
While goPuff isn’t a traditional food delivery app, it does offer hot and cold items like pizza, ice cream, and sandwiches in certain locations. It’s often chosen for its speed and simplicity rather than restaurant variety.
Key Highlights:
- Delivers from local micro-warehouses, not restaurants
- Offers snacks, drinks, and prepared food items
- Flat delivery fee structure
- Late-night service in many areas
Who it’s best for:
- Users looking for quick snacks or small meals
- People who want late-night delivery options
- Customers who need groceries and essentials with food
11. FoodJets
FoodJets focuses on fast food delivery from local restaurants, with an emphasis on speed and straightforward pricing. In San Francisco, the app serves limited zones, typically targeting areas where quick service is most needed. Orders are placed directly through the app and delivered by local drivers.
Unlike some larger apps, FoodJets often sets delivery times in advance, which helps users know when their meal will arrive. It’s not as feature-heavy as others, but the app is used by those looking for quick, no-nonsense food delivery.
Key Highlights:
- Offers local restaurant delivery with clear timing
- Emphasizes fast, predictable service
- Covers limited SF areas
- No complex subscription or rewards system
Who it’s best for:
- Users who want meals delivered quickly
- People in neighborhoods covered by FoodJets
- Customers looking for basic delivery without extra features
12. Thistle
Thistle is a meal delivery service that offers plant-based and health-focused meals across San Francisco. The app delivers fresh, pre-made meals that require no cooking, often appealing to people with busy schedules or specific dietary preferences. Meals are planned in advance and delivered on a set schedule, typically once or twice a week.
Thistle is not a restaurant delivery app but a subscription-based service. Users choose from a rotating menu of meals, snacks, and juices. Since everything arrives ready to eat, it’s convenient for those who want to avoid cooking or ordering out regularly. Pricing is upfront, and users can skip weeks or cancel anytime.
Key Highlights:
- Delivers fresh, ready-to-eat plant-based meals
- Set delivery schedule, not on-demand
- Subscription-based with flexible options
- Includes meals, snacks, and drinks
Who it’s best for:
- People looking to cut back on takeout with healthy options
- Users with plant-based or clean eating habits
- Those who prefer meals that require no cooking
13. Good Eggs
Good Eggs is a grocery and meal delivery service in San Francisco that focuses on local, organic, and sustainable products. While its main function is grocery delivery, it also offers meal kits and ready-to-eat food options. This makes it a viable alternative to traditional food delivery apps for people looking to cook or eat prepared meals at home.
The app allows users to shop for ingredients, snacks, and full meals in one order. Delivery is scheduled and typically happens within a day or two. Though it’s not on-demand like most restaurant apps, Good Eggs supports a lifestyle centered around home cooking and eating fresh.
Key Highlights:
- Grocery and meal kit delivery focused on local products
- Offers prepared meals and cooking kits
- Scheduled delivery with flexible ordering
- Emphasis on organic and sustainable sourcing
Who it’s best for:
- People who want to eat at home without heavy cooking
- Shoppers looking for fresh, local groceries and meals
- Users planning meals a few days ahead
14. HelloFresh
HelloFresh delivers weekly meal kits with pre-portioned ingredients and recipes. It’s not a traditional food delivery app, but it serves people who want to avoid takeout and cook meals at home without the planning. In San Francisco, HelloFresh is used by individuals and families who want structured meal routines.
Each week, users pick from a variety of recipes, and the box arrives with everything needed to make each meal. While it doesn’t offer prepared food or same-day delivery, it’s a helpful tool for reducing food waste, skipping grocery trips, and sticking to a meal plan.
Key Highlights:
- Delivers pre-portioned ingredients and recipe cards
- Weekly subscription with meal selection options
- Designed to simplify home cooking
- Not on-demand but scheduled delivery
Who it’s best for:
- People who want to cook at home without meal planning
- Users trying to cut back on restaurant or delivery spending
- Families or individuals looking for variety and structure in meals
Conclusion
In a city like San Francisco, where prices are already high, finding a way to save on food delivery can make a real difference. The “cheapest” app isn’t always just about the lowest delivery fee – it also depends on how often you order, what kind of meals you’re getting, and whether you’re okay with picking up your food or cooking at home sometimes.
The good news is there are plenty of options out there, each with different strengths. Some apps are great for frequent orders if you don’t mind a subscription, while others keep things simple with lower fees or fewer add-ons. And if you’re trying to cut back on spending altogether, planning your meals or cooking at home can be a solid way to stay full without draining your wallet. It all comes down to what works best for your routine, your cravings, and your budget.
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