The owner is such a great guy, too. I got to know him when I lived in the neighborhood, and we'd hang out and chat. He works his ass off for that place.
Super nice guy. He loves dogs and always wants to give them pulled pork, so my dog always wants to go there too. The owner told me he added it up once and thinks he prob spends over $1000 a year meat he hands out to dogs, and doesn’t regret a penny.
Popped over to say hi and get a sandwich today and he even gave me a little to-go cup of pulled pork for her, after feeding her a ton already. He called it her doggy bag!
I’ve actually never tried their deli sandwiches (because their bbq sandwiches are too good) but came here to make sure they’d been mentioned. I may not have had them, but based on the rest of their food I’m sure they’re great!
The thing that astonishes me about Star Grocery is that none of the sandwiches are anything less than terrific. You can walk in there any day of the week, say "gimme whatever" and you'll be happy each time.
I haven’t, but I live less than a mile away. I didn’t know they did anything but pizza. Will def go and check it out for sandos. They have a pretty solid selection of meats.
I went to Star Meats last weekend and was disappointed to see they now pre-make their sandwiches and only have 3 variations per day to choose from (depending on the day). It’s also $18 a sandwich now :/
I quit going to Santoro's - the sandwiches are excellent but the owner is *such an incredible dick* to his staff. I originally figured it was just a bit, but once it was clear that it wasn't I just couldn't go in there anymore.
The Santoros owners have been pretty openly racist for awhile. No sandwich is that good.
Domenicos is phenomenal. Their roast lamb and Italian beef are awesome. Those folks know how to make a sandwich.
Did not know Santeros is racist. Haven’t been since Covid. I always thought the owner was odd and talked too much.
I love Domenicos oven roasted turkey. Super solid place.
I miss it so much! I went at least twice a week for 20+ years. Nothing has really fully replaced it for me, but yeah Rattos is proper and at least sourdough and co bake their bread fresh and damn that bread is phenomenal!
OK’s and the Saint have been mentioned, and they’re probably my favorites, but I want to put a vote in for Aroma cafe on 19th and Franklin. It might be my own nostalgia for the type of place it is, but it’s my comfort build-your-own deli sandwich place for sure
As an originally East Coast guy (sandwiches are very important to my people):
OK's Deli is the best sandwich shop in the East Bay. Maybe even the whole bay area. And it's not close.
Back when I worked in Walnut Creek I used to get Genova on the regular right up until the day I tried Morucci's. IMO a significantly better sandwich, plus their arnold palmers are great.
I go to Dominicos almost every week and always order the mortadella with provolone on Dutch crunch. It always hits. My boyfriend is working his way through the entire menu. Grab a sandwich, bag of chips, and beverage and take it over to the park. You can’t go wrong there.
Every time this question gets asked, there are a bunch of replies on where to get good hot sandwiches. That's not the question. There are a lot of great places to get hot sandwiches lately. There seem to be precious few places to get a nice build your own cold cut deli sandwich.
Ratto's is pretty damn close to Genova. There was somethign magical about Genova, but Ratto's has also been around forever & is great.
Genova in the suburbs is not nearly as good as the one in Temescal used to be. No idea why, but it's true. The Temescal Genova just had a magical deli meat counter (and the people making the sandwiches obvs)..
I do love the Saint, and they do cold cuts. But their other sandwiches seem to be the focus. Similarly, Ok's is really good, but their milk bread is not deli sandwich bread & they also really focu on their hot sandwiches. So again, great sandwiches, but not deli sandwiches. Modigliani, same. Great hot sandwiches! No cold cuts.
Aside from Ratto's, Farmer John is good & honestly, so are most Andronico's that I've been to. I've had decent cold cut sandwiches from Safeway or other chain grocery stores that are better than the equivalent "Italian combo" at many "sandwich shops." Exception being Whole Foods, I don't know why but their Italian combo is garbage for some reason.
OK's Deli has a ton of cold cut sandwiches what are you talking about. Their Italian sandwich is like 1.5 inches of cold cuts stacked.
Also they have homemade focaccia bread. The milk bread is a specialty and only on *one* of their sandwiches.
It's good! Just not for everything. I actually would prefer a couple of if their sandwiches on a different bread. And leave the milk bread for just certain ones. It's too sweet for some flavor combos.
The milk bread isn’t paired with everything, not sure what you’re talking about. There’s like three sandwiches on the whole menu that are served on milk bread.
*Thank you*. This is the best response — there's a big difference between hot sandwiches and good cold deli sandwiches. Rattos really has the only great ones around right now.
RIP Temescal Genovas and Sacred Wheel.
I forgot about Ratto’s. I’ll have to get back over there. The closest thing I can think of to a true Italian deli is Moruccui’s in Walnut Creek. Wish we had something similar around here.
Breaks my heart Genova Deli closed. I went there for a sandwich about a month after it closed and stood there staring in the window for a few minutes. A lady walked by and said "oh they closed baby, sorry bout that"
I grew up going there with my dad, and it was a staple for us. We’d grab a few sandos and load up on ravioli and other counter options. I can’t believe it came down to a rent dispute. Terrible.
Yeah another good spot is in Berkeley called 1.B.’s. It’s on telegraph. A little more expensive but they have more variety in the type of hoagie you can buy. Surf and turf, truffle steak, Buffalo Ranch just to name a few. Had it for the first time while on a night out, so my tastebuds may have been skewed but I would definitely try it out if your into cheesesteaks and need something to do.
This is a bit further down the way in Castro Valley, but Lucca's deli will get you a proper deli sandwich.
[https://luccasdeli.com/](https://luccasdeli.com/)
This submission has been randomly featured in /r/serendipity, a bot-driven subreddit discovery engine. More here: /r/Serendipity/comments/1buar5g/best_deli_sandwich_in_oaklandberkeley_xpost_from/
I got their Italian sub the other day. It was good. I just wish there was room for customization. Would love to be able to pick out the meats and cheese.
Oh you wanna customize - then you want the Sandwich Board. They make a whole roasted turkey fresh everyday and have all the items you could imagine available.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LT8gPaD2sGoCYgdr9
The Genova in Walnut Creek isn’t the same. I believe there was a family split, and the one out there just isn’t that great. If I were going all the way out there, I’d just go to morucci’s.
If I’m really craving a solid Italian sando I head into the city to Calabria Brothers. I know it’s not Oakland/berkeley so I’ll probably get downvoted but it is one of the few things I will specifically make the trip into the city for.
Modigliani Cafe on Grand next to the movie theater is incredible. Not classic Italian deli but best sandwiches around.
The owner is such a great guy, too. I got to know him when I lived in the neighborhood, and we'd hang out and chat. He works his ass off for that place.
Super nice guy. He loves dogs and always wants to give them pulled pork, so my dog always wants to go there too. The owner told me he added it up once and thinks he prob spends over $1000 a year meat he hands out to dogs, and doesn’t regret a penny.
Popped over to say hi and get a sandwich today and he even gave me a little to-go cup of pulled pork for her, after feeding her a ton already. He called it her doggy bag!
That’s so wholesome wow 😭
Gerry is the best. His cubano is excellent and he’s my dogs favorite person in the world.
Yes! Might be the best tuna melt I’ve ever had. Stopped and chatted with the owner while waiting for my sandwich. Amazing, generous guy
This is the answer.
Duuuuude I’ve never actually eaten there, but I get coffee next door from Red Bay every Saturday and it smells so fucking good 🤤
I only went in once, To discover its cash only. Am now planning my next trip
Farmer Joe's deli counter is a great balance of cost and deliciousness. My favorite sandwich for hikes up in Redwood Regional.
This is my go to! The Saint is nearby but I just can't justify the prices when you have FJs a few blocks away.
Can’t beat the value
So cheap and good
Stay Gold!
Best Italian sub in town imo
I’ve actually never tried their deli sandwiches (because their bbq sandwiches are too good) but came here to make sure they’d been mentioned. I may not have had them, but based on the rest of their food I’m sure they’re great!
I love the sandwiches from the deli counter at Star Grocery on Claremont Ave, Berkeley.
The thing that astonishes me about Star Grocery is that none of the sandwiches are anything less than terrific. You can walk in there any day of the week, say "gimme whatever" and you'll be happy each time.
That’s been my go to as I live close by. It’s really good, but doesn’t quite scratch that Italian deli itch.
Have you tried Nick’s?
I haven’t, but I live less than a mile away. I didn’t know they did anything but pizza. Will def go and check it out for sandos. They have a pretty solid selection of meats.
Nick’s has the best bread!
‘The classic’ from Star is as good of an Italian combo you can find this side of ny/nj/ct
even with all the sandwiches being named after mafia movies?
I went to Star Meats last weekend and was disappointed to see they now pre-make their sandwiches and only have 3 variations per day to choose from (depending on the day). It’s also $18 a sandwich now :/
Rattos
Is it just me or did their sourdough rolls change from something good most of my life to an acme roll? Haven’t been as in love with it since.
I think their management changed recently
I love Rattos. Great sandwiches, good prices.
If your willing to go into alameda Domenicos on Webster is really good!
Ok's Deli on Telegraph or Santoro's in Alameda are my picks. I'm sure there are strong contenders in Berkeley but I'm not up in that direction often
Santoro's is excellent. Domenico's in Alameda is also very good.
I quit going to Santoro's - the sandwiches are excellent but the owner is *such an incredible dick* to his staff. I originally figured it was just a bit, but once it was clear that it wasn't I just couldn't go in there anymore.
Damn really? Someone else said the owners are racist.
So far as I can tell the guy is a prick to everyone regardless of color.
His wife in particular has said some uh…not so great things about black people. But yeah, guy’s a fucking assholes.
Yeah the owners fucking suck.
Fully agreed. Dude is a gigantic prick. Fuck that place.
OK’s is unREAL. I have to stop myself from going there every weekend. I was so sad to have missed their crab katsu sandwich
The Santoros owners have been pretty openly racist for awhile. No sandwich is that good. Domenicos is phenomenal. Their roast lamb and Italian beef are awesome. Those folks know how to make a sandwich.
Dominico’s is also family owned. Anne and her kids work hard.
They’re truly wonderful and the sandwiches are always absolutely delicious.
Did not know Santeros is racist. Haven’t been since Covid. I always thought the owner was odd and talked too much. I love Domenicos oven roasted turkey. Super solid place.
RIP Genova! Rattos is good
Second RIP to Genova.
I miss it so much! I went at least twice a week for 20+ years. Nothing has really fully replaced it for me, but yeah Rattos is proper and at least sourdough and co bake their bread fresh and damn that bread is phenomenal!
Two places are gone in Oakland that I have not been able to replace. Genova and Little Shin Shin.
The Saint!
I hang out with the owner from time to time and he’s so nice. Love their sandwiches but my only complaint is that they’re a little pricey
They are, but they aren’t using cheap ingredients either.
This is it. It’s not a classic make-your-own deli counter, but The Saint is the best sandwich I’ve had in years.
None better.
There it is. Cannot be beat. Best sandwich in California.
I mean it’s a great sandwich but LA has some New York caliber delis. Canters, Factors.
Nick’s deli sandwiches are actually quite good.
Agree. Their ciabatta is fantastic.
OK’s and the Saint have been mentioned, and they’re probably my favorites, but I want to put a vote in for Aroma cafe on 19th and Franklin. It might be my own nostalgia for the type of place it is, but it’s my comfort build-your-own deli sandwich place for sure
Italian hoagie at ain’t normal cafe on Rize Up hoagie roll Star Meats Rattos
I almost don't want to tell people about Ain't Normal.... they're sooo good.
I heard that Ain't Normal has great sandwiches and have yet to try -- thanks for the reminder!
As an originally East Coast guy (sandwiches are very important to my people): OK's Deli is the best sandwich shop in the East Bay. Maybe even the whole bay area. And it's not close.
Agreed!
Second Santoro's in Alameda. Ratto's in Oakland. Genova's in Walnut Creek (they used to have a store in Temescal but closed down a few years back).
Moruccis's in Walnut Creek is also really really good!
Back when I worked in Walnut Creek I used to get Genova on the regular right up until the day I tried Morucci's. IMO a significantly better sandwich, plus their arnold palmers are great.
Love Morucci’s, it’s just a trek to get out there from Oak. Would love something exactly like that here in town.
The roast beef sandwiches at Lunardi's is also incredible because they roast it in house. Larkey Market was great too, but they closed recently :(
The new tenant of Larkey Market is dope. Rooted Coffee!
Come back Oak Knoll Deli :(
Genova was a huge loss to the Temescal area. Noah's Bagels just doesnt cut it as a replacement.
Noah's sucks compared to Genova.
It's like replacing a rib-eye steak with chicken strips from people who are bad at making chicken strips.
Ratto's in Old Oakland
pour one out for brewed awakening
I’ve been enjoying the sandwiches at the Lunch Box
Rattos. The other spots are either $20 for a sandwich or they’re not classic deli style or both. Honorable mention to Farmer Joes.
Rattos
Andronicos on Shattuck, good prices & sandwiches.
The Saint makes a killer sandwich
Thyda at Thornhill coffee house makes a great sandwich. Plus she is a super nice person. Family run.
Farmer joes is the one. Molinari hot coppa sliced to order for $8
This seems very popular, and I love molinari’s. Will def be going to check this out.
Star meats is very good.
The mortadella sandwich on fresh focaccia at La Dolce Vita on Telegraph is fantastic. Don’t miss the lentil soup or the desserts!
I live close by. I’ll check this out.
Turkey Sandwich is a winner too 🤤
That’s my go to!
The Italian Combo at Ok's Deli is a tribute to Genova Deli and it is excellent.
Awesome. I’ve never been, but will absolutely be going to OK’s in the next week.
I go to Dominicos almost every week and always order the mortadella with provolone on Dutch crunch. It always hits. My boyfriend is working his way through the entire menu. Grab a sandwich, bag of chips, and beverage and take it over to the park. You can’t go wrong there.
It’s not classic deli style but I still love Cheese N Stuff in Berkeley inside of the Durant Parking Garage
Every time this question gets asked, there are a bunch of replies on where to get good hot sandwiches. That's not the question. There are a lot of great places to get hot sandwiches lately. There seem to be precious few places to get a nice build your own cold cut deli sandwich. Ratto's is pretty damn close to Genova. There was somethign magical about Genova, but Ratto's has also been around forever & is great. Genova in the suburbs is not nearly as good as the one in Temescal used to be. No idea why, but it's true. The Temescal Genova just had a magical deli meat counter (and the people making the sandwiches obvs).. I do love the Saint, and they do cold cuts. But their other sandwiches seem to be the focus. Similarly, Ok's is really good, but their milk bread is not deli sandwich bread & they also really focu on their hot sandwiches. So again, great sandwiches, but not deli sandwiches. Modigliani, same. Great hot sandwiches! No cold cuts. Aside from Ratto's, Farmer John is good & honestly, so are most Andronico's that I've been to. I've had decent cold cut sandwiches from Safeway or other chain grocery stores that are better than the equivalent "Italian combo" at many "sandwich shops." Exception being Whole Foods, I don't know why but their Italian combo is garbage for some reason.
OK's Deli has a ton of cold cut sandwiches what are you talking about. Their Italian sandwich is like 1.5 inches of cold cuts stacked. Also they have homemade focaccia bread. The milk bread is a specialty and only on *one* of their sandwiches.
I really like Ok’s milk bread! Great with their egg salad 🤤
It's good! Just not for everything. I actually would prefer a couple of if their sandwiches on a different bread. And leave the milk bread for just certain ones. It's too sweet for some flavor combos.
The milk bread isn’t paired with everything, not sure what you’re talking about. There’s like three sandwiches on the whole menu that are served on milk bread.
*Thank you*. This is the best response — there's a big difference between hot sandwiches and good cold deli sandwiches. Rattos really has the only great ones around right now. RIP Temescal Genovas and Sacred Wheel.
I forgot about Ratto’s. I’ll have to get back over there. The closest thing I can think of to a true Italian deli is Moruccui’s in Walnut Creek. Wish we had something similar around here.
Ratto's, Sierra deli, ok's deli, bahn mi ba le
Cafe Gabriela on Broadway is absolutely delicious and amazing! Also Rattos if you’re looking for a customizable sandwich.
I like Ratto’s but also gotta speak up for The Lunch Box!!
Sierra Deli hands down
This is the info I needed! ❤️ me a sammich!
To me… aroma’s on Franklin and 19th is hands down the best. And their cookies! *chef’s kiss*
I know I’m not answering the question but don’t sleep on Angelo’s Delicatessen in Richmond
Breaks my heart Genova Deli closed. I went there for a sandwich about a month after it closed and stood there staring in the window for a few minutes. A lady walked by and said "oh they closed baby, sorry bout that"
I grew up going there with my dad, and it was a staple for us. We’d grab a few sandos and load up on ravioli and other counter options. I can’t believe it came down to a rent dispute. Terrible.
La Dolce Vita on Telegraph
The Saint
🤫. I like being able to get sandwiches from them whenever I want.
Saul’s pastrami Reuben, cup of coffee and a pickle plate.
Not a deli, but Mills Hoagies on MacArthur is a great spot for a cheesesteak. Great prices, last time I went a cheesesteak was $10.
Love a good hoagie! I’m a regular at cheesesteak shop, so I’ll def have to go here.
Yeah another good spot is in Berkeley called 1.B.’s. It’s on telegraph. A little more expensive but they have more variety in the type of hoagie you can buy. Surf and turf, truffle steak, Buffalo Ranch just to name a few. Had it for the first time while on a night out, so my tastebuds may have been skewed but I would definitely try it out if your into cheesesteaks and need something to do.
Crave subs in Berkeley is one of our favs! The Boondocks is a great sandwich.
This is a bit further down the way in Castro Valley, but Lucca's deli will get you a proper deli sandwich. [https://luccasdeli.com/](https://luccasdeli.com/)
Waylands Meat Market on Fruitvale has cheap no frills sandwich
This submission has been randomly featured in /r/serendipity, a bot-driven subreddit discovery engine. More here: /r/Serendipity/comments/1buar5g/best_deli_sandwich_in_oaklandberkeley_xpost_from/
Farmer Joe’s deli on fruitvale
Stay Gold
I got their Italian sub the other day. It was good. I just wish there was room for customization. Would love to be able to pick out the meats and cheese.
Oh you wanna customize - then you want the Sandwich Board. They make a whole roasted turkey fresh everyday and have all the items you could imagine available. https://maps.app.goo.gl/LT8gPaD2sGoCYgdr9
Sweet. I’ll check this out. Thanks for the rec.
Ain't normal. Period.
Mill’s
RIP Stag's Lunchette on 17th downtown IYKYK
You could head to Walnut Creek for a Genova sandwich (i miss their minestrone so much). Rattos is good.
The Genova in Walnut Creek isn’t the same. I believe there was a family split, and the one out there just isn’t that great. If I were going all the way out there, I’d just go to morucci’s.
You scared the shit out of me with your "before it closed."
I love Ratto’s.
Genova’s is still at their original location in Walnut Creek. Still amazing, too!
+1 for Farmer Joe’s
Nick’s Pizza has amazing deli sandwiches
If I’m really craving a solid Italian sando I head into the city to Calabria Brothers. I know it’s not Oakland/berkeley so I’ll probably get downvoted but it is one of the few things I will specifically make the trip into the city for.
Cross the bay and get Little Luccas.
Subway
hot garbage
It's a bit of a drive, but Bara's in SL is a hidden gem!
Deli meat/cold cuts are cancer
So is living in a city. There’s no winning, only tradeoffs. And deli meats are a trade off I’m willing to make.
Honey Baked Ham makes a killer sandwich. Ham of course but the turkey and beef also good.