G.B. Ratto & Co. International Grocers
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sat 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. - Price Range: $
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
248 reviews
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
"If you're walking around Polk St. and are a Jew like me (or anyone for that matter) and find yourself hungering for something to fill both…" read more »
78 Reviews for G.B. Ratto & Co. International Grocers
Great deli sandwiches. I had the vegetarian and it really hit the spot.
They give samples of different cheeses and they don't have a problem if you take more than one. :)
I only wish they were open later on the weekends.
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I was told by my boss this place makes good sandwiches. So I head down with a cohort and we get to this place around 2:00 to grab some take out. We completely missed the sign explaining how to order, so we walked all the way around and make it back to the front of the store. AH - DIRECTIONS!
So you fill out a form yes on mayo, mustard, lettuce, etc, now the meats; I got roast beef, add some provolone cheese, I'm in heaven. I head back with my sandwich and next thing you know, a bunch of my co-workers go the next day.
It was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had, but I was also straving. So what can I say? YES I would go back if not for the sandwiches then for their large selection of cheese. They had other interesting items I will have to inspect next time.
Trip II: Sandwich: Mayo, Dijon mustard, lettuce, onions, provolone cheese, pepercino, and salami. It was excellent!
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I sometimes have meetings in downtown Oakland and it was one of these meetings that led me to try Ratto's for the first time. We were given the sandwich order forms at the meeting, and when we headed down to pick 'em up, there were all dozen of them ready and waiting. Quite tasty. The deli itself has a comfortable old-timey feel (I've since heard it's been around for generations) and offers some interesting groceries and gift items. I think the only thing that I missed was interaction with the employees. The order form is an efficient system, but I like being able to explain my requests or ask questions.
I wouldn't hesitate to return if I was in the area and hungry for a sandwich, but with Genova deli only a few blocks from my home, it will not take the prize for my favorite deli in Oakland.
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There are three things Italians love more than anything...
1) Family
2) Food
3) Booze
G.B. Ratto & Co seems to capture all of this in their modest but spacious market on Washington. From the moment I walked in I was almost knocked over by the wonderful smells of cured salami, cloves of garlic, and who knows what else, all I know is that it smelled like heaven in there.
FAMILY
As with anything in Old Oakland, I was given a lesson about the Ratto family. Now run by a fourth generation Ratto, the family tradition still remains strong. The sense of family this shop exudes tells me they have many more miles on these 111 year old tires and the backbone of Old Oakland culture.
FOOD
Ratto's has the food category in the bag if they keep pumping out those wonderful aromas and selling some pretty unique albeit gourmet goodies. And what's this I hear about sandwiches made to order with the freshest ingredients and fast too?
BOOZE
Maybe I was hallucinating but I could've swore I saw some nice wine to go with the cheese. Gawd, why can't I have a Ratto's just down the block from me? Of course if you've been following my storytelling or even hung out with me you'll know that I don't do booze but hell it's fun to watch the ones that do! Silliness is entertainment enough!
Lunch date at Ratto's soon anyone??
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Great deli sandwiches and a full variety of imported foodstuffs.
On Friday's there is a street fair and you'll have to really be a good parking-spot hunter. I suggest visting 11:30am before the crowd or after 1pm, after the crowd.
The hummus sandwiches are great. I like to order hot coppa sometimes, the price is not bad at $5.95 (written in March 2008).
Great sandwiches... lots of choice meats, toppings. Speedy service. Call your order in rather than filling out the form and waiting.
I just now saw a picture of a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich and immediately, my memory zipped to Ratto's! Almost 20 years ago, I met a friend for lunch at Ratto's and the thought of a grilled mozzarella cheese sandwich was such a novelty.....and truly delicious.
My mouth still waters thinking of that sandwich. I need to visit this place more often than a few times each decade!
This visit to Ratto's was also my first experience which showed me that Oakland has great gems. This might have been the grocery store that made we want more variety than what a grocery store chain and suburban strip mall can offer.
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I confess - I have never eaten a custom sammich from here for the following reasons:
a) I prefer to binge on bread secretly... the way that hollow-cheeked supermodels gorge on Nilla Wafers dipped in crack and gallons of Haagen-Dazs between cover shots of Japanese and Italian Vogue. In my memoirs, I'll coyly hint that I can down 2 banh mi sammies in a single sitting... but I don't like to be seen doing it in public.
b) I usually swing by here as an afterthought on Fridays, laden with bags of crisp Fuji apples, gorgeous bunches of dino kale, fresh cut flowers, a few pounds of clementines and 2 dozen eggs. After hitting the Farmer's Market, I simply can't maneuver through the throngs of early lunch patrons spilling out onto the sidewalk.
After taking a couple of kidney shots from the hordes of micro-Asian grannies who determined that I was standing between them and hand-picking the choicest boiled peanuts, I tend to get slightly agoraphobic; they're so frail looking, but ornery... and not at all afraid to run over your feet with their wheeled shopping baskets...
I walk by Ratto's - lingering for just a moment, before I retreat to my safe place and can sort through my produce in peace.
c) I am a condiment whore. Can you imagine Amy Winehouse turning a blind eye to a big, fat, rail of coke? In like fashion, I am helpless in the presence of fleur de sel, (I just don't snort it) truffle oil, balsalmic vinegar, ventresca in olive oil and... handcrafted Moroccan slippers. Whaaa? They're really adorable... even though I can't eat them.
By the time I reach the counter, I've already emptied my pockets of cash, grabbed some fleur de sel caramels, a handful of licorice pastilles, a Violet Crumble bar and levereged my next credit card bill against The Cadet's 529 Plan. Poor thing will end up at a junior college, even though I've been funding the thing since he was a zygote!
There you go; 3 reasons why I can't tell you a damn thing about the sandwiches... But handfuls of delightful reasons that I haven't gotten to 'em yet.
Make Sandwiches, Not War!
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Ratto's is busy busy at lunchtime, but luckily, if I take a lunch, it's usually a late one. At 2:30pm the lunchtime crowds are gone. I usually go for cheese and some bulk beans and lentils and pick up a sandwich too.
Ratto's has a gargantuan amount of choices when it comes to sandwiches. When you enter, pick up a sandwich slip at the front table, mark off your choices, and hand it to the nice lady behind the counter.
The first time I went I was overwhelmed by the choices and selected the "Jenny": fresh mozzarella, fresh pesto spread, ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced onion, crisp romaine on a perfect, fresh baguette. It was delicious. My favorite sandwich, by, far is my own creation, which is a baguette with pesto, prosciutto, onion and havarti.
I love to wander around the shop and buy lots of herbs and bulk items I didn't realize I desperately needed while I wait for my sandwich to be made.
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I don't go to Ratto's as nearly as often as I used to. In the 70s it was one of my regular hangouts, the place I'd go to for bulk pasta and interesting groceries. I remember standing in line and hearing the owner speak 5 or 6 different languages to people as the walked in. It was unspeakably cool. Then more places opened closer to me where I could pick up the stuff I used to go to Ratto's for. My last time there was a couple of years ago and it was owned by someone else, maybe the previous owner's daughter. It was a little less cluttered, a little better organized maybe, but less soulful. I missed the old way. It still had great stuff and maybe multiple languages are still spoken.
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Maybe it's unfair, but I can't help but compare Ratto's to Genova, the Italian deli in my old North Oakland 'hood.
Genova: pull your number from an antique number-pulling machine, then have a face-to-face discussion with your sandwich-maker.
Ratto's: Pick up a card, fill in your selection (somewhat limited, by Genova standards), then drop in in a pile where someone will ostensibly make your order come true.
I'm sure it makes for an extremely efficient work lunch, but the impersonality kind of got to me. The place was a solid three-star for our little Friday picnic excursion to Mandela Parkway... until I tasted the sandwich. Yep, that prosciutto/mozz combo (a write-in) worked as well as any Genova creation, even though I didn't get to schmooze with the maker.
And, they have bulk herbs for sale. Nice.
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Fantastic Deli! This is the best kept secret in the East Bay. They have been here for decades and still not everyone knows of them.
First things first. Parking is hell. Just give in, park a few blocks away and do the heel & toe express to the place.
Second, read the signs about how to order a sandwich.
Third, fill out the sandwich form completely.
Those are the keys to success.
This place rocks. Great people, prices, food! What more could you want?
The smells hit you just as the doors open.
Let me put it another way. You bring back a sandwich from this place to your office, you will be the envy of the place. Bring back one of their many aromatic salads with said sandwich and you will own the place.
Their sandwiches are so good they make vegetarians cheat. Now that is good.
In all seriousness, great variety of foods, good knowledge of what goes with what, nice variety of beverages, excellent prices.
Go check it out.
This deli/market in Old Oakland has an old-world charm to it that I like. The first time I came here with some friends and waited forever for our sandwiches because it was packed. Maybe it's bc the weather is crappier today, but I went in at 12:15 and no wait at all. But by the time I got my sandwich and left there were people lining up. A lot of people are on the phone taking orders from friends and ordering multiple sandwiches at once, which can get annoying.
So it works like this: you walk in, and there are order sheets and pens where you fill out what kind of pre-selected special sandwiches you want (we've tried the Jenny and the classic veggie, both yummy) or you can make up your own, choosing your bread (wide selection ranging from dutch crunch, ciabatta, whole wheat, roll, baguette, etc), a meat (turkey/pastrami/roast beef/prociutto/ham/etc), cheese, extras, and special extras (avocados, pesto, spreads, sun dried tomatoes)....The Jenny is fresh mozzerella, tomatoes, lettuce, and pesto on baguette i believe. Classic veggies loads on the avocados, lettuce, tomatoes, and pepperocinis (my favorite sandwich condiments!)...
So as you see, the selection is pretty good and possibilities are endless. Prices are fair, whole sandwiches are $5.95 (tax included), half sandwiches are $3.95. You can also pair your half sandwich with their special soup of the day for $5.95 (haven't tried their soups yet).
Aside from their sandwiches and deli counter (where you can get deli meats, sausages, and a big variety of cheese) they also have some nice grocery items if you need to grab it for dinner. Very interesting selection of chocolates and sweets, and drinks, too.
A new lunch staple for me.
Yeah, I know it's an Oakland institution and all but I've never been too impressed with the sandwiches. The rest of the store is pretty cool though. I like all the imported European goods and rare chocolates, so definite *big-ups* for that.
Although the sandwiches were always filling, they were usually disappointing. Maybe because most of the sandwich is made of bread with disproportionate amounts of meat and cheese. Everyone else in the area usally has the place in mind for lunch so that's always a pain to deal with too.
Perhaps if this place were smaller with less of a wait and a better meat-to-bread ratio, I'd give it more stars. Maybe on my next visit to old Oakland, i'll change my mind.
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I could live on sandwiches (Ok, and burritos) and Ratto's is my favorite place in the East Bay to get them, especially on a quiet weekend afternoon when they have wine and cheese samples...
I love the fact you write down your exact order, so there is no chance to get the order wrong in translation. They have an amazing selection of bread, cheese and meats and I love any place that offers hummus as a spread. They have just added panini to their menu, which I have yet to try.
Adding to the appeal of this place is its history, having been a market in this location for over a hundred years. That ready made 'wich from Starbucks ain't got nothing on that!
I love Oakland. I love Old Oakland. Ratto's is the REAL Old Oakland. It still has that feel to it inside, but let me tell ya something son: Do you want an amazing deli sandwich? Then go here. I work in downtown Oakland, so it's great having a real deli nearby. But be warned, the wait can be killer at times because everyone in downtown Oakland knows about it. Try and go before or after the main 12-1p lunch crush, because you will be 40 deep in line. Seriously
Terrible selection, tiny sandwiches.
If you're stuck in Old Oakland, this is the only place for many blocks where you can get a sandwich that isn't Vietnamese or of very low quality. This grocer uses its old world charm to get people to pay quite a lot of money for very little sandwich. The selection of groceries and sandwich toppings is average at best. Once you have a sandwich at a place like Little Luccas in SF, you realize that a place like Ratto's is a huge ripoff. They never pile their meat high, and don't even pile the veggies or cheese to even try to make up for it.
The only reason why this place gets good reviews is because its really the only high quality European grocer in a small area of thriving small and large businesses that appreciate having it around so they don't have to deal with the crowded fast food chains and unkempt Asian produce markets and restaurants that surround this area.
It's just a shame that this grocer pales in comparison to many others throughout the Bay Area.
Roast beef, cheedar, pickles, onions, mayo on ciabatta.
Rattos has single-handedly kept me from calling into work comatose for the past 3 months. Whenever i'm feeling a bit down and hypoglycemic, the promise of their kick ass sandwiches cheers me and gets my blood sugar going to get me through the day.
perfect perfect perfect.
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Yum, yum, yum. One of my favorite places to grab lunch while I'm working in downtown Oakland this fall. It's fast, easy and delicious. Every time I go I order a different style of sandwich, but I love dutch crunch. Best bread ever, and they have it at Ratto's.
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We used to go here when I was a kid to find exotic imported foods and now I find myself shopping here for staples.
The best thing is the bulk stuff in the back-- all kinds of beans, grains, flours. It's not so easy to find this stuff anymore because it seems like there are less Middle eastern stores than there was a few years ago. I found bulk semolina flour (yay!). Before Whole Foods opened I was having a hard time finding tahini. They also sell olive oil.
Four stars because I remember it was better when I was a kid. They've kind of streamlined their product selection.
If walking into Ratto's doesn't immediately bring a smile to your face, there is something seriously wrong with you. This place has been a quality deli for so long, the floor boards probably taste like prosciutto. Okay, maybe prosciutto and dirt and wood, but you get my point. There are many cured meats here, plus cheeses. The sandwiches here are really good - try anything on their marble rye. Ratto's is one of the few true hold-overs from earlier days in Oakland Old Town, and is a true legend in the East Bay. Those who long for the days of the original Genova Delicatessen (like me) can still go to Rattos' for a hit of the good stuff.
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How about a shout out to the vegetarians:
Fresh mozzarella, pesto, tomato, lettuce, pepperoncinis, and olive oil, on a fresh baguette. Simple and Scrumptious.
Half sandwich (plenty of food for lunch when you allow yourself time to feel satisfied) for $3.50.
And they take credit cards (no minimum purchase).
And the store has all sorts of deliciously authentic products from Italy and Greece and Belgium and all those other European countries we crave so much.
The BEST place to grab a sandwich in this part of Oakland, period.
Be sure to pick up a sandwich/soup order sheet when you walk in the door: this part had us confused for a moment. But only a moment. We're bright like that.
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(02:18:03 PM) Kristina: mmm... my sandwich is sofa king good
(02:18:20 PM) Kristina: absolute perfection
(02:18:23 PM) Jessica: heheh
(02:18:33 PM) Kristina: roast beef is tender and pink
(02:19:10 PM) Kristina: provolone isn't dry, bread is soft, lettuce and tomato aren't watery and perfect amounts of mayo and mustard
(02:19:45 PM) Jessica: mmm, that does sound good
(02:20:07 PM) Kristina: i like that they have slips for you to select your meat/cheese/condiments so they know exactly what you want
(02:20:16 PM) Jessica: ooh, that's a nice touch
(02:20:28 PM) Jessica: no having to tell someone over and over "I don't want tomatoes!" ;)
(02:21:07 PM) Kristina: word
(02:22:04 PM) Kristina: http://www.yelp.com/us...
(02:22:05 PM) Kristina: haha
(02:22:09 PM) Kristina: me = lazy
(02:22:35 PM) Jessica: LOL
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So I headed out to Oakland from SF today to get lunch at Ratto's. A friend of mine works nearby and per some other reviews that claim Ratto's is better than Genova (my all-time favorite Bay Area deli) I simply had to give it a try. I definitely wasn't disappointed. I got my standard fare of black forest ham and swiss on a seeded roll. While it was completely drenched in oil and vinegar (a little less next time, OK guys?) it was still a seriously good sandwich and I'll be back before long. It was also pretty cheap too -- at least compared to the prices I'm used to paying in SOMA.
A funny thing happened to me when I was chatting up the lady behind the counter. I told her I was there because people had said it was better than Genova. She thought that was pretty amusing. She proceeded to tell me that she was the owner of Ratto's and the best sandwich she'd ever had was from Genova. She told me that Genova has a few specialty items that you can't find elsewhere like Mendocino Mustard. Quite an endorsement of Genova I'd say.
Ratto's is a great all-around deli and while it wasn't able to knock off Genova as my top pick it definitely deserves to be on a short list of elite Bay Area delis. Give it a try if you love good sandwiches.
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This place is excellent. The wheat roll is yummy and adding some pesto and/or cucumber is a cheap way to add some more goodness to the sandwich. Also, if you're in a hurry the trick is the faxed order - fill out a form, fax that sucker in and fifteen minutes later walk right to the front of the line. It's worked great so far. They also have a great collection of single serving drinks, usually including a type of Brazilian soft drink called Guarana Antarctica as well as Mexican Coca-Cola.
Good Sandwiches. I like this place a lot actually, the market is really cool and has some obscure Italian imports that you won't find many other places in the mainstream bay area. Ordering and picking up can be a little dizzying, but overall its worth it. This place gets absolutely packed at lunch sometimes so go early.
Good sandwiches, but waaay overpriced. $8 for a veggie sandwich. Come on people.
The people are also jerks (actually, today the people were jerks. It's good to be precise) - rude, condescending, and obnoxious. Combined with the high price tags and small sandwiches, the crappy service would definately be enough to make me write off the place entirely if it weren't the only deli by my office (although it still might be enough; crappy service gets on my nerves).
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Great sandwiches, but you definitely need to check out the grocery part. Unbelievable prices on spices/herbs. Wonderful cocoa. Unusual candies. Bulk pasta. Awesome
Damn good food! Lots of little cool things to look at and possibly bring home. The only thing I find lacking is that they close so early (5:30 what's up with that?) but I can't really hold it against them as the whole neighborhood is that way. And I'm not big on waiting for the lunch line but I've been coming here since I was a kid and even though a lot has changed it still wraps me up in that ol' nostalgia thing.
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I like their sandwiches here, although ordering one is much less of a mystery if you know where the form is you need to fill out (it's right up front on a table) and where to turn it in (the service counter to the left).
Great imported wine, chocolate and various deli items. Worth finding parking in Old Oakland.
Ratto's has been in business since 1897!? Wow.. So, 100+ years ago people were ordering sandwiches at Ratto's, probably at lunch time.
All those people are now ghosts.
Here in the 21st Century, my co-workers and I fill out sandwich order cards at Ratto's at least once a week. On my last 2 visits I've checked the "Prosciutto" box.
Birth, School, Work, Death.
Good sandwiches but it takes about a half an hour until yours is ready. While you are waiting you can explore all the goodies around you.
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Very good customized sandwiches! I get mine with swiss, sprouts, hummus, and avocado, and it's always totally satisfying. I've had better sandwiches in my life, but this place is very reliable and the space has that classic european deli vibe.
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You can pick up an order form and fax in your selection. They have wonderful choices of all the trimmings. I know it sounds strange but I like a the whole wheat bread, spicy mustard, avocado, roast beef, and jalapeno combination. For some reason it just works for me.
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You've gotta love a deli that's well over 100 years old. Not only do they serve up great sandwiches, they have great Italian sandwiches, too, which is a rarity.
They also carry all sorts of food products from obscure dry pasta shapes to honey straws.
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It's really one of the great family establishments in Oakland, Old Oakland to be exact. It's run by a Ratto, E. Ratto to be exact. She's owned and operated the place for over 9 years now and her Dad if still around. She's a very sweet, conversational, welcoming person, as is her staff, when they're not crazy busy. I wish the place had a kichen so we could try some of her family recipes. I think after E. the place will become a memory.
Ratto's is insanely awesome. I rarely go there during the downtown Oakland office people lunch rush, but I know it can be crazy then. Their sandwiches are amazing, better than I would make at home (and I can make some delicious sammies). I am a cheese and olive FREAK so they totally win my heart on both counts. Try the Ratto's blend olive mix with some havarti or smoked gouda and veggies on ciabatta...heaven. They also have really yummy natural ginger ale in a bottle in the drink cooler and lots of obscure Italian things that my mom would go crazy for.
ciabatta roll
+ roast beef
+ smoked gouda
+ artichoke pesto
+ tomatoes
+ pickles
+ mustard
-----------------------------
HEAVEN
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a truly excellent place to spend ten minutes waiting for a genuinely outstanding sandwich. this endearing old oakland establishment really has everything going for it: a great sandwich counter, run by friendly people, and housed in an incredibly comprehensive, not to mention entirely charming, italian grocery.
put in your custom order (anything on the dutch crunch is sure to deliver) and browse the jars of intriguing international delectables while they deftly craft your ideal sandwich. you'll be lucky if you get out of there without spending an extra $25 on oil-cured roasted tomatoes, dark chocolate, and local balsamic vinegar, but it's hard to stay mad when it's all so good.
and they even have non-alcoholic italian apertif sodas (think campari and soda without the buzz) that come in the cutest (and tiniest) bottles you can possibly imagine and are perfect for storing any number of things (inks, spices, valium?) in classy style.
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I'd put Ratto's and Morty's in the Tenderloin up against one another for the best deli sandwich in the Bay. I'd take Ratto's in a close fight.
Unlike Morty's, Ratto's is a true deli with a great selection of local and imported foods, and not just a sandwich shop. Also unlike Morty's, you can sit outside because, you know, it isn't in the Tenderloin.
If I were rating Ratto's on the Bay Area deli scale, Ratto's would get five stars. But it drops a star - if only because the entire Bay Area does - because I can't help but use the New York, Chicago, Detroit/Ann Arbor deli scale.
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