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Categories: Caterers, Delis, Sandwiches [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Temescal, North OaklandMon-Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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Absolutely GREAT!!
I got a Salami sandwich on a Dutch Crunch roll and it was really good. I mean really good!
All I can say is that you need to give this place a try!
Take it from an Italian, this is the best deli I have ever been to in my life!
The ravioli have been a part of my family's dinners for ever. I have been coming here with my mom, grandma, and aunties to stock up our Italian kitchen since I was a little girl.
The sandwiches are life-altering, and set the standard for deli food. The selection of cheeses is amazing. This place is a classic, a one of a kind example of food perfection.
My family is going through a tough time. We had a huge loss and were meeting at Grant Miller Mortuary in Oakland. I knew there would be the sweets and snacks but I wanted something filling and delicious but easy to eat. My sister suggested Subway, I veto'd that and told them that I would figure something out.
Some of my nieces/nephew/cousins are vegetarians, some are carnivores, some relatives are on low residue diets, and then I have to consider the diabetics. What to do? Genova's to the rescue. I ordered a couple of the Genova's veggie sandwiches and a smattering of meat sandwiches (the mortadella is super good) and had the guy cut the sandwiches into thirds. At the salad bar I filled a couple of containers with the macaroni salad, pasta salad and some greens.
I walked in and everyone was tired of sweets so the sandwiches were a welcome surprise. My ten year old, carnivore of a niece stormed into the sitting room and demanded the pastrami and my other cousin were amazed with the awesome vegi offerings.
Mind you, we had a lot of other food, but at the end of the night, all my offerings were gone and everyone wanted to know where i bought my sandwiches, so thanks Genova's.
One star off for the sandwich guy that spent as much time flirting with the girls in line as he did making my sandwiches. Yeah, yeah... I know it's his shtick but I had a funeral to go to.
The artichoke hearts are the best I've ever tasted from a deli! ... next time I shall order one in a sandwich, and you should too! This place is freaking awesome. The meat is fresh and they give you a perfect amount in your sandwich. Their sandwiches come with everything and its only like 7 bucks. SO WORTHY.
Their system is like the post office, pick a number and wait around to get called. You'd expect the service to be slow and wack just like the post office too... but its actually quick and efficient because they have 5 times the people working. It was like a 5 minute wait to get served with 5 people ahead of me... a lot better than a long line out the door that makes everyone impatient... I walked around looking at all the goodies they had to offer while I waited to be called. hehe. A lot of seating outside so you can enjoy a nice day in Berkeley.
BEST SUBS/SANDWICHES EVER.
Seriously?
Seriously.
No deli in LA can even compare and trust me, I've searched to no avail.
Their subs are the subs I compare all other subs to and none can meet their perfection.
Whenever my sister would come home from school, I'd make her bring me over a Genovas sandwich. Whenever I would visit, I'd go straight to get me a Genovas sandwich.
Their deli is stocked with a variety of fresh whole meats, sides, and I think they make their own cheese. I have no clue what my sister ordered between those freshly baked breads all those times and I never cared. I was too busy munching away but I THINK the sauce was vinaigrette or Italian if that helps any.
If you ever get a chance to go to the Bay area, I highly recommend this place.
I love Telegraph.
We hit this place before our camping on last weekend. It was my first time to this place and there were so many things on the menu however, i decided to get myself a Turkey sandwich.
I didn't eat it right away cuz this sandwich was going to be my lunch on the next day for my hiking trip. When i had my first bit, it was really delicious. I would highly recommend this place for your guys!
It's Monday and Bakesale Betty's is closed. What do I do? Finally give Genova a try.
The chicken salad was good but could have used more pickles and peppers and less chicken salad. Now that I know, I'll order it that way next time.
I was always intimidated by this place but now that I've popped by Genova cherry, I will be back. Once I try a few more sandwiches I'll update this review.
In the meantime, it's worth a visit. First timers - don't be initimdated by the line. It moves pretty fast.
FYI - there is a $10 minimum for credit card purchases. Sandwiches run about $7, so if you are charging it, grab a drink and chips and you're good to go.
If you come here around lunchtime, be prepared to wait 20 minutes before you can put in your order. But the sandwiches are totally worth it. One of my favorites is roast turkey with gouda on sourdough.. yum. The Italian meats combo is pretty good too. My boyfriend is super picky about his roast beef, but the one here will satisfy him. Be careful though- some of the sandwich makers will slather on the mayo. Be sure to say "light mayo" unless you want a fountain of mayo in your mouth. Also, be warned that the honey turkey is helllla sweet, and so is their mayo, so they can be a little overwhelming together. Maybe I'm just not a fan of their mayo but their seafood salad also seemed heavy on the mayo, and I didn't like it much either.
Also, try the bbq ribs!
I miss you Genovas! Hands down, the best cold sandwiches that you can get in Berkeley!
If you're a student, you have to make the drive down telegraph to go to this place. The sandwiches are to die for! You choose the meat, cheese, and bread, and tell them "w/ everything" and you're set!
My personal favorite was Peppered Turkey w/ Gouda. This is where I fell in love w/ Gouda cheese. I also like to get some crab salad and crackers to eat on the side.
3.5 stars.
This place is good, but it's not the BEST that I've had. I do really enjoy their dutch crunch and the varieties of meats they offer. I guess this place is a really good alternative to Bakesale Betty's (which is why I went today.)
Good service, sometimes long lines, but not too shabby! I've had the pastrami and the peppered turkey, but I would prefer the pastrami over the turkey since the turkey is sometimes too dry for my liking
Best sandwiches.
Even the veggie sandwiches are amazing. Although meat based sandwiches are just chalk full of meat.
Quick and friendly service.
Fair prices.
A place to sit outside.
Once could say that it enhances the area, it enhances Oakland, it makes me proud to have such a wonderful place right down the street from where I live.
Ted's in San Francisco does not even come close.
What more can I say?
Jeff
Genova's sandwiches are as good as they get. They are nothing fancy, but when I go to an italian deli, I'm not looking for fancy. Whether it's a meatball sub with real mozzarella or something simple, I've never had a bad sandwich from Genova.
If you go at lunch time, don't be scared off if you pull a number that's at least 20 higher than the one they're serving. They'll get to you and it's really worth the wait.
Also, their housemade ravioli is awesome. Take it home, cook it up and you'll be in heaven!
I give this spot 5 stars because simply put, it's the best damn sandwhich I've ever had and wins my award for "best sandwhich spot". Over my years of eating out and talking about food, I've developed a test to help determine which spot serves up your favorite food category (i.e. best sandwhich, pizza, viet, burrito, etc.). If a spot passes all tests, then it wins the award. The tests are as follows:
1. you will go out of your way to eat it
2. it's the standard to which other similiar restaurants are compared to
3. you will defend it in all food debates and arguments
4. you would be very sad if it every closed down
All 4 tests must be met. Try it out sometime.
What do you say, when so many other yelpers have already have "Hit the Nail on the Head"? I have to agree with everyone else, it is the "Best Sandwich Shop" in the East Bay if not the bay area itself.
I drive from Fremont to Oakland once a month to get their sandwiches. I prefer the "Pastrami, Swiss on a Fresh Sourdough Roll and all the trimmings. And you must ask for "Mayo w/ Dijon Mustard spread and the Oil and Vinegar on top, that is a must!
If you've never been, you might get scared by the long line at lunch time, just take your number, shut up, sit tight and stand and wait......it's worth it.
Simply amazing. This place makes some of the best sandwiches I've ever eaten. They also have frozen ravioli which is surprisingly good.
My friends and I have made it a habit to come here for lunch every Saturday, and after we finish eating, we buy some of their frozen ravioli for dinner.
i hesitated to order single meat sandwiches in any deli (6-7) so i was glad to see the specialty sandwiches (7.95) board discreetly on the back wall.
this was after i entered genova's and a large sign announced "take a number". i did and perused the offerrings.
sampling:
#4 prosciutto (italian ham), fresh basil, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes on sour dough. a sign notes the following are included in every sandwich : vinegars and oils, mustard, mayo, tomatio, lettuce, pickles , and onions. 5 stars cuz i could taste the vinegar, basil and tomatoes. totally awesome tastes.
bread crumbs:
-line moved quickly cuz number of servers on duty was quick (also some people seem to have left without ordering.).
-no parking in lot. parked on side street.
-ingredients seem really, really fresh: bread, onions, tomatoes, basil, prosciutto...you could taste each ingredient!
-cake/ dessert pastries at far left of shop.
I can't believe I haven't written about this place until now! Definitely my favorite deli in Berkeley/Oakland because their sandwiches are amazing! My favorite is the peppered turkey on sourdough...the condiments are absolutely to-die-for. I know it's strange to be raving about something as simple as SANDWICHES, but you have not been to a proper deli until you go here. Although other Yelpers seem to have had problems with lines, I've never had more than 10 people ahead of me and service is pretty fast (though maybe I've just been lucky).
Well worth it for $8. I wouldn't go here everyday because it is a tad pricey for lunch, but it's definitely a treat when I do.
Genova Delicatessen is an East Bay institution. Few places can have the consistency over the years and yet be good enough that you keep coming back for more. The Temescal location started out in a red brick building that was about the size of Lucca's in the Marina. That sadly was demolished about 15 years ago. The current location is definitely better suited for the droves of people coming here for lunch. During peak it is not uncommon for 50-80 people to be in line in front of you. Fortunately the line moves quick as at least a couple of those guys behind the counter have been there well over a decade.
As you walk in you grab the number tag you are greeted with a loop of trademark Italian songs overhead like "Funiculi Funicula." Ribs, lasagna, and ravioli (which is damn good) are on display on the left side of the main counter. The ravioli is good and the suace meaty but real ravioli connoisseurs would consider it overcooked since it sits in a warmer all day long. I hate to make comparisons but the ravioli coating becomes waterlogged like Chef Boyardee.
Genova's mainstay seems to be their sandwiches with the seemingly limitless combinations of meats and breads available. There is something about the fresh baked bread, great cold cuts, industrial mayo, and fresh produce that really hit home on my palate. I often take orders before I hop on a plane so my friends who expatriated from the Bay Area get a taste of what they are missing. A sandwich and a drink was under $6 when I started eating there, which kind of gives up my age, but now will run you about $11 but it is well worth it.
Genre: Deli 4.5 stars
Service: Takeout 2.5 stars
Atmosphere: 2.5 stars
Taste: 4 stars
Value: 4.5 stars
Note: I consider the Treat location in Walnut Creek the best location in terms of service and quality.
ummmmm....
BEST.
SANDWICHES.
EVER.
enough said.
So, being an Oakland native, I REALLY wanted to like this place. Cute neighborhood, clean store, the hot food looked great (lasagna, ravioli, etc.).
I ordered the #7, the prosciutto, mozarella, portabello sammich. And... it was just ok. Actually, a little bland. It wasn't bad, just not a mouth watering delight that I read about in these other reviews.
I also think it's a crazy ripoff to have to pay $1 for any "extra condiments" when you order one of their specialty sammich (Mayo for $1?!! CRAZY, especially in this economy!!).
The nice lady added red onions to mine for free, which was nice but come on...
I DO want to come back and give them another try... seems like they've got potential. And they have packaged tiramisu!!! (which I'd love to try). Hopefully I'll be more impressed next time around...
just
eat
here
already
Great sandwiches, good dry-goods selection, outside seating and (dare I say it as a plus) parking! A Lucca's for the commuter set.
Long waits, any time you show up. But for good reason - the sandwiches here are AMAZING. Generous amounts of meat, carefully assembled, consistently delicious.
The grocery selection at Genova is worth a look, as long as you're waiting. Their selection of imported goods is priced surprisingly low, and they're happy to ring up your groceries along with your sandwiches.
A favorite spot for weekend picnic fare, or enjoy your sandwich on the patio and do a little people-watching!
I've been to Genova Delicatessen several times and each time the experience has gotten progressively worse. Last time I went, my Italian combo sandwich literally tasted like vomit. Cool.
3 stars just because I had some decent sandwiches in the past.
Oh, man. These guys are the BEST. I miss the atmosphere of their older tiny shop, but I'm glad to know they've been able to keep up with demand without compromising quality on the slightest. It's doesn't get much better than Genova deli and I feel lucky we have something like them in the East Bay.
They have just about every meat and cheese you could want for your sandwich and a large selection of breads. I swear, every sandwich I have ever ordered could feed a small family! there are also a lot of pastas and salads and other yummy items
The wait can be a bit long at times, but they have so many interesting grocery items to look at, I never mind. It's really a cool deli. Just writing about them, I'm craving a sandwich. Highly recommended!
Finally came here to see for myself how this lucrative deli works. Man it's huge! All sorts of italian pickles, olives, jarred fish on the shelves. in the case was all sorts of fresh meats and cheeses. you walk in, pull a number and wait for them to call yours. There must have been at least 12 people working behind the counter. the wait wasn't long, maybe about 7 minutes at the most. you order your sandiwch and they make it right there for you. they got loads of side salads chips, and coolers full of drinks. just bring everything up and they'll bag it and ring you up at the end of the counter. I tried their #7 specialty sandwich, prosciutto with grilled eggplant and fresh water mozzarella on a sweet roll. the bomb. if you try that, be sure to ask for extra oil and vinegar either on the sandwich or on the side, it'll add that extra kick.
I haven't actually been to Genova Deli but my friend was gracious enough to pick up a sandwich from… Read more »
came here b/c bakesale betty was closed SIGH
but! twas not a disappointment! there were a couple of people waiting, so seemed like a place people went. lotsa varieties of things, i stuck to pastrami on a dutch crunch n my friend got the chicken salad on dutch crunch too. no secret sauce thing but yum~. it was pretty goood, very filling. the guy who helped me was very nice. they range around 7-8 for one, i guess that's normal ish. try it if you're in the area!
I have been coming here for over 10 years and the quality of the sandwiches is still great. They are fast and get people in and out with great customer service. I have tasted everything on the menu and the only thing that I would suggest not to get is the tri-tip sandwich. Other than that you are on your way to having a good meal.
Make sure if you go during lunch you have someone else in the car so they can get off and get the food with you because you will not find parking in the shared parking lot.
Oh, there was a deli with sandwiches and ravioli? I had complete tunnel vision after I saw the cannolis beckoning me to the danger of tighter pants like a beautiful siren gets sailors to drift off-course.
And I totally ate it while I read my humbling lipid blood test results.
And it was totally worth it...and by "it" I mean "they" because I bought multiples in order to make the $10 credit card minimum. But hey, cheaper than a trip to New York, right?
I drove half an hour out here for a sandwich today. When I got there, my jaw dropped. There was 30+ people ahead of me. I was a bit worried it was going to take long, but that wasn't the case at all, since it seemed that many people left. And oh, how worth the wait it all is!
I got a pastrami and gouda sandwich on sliced sourdough, less mayo, no onions. Nothing complicated. Once I got my order in, it was all downhill from there (in an easy, good way), paid and out the door.
I drove it down to SJ to share with my brother. I wish I didn't share it with him (but he was waiting for me to bring him food, so I was nice). It's midnight right now and I am craving another sandwich.
Would it be excessive to go again tomorrow?
Update:
I went back! I got a pepper turkey and smoked cheddar sandwich on sliced wheat, with olives, less mayo, and no onions. I definitely like the sliced sourdough more. Still a tasty sandwich. Also, I went around 2:30PM on a Monday, so the line was pretty much non-existent.
Bought some macaroni salad and a mocha as well. The macaroni salad is not bad, but definitely not my taste. The macaroni could stand to be a bit more al dente. Still love the sammies.
Mmm... tasty, tasty sandwiches. It's been a while since I've had such an amazing sandwich. I split a… Read more »
I've been here so many times and never written a review. So here it goes.
This place has parking, but let me warn you that during lunch it is very busy. It is better to place an order by phone because it can get very crowded. Genova's sandwiches are the best I've ever tasted. It's cheap and fullfilling. Just try anything and I'm guaranteed that you'll always want to come here.
If I'm not at Subway, then I'm here....A turkey sandwich on focaccia, everything, with sprouts and Mendocino mustard. The wait is worth it, even better if you don't have to. There were many jealous occasions when I'm stuck at work in Union City and my friend with no access to a fax machine had me fax (510.652.5225) in an order for them. She was in-n-out of there and we're not talking burgers.
So went back yesterday had a turkey and swiss on a croisant, lasagna, 2 meatballs, garlic bread... yes it's alot but OH-MY-LAWD! I think I've gained 5 pounds but it is so worth it. My new favorite place...
So let me start out first and foremost by saying that I hate crowds. I really really despise crowds.… Read more »
I LOVE THESE SANDWICHES! I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these sandwiches!
The only downside is that there is always a line.
They are also good for catering.
This place is better than Ratto's Deli I don't care what anybody says. In my experience I've found there to be more love put into a Genova sandwich (but Ratto's is pretty good too). I'm going to Genova right now...
Genova has the most mouth-watering sandwiches of any deli in the Bay Area. The product and even some of the staff haven't changed since they were across the street 20 years ago in a space half their current size.
There are a million ways to make a great sandwich here. Here's one of my favorites:
- Sweet roll
- Prosciutto and turkey
- Smoked cheddar or gouda
- Avocado
- Dijon
- Olives
- All the fixings
Expect long waits at lunch on the weekend. There's hardly any seating, so order to-go -- perfect to bring back to watch football. And then be ready for a nap, because these sandwiches are huge.
I'm not going to go off a cliff and say they are the best ever because lets face it assholes are like opinions, everyone talks about them.
Anyways I have been going here since I was in high school and they were in some brick building next to where the parking lot is now and some of the same guys are still working there. That is a good sign! For all you naysayers out there. Have you seen the same people working at Safeway for the last 20 years making sandwiches? I didn't think so, so it's more than just a sandwich. We will come back to that.
So as I was saying in the last twenty years of going to Genova I have tried just about everything they have. I can't say I love it all, but I will tell you what I love. I love a fresh roasted turkey sandwich on fresh baked sourdough bread with prosciutto, mendocino mustard and all the fixings. How can you not love a place that roasts their own turkeys and roast beef. Do they do that at Safeway! Let me help you douchebag, NO! Sorry I get excited sometimes.
Anyways before I was interrupted I was saying that I also love their oven dried tomatoes and their fresh pasta. How can you not like a pound of fresh pasta for $2. Do they have that at Safeway? I'm not going to help you this time, I think you can figure it out on your own.
So, in conclusion, I would just like to say this is how I go about getting a sandwich at Genova seeing how popular it is. You walk in, look at the RED number on the digital display behind the counter and then Very Important hold on to the number in the RED number dispenser at the entrance, so no one else takes it if you decide you want to stay and wait. If it is more than 20 numbers, grab your ankles. They are pretty fast. If it's not, wait patiently, look around at the imported products, cheeses, frozen items and most importantly decide what you want!!! and it should take no more than 15 minutes and you'll be outta there with a good sandwich.
Don't be rude, know Exactly what you want before they call your number, listen and pay attention to what number they are on, I've seen people get skipped all the time, and if any of the old guys give you shit, give it back, but be classy they like to laugh, tell them a joke, live a little.
Another reason I like living near Temescal - GENOVA. It's the crusty undeniably most reliable deli around - you get the consistently perfect sandwiches no matter what you order off the menu. My favorites are the shrimp salad sandwich and the turkey.
It's hard to find parking in front of the store, but there is always lots of spaced behind the shop!
3.5 stars .... it's not a destination for me the way Mastrelli's Delicatessen in the Ferry Building is. So it's hard to review.
Lines were long (there was a 14 person wait for us at 3:00 PM on a Saturday afternoon)... but they moved fast with fulfilling orders. Large variety of bread.
I got a prosciutto sandwich on dutch crunch and it wasn't bad ... but whereas Mastrelli gives me enough prosciutto that is about an inch thick, it's only about 1/2 an inch here. All the meat for their sandwiches is pre-measured out ... so it's consistent ... but it's not like they are slicing the meat right there as you are ordering it.
Fred got the chicken salad sandwich and that was super tasty. Lots of mayo, but great use of paprika and spices. If I go here again, I would likely get the chicken salad instead.
This place offers some of the best italian sandwhiches I've had the pleasure of eating. When I'm craving that complex saltyness on good sourdough bread I always think of this place. I've tried their eggplant and anchovy specialty sandwhiches which were absolutely delicious. You can taste the pride and love of their craft with every bite you take here.
The deli itself also offers a large amount of italian goods. The presentation is very simple, warm and inviting. If you have a friend that needs to be weened off subway sandwhiches, this is the place to do it.
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