Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Palermo II – San Francisco
Palermo II - San Francisco
Photo from Palermo II
Palermo II at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🥪 Deli
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 21 of the guests
#521 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#4 Deli out of 18 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
262
Reviews
86.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Sandwiches
- Quality Ingredients
- Authentic Atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Difficult Parking
- Limited Seating
- Pricey Drinks
The deli, Palermo II Delicatessen, invites you to experience a taste of authentic San Francisco. Nestled in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood, this spot offers a classic deli experience.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and delicious options perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. It’s a true neighborhood gem where quality and tradition meet.
Overview: Introducting Palermo II
Palermo II offers a genuine taste of Italy, particularly shining with its hearty sandwiches and authentic Italian deli atmosphere. Many appreciate the quality ingredients and the overall experience, making it a local favorite.
While the friendly service often stands out, some visitors have noted occasional inconsistencies in sandwich preparation and the limited seating can be a minor drawback. Despite these small points, it generally delivers a satisfying visit.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
262
Reviews
86.6%
Satisfaction
28
negative
7
neutral
227
positive
Palermo II generally earns high marks, with an overall score of 8.1 and a strong customer satisfaction rate of 86.6%. This positive reception is built on 227 positive remarks against only 28 negative ones, reflecting a largely contented customer base.
The Food (8.5) is a clear highlight, frequently praised for its quality and generous portions, particularly the sandwiches and arancini. The experience is further bolstered by commendable Service (7.7), often described as gracious and friendly.
The Ambience (7.3) also contributes positively, offering an authentic Italian deli feel, though some find the seating limited. While Value (7.3) is generally considered fair, a few found certain items, like drinks or specific sandwiches, a bit pricey.
What people like
- Exceptional Italian Sandwiches
- High-Quality Ingredients
- Authentic Deli Atmosphere
What people don't like
- Challenging Parking
- Limited Seating Options
- Higher Drink Prices
For those seeking a truly authentic Italian deli experience with standout food, Palermo II is a strong contender. Despite minor issues like occasional bread texture or seating, the quality of the ingredients and the genuine atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop.
With a solid recommendation score of 8.8, this spot is highly suggested for its excellent sandwiches and welcoming vibe. If you appreciate a classic deli and don’t mind a potentially busy setting, you’ll likely find it a rewarding visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Palermo II
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With an impressive score of 8.5 and an excellent customer satisfaction rating of 93.3%, its clear that diners are consistently delighted. Based on 153 positive remarks out of 164 total, guests rave about the delicious sandwiches, fresh bread, and high-quality meats, especially the arancini.
However, a few of the 8 negative comments mention that the bread, particularly the sourdough, can sometimes be a bit dry or crusty. There were also isolated remarks about the arancini not being fresh or a salami lump being difficult to eat. These are minor points in an otherwise overwhelmingly positive food experience.
Food
164
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
8
negative
3
neutral
153
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious sandwiches
- Fresh ingredients
- Quality meats
What people don't like
- Dry bread
- Arancini not fresh
Often praised
- sandwichesThe sandwiches are AMAZING and at a good price. Vince is the real deal, and the sandwiches speak for themselves. While there are other gimmicky delis around, you'll see for yourself that this one is authentic and DELICIOUS.
- sandwichReally great tasting sandwich piled high with meats
- aranciniI enjoyed the good prosciutto Parma, cheeses, and bruschettini. The excellent arancini were a standout, and I was pleased to find hard to find pastina. The atmosphere was very family-friendly, and the service was gracious.
- breadhis bread in the same tier as that famous deli
- Italian sandwichesThe best Italian sandwiches.
- foodI would definitely pass on Molinari’s due to their hour-long wait and outdated ordering system and come here instead. The restaurant offers fair prices for great food and a wide selection of Italian goods.
- cheeseIt's clearly a well-frequented local shop, as I saw regulars greeting the owner. Beyond sandwiches, the deli offers a great selection of items including beer, Italian colas, Italian treats, snacks, cold cuts, cheese, dried pasta, and freshly salted cod (baccala). There's also an outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying a sandwich and drink on a nice summer day.
- chicken cutletone of the best chicken cutlets I've ever had
- ingredientsthe best and the freshest ingredients
- meatThe meat is top quality
Frequently criticized
- sandwichordered a SANDWICH.ONE slice of tomato, HALF a shred of romaine lettuce
- AranciniThe Arancini weren't fresh
- breadThe sandwiches are priced around $12 each. My only feedback is that the bread was slightly dry.
- mayoa gob of mayo, THATS IT!!
- onionthree strings of onions ( I asked for onion,lol)
- salami lumpthe salami lump emulated the slipperiness of a wet soap
- sourdough breadThe portion size was generous, big enough to share if you're not starving or are also getting sides. My only complaint would be that the sourdough bread was a little crusty and hard, which caused lots of the meat and fillings to “ooze” out the other end of the sandwich. I’d recommend asking for it to be cut up into fourths, which would help with the potential messiness.
If you're looking for fantastic Italian sandwiches and delicious prepared foods, this spot is definitely worth a visit. The quality and taste are consistently praised, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal, despite a few minor bread-related quibbles.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.7 and a solid customer satisfaction of 77.1%. Many customers rave about the 37 positive experiences, highlighting the friendly service, attentive staff, and the engaging owner, Vince, who often makes you feel like family. They appreciate the quick service and helpful recommendations, making for a welcoming visit.
However, out of 48 total opinions, there are 10 negative remarks to consider. Some patrons encountered rude staff or a perceived attitude, while others were frustrated by the lack of phone orders and an outdated ordering system that could lead to waits. While not widespread, these issues suggest there's room for improvement in consistency.
Service
48
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Engaging owner Vince
- Quick, efficient service
What people don't like
- Some rude staff
- No phone orders
- Outdated ordering system
Often praised
- serviceThis place is legit. They offer great authentic Italian cold cut sandwiches and provide great service. If you want a fully loaded bite to go and feel part of the neighborhood, I highly recommend this place!
- ownerthe owner and the service are the cherry on the sunday
- stafflove this place but have a heart, patrons, wearing a mask on your chin isn't helping the staff stay healthy
- customer servicecustomer service is also excellent
- VinceThe sandwiches are AMAZING and at a good price. Vince is the real deal, and the sandwiches speak for themselves. While there are other gimmicky delis around, you'll see for yourself that this one is authentic and DELICIOUS.
- VincenzoThe authentic Sicilian style arancini were so good, they reminded me of my childhood when my mom’s friend used to make them for us. I had the pleasure of meeting Vincenzo, a very humble Italian American man. I encourage you to stop by and say hi to him; he will appreciate it.
- friendly and helpful staffVery friendly and helpful staff
- friendly serviceFriendly service
- gracious servicegracious service
- guysFrankie and Vince are two great guys
Frequently criticized
- attitudedrop the Attitude and make a proper sandwich and SMILE!!!
- lineSitting outside in the sun, watching people mill about as the fan above the door spun lazily, was a dream. I highly recommend Palermo over Molinari's, which has a chaotic line and rude staff, and doesn't even take phone orders. Palermo is just across the street, serves Molinari factory products, and is friendlier with better tasting food, in my opinion.
- maskI love this place, but I have a plea for fellow patrons: wearing a mask on your chin isn't helping the staff stay healthy. Please be considerate of the staff's well-being.
- ordering system1930s ordering system
- ownerThe owner's a bit of a busybody
- phone ordersthey dont even take phone in orders
- sandwich girlstrain your sandwich girls to make a proper sandwich!!!
- staffhandled by rude staff
- tipsTIPS are a GIFT for excellent food AND Service, NOT mandatory!!!
- waitMolinari’s hour long wait
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly staff and an owner who loves to chat, youll likely have a great experience here. Just be prepared for a potentially old-school ordering process and don't expect to call ahead for your order.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to the atmosphere, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.3 score and a solid 73.7% customer satisfaction. Many folks rave about its charm, describing it as a classic hole in the wall spot and a gem of the city. With 28 positive observations out of 38 total, guests particularly love the outdoor seating area, the Italian feel, and the family atmosphere that makes it a delightful place to watch the people go by.
However, it's not without its quirks, as 8 comments point out some areas for improvement. Some found the interior to feel a bit like a warehouse rather than a welcoming space. There were also remarks about very little seating inside, with suggestions for a few more tables and a more welcoming setup to enhance the overall indoor experience.
Ambience
38
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian feel
- Charming outdoor seating
- Gem of the city
What people don't like
- Very little seating
- Warehouse-like interior
Often praised
- atmosphereLoved the atmosphere
- outdoor seatingoutdoor seating - what else could you want?
- placeGreat place. Molinari gets all the traffic but this place is underrated.
- Family atmosphereFamily atmosphere
- Italian deliauthentic small Italian deli with a neighborhood non touristy feel
- Italian feela true Italian feel to it
- North Beach's storied pastThe Arancini was perfecto. I had a nice chat with the owner who shared some wonderful tales about North Beach's storied past. This is a MUST visit every time I'm in San Francisco.
- Sit outsideSit outside in the sun
- addition to North BeachIt's a nice addition to North Beach
- busyAlways pretty busy but worth it
Frequently criticized
- chairsA few more tables, some chairs, and a more welcoming setup
- deli itselfI only wish the deli itself lived up to the promise of the canopy
- parkingThe Arancini weren't fresh, but they do have a decent selection of imported cookies and crisps from Italy. Be warned: parking is absolutely impossible, so don't even think about driving here. Overall, the food quality is good, but the parking situation is a major drawback.
- seatingVery little seating
- tablesA few more tables, some chairs, and a more welcoming setup
- touristy north beachbreak from touristy north beach
- warehouseit feels more like a warehouse where sandwiches are assembled
- welcoming setupa more welcoming setup would make a big difference
If you're looking for a charming, authentic Italian deli experience, especially with pleasant outdoor seating, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that the indoor seating might be limited and less inviting than the exterior vibe suggests.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at a good 75%, many folks feel theyre getting their moneys worth. Based on 9 positive remarks out of 12 total, customers often praise the price, noting that sandwiches are inexpensive and offer fair prices for their quality and size.
However, it's not all perfect. There are 2 negative comments, mainly concerning prices for certain items. Some customers felt that at $16-17 for just a sandwich, the cost was a bit too high, and the drink selection was notably expensive.
So, while the core offerings are a good deal, watch out for those add-ons.
Value
12
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair sandwich prices
- Good value for money
- Quality at good price
What people don't like
- High sandwich prices
- Expensive drink selection
Often praised
- pricePrice was about what I would expect for a sandwich of that quality and huge size
- pricesThe prices are better than Molinari's
- inexpensivenot very expensive
- moneyWorth the money
- small businessdepends on small business to thrive
Frequently criticized
- drink selectionan expensive drink selection
- pricesat $16-17 for just the sandwich, the prices are a bit too high
If youre looking for a substantial, quality sandwich at a fair price, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that while the main fare offers good value, the drink selection might be a bit pricier than youd expect.
How are the prices at Palermo II?
On average, you’ll spend around 17 per person – from 21 guests. That puts this Deli in the $11–$20 category. For a Deli, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners are finding themselves right in that $11–$20 sweet spot, showing a pretty consistent pricing experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 21 reviews.
How this Deli’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Deli of this type. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Palermo II
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Great Chicken Cutlet, Poor Sandwich Assembly
My experience at Palermo 2 was a mixed bag. While the chicken cutlet was one of the best I've ever had, the sandwich I ordered was incredibly disappointing. It only had one slice of tomato, half a shred of romaine lettuce, and a meager amount of onion, topped with a gob of mayo.
I really wish the sandwich girls were trained to make a proper sandwich. Additionally, I believe tips are a gift for excellent food and service, not mandatory. Please drop the attitude, make a proper sandwich, and SMILE!
😁😁 (Tip from an old guy.)
- chicken cutlet9
- sandwich2
- onion3
- mayo3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Authentic Deli Gem!
This place is a GEM! It's exactly what you'd expect from a locally owned neighborhood deli, with no gimmicks. The sandwiches are AMAZING and at a good price.
Vince is the real deal, and the sandwiches speak for themselves. While there are other gimmicky delis around, you'll see for yourself that this one is authentic and DELICIOUS.
- sandwiches10
- price8
- Vince9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Palermo's: A Delicious Surprise!
We were planning a long wait at Molinari’s, so we walked a minute down the street to Palermo’s and were NOT disappointed! The bread was soft, rustic, and delicious. The combinations for the Don Gaetano and the Cipolla Special were amazing!
It was crazy that there was NO wait at all. This place should always have a line out the door. We’ll be back for sure.
- bread9
- combinations10
- wait10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Amazing Arancini and Owner's Tales
My experience at this restaurant was amazing. The Arancini was perfecto. I had a nice chat with the owner who shared some wonderful tales about North Beach's storied past.
This is a MUST visit every time I'm in San Francisco.
- Arancini10
- owner9
- North Beach's storied past8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Prosciutto Cotto & Cold Beer
After a pilgrimage hike around San Francisco, my final stop was the Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi. I felt I had earned my cold beer and Castelvetrano olives. The prosciutto cotto sandwich was delicious.
Unlike many places that use processed ham, this establishment uses the real deal. I knew it was authentic when they pulled it from the case, and I even tried the free slice offered to confirm. I'll definitely be back to this lovely little spot next time I'm in the area.
- cold beer9
- Castelvetrano olives9
- prosciutto cotto sandwich10
What Palermo II offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
FAQs
What service options are available at Palermo II Delicatessen?
Palermo II Delicatessen offers convenient service options to fit your needs. You can enjoy onsite services, grab your order to go with takeout, or have your delicious meal delivered right to your door.
Does Palermo II Delicatessen offer accessibility features and amenities?
Yes, Palermo II Delicatessen is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance. Additionally, you can stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi available for all guests.
What is the overall rating for Palermo II and what aspects contribute to it?
Palermo II holds a strong overall score of 8.1, driven primarily by its excellent Food (8.5). Service (7.7) and Ambience (7.3) also contribute positively, with Value (7.3) rounding out the experience.
What kind of food is Palermo II known for?
Palermo II is particularly known for its exceptional Italian sandwiches, often described as delicious and made with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Many also praise their excellent arancini and wide selection of Italian goods.
Are there any practical considerations for visiting Palermo II?
While the food and atmosphere are highly rated, visitors should be aware that parking can be challenging, and seating options are quite limited. Some also note that the drink selection can be a bit pricey.