Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Calabria Brothers – San Francisco
Calabria Brothers - San Francisco
Photo from Calabria Brothers
Calabria Brothers at a glance
San Francisco Excelsior
- 🥪 Sandwich Shop
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 30 of the guests
#211 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#11 Sandwich Shop out of 65 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
287
Reviews
88.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional sandwiches
- Friendly service
- Quality products
Frequently criticized
- Meat freshness
- No dine-in
- Early closing
The sandwich shop Calabria Brothers in San Francisco’s vibrant Excelsior neighborhood offers you a perfect spot for a quick bite. You’ll find a casual atmosphere where you can grab delicious sandwiches for lunch or even breakfast.
This local gem is known for its convenient takeout and delivery options, making it easy to enjoy their offerings wherever you are. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal on the go or a relaxed dining experience, Calabria Brothers has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Calabria Brothers
Calabria Brothers offers a genuinely warm experience, where guests often feel treated like family from the moment they step inside. The focus on fresh ingredients shines through, particularly in their renowned sandwiches, which are consistently praised for their quality and generous portions.
While the overall impression is highly positive, some patrons note occasional issues with specific deli meat freshness or limited availability of certain items like meats and breads later in the day. Despite these minor points, the establishment maintains a reputation as a neighborhood gem for its authentic offerings.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
287
Reviews
88.9%
Satisfaction
25
negative
7
neutral
255
positive
Calabria Brothers earns a strong Restaurant Score of 8.5 out of 10, backed by a Customer Satisfaction of 88.9% . This positive sentiment is clear, with 255 positive remarks outweighing just 25 negative ones among 287 total opinions.
The Service (9.1) stands out as excellent, with staff often described as passionate and welcoming, making every visit feel personal. The Food (8.5) also achieves an excellent rating, particularly for its sandwiches and quality Italian products.
Value (7.9) is considered good, offering reasonable prices for substantial portions. The Ambience (7.6) is also rated well, noted for being clean, organized, and having a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere, despite some comments about the surrounding area or limited dine-in options.
What people like
- Exceptional sandwiches
- Welcoming, friendly service
- Quality Italian products
What people don't like
- Inconsistent meat freshness
- Limited dine-in options
- Early closing times
For those seeking a genuine Italian deli experience, Calabria Brothers delivers with its standout sandwiches and a truly personal touch in service. The quality of their offerings, from fresh ingredients to imported goods, consistently earns high marks and provides solid value .
While you might encounter occasional stock issues or earlier closing hours, the overall positive experience and a strong Recommendation Score of 8.9 make this a place worth visiting. It’s a reliable spot for excellent deli fare and a friendly atmosphere.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Calabria Brothers
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with a good score of 8.5 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 90%. Based on 171 positive remarks, diners rave about the incredible sandwiches, often highlighting fresh ingredients and authentic Italian delicacies. Dont miss their homemade ravioli for a real treat!
However, out of 190 total comments, a small handful (15) did mention some areas for improvement. A few noted concerns about bread quality and occasionally old cold cuts. And a word to the wise: the macaroni salad' might not be for everyone.
Food
190
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
15
negative
4
neutral
171
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing deli sandwiches
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Huge menu variety
What people don't like
- Inconsistent bread quality
- Old cold cuts
- Macaroni salad disappointing
Often praised
- sandwichesMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with "The Mark" sandwich. It's truly one of those sandwiches where you have to unhinge your jaw to eat it, packed with flavor and ingredients. Beyond the incredible food, the store itself has a lot of interesting things to explore, like the Galeffi effervescence in a bottle.
- sandwichThe bread was amazing, and the meats were unlike anything I've ever experienced before. The absolutely wonderful taste of their sandwich and the friendly atmosphere will draw me back to the city hopefully for years to come. Calabria Bros, well done.
- breadThe hard sourdough bread is a must-try from their various options. Normally, I can only eat half a sandwich, but the bread was so good that I finished the whole thing! It's truly the best sandwich place in SF or even the entire Bay Area.
- foodFrom the moment I walked in, I was treated like family, making it feel more like visiting someone’s home than a deli. The people are genuine, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the food is incredible. I had the best sandwich I’ve ever had.
- FoodFood:5
- Italian productscarry a great selection of Italian products
- Swiss cheeseMy experience at Calabria Brothers was very good. I tried their pastrami sandwich w/Swiss cheese for $13 and a roast beef sandwich w/Swiss cheese, also $13, both served on Dutch crunch bread. While the bread wasn't as crunchy as expected, I see this as a sign of its freshness.
- The MarkI had The Mark and it checked all the boxes for a true Italian Sub.
- fresh ingredientsMy experience at this Italian deli was everything and more I could have expected. The atmosphere was wonderful, and they used fresh ingredients. The staff were not only passionate and knowledgeable about their products but also incredibly welcoming, making me feel like a regular on my first visit.
- meats and cheesesThey have outstanding choices of meats and cheeses
Frequently criticized
- macaroni saladdo NOT order the macaroni salad, unless you like drinking old mayonnaise.
- CapocollaThe capocplla was old and end cuts
- MortadellaThe mortadella edges were crusty [ old]
- ProsciuttoThe prosciutto was old and dry very dark red
- bread qualitythe bread quality is significantly lower
- bread typesoften run low on bread types
- cold cutsAll the cold cuts that they are going to sliced are behind the counter.
- meatthe meat is not fresh
- meatsa lot of their meats aren't fresh
- meats and breadsrun out of stuff like meats and breads
If youre craving top-notch Italian deli sandwiches made with fresh ingredients, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there are minor concerns about bread and some specific side dishes, the overwhelming consensus points to an exceptional food experience you wont want to miss.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
It's clear the service here is a huge hit! With an excellent score of 9.1 and a fantastic 96% customer satisfaction, nearly everyone raves about it. Customers consistently highlight the friendly staff, great customer service, and fast efficient service, often feeling treated like family, based on 48 positive remarks out of 50. While overwhelmingly positive, a couple of folks mentioned minor hiccups.
The main concern revolved around the closing time, with some finding the place tends to close early or earlier than expected, which can be a bit inconvenient for late-day visits, noted in 2 negative comments.
Service
50
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Great customer service
- Fast, efficient service
What people don't like
- Closes earlier than stated
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Calabria Brothers was outstanding. From the moment I walked in, I was treated like family, making it feel more like visiting someone’s home than a deli. The people are genuine, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the food is incredible.
- staffstaff who is not only passionate and knowledgeable but welcome you
- peopleFrom the moment I walked in, I was treated like family, making it feel more like visiting someone’s home than a deli. The people are genuine, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the food is incredible. I had the best sandwich I’ve ever had.
- customer serviceAwesome selection. Great customer service. Check this place out.
- ServiceService:5
- #TopShelfServiceThis Mexican brotha is the true definition #TopShelfService
- Sal and MayraSal and Mayra are both extremely friendly and helpful
- These guysThese guys are the BEST
- brother that always makes my sandwichThe way they make sandwiches there is second to none. The quality of the food is amazing, and the people that work there are very amazing people, especially the brother that always makes my sandwich. Viva Mexico 💯💯💯!
- cool folksthe staff are cool folks
Frequently criticized
- close earlyDude's a pro AND packages said meat accordingly. The only inconvenience here is they close pretty early so I have to load up on deli meats during my days off. Awesome selection.
- closing timeSays they close at 5 and they closed at 4:45
If you value a welcoming experience, this place is a must-try. You can expect genuinely friendly staff and efficient service that makes you feel right at home. Just be mindful of their closing times to avoid any disappointment.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! The ambience here is generally quite lovely, scoring a solid 7.6, with customer satisfaction sitting pretty at 75.9%. Many folks, 22 out of 29 comments, absolutely loved the friendly atmosphere, calling it a true neighborhood gem.
They often highlight the clean and organized space, spacious layout, and even the wonderful aromas that greet you, making it feel very welcoming. However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 6 negative comments mention the limited street parking spots, which can be a bit of a hassle.
Some also noted the mafia pictures on the wall as a minor detractor, and a couple wished there was more of a dedicated sitting area to eat there comfortably.
Ambience
29
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Clean and organized
- Wonderful aromas
What people don't like
- Limited street parking
- No dedicated seating
- Mafia pictures decor
Often praised
- atmosphereThe bread was amazing, and the meats were unlike anything I've ever experienced before. The absolutely wonderful taste of their sandwich and the friendly atmosphere will draw me back to the city hopefully for years to come. Calabria Bros, well done.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- storelots of other things to look at in the store
- Street parkingStreet parking
- clean and organizedIt was so clean and organized
- family orientedMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently positive over the years. The customer service is great, and it feels very family oriented. They offer the best cold cuts and cheese.
- gem of a shopGem of a shop
- layout and productsimpressed with the layout and products they have in there
- neighborhood deliGreat little neighborhood deli.
- neighborhood gemA neighborhood gem!
Frequently criticized
- MissionMission is just filled with sketchy folks
- areaI felt the area was better
- eat thereI'll be buying my prosciutto, salami, and cheese from them from now on only. The only detail is that you can't eat there, but the food is great.
- mafia picturesMinus the mafia pictures on the wall
- slicersdeep clean your slicers and then wipe down after every use
- street parking spotsLimited street parking spots
If youre looking for a place with a genuinely welcoming and clean atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially tricky street parking and know that its more of a grab-and-go experience than a sit-down meal.
Value (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! Customers consistently rave about the reasonable prices and great value you get here, often highlighting the portion for the price as a major win. With 14 positive remarks out of 18 total, its clear people feel theyre getting a fantastic deal, reflected in a good score of 7.9 and strong customer satisfaction of 77.8%.
However, it's not entirely without its minor quibbles. A couple of the 18 comments did touch on the price with a hint of reservation, noting instances of a higher total bill or a playful wish to visit more often without breaking the bank. These few observations suggest that while generally excellent, some might find certain aspects a bit steep.
Value
18
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Prices are reasonable
- Offers great value
- Portions are generous
What people don't like
- Total bill can climb
Often praised
- priceI suggest going early to ensure you can choose from their full options, as they sometimes run out of items like meats and breads. They offer quality Italian ingredients at a very good price.
- price per personThe price per person was reasonable
- pricesIt's hands down the best deli in the whole Bay Area. I was impressed by the great food, the great people, and the good prices. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was also top-notch.
- valueI absolutely love this place. The sandwiches are delicious every time, offering great value. I also found lots of yummy grocery items.
- Awesome in my booka good big sandwich for less is Awesome in my book
- five starsI rate this place five stars
- portion for the priceGood portion for the price
- reasonable pricesat their reasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- pricewish I could go there more often without stopping my heart
If youre looking for a place where your money goes a long way, this spot is definitely worth checking out. While individual items offer fantastic value, just be mindful if youre ordering a lot, as the total can add up. Overall, it's a solid choice for budget-conscious diners.
How are the prices at Calabria Brothers?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 30 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Sandwich Shop, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 21, most diners actually spend a bit less, with the majority falling into the $11–$20 bracket. A few higher-priced orders pull the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 30 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this Sandwich Shop against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering most guests spend in the $11–$20 range, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Sandwich Shop, offering good value for your quick bite.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Calabria Brothers
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Sandwich Experience Ever!
My experience at Calabria Brothers was outstanding. From the moment I walked in, I was treated like family, making it feel more like visiting someone’s home than a deli. The people are genuine, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the food is incredible.
I had the best sandwich I’ve ever had. Whether you’re visiting San Francisco like I was, or you’re lucky enough to live nearby, do yourself a favor and stop in. You won’t find a better sandwich anywhere coast to coast.
- sandwich10
- people10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Sandwich Ever, Kind Service!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I honestly cannot think of a better sandwich in this city, let alone this country. The service was incredibly kind, and our daughter absolutely loved her little sample of the turkey.
The food is outstanding, and the atmosphere is also top-notch.
- sandwich10
- service10
- turkey9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
A Treasure Trove of Goodies!
I came in for a sandwich and walked out with a beautiful sandwich and lots of goodies. This place is a treasure. The owners also have great taste in movies.
- sandwich9
- goodies9
- place10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Roast Beef Sandwich!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The people were great, and the shop had a wonderful atmosphere. Sal prepared an incredible roast beef sandwich with provolone, mustard, mayo, tomato, pesto, and Italian dressing on a dutch crunch roll.
Every bite was like flowing through a stream of goodness. I would be shocked if you regret stopping in.
- people10
- shop9
- roast beef w/ provolone, mustard, mayo, tomato, pasto and itailian dressing on dutch cruble10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Massive Sandwiches & Great Gelato!
I grabbed dinner here tonight and was impressed by the massive sandwiches, which are definitely shareable. I chose the "Dan" sandwich, which comes with Porchetto, Swiss, Mustard, Mayo, Oil, Vinegar, Garlic Spread & Roasted Tomato on a Sweet Roll. I opted to switch the bread to sourdough, and I was not disappointed.
For a side, I had a bag of Lime and Pink Pepper potato chips, which offered a great flavor and a different option. The deli also has a variety of items for purchase, including olives, ice cream, snacks, and packaged and deli meats. I picked up some Caramel and Balsamic Gelato for a snack at home and highly recommend it.
The owner was behind the counter and was very helpful, explaining the process and available options to me as a "newbie. " This is a great little neighborhood deli. If you need a quick meal, you can sit in or take it to go.
It would also be great for a picnic.
- sandwiches9
- bread8
- potato chips8
What Calabria Brothers offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Calabria Brothers accessible for everyone?
Yes, Calabria Brothers ensures a welcoming experience for all guests. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating available, making it convenient for you to dine comfortably.
What dining and service options does Calabria Brothers offer?
Calabria Brothers provides flexible options to suit your needs. You can enjoy a quick bite for lunch or breakfast, with convenient takeout and delivery services available. They also offer wine and alcohol to complement your meal.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Calabria Brothers?
Calabria Brothers receives an excellent Restaurant Score of 8.5 and a Customer Satisfaction of 88.9% . Customers particularly praise the Service (9.1) and Food (8.5), while also appreciating the Value (7.9) and Ambience (7.6).
What are the standout food items at Calabria Brothers?
Customers consistently highlight the sandwiches , especially “The Mark,” for their generous portions and fresh ingredients . The quality of their bread and selection of Italian products , including meats and cheeses , are also frequently praised.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by customers?
Some customers have noted issues with the freshness of certain deli meats or macaroni salad . Additionally, the establishment has early closing times , and there are limited options to eat there , as it primarily functions as a deli.