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oChef » Limoncello – San Francisco
Limoncello - San Francisco
Photo from Limoncello
Limoncello at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🥪 Sandwich Shop
€€
Price per Person 21 – 30 €
mentioned by 78 of the guests
#80 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#7 Sandwich Shop out of 65 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
347
Reviews
94.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Italian sandwiches
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Service delays
The sandwich shop Limoncello offers a delightful culinary stop in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Japantown. It’s the perfect spot when you’re seeking a quick bite that doesn’t compromise on flavor or quality.
This casual eatery provides a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy a satisfying meal, whether you’re grabbing lunch on the go or settling in for a relaxed dinner. With a focus on fresh ingredients and convenient service, Limoncello stands out as a reliable choice for locals and visitors alike.
Overview: Introducting Limoncello
Limoncello offers a delightful experience, particularly for those seeking authentic Italian flavors. Their highly praised sandwiches stand out, with many customers raving about options like the Goodfella and Porchetta.
The inviting atmosphere and attentive staff contribute significantly to a pleasant visit. While the overall impression is strong, some specific items have drawn criticism.
A few patrons noted issues with certain non-sandwich dishes, and there were occasional reports of delays at the deli counter. However, these seem to be isolated incidents amidst a generally positive reception.
Excellent
8.9
out of 10
347
Reviews
94.5%
Satisfaction
15
negative
4
neutral
328
positive
Limoncello maintains an impressive overall Restaurant Score of 8.9, reflecting a consistently high standard. This is supported by an excellent Customer Satisfaction rate of 94.5%, indicating that most visitors leave pleased.
These figures are drawn from a substantial base of 347 customer opinions, with 328 positive remarks outweighing just 15 negative ones. The individual aspects also shine, with both Food (9) and Service (9) receiving excellent marks.
The Ambience (8.9) also contributes significantly to the positive experience, described as an authentic Italian market feel. While Value (6.5) is considered average, it doesn’t detract substantially from the overall positive sentiment, especially given the quality of the main offerings.
What people like
- Exceptional Italian sandwiches
- Authentic Italian ambiance
- Dedicated, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent non-sandwich quality
- Occasional deli counter delays
If you’re in search of well-crafted Italian sandwiches and a genuine, welcoming atmosphere, Limoncello is certainly worth considering. The high Recommendation Score of 9.2 strongly suggests that most visitors would encourage others to try it.
While specific non-sandwich items or occasional deli counter waits might be minor drawbacks, they appear to be exceptions rather than the norm. For a reliable and enjoyable Italian deli experience, Limoncello generally delivers.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Limoncello
Food (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 96.3%, its clear that diners are consistently impressed. Out of 216 comments, a whopping 208 rave about the delicious sandwich options, fresh ingredients, pizza, and salads, making it a go-to for many looking for an authentic Italian experience.
However, a small handful of 8 comments did express some disappointment. A few found certain items like the tuna sandwich or potato salad to be lacking in flavor, with some even describing them as "worst food. " While these are isolated incidents, its worth noting for those with specific preferences.
Food
216
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
208
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious sandwiches
- Fresh ingredients
- Vast options
What people don't like
- Worst food
- Tuna sandwich issues
- Flavorless potato salad
Often praised
- sandwichesWe absolutely love this place! It offers some of the best sandwiches in SF, and their takeout counter is fantastic for items like lasagna, meatballs, and eggplant parm. It's simply the best!
- foodThe sandwiches were awesome, and I appreciated that they offer beers on tap, espresso, and TVs. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the food was excellent.
- sandwichThey even went the extra mile by giving me an extra pickle with my sandwich. It's a great place to dine in and grab a drink, or you can easily take a sandwich to-go. I highly recommend it!
- FoodFood? Fantastic :)
- Goodfellathe Goodfella, The Milanese, The Siciliano, and The Porchetta. They were all soooooo goooodddd!
- Italian sandwichesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed legit Italian sandwiches, delicious gelato, and a great selection of charcuterie, cheese, and wine. The reviewer described the place as a 'beast, ' highlighting its impressive offerings.
- cannolisoh and the cannolis - divine!!!!
- espressoadd a shot of espresso to your meal it compliments wonderfully
- food qualityMy experience would have been much better if the service had matched the quality of the food. I waited at the deli counter for an excessive amount of time, and no one acknowledged me or informed me that I needed to order from the cashier.
- pizzaMy experience at Limoncello was truly amazing. They offer a vast selection of over 20 different sandwich options, alongside other delicious choices like pizza and salads. The owner's personal attention to customers made the experience even more special.
Frequently criticized
- chicken in saladThey put chicken in a salad that didn’t have it on the menu
- flavorpotatoes with mayo and NO FLAVOR
- pasta dishes2 pasta dishes that were disgusting hard dry TINY pieces of inedible crap
- potato saladPotato salad like nothing I have ever had
- productsI do not recommend the products
- tunaTuna dried out and disgusting
- tuna sandwichTuna sandwich sent on the wrong bun from what I ordered
- worst foodsome of the worst food I have EVER HAD
If youre craving incredible Italian sandwiches and fresh, quality ingredients, this place is definitely worth a visit. The overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll be delighted, though perhaps steer clear of the tuna sandwich if you're particular about your fish.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines with an excellent score of 9 and an impressive 90.9% customer satisfaction! Out of 77 comments, a whopping 70 rave about the friendly staff, exceptional service, and kindest people. Many felt right at home thanks to the welcoming host and attentive team, making for a truly wonderful experience.
However, it's not entirely without its bumps, as 6 comments noted some areas for improvement. A few experiences mentioned staff being rude or not helpful, with some customers feeling overlooked or having to wait at the deli counter for too long. While these instances are few, they suggest occasional inconsistencies.
Service
77
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, caring staff
- Exceptional, quick service
- Welcoming host
What people don't like
- Rude, unhelpful staff
- Long wait times
- Customers overlooked
Often praised
- serviceThe sandwich I ordered was incredibly delicious, and I even had enough left over for dinner. I want to thank all the workers for the delicious food, fast service, and amazing atmosphere. I am definitely looking forward to becoming a returning customer!
- staffThe staff went out of their way to make our experience lovely
- ownerThe bread is fresh, and the meats are fresh. The owner is the bright spot of the deli; I overheard him telling the staff to be the best part of the customers' day. I highly encourage you to visit Limoncello.
- customer serviceThe best customer service
- peopleThe people there are very friendly and nice
- workersMy experience at this authentic Italian deli in the Bay Area was beautiful. Ally provided a wonderful recommendation, and the shop and its workers are absolutely beautiful (meaning they are awesome workers). It was refreshing to see such a place after moving back to California from Philadelphia.
- AliAli who takes our orders is so professional.
- AlleyI tried The Goodfella - Hot and The Speciale - Regular, which were moderately sized and good. The service here is excellent; Alley was warm and welcoming, and provided solid recommendations. I'd also suggest adding a shot of espresso to your meal, as it complements wonderfully.
- Roberto and his teamAli, who took our orders, was so professional. Roberto and his team craft the yummiest sandwiches EVER! The best customer service and the ambiance is simply perfect!
- ServiceService:5
Frequently criticized
- attentionno one said hi or mentioned I needed to order
- being overlookedpassed over by two customers who came in after me
- deli counterwaited at the deli counter f-o-r-e-v-e-r
- orderGot here at 9:40 and they weren’t ready yet.
- peopleThe people are really rude and not helpful
- serviceservice would equal the quality of the food
Overall, you can expect top-notch service here, with staff often going above and beyond to make your visit pleasant. While there are a few isolated reports of less-than-stellar interactions or waits, the overwhelming sentiment points to a truly welcoming and efficient experience. It's definitely worth trying if friendly, attentive service is high on your list!
Ambience (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to the atmosphere, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.9 and an outstanding 97.9% customer satisfaction, its clear guests adore the vibe. Out of 48 total comments, a remarkable 47 rave about the wonderful atmosphere, from its inviting Italian ambiance to the lovely outdoor seating and quiet, comfortable space.
Whats even more impressive is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the ambience. With zero negative mentions, it seems there's absolutely nothing to fault, suggesting a consistently pleasant and well-received environment for all visitors.
Ambience
48
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Outdoor seating
- Authentic Italian vibe
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereThe sandwich I ordered was incredibly delicious, and I even had enough left over for dinner. I want to thank all the workers for the delicious food, fast service, and amazing atmosphere. I am definitely looking forward to becoming a returning customer!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- shopThe sandwiches were delicious, and I appreciated the many interesting food items to choose from. The shop itself is fun to walk around in, and there's lots of seating to enjoy your food. The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- vibeI love the vibe! Best customer service, cool vibe
- Italian ambiancethe Italian ambiance is very authentic
- Italian experiencefelt like an authentic Italian experience
- Italian groceryMy experience at this cute local Italian grocery was wonderful, especially for their sandwiches. The staff were super friendly.
- Italian marketNice little Italian market
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- TVsthey have TVs
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place with a fantastic atmosphere, whether its for a quiet chat or enjoying an authentic Italian vibe with outdoor seating, this spot is definitely worth checking out. You're almost guaranteed to love the setting!
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 8% of the guests
Based on 6 customer remarks, with 3 positive opinions, many appreciate the price and prices here, finding them quite reasonable for the quality. Youll often hear about good quality at a good price, making it a pleasant surprise. The score for value is an 6.5, which is pretty average.
However, with 50% customer satisfaction, its a bit of a mixed bag. Theres one notable concern about a significant $120 worth of food ending up in the garbage, indicating that for some, the value proposition didnt quite deliver as expected.
Value
6
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good quality for price
What people don't like
- Food goes to waste
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was quite positive. I enjoyed the great sandwiches, which were a pleasant surprise given the decent price for San Francisco. The friendly staff made the visit even better.
- pricesthe prices are very reasonable
Frequently criticized
- $120 worth of food$120 worth of food in the garbage
Overall, if you're seeking generally reasonable prices and decent quality, this place might be a good option. Just be aware that the value can be a bit inconsistent, so manage your expectations to avoid disappointment.
How are the prices at Limoncello?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 78 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.
While the average is 23, the pricing is quite spread out; most guests actually spend a bit less, typically in the 11 – 20 € range, though there are also options for those looking to splurge.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 78 reviews.
How this Sandwich Shop’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Sandwich Shop in San Francisco, we feel the pricing is quite fair. It seems to offer options for various budgets, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Limoncello
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Fantastic Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The space was beautiful, and the owner and staff were incredibly friendly. The food was absolutely fantastic.
Thank you for your service, team! 🫶🏽
- space10
- owner and staff10
- Food10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Delicious Food, Wonderful Service!
My experience at this restaurant was sooo delicious! I would definitely come again. The lady at the counter was so nice, and the food was even better.
Anyone coming to SF, this is a must try!
- food10
- lady at the counter10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Delicious Food, Great Service, Amazing Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I visited before a doctor's appointment to grab a drink and ended up returning later for a sandwich and cannolis. They offer a wide selection of drinks, including coffees, teas, and juices, as well as the freshest meats, cheeses, fruits, and salads.
The sandwich I ordered was incredibly delicious, and I even had enough left over for dinner. I want to thank all the workers for the delicious food, fast service, and amazing atmosphere. I am definitely looking forward to becoming a returning customer!
- sandwich10
- cannolis9
- meats9
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Sandwiches, Will Return!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I ordered two sandwiches, and they were absolutely amazing. I will definitely come back anytime I’m in the city.
The food was excellent, and I also appreciated the great atmosphere.
- sandwiches10
- food10
- atmosphere10
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Takeout
10
Perfect Grab-and-Go Beach Sandwich
My go-to sandwich when I'm in the city and I want something to just grab and go to the beach. Grab a sandwich, head to East Beach, and just enjoy your day or afternoon. Nothing better!
- sandwich10
- grab and go10
What Limoncello offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Limoncello?
Limoncello offers flexible dining and service options. You can enjoy your meal with available seating for lunch or dinner, or take advantage of outdoor seating. For convenience, delivery, including no-contact delivery, is provided. Catering services are also available, and you can make reservations for your visit.
Does Limoncello cater to specific dietary preferences or offer beverages?
Limoncello caters to various preferences, offering healthy options and delicious vegetarian choices on the menu. For beverages, you can enjoy coffee, beer, and wine, alongside other alcoholic selections. It’s also a good spot for kids, making it a versatile choice for families and individuals seeking a quick and satisfying meal.
What is Limoncello's overall rating and customer satisfaction?
Limoncello holds an excellent overall Restaurant Score of 8.9 and boasts a Customer Satisfaction rate of 94.5%. Key aspects like Food (9), Service (9), and Ambience (8.9) are highly rated, while Value (6.5) is considered average.
What kind of food can I expect at Limoncello?
Limoncello is highly praised for its Italian sandwiches, with many customers enjoying options like The Goodfella and The Porchetta. They also offer delicious cannolis, espresso, pizza, and a selection of charcuterie and cheese.
How is the service and atmosphere at Limoncello?
The service at Limoncello is generally excellent, with staff described as friendly, professional, and attentive. The atmosphere is noted for its authentic Italian ambiance, offering a fun and quiet market-like experience.