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oChef » Lucca Delicatessen – San Francisco
Lucca Delicatessen - San Francisco
Photo from Lucca Delicatessen
Lucca Delicatessen at a glance
San Francisco Marina District
- 🥪 Deli
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 55 of the guests
#1085 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#10 Deli out of 18 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
448
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh ingredients
- Authentic atmosphere
- Delicious sandwiches
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- High prices
- Crowded space
The deli Lucca Delicatessen invites you to experience a taste of San Francisco’s vibrant Marina District. As a classic deli, you’ll find a welcoming spot for your daily cravings.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or stocking up on essentials, this neighborhood gem offers a convenient and authentic experience right in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Lucca Delicatessen
Lucca Delicatessen offers a genuine taste of an old-world Italian deli, creating a charming atmosphere that transports you. Many appreciate the quality of their offerings, particularly the well-regarded sandwiches made with fresh ingredients.
However, be prepared for potential wait times and a bustling environment, as service can sometimes feel inefficient. While the quality is often praised, some find the overall experience to be on the pricy side.
Good
7.6
out of 10
448
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
87
negative
25
neutral
336
positive
Overall, Lucca Delicatessen earns a solid 7.6 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at a respectable 75%. This indicates a generally positive experience for most patrons, based on 448 customer remarks, with 336 positive sentiments outweighing 87 negative ones.
It suggests a reliable choice, though not without some areas for refinement. The Food (8.0) stands out as a clear highlight, consistently receiving high praise for its quality and fresh ingredients.
The Ambience (7.7) also contributes positively, offering an authentic deli feel. However, Service (6.9) is good but has room for improvement, often impacted by wait times.
The primary concern appears to be Value (4.7), which many find to be average.
What people like
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Authentic deli atmosphere
- Delicious sandwiches
What people don't like
- Extended wait times
- Perceived high prices
- Crowded environment
With a strong 7.9 recommendation score, Lucca Delicatessen is certainly worth considering if you appreciate quality deli fare. It’s a place that delivers on taste and atmosphere, making it a solid choice for those seeking an authentic experience.
However, be prepared for the potential for longer waits and a bustling setting, and factor in that the pricing might feel a bit steep. If you prioritize excellent food and a classic deli vibe over speed and budget, you’ll likely enjoy your visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Lucca Delicatessen
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food here generally hits the spot, earning a good score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction of 81.5%. With 242 positive remarks out of 297, guests rave about the delicious sandwiches, fresh ingredients, and overall quality, often noting the generous portion size. However, not every bite is perfect.
There were 42 negative comments, with some unfortunate experiences mentioning moldy sandwich and hair in the food. Others found issues with soggy bread or overpowering condiments.
Food
297
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
42
negative
13
neutral
242
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious sandwiches
- Fresh ingredients
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Moldy bread
- Hair in food
- Poor bread quality
Often praised
- sandwichesI used to frequent it in the mid-1970s when I was a college student working nearby. The delicious sandwiches & salad offerings made for a nice meal, and it felt like a piece of Little Italy in the Marina district. Returning on 5/25 after moving away, the shop looked much the same, but the menu had expanded significantly – a huge selection of meats, cheeses, breads, & extras.
- sandwichI highly recommend visiting during the week for a smoother service experience. The staff takes the time to make your sandwich from scratch. I’d go for the Calabrian next time.
- foodThe atmosphere also received a perfect score, contributing to the overall delightful experience. I would travel across the Bay for their food.
- FoodFood:5
- ingredientsMy experience at Lucca's was marked by high quality and fresh ingredients. While you should be prepared to wait about 30 minutes during lunchtime, the wait is definitely worth it.
- deliI chose all the toppings, and it was so tasty and filling. I will definitely try the deli and cured meats as they looked awesome. The place is tight and small, giving it that authentic shop feel.
- meatIn memory! " I was in disbelief, verifying, "This is the best meat I might have ever tasted. " The deli has a cute, old-time feeling with mostly sandwiches and pre-made foods.
- breadThe ingredients and bread are good
- freshMy experience was indulging in an Italian Sandwich on Extra Sour, which was a difficult choice given the variety offered. It was sooo good, very fresh, and HUGE! It was definitely worth the wait.
- fresh ingredientsyou can really taste how fresh all the ingredients are
Frequently criticized
- breaddidn't even bother to warm up the bread
- sandwichI was excited to try this place after hearing so much hype, but our sandwiches were extremely messy, which impacted the experience for me. The bread was so hard and the sandwich was overstuffed, so each bite squeezed all of the contents out. I kept having to reassemble my sandwich with my hands.
- condimentsdrowning in condiments. Kinda ruined it
- Chicken ParmTuna Salad better than Chicken Parm
- CiCis cookiesthese cookies were more than the price of the sandwich!
- Italian subMy experience at the restaurant involved ordering the Italian sub on focaccia. It would have been killer if it wasn’t drowning in condiments. Kinda ruined it : /
- Parma ham15.00$ for 50g Parmaschinken
- StomachStomach is not feeling so good
- Turkey clubIt was NOT however, a turkey club.
- baconI/4 of a raw thinly sliced, bad tasting bacon hidden under the cheese.
If you're craving a hearty, fresh sandwich, this spot is definitely worth a try, especially given the high praise for its quality and portions. Just be mindful of potential inconsistencies, as a few diners encountered significant issues with food freshness and preparation.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
Many customers rave about the friendly staff and quick service, often highlighting attentive staff and efficient systems. With a score of 6.9, service is generally considered good, and 59 positive remarks underscore the helpful and polite interactions that make ordering a pleasant experience. However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 64.1%, with 25 negative comments pointing to issues like the wait times and a sometimes confusing ordering system.
Some found the long line and the need to grab a number a bit off-putting, suggesting room for improvement in managing busy periods, based on 92 total observations.
Service
92
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
25
negative
8
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Organized pickup system
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Confusing ordering system
- Inefficient service
Often praised
- serviceOverall, I highly recommend Lucca Delicatessen for its exceptional selection of fresh meats and cheeses. You won't be disappointed with the delicious options and top-notch service they provide.
- staffThe staff knowledgeable and passionate about their products
- ServiceService:5
- waitMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the amazing sandwiches. If you encounter a line upon arrival, don't be deterred; it's a testament to the quality and is well worth the wait.
- wait timeby the time we got there after 15 minutes it was ready for pickup
- RickyMy experience at Lucca in Marina was a prosciutto crudo paradise! Ricky, the salumiere, crafts magic with every slice. The Prosciutto di Parma was melt-in-your-mouth, like angels singing on your tongue.
- attentive staffthanks to attentive staff
- complicated ordersuper grateful for all their help! As I had a complicated order.
- crewSuch an amazing crew behind the counter
- event lunchOn top of their delicious sandwiches, the service is amazing! Thank you so much for making my event lunch a success! ❤️❤️❤️
Frequently criticized
- servicenot worth the service. Unbelievably inefficient
- waitExpect to wait 20 mins for your sandwich
- waiting timeWaited 50 minutes for 5 sandwiches
- ask about everythingAlles Nachfragen...
- business practiceTerrible business practice
- customer serviceI paid $18 for a sandwich that they wouldn't even heat up. While I understand tradition, there are many other places that offer better value and excellent customer service. To make matters worse, it took 15 minutes just to be acknowledged, despite there being only one other customer.
- employeesemployees seemed to care more about the conversation
- improvementsCould use some improvements
- lineThe line is out the door
- long lineMy experience at the restaurant involved a long line and a sandwich (Americano) that was a bit dry and on the pricy side. However, despite these drawbacks, the overall experience was really good.
If youre looking for genuinely friendly and efficient service, especially when ordering online or ahead, youll likely have a great experience. Just be prepared for potential waits or a slightly confusing system if you walk in during peak times, as this is where some customers hit a snag.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, with a strong score of 7.7 and a 73.7% customer satisfaction, based on 38 total observations. Many of the 28 positive remarks celebrate the deli and Italian vibe, praising the charming atmosphere that transports you back in time. Guests adore the authentic, old-world Italian deli feel and the lively, bustling environment.
However, it's not without its challenges, as 8 comments highlight. Some found the space a bit tight and mentioned limited seating, leading to a crowded walkway. A few also noted parking can be difficult, and one felt it lacked a truly authentic deli feel compared to their expectations.
Ambience
38
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian vibe
- Charming atmosphere
- Old-world deli feel
What people don't like
- Tight space
- Limited seating
- Parking difficulty
Often praised
- atmospherea little chaotic in a controlled, amusing way
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- deliWe'll do it again! When you walk into Lucca, you go back in time to a genuine old-world community Italian deli that exudes authenticity. Wow!
- DeliThe Deli is very pretty too.
- Italian deliMy experience at this restaurant was like stepping back east. It's a great old school Italian deli that would be right up your alley if you're from back east. I had an awesome Italian sub.
- Italian vibewelcomed by a lively, authentic Italian vibe
- charming atmospherethe charming atmosphere
- classic Italian deliyou’d want from a classic Italian deli
- environmentThe environment makes you feel like you are in Italy
- good placeit is consistently a good place
Frequently criticized
- Italian deliMy experience at this restaurant was a bit of a letdown, especially considering the high recommendations and my background growing up in an Italian neighborhood. While the selection was plentiful, I felt it was more of a San Francisco version of an Italian deli, lacking the authenticity I'm accustomed to. The Tuna Salad, however, was surprisingly better than the Chicken Parm.
- authentic delidid not feel very authentic to me
- experiencean all around meh experience
- parkingMy favorite was the caprese sandwich <3. The only downside was that it is really hard to find parking in the area.
- placePlace gets pretty packed
- seatingthere isn’t much seating there
- spaceBit of a tight space
- walkwaytoo crowded of a walk way in there
If youre seeking a lively, authentic Italian deli experience with a charming, old-world vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially tight space and some parking challenges, especially during busy times. Its a trade-off for that genuine atmosphere.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, some customers appreciate that the prices are considered reasonable for the quality, with many finding decent portions for what they pay. Its also refreshing to hear that theres no pressure for excessive tip requests, making some feel its worth the splurge for a good experience, based on 7 positive sentiments. However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with 12 negative opinions highlighting that many find the offerings on the pricy side and overpriced sandwiches for what you get.
This is reflected in a score of 4.7, which is average, but a concerning customer satisfaction of just 33.3%, indicating poor value perception. The added online ordering charge also doesnt help.
Value
21
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality for price
- Decent portion sizes
- No tip pressure
What people don't like
- Sandwiches overpriced
- Online order fee
- Generally too pricey
Often praised
- pricedecent portions for the price.
- good priceat a good price
- price of the sandwichMy experience was good. I enjoyed the spicy salami sandwich, which had a nice kick of heat and was generously filled with meat for about $17. However, I also purchased a small bag of 5 CiCis cookies at checkout and made the mistake of not checking the price beforehand.
- pricesThe prices are reasonable for the quality you receive
- splurgeI’d go for the Calabrian next time. It's a little pricey but definitely worth the splurge.
- tipno little iPad that flips back at you asking for a 25% tip which is refreshing
Frequently criticized
- pricemade the mistake of not checking the price before hand
- $70 for 3 sandwiches$70 for 3 very sub-par sandwiches
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- online ordering charge99 cent charge for ordering online for take out
- priceyA little pricey
- pricy sideon the pricy side
- valueway better places with value
If youre someone who doesnt mind a bit of a splurge for quality, you might find some items here worth the cost. However, be prepared that many customers feel the overall value is lacking, with prices often not matching the perceived quality. Its a place where you might need to pick your items carefully to feel youre getting your money's worth.
How are the prices at Lucca Delicatessen?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 55 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Deli, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most folks spend right around this mark, with a few venturing into higher price points for a special treat.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 55 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Deli, especially considering its mid-range positioning. It offers good value for what you get.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Lucca Delicatessen
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
8
Worth the Wait for Fresh Ingredients
My experience at Lucca's was marked by high quality and fresh ingredients. While you should be prepared to wait about 30 minutes during lunchtime, the wait is definitely worth it. A helpful tip is that you can ask for your sandwich to be toasted!
The sandwich itself had a great meat to bread to veggie ratio and a flavorful sauce.
- ingredients9
- wait time6
- wait8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Loud
1
Terrible Food, Hair, and Overpriced
After living in SF for years and always seeing a line outside, I decided to try this restaurant for the first time. My experience was incredibly disappointing. One of the sandwiches, which was supposed to come with mayo, mustard, lettuce, onions, and tomato, was literally just turkey on bread (costing almost $25).
To make matters worse, the second sandwich contained a very long dyed strand of hair right in the center. It was foul and disgusting, so we threw it away. While the staff was nice, spending $70 for three very sub-par sandwiches and finding hair in the food is unacceptable.
I will never return. 0/10 do not recommend.
- staff5
- sandwiches1
- turkey on bread1
- dyed strand of hair1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
1
Soggy Sandwich and Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I ordered a sandwich that was so saturated with sauce that the bread became soggy within 10 minutes. The overpowering flavor made it impossible to enjoy, and the sauce had soaked into the stale bread, cheese, and vegetables, rendering the sandwich inedible.
When I contacted them for a refund or replacement, a female employee initially agreed, but then a male employee took over the call and refused any resolution, stating it was my fault for ordering the sandwich. I did not order a soggy, sauce-laden sandwich. I have visited this establishment a few times when working in the area, but I will not be returning.
- sandwich1
- bread1
- flavor1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Italian Sandwich!
My experience at the restaurant was great, especially the Italian sandwich. You can really taste how fresh all the ingredients are. It was a perfect lunch option, and I appreciated that there was no wait.
The food quality was excellent, earning a 5 out of 5.
- Italian sandwich9
- fresh ingredients10
- wait time10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Incredible Fresh Sandwiches!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the Caprese sandwich, which was absolutely incredible. Everything tasted super fresh.
Although it can get a little crowded inside, they have a great system in place, ensuring efficiency. The food was rated a 5, and the atmosphere was also a 5, making for a very enjoyable lunch.
- Caprese sandwich10
- fresh10
- crowded inside6
What Lucca Delicatessen offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
FAQs
What service options are available at Lucca Delicatessen?
At Lucca Delicatessen, you have several convenient service options. You can enjoy onsite services, perfect for a quick stop. If you’re on the go, takeout is readily available, and for ultimate convenience, delivery services are also offered to bring your order right to you.
Does Lucca Delicatessen offer accessible parking and entrance?
Yes, Lucca Delicatessen is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance for all guests. For parking, you’ll find paid street parking options nearby, making your visit to this San Francisco deli as convenient as possible.
How is Lucca Delicatessen rated overall?
Lucca Delicatessen holds a good overall score of 7.6 out of 10. Its Food (8.0) and Ambience (7.7) are highly rated, while Service (6.9) is good, and Value (4.7) is considered average.
What do customers enjoy most about Lucca Delicatessen?
Customers frequently praise Lucca Delicatessen for its delicious sandwiches and the use of fresh ingredients. Many also appreciate the authentic, old-world Italian deli atmosphere.
What are some common concerns at Lucca Delicatessen?
Patrons sometimes experience long wait times for their orders and find the prices to be on the pricy side. The space can also feel crowded during busy periods.