Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Roli Roti – San Francisco
Roli Roti - San Francisco
Photo from Roli Roti
Roli Roti at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🥪 Sandwich Shop
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 26 of the guests
#1656 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#38 Sandwich Shop out of 65 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
401
Reviews
63.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Porchetta sandwich
- Flavorful meats
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent food
- No cash accepted
The sandwich shop Roli Roti in San Francisco’s bustling Financial District offers you a perfect spot for a quick and satisfying meal. Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie is known for its casual atmosphere, making it an ideal choice when you’re looking for delicious rotisserie-inspired sandwiches and plates.
You’ll find it’s a popular destination for lunch, providing a convenient takeout option for those on the go.
Overview: Introducting Roli Roti
Roli Roti offers a compelling experience, largely driven by its flavorful food that leaves a strong impression on many. While the porchetta sandwich often receives high praise for its quality and taste, the overall visit can sometimes be a mixed bag.
Customers frequently commend the friendly staff and efficient service, even when faced with a long line. However, some experiences are marred by significant wait times and occasional issues, such as the cash payment policy, which has drawn criticism.
Good
7
out of 10
401
Reviews
63.6%
Satisfaction
105
negative
41
neutral
255
positive
Roli Roti earns a solid 7 for its overall performance, indicating a good dining experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 63.6%, suggesting that while many are pleased, a notable portion finds areas for improvement.
This divergence highlights a place with clear strengths but also some inconsistencies. Delving into specifics, the Food stands out with a strong (7.3), reflecting its popularity across 255 positive remarks out of 401 total.
Ambience scores a respectable (6.7), contributing positively to the visit. Value comes in at an average (6.2), while Service also lands at an average (6), with 105 negative comments pointing to occasional frustrations.
What people like
- Delicious porchetta sandwich
- Flavorful roasted meats
- Efficient, friendly service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent food quality
- No cash accepted
If you’re seeking robust flavors and don’t mind a potential wait, Roli Roti is certainly worth considering. The 7.3 recommendation score suggests that for many, the culinary rewards outweigh minor inconveniences, making it a destination for specific cravings.
However, be prepared for potential lines and understand that service experiences can vary. It’s a spot that shines brightest for its core offerings, but a visit might require a bit of patience and an open mind regarding payment methods.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Roli Roti
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, guests often rave about the delicious offerings, especially the signature porchetta sandwich, which many describe as juicy and tender with irresistible crispy skin. The roasted potatoes, often cooked in rich drippings, also receive high praise for their amazing flavor. With 205 positive remarks out of 297 total comments, its clear theres a lot to love, contributing to a good score of 7.3.
However, not every dish hits the mark, as some diners found certain items, like the chicken, to be dry or lacking flavor, occasionally even bland or unseasoned. There are also mentions of food being too fatty or potatoes being over-salted, leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 69%. These 69 negative comments suggest some inconsistency in execution.
Food
297
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
69
negative
23
neutral
205
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Porchetta Sandwich
- Crispy Pork Skin
- Flavorful Roasted Potatoes
What people don't like
- Lack Flavor
- Too Fatty
- Dry Chicken
Often praised
- porchetta sandwichMy experience at Roli Roti has been consistently great, and I always return for their porchetta sandwich. It's made with Acme bread and features absolutely amazing porchetta with a crackly skin, complemented by onion jam and arugula. In my opinion, it's one of the best things to eat in the Bay Area and a dish at the farmer's market that I never tire of.
- potatoespotatoes are cooked with the roti drippings making them super rich
- porchettathe porchetta is so flavorful and palate pleasing
- sandwichMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had a great value sandwich that was SO delicious. I would absolutely purchase it again for lunch and highly recommend it to anyone.
- foodEverything is well seasoned, moist, and incredible
- sandwichesThe sandwiches are truly among the best
- chickenMy experience was with the best chicken ever. I will never eat a Safeway chicken again.
- meatthe meat in the sandwiches was delicious
- ribsThe meat was of great quality, always fresh and grilled well, with a delicious smell. The ribs are my favorite. I want to thank Edison for being the soul of the team; he was always friendly and kind to others!
- Porchetta sandwichPorchetta sandwich was amazing. Bursting with flavors, crispy skin, savory, juicy meat that melts in the mouth.
Frequently criticized
- sandwichit just wasn't balanced. I disliked the flavor so much that I couldn't finish my sandwich
- potatoesBoth the sandwiches and the ribs needed more salt. Specifically, I suggest seasoning the meat before it's used in sandwiches and ensuring all the potatoes are tossed with salt rather than just having it sprinkled on top. Tossing the arugula in a balsamic vinaigrette and then seasoning it with salt and fresh pepper would also elevate the dish from plain to incredible.
- foodAll the food were a bit too salty though
- porchetta sandwichthe porchetta sandwich was very dry and lacked much flavour
- porchettaVery overwhelming herbs flavor, you can barely taste the porchetta. The porchetta was extremely fatty and greasy (for real). The Rugola idea is simply ridiculous.
- breadThe pork belly with arugula, crispy skin, and moist meat was incredibly delicious 😢. The whole potatoes were also well-seasoned and tasty, though the bread was a bit chewy.
- caramelized onionsthe ones that I got were really burnt so it added too much blah flavor
- chickenthe chicken was not tender enough
- flavorI disliked the flavor so much that I couldn't finish my sandwich
- meatmost of the meat was very fatty
If you're a fan of savory, juicy porchetta with crispy skin and flavorful roasted potatoes, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might occasionally lack seasoning or be a bit too fatty, so manage your expectations for consistency.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
While customer satisfaction sits at a 47.9% (mixed) and the overall score is an average 6, many guests still rave about the service. Positive comments, making up 35 out of 73, frequently highlight the friendly staff and how the line moved quickly, often making the wait worth it. Some even mentioned being served everything quickly!
On the flip side, 26 comments out of 73 reveal some bumps in the road. Guests have experienced a long wait and issues with the line, sometimes finding the service inefficient and confusing. There were also mentions of rude service and concerns about line management, indicating that while the food might be worth it, the wait can be a real challenge.
Service
73
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
26
negative
12
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast moving line
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude service
- Poor line management
Often praised
- waitI arrived early, right at market open, and thankfully there was no line for their rotisserie. I highly recommend getting an early brunch, as I can't imagine the lines wouldn't be much longer nearer to lunch, but it would be worth the wait. This sandwich truly trumped my previous Philly favorite.
- lineCome early to avoid the line. But the guys at Roli Roti work quickly.
- staffthe staff was super cool and proud of the product
- servicethe quality, the service, we are in love with them
- EdisonEdison for being the soul of the team, always friendly and kind
- ServiceService:5
- Wait timeUp to 10 min
- come earlyDo come early
- energetic and fun serviceThe line stretched across the block to the building on the opposite side. Despite the length, the line moved relatively quickly, and the staff's energetic and fun service, complete with music, made the wait less boring. The most popular porchetta sandwich has a unique texture due to the combination of crispy, slightly charred outer pork and tender inner pork.
- friendly stafffriendly staff gave a lil piece of porchetta free of charge
Frequently criticized
- lineThe line can be very long, so it's advisable to arrive early. I've only tried what appears to be the star of the show, the porchetta sandwich.
- serviceThe man with the tattoo on his face was dismissive, ignored my question, and even made fun of me for holding a bag of salad. While the food itself might be good, the service was a significant letdown.
- waiting timeI waited 30 minutes in line for this lunch after visiting the ferry building, drawn in by the smell. The pork belly with arugula, crispy skin, and moist meat was incredibly delicious 😢.
- wait40 minute wait for overly seasoned chicken
- cash paymentrefuse to accept cash as payment
- cashierthe cashier started saying how "she always tips no matter the place.... etc."
- chefso called chef is a hack
- discriminatoryThe reviewer's perspective is that "No Cash Accepted" is a coded message for "No Poor People Allowed, " as the poor, disabled, elderly, and minorities are disproportionately more likely to be "underbanked" and rely on cash. The reviewer asserts that a "No Cash Accepted" policy is inherently discriminatory, and any claim otherwise is disingenuous.
- hourshours are incorrect on this location
- line experienceline experience is so bad
Service here is a bit of a mixed bag. If youre patient and dont mind a potential wait, you'll likely enjoy the friendly and quick staff. Just be prepared for the possibility of long lines and occasional service issues, which can sometimes overshadow the experience.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, many guests absolutely love the vibe here! With 5 positive remarks out of 9 total, people rave about the atmosphere and vibes being immaculate and delightful, making it a wonderful spot for Saturday afternoons. The overall score for ambience is a solid 6.7, which is good, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 55.6%.
However, its not all perfect. With 3 negative comments, some guests felt the "hype" wasnt justified. A notable issue is the lack of seating, meaning you might need to find a spot elsewhere.
There were also some significant concerns about the establishment itself, indicating that not everyone found the overall experience positive.
Ambience
9
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Immaculate vibes
- Perfect for Saturdays
What people don't like
- No dedicated seating
- Not worth hype
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was equally delightful at 5/5
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Saturday afternoonsA wonderful place to go on sataurday afternoons
- vibesThe vibes are immaculate
Frequently criticized
- establishmenthigh quality establishment swing so hard in a deeply discriminatory direction
- hypeabsolutely not worth the hype
- seatingWould recommend! They don’t have seating, so you’ll have to find a place to sit elsewhere in the Ferry Building.
If you're looking for great vibes and a lively atmosphere for a casual outing, especially on a Saturday afternoon, this place could be a good fit. Just be prepared for potential seating challenges and manage your expectations regarding the overall hype to avoid disappointment.
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about value! Based on 22 customer opinions, with 10 positive and 7 negative, it seems like theres a bit of a mixed bag here. Many folks found some real gems, praising the price point and the quality you get, especially with that $10 Porchetta Sandwich.
They felt it was a great deal, even unbelievable for San Francisco, often noting it was a hearty meal for a good price. However, the value proposition isn't universally loved. Some customers felt things were pretty pricey for what you get, particularly mentioning pricey sandwiches with smaller portions, making them not worth the price.
The overall score for value sits at an average 6.2, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 45.5%, reflecting this split. A significant concern for some was the No Cash Accepted policy, which felt exclusionary.
Value
22
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
7
negative
5
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great sandwich value
- Good quality for price
- Hearty portions
What people don't like
- Pricey for portions
- No cash accepted
- Not worth the wait
Often praised
- priceTasty good price, enough for 2 in one sandwich
- $10 Porchetta Sandwichone hearty sandwich for $10
- billthe entire bill came to about $ 27.
- great value sandwichMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had a great value sandwich that was SO delicious. I would absolutely purchase it again for lunch and highly recommend it to anyone.
- price pointPrice point is just superb
- pricingPriced well for the great quality
- qualitygreat quality you get
- roasted chicken priceUnbelievable price for San Francisco!
Frequently criticized
- priceNot worth the price
- Acceptance of Cash lawMy experience was marked by the establishment's refusal to accept cash as payment. While I understand there's a loophole in San Francisco's "Acceptance of Cash" law that allows food trucks to bypass it, I found this deeply disappointing. It's disheartening to see an otherwise high-quality establishment take such a discriminatory stance.
- Costco rotisserie chickencosts x3 of the Costco rotisserie chicken
- No Cash Accepted"No Cash Accepted" is just code for "No Poor People Allowed"
- pricey sandwichHowever, my recent visit to the Ferry Building Farmers Market was disappointing. They no longer put enough meat on their pricey sandwiches, and the half-sized chicken portions were significantly smaller than expected, resembling a quarter size compared to my friend's much larger order. I've lost a valued tipping customer.
- worth waiting in that line againIt was a bit tough on my teeth. Eating it around the Ferry Building was scenic, delicious, and enjoyable, but I don't think it's worth waiting in that line again. I gave it 4 stars.
If youre eyeing a hearty sandwich and appreciate good quality for the price, especially in San Francisco, you might find a great deal here. However, be prepared for potentially smaller portions on some items and know that cash isnt accepted, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
How are the prices at Roli Roti?
You’re looking at roughly 21 $ per person – reported by 26 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Sandwich Shop in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average lands here, most guests actually spent a bit less, with the majority clustering in the $11–$20 bracket, suggesting a good mix of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 26 reviews.
See how this Sandwich Shop’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Sandwich Shop in San Francisco, especially with a good range of options that cater to different budgets. Its a solid choice if youre looking for a quality bite without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Roli Roti
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Worth the Wait at Roli Roti
My experience at Roli Roti, a famous stand in the San Francisco Ferry Building Farmers Market, was absolutely worth the wait. I was curious due to the consistently long line, and it did not disappoint. The rotisserie porchetta was a standout, perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
It paired wonderfully with the arugula. I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly the staff were, and they served everything quickly. It's important to note that this is a cashless stand, so card payment is the only option.
- rotisserie porchetta10
- arugula8
- long line6
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Undercooked Chicken at Farmer's Market
My experience at the Farmer's Market on California Avenue on Sunday, October 12th, was disappointing. I purchased their whole chicken, but unfortunately, it was NOT cooked through 😖. The breast meat was noticeably pinkish and difficult to chew.
Considering the cost, which was three times that of a Costco rotisserie chicken, the quality was unacceptable.
- whole chicken2
- breast meat2
- Costco rotisserie chicken2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Amazing Porchetta and Cool Staff!
We hustled to get there before closing and managed to snag the last two porchetta sandwiches, along with new potatoes and brussels sprouts. The experience was amazing! The food was great, and the staff was super cool and clearly proud of their product.
- porchetta sandwiches10
- new potatoes9
- brussels sprouts9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Roti Sandwich Experience
My third trip to the city specifically for a Roti sandwich was a letdown. After spending over $18 for a sandwich, we were dismayed to find ourselves eating mouthfuls of fat. This experience was far from what I expected, especially given the travel and cost involved.
- Roti sandwich2
- sandwich2
- fat1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
7
Delicious Porchetta, But Lacking Flavor Depth
We've been wanting to check out this spot since seeing it featured on food shows. We visited on a Saturday morning, arriving around 10 AM and ordering by 10: 30 AM. While the chicken and ribs weren't ready, we were focused on the Porchetta sandwiches.
The pork itself was absolutely delicious – incredibly tender with some nice crispy bits, definitely the highlight. The bread was also super fresh, and the onion jam was really good. However, the arugula was half yellow and super wilted from the heat, indicating it needs to be eaten right away.
It also needed something acidic, like pickled onions and something spicy, to enhance the flavors. Despite these points, we're glad we tried it. For $15, though, I was expecting more robust flavors.
Next time, we'd like to try the chicken, ribs, and potatoes.
- Porchetta sandwiches9
- pork9
- crispy bits8
- arugula2
- flavors4
What Roli Roti offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Lunch
Service Options
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie in San Francisco accessible for all visitors?
Yes, Roli Roti in the Financial District ensures a welcoming experience for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it easy for you to enjoy a quick bite or lunch at this popular San Francisco sandwich shop.
What dining options are available at Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie, and is it suitable for families?
At Roli Roti, you can enjoy lunch with convenient takeout service. It’s also considered good for kids, making it a great casual spot for you and your family to grab a delicious and quick meal in San Francisco.
How does Roli Roti generally perform?
Roli Roti achieves a **7** overall score, indicating a good experience. **Food** scores highest at (7.3), followed by **Ambience** (6.7), **Value** (6.2), and **Service** (6).
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food?
Many praise the **porchetta sandwich** for its rich flavor and crispy skin, often highlighting the moist meat and well-seasoned potatoes cooked in drippings.
Are there any common frustrations when visiting Roli Roti?
Customers frequently mention **long lines** and significant wait times. Some also note occasional inconsistencies in food seasoning or issues with the **cash payment** policy.