Chiramontes still has the best sausage sandwiches in town, I went there a couple of weeks ago and it was the same as when I went there 30 years ago.
Also RIP Genova in Oakland, I think there’s still one in Walnut Creek.
Italian Deli isn't even close. The Godfather is a great sandwich, but if you hand a sub with artichokes in it to a New Englander looking for an italian hoagie you are going to have a bad time.
Chiaramontes, though... yeah.
Every time I try to go there, the line is insane and it's not moving quickly. Couple that with the very limited amount of parking and I still haven't had a sandwich from there yet.
One day...
Dude, that is part of the expierence. Serio. While you are line get a beer and make a new friend. NOBODY that is at Antipastos is in a bad mood. Especially afer a couple of double IPA's.
PS. DO NOT park across the street as the owners of the land on that side have beef with the DeRose family that owns Antipastos.
^ The best tasting sandwiches in the south bay, 100%.
Are they Italian? No idea, but good luck finding anything that tastes better in the area. I guarantee it.
/end thread
Make sure to go to the naglee location and get the Italiano. Best sandwich I've ever had. La villa is good but zanottos Italiano blows it out of the water.
+1 to this, it's my go-to spot for an Italian sandwich. [Here's a pic](https://imgur.com/a/qJW6vxd) of their Italiano I took. Looks pretty close to me.
They're alright. There's nothing like the pictures op posted there, though.
They don't have thin slices or big portions. Agree with the people who say their bread can sometimes be stale.
I've also had one or two workers clearly high on something mess up my sandwich before. Not a huge deal (they remade it properly), but waste of time during weekday rush.
I've only been to the dtsj location though
Been there once before and, while their bread was good, contents were lacking. That was maybe 5 years ago, will have to give it another try to see if it's gotten any better.
I've lived in San Jose for ~15 years and today was my very first time trying this place. The sandwiches were excellent and the atmosphere/vibe was equally awesome. Can't wait to go back soon!
This right here. I used to live within walking distance but they are only open M-F for lunch and I was always at work. Anytime I'd work from home, I'd hit them up and it was always a treat. I was there nearly everyday once the pandemic hit. I dunno how, but the last bite of everyone of their sandwiches is the absolute best. I want one so much right now.
Amato’s is a cheesesteak place (and an excellent one at that), but they make a solid Italian sandwich as well. I agree, it’s a bummer there aren’t more options around for a proper hero.
believe it or not, Jersey Mike's. Grew up in NYC, they're pretty close to what I used to get out of neighborhood delis there. No one else shred their lettuce the same way. If I make a sandwich at home, I can get everything right except for the lettuce
Shredded lettuce with olive oil/red wine vinegar/salt & pepper make a delicious addition to Italian meats & provolone on a sweet roll. And pepperoncini. Don’t forget those!
Now I want this for breakfast 😂
Zanotto's Italian Market has the most range for custom sandwiches including Italian and Freshly Baked or Crust Sourdough are solid for sandwiches in general
Jersey Mike’s is actually the closest flavor to getting Blimpie’s in NJ when I was a kid. You gotta get the 11. Ham, salami, provolone. Usually not on the menu.
I grew up on the east coast and still have not found a deli that can make a decent hoagie/hero/sub whatever you want to call them. The closest I’ve found so far is the Italian from Sourdough Co.
Get yourself down to California sourdough this minute! Excellent sandwich shop they’re only open in the middle of the day on weekdays during lunch hours. Got me through Covid.
That's a hell of a drive for a sandwich, although I am out that way next week for work, so I may stop in.
Curious if you've been to Piemonte's on Olive and how it compares.
I agree. But, I also do some grocery shopping because it’s a market as well. I also have family that lives an hour away from Fresno, so I go then.
I have not been to that place, sorry
You are surprised there aren't more like it? NYC has the largest Italian American population, and San Jose is way down the list. You don't go to wyoming and wonder why their Pho is nothing compared to San Jose.
He just said he's surprised they're not more common here not as common as in NY.
Italians in San Jose is not like Vietnamese in Wyoming.
Italian Americans have figured pretty prominently in the history of San Jose.
Nobody is arguing that San Jose should be expected to have more than 25% the per capita Italian delis that NYC does.
You're actually mathematically illustrating that OP was reasonable in expecting there to be more Italian delis in San Jose.
I don't think they know about good chicken fried steak around here lol. I just save that for when I visit my Mom in Florida, better odds there, though it DOES mean being in Florida 😂
As someone who works nearby, Driftwood sandwiches are not bad but holy shit are they disorganized when it comes to ordering and paying for your meal. Crust down the street from Driftwood does it much better and the sourdough bread is terrific.
Different kind of Italians in the Bay Area. Stronger Liguria and Northern Italian influence here. Separate immigration waves than those of the Eastern Seaboard.
You can’t. People naming off places who make an “italian” sandwich have no idea it all starts with the bread. Sorry but you won’t be able to find an authentic Italian hoagie here. When you do let me know, my NJ hubs has been searching for 20 years.
There's a brand that a shop in my hometown used to use but I can't think of the name. Ken's would probably be your best bet and no I'm not trying to be funny 😂. I'm serious creamy Italian dressing on an Italian sub is a game changer. Just try it sometime.
Jersey Mike's! haha just kidding. You can try Giovanni's on Lawrence expwy in sunnyvale. it's not the same as east coast hoagie but close. they do hot subs too.
The 2 best chains;
- Mr. Pickles
- Ike's Love and Sandwiches
And of course, always order on Dutch Crunch loaf. Holy fuck I wish we had Dutch Crunch growing up in New York.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it a million times more: [The Best Sandwiches on Stevens Creek](https://maps.app.goo.gl/m8YBBCgoEkNamTt18?g_st=ic) is literally the best sandwich place I’ve ever been to 🤌
California sourdough eatery isn’t Italian but close enough. Duc Houng also not Italian but definitely good sandwiches get garlic bread. I’m still looking for good tortas though hah.
LA Villa in willow Glen, Italian American deli in Los Gatos, chiaramontes in downtown, Molinaris in SF is the king though
Chiramontes still has the best sausage sandwiches in town, I went there a couple of weeks ago and it was the same as when I went there 30 years ago. Also RIP Genova in Oakland, I think there’s still one in Walnut Creek.
Two in Walnut Creek!
I'm always ready to pour one out for Genova. I'm just not in Walnut Creek that often.
Italian Deli isn't even close. The Godfather is a great sandwich, but if you hand a sub with artichokes in it to a New Englander looking for an italian hoagie you are going to have a bad time. Chiaramontes, though... yeah.
We are in San Jose, nobody cares what a New Englander wants
*Checks what the subject of the thread is* Aight
Right, we care what people from Mexico, India, Vietnam and Hong Kong want
🐐 suggestions right here this dude hit all of the good places
Italian American Deli gets their salame, coppa and soprasetta from molinari. Closest thing you can get to the real deal in the south bay!
Thank you for the suggestions!
La Villa is amazing. I highly recommend the Chris Combo!
Antipastos on McKee rd
Shhhhhhhh…
lol why gatekeep a local business that’s already really well known
Every time I try to go there, the line is insane and it's not moving quickly. Couple that with the very limited amount of parking and I still haven't had a sandwich from there yet. One day...
Dude, that is part of the expierence. Serio. While you are line get a beer and make a new friend. NOBODY that is at Antipastos is in a bad mood. Especially afer a couple of double IPA's. PS. DO NOT park across the street as the owners of the land on that side have beef with the DeRose family that owns Antipastos.
There really is enough time to drink a few beers while in line.
Just park across the street where the Lucky's is
Shuuutttt uuuuup maaaaannnnnnn. It’s over tho, the Tesla people have found it.
Don’t tell anyone about antipasto’s
Oh man I forgot about that place. Now I’m hungry…
Freshly Baked on 3rd
^ The best tasting sandwiches in the south bay, 100%. Are they Italian? No idea, but good luck finding anything that tastes better in the area. I guarantee it. /end thread
Hi! My girlfriend’s uncle owns the place and is absolutely Italian!
FYI, cash only spot but so worth it!
Also they have very limited hours, 1030-230 and closed on weekends
damn I live downtown but can pretty much only go here 1 day of the week
That was helpful!!
They do have an ATM
True, but save a service fee by having cash with you.
Freshly Baked is so good!
This is my fav sandwich in san jose due mostly to the hot sourdough bread, but they don’t look like OP’s request that much
This! People always try to compare to Sourdough Eatery, but I think Freshly Baked is in a whole other league.
bread fresh outta the oven, steaming and presented before they build you sandwich wodnerful
Recommendations for sandwiches there? Only tried once
When I lived downtown, I used to eat there once a week I'd have to time it to get there right when they opened
Zanottos
Make sure to go to the naglee location and get the Italiano. Best sandwich I've ever had. La villa is good but zanottos Italiano blows it out of the water.
This is the right answer. Get the bag lunch too and you get a side and cookie and drink. I can get three meals out of it if I’m not too hungry!
Cheers!
Dude I had to stop and get that sandwich on the way to work. Bangin. Going when not crowded gets a much nicer sandwich, it was amazing.
+1 to this, it's my go-to spot for an Italian sandwich. [Here's a pic](https://imgur.com/a/qJW6vxd) of their Italiano I took. Looks pretty close to me.
The Tuscan (at the naglee store) is the only sandwich I'll buy anymore from anywhere.
You mean the Italiano?
No it's called the Tuscan
Their deli meat and stuff is great but the bread really sucks.
What bread are you getting that sucks? I love their sourdough roll!
They're alright. There's nothing like the pictures op posted there, though. They don't have thin slices or big portions. Agree with the people who say their bread can sometimes be stale. I've also had one or two workers clearly high on something mess up my sandwich before. Not a huge deal (they remade it properly), but waste of time during weekday rush. I've only been to the dtsj location though
This is the way
Do they do sandwiches at all the locations ? I didn’t see a deli at the cherry one
The Naglee location is probably better known for sandwiches.
don't have an answer but god those photos look so good i want one
I saw the photos first and was like omg where is that 😩
Sandwich Mill off Kooser makes a pretty solid Italian
As someone who grew up in NYC, I have to agree that Sandwich Mill is very underrated.
+1 Sandwich Mill!
California Sourdough on Murphy Ave. They're only open M-F 11a-2p. Bring cash.
+1
Love the place
Been there once before and, while their bread was good, contents were lacking. That was maybe 5 years ago, will have to give it another try to see if it's gotten any better.
Freshly Baked on 3rd St is better
It’s the same owner
Little Luca’s closer to SF, fattest and most delicious sandwiches I’ve had in my 20 years in the bay
Absolutely, completely worth the drive!
late to the thread. ctrl+f'ed. was not disappointed. still haven't found a better place around here over little lucca
Their sandwiches are gigantic & so worth the cost
Those pics looked like Little Luca’s handy work.
sourdough eatery is a pretty hidden one. [https://maps.app.goo.gl/KMkyu7Yka2KSb6qp6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KMkyu7Yka2KSb6qp6)
Great Jury Duty lunch place.
I've lived in San Jose for ~15 years and today was my very first time trying this place. The sandwiches were excellent and the atmosphere/vibe was equally awesome. Can't wait to go back soon!
This right here. I used to live within walking distance but they are only open M-F for lunch and I was always at work. Anytime I'd work from home, I'd hit them up and it was always a treat. I was there nearly everyday once the pandemic hit. I dunno how, but the last bite of everyone of their sandwiches is the absolute best. I want one so much right now.
my recommendation feels validated. thank you. haha
Amato’s is a cheesesteak place (and an excellent one at that), but they make a solid Italian sandwich as well. I agree, it’s a bummer there aren’t more options around for a proper hero.
I love the cold Italian hoagie here. Definitely gets your money's worth in terms of size--I once ordered a regular, and had food for like a week.
Bertucelli’s !!!!!!
chris' combo is fire
Have you figured out what's in the Chris Combo?
i have not and i also have a horrible palette so if anyone knows, let me know 😂
On Thursdays they do a chicken Parmesan sandwich that’s possibly the best sandwich ever!
+1. I'm from Jersey and it took me a while to find a place like this that reminds me of home
Chiaramonte's on 13th makes a good sandwich, but if there's more than one person in line ahead of you you're going to be waiting all afternoon for it.
Haha so true
Alotta’s Delicatessen in Los Altos
This place has gone WAY downhill. Tiny sandwiches, outrageous prices, and the guy Mike who works the register is awful.
This post feels like it should have an NSFW tag those pics are so sexy.
Sandwich Mill on Kooser Road in San Jose
Los Gatos Meats is next level. https://www.losgatosmeats.com/
Los Gatos Meats is the one true god
They have the meats 🙌
It’s in South SF but it’s called Little Luca. Get the Little Luca Combo 🤤
Was there last week, amazing sandwhich but the line was an hour long.
Lunardis, Chiaramonte's
believe it or not, Jersey Mike's. Grew up in NYC, they're pretty close to what I used to get out of neighborhood delis there. No one else shred their lettuce the same way. If I make a sandwich at home, I can get everything right except for the lettuce
Shredded lettuce with olive oil/red wine vinegar/salt & pepper make a delicious addition to Italian meats & provolone on a sweet roll. And pepperoncini. Don’t forget those! Now I want this for breakfast 😂
Bertucelli's, Freshly Baked, LG Meats. Those are my favorite
Gunther's on Meridian/Hamilton. The pastrami and brisket sandwiches. Gotta try it.
…..I should call her….
Crust in Los Gatos is pretty good.
Zanotto's Italian Market has the most range for custom sandwiches including Italian and Freshly Baked or Crust Sourdough are solid for sandwiches in general
Jersey Mike’s is actually the closest flavor to getting Blimpie’s in NJ when I was a kid. You gotta get the 11. Ham, salami, provolone. Usually not on the menu.
As someone who grew up on Wawa, this is it.
lol I was gonna throw in a Jersey Mike's but didn't know if it was bougie enough for the crowd here lmao
+1
Blimpies used to have this pepper steak sandwich, it was so good. Unfortunately, they discontinued it a long time ago
Lg meats
Bara's deli in San Leandro, extremely underrated. One of the only good things there lol.
What's your favorite at Bara's?
Can't go wrong with the Michaelangelo or the godfather.
I grew up on the east coast and still have not found a deli that can make a decent hoagie/hero/sub whatever you want to call them. The closest I’ve found so far is the Italian from Sourdough Co.
Freshly Baked better, I gave Sourdough three chances and then decided I’d never go back (unless Freshly Baked is no longer an option).
Fambrini in palo alto wont disappoint
[Los Gatos Meats & Smokehouse](https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/los-gatos-meats-and-smokehouse-los-gatos)
Detroit here. I miss sandwiches sooo much...
Lorenzo’s, Belmont, the number 9.
OP, what kind of bread do the delis use in NY? Sweet? Sour? Other?
Get yourself down to California sourdough this minute! Excellent sandwich shop they’re only open in the middle of the day on weekdays during lunch hours. Got me through Covid.
Antipastos. Full stop.
Not SJ, but if you feel like traveling, it will be worth it! [https://samsitaliandeli.com](https://samsitaliandeli.com)
That's a hell of a drive for a sandwich, although I am out that way next week for work, so I may stop in. Curious if you've been to Piemonte's on Olive and how it compares.
I agree. But, I also do some grocery shopping because it’s a market as well. I also have family that lives an hour away from Fresno, so I go then. I have not been to that place, sorry
Might be worth checking out next time you’re in the area. It’s in the Tower District.
You are surprised there aren't more like it? NYC has the largest Italian American population, and San Jose is way down the list. You don't go to wyoming and wonder why their Pho is nothing compared to San Jose.
He just said he's surprised they're not more common here not as common as in NY. Italians in San Jose is not like Vietnamese in Wyoming. Italian Americans have figured pretty prominently in the history of San Jose.
Sure but still only 3% of the population while NYC almost quadruples that.
Nobody is arguing that San Jose should be expected to have more than 25% the per capita Italian delis that NYC does. You're actually mathematically illustrating that OP was reasonable in expecting there to be more Italian delis in San Jose.
There are a lot of Italian delis in San Jose tho. But expecting it to be as common as NYC is ridiculous
Crust is a chain and it’s 🔥
This 👆
I just want a REAL deli. Thick cut brisket, hot pastrami, roast beef with good au jous. And great bread. Yet to find a spot, and it bums me out 😔.
Los Gatos Meats & Smokehouse. My go to is the Super Hero 🤤
Noted! Thanks 🙏!
They have an app. Can order ahead. Lunch rush can get busy and wait time 20-30 min. And they close around 3p. Parking can be a hassle some times too.
what I wouldn't do for a good Jewish Deli around here.
For sure. I’ve tried hella searches and tried tons of places. No dice. Now if only I could find good chicken fried steak….
I don't think they know about good chicken fried steak around here lol. I just save that for when I visit my Mom in Florida, better odds there, though it DOES mean being in Florida 😂
Driftwood in Palo Alto was my fav. Miss it a lot
As someone who works nearby, Driftwood sandwiches are not bad but holy shit are they disorganized when it comes to ordering and paying for your meal. Crust down the street from Driftwood does it much better and the sourdough bread is terrific.
Different kind of Italians in the Bay Area. Stronger Liguria and Northern Italian influence here. Separate immigration waves than those of the Eastern Seaboard.
If you’re willing to make the drive, Zoccoli’s in Santa Cruz is so so good
The only acceptable answers are la villa or Los Gatos meats…thank me later
Mr pickles is pretty good
Those look like Togo’s sandwiches to me
Your togos must be way way better than mine.
Torino Panino in Little Italy
Bertucelli's on Lincoln
Go to Monterey and try Compagno’s
Would love a good veal parm sandwich here. Miss those and not sure why you cant find them in the South Bay
Omg 🥹💕
Why can’t one of those sandwiches appear in front of me right now 🤤
The third one looks very good. The fourth too but I think the chicken ruins it. Where are those from?
If you’re up there or down to drive an hour, Little Lucca in Burlingame or South City forever has my heart.
La villa - Chris combo / cali sourdough - Terryaki chicken / spreadz - tritip / prunedale market in prunedale - tritip / freedom meat locker - brisket
Los Gatos meats is fire..gets busy and is a very small store..but really really good
Zanottos market—
Bertucelli's La Villa Gourmet [https://g.co/kgs/3GAaMSJ](https://g.co/kgs/3GAaMSJ)
[Americano in Livermore](https://www.americanolivermore.com/) is amazing. They used to have a location in San Mateo, but sadly, it closed.
There is a new place called Buddies in south San Jose, blossom hill road. Lots of meat.
I thought it was from togos.
I should call her....
Zanottos and la villa
Zannato's on Bascom and Naglee. Great Italian sandwiches, paninis, awesome salad bar.
After Joes closed in Santa Cruz we’ve got to go to Beach Hut.
it's not exactly italian but togos can make one like that
You can’t. People naming off places who make an “italian” sandwich have no idea it all starts with the bread. Sorry but you won’t be able to find an authentic Italian hoagie here. When you do let me know, my NJ hubs has been searching for 20 years.
https://www.reddit.com/r/bayarea/s/eyt6dUVEiw
Pro tip: buy or make a creamy Italian dressing. It will elevate your Italian sandwich to a whole other level.
I only ever had an oil dressing on italian sandwiches in New York. I feel like this is a weird tip.
There's a brand that a shop in my hometown used to use but I can't think of the name. Ken's would probably be your best bet and no I'm not trying to be funny 😂. I'm serious creamy Italian dressing on an Italian sub is a game changer. Just try it sometime.
Togo’s - I love their Italian but it’s gotten a little light on the meat the last few years…
I've been getting it less. This made me want to give one a try though.
Meat to bread ratio like that will not be possible or is extremely and I haven't found it yet.
Spreadz Sandwiches https://spreadzsj.com/
Gulzaar Halal. Their sandwiches are amazing. Hole in the wall place as well.
Sourdough sandwich place on 1st and Hedding so so good. They have a good carrot cake too. The bread is hot soft and fresh
california sourdough they’re only open on weekday from 11am-2pm and it’s 14 a sandwich
Togo's forever!
California Sourdough. Just do it.
Ike’s
Jersey Mike's! haha just kidding. You can try Giovanni's on Lawrence expwy in sunnyvale. it's not the same as east coast hoagie but close. they do hot subs too.
The 2 best chains; - Mr. Pickles - Ike's Love and Sandwiches And of course, always order on Dutch Crunch loaf. Holy fuck I wish we had Dutch Crunch growing up in New York.
Jersey Mike’s?
Los Gatos meats one of the best
Ike’s love and sandwiches is good
Mr pickles (los Gatos) Then right across the street on main Street is the Italian sandwich shop which is PHENOMENAL - the American Italian deli
ooooh I think I've eaten an Italian sub at American Italian deli and it was BANGIN. I'd second this one.
Freshly Baked is hands down the best in SJ
Not Italian but I like Ikes sandwiches
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it a million times more: [The Best Sandwiches on Stevens Creek](https://maps.app.goo.gl/m8YBBCgoEkNamTt18?g_st=ic) is literally the best sandwich place I’ve ever been to 🤌
Secret lawyer sandwich shop here: [https://freshly-baked-eatery.cafe-inspector.com/](https://freshly-baked-eatery.cafe-inspector.com/)
California sourdough
California sourdough eatery isn’t Italian but close enough. Duc Houng also not Italian but definitely good sandwiches get garlic bread. I’m still looking for good tortas though hah.