Great little sandwich shop with a lot of Italian charm! The sandwiches are tasty and the service was friendly and efficient. It is definitely on the pricier side, which is really the only thing that held it back for me. I don't think I'd drive across town just to come here, but if you're already in the plaza and need something quick and satisfying, it's a solid choice. read more

See all

Welp Yelp, my familiarity with Genova's is based upon my long and well-established history with the G-Supernova in my hometown (Oakland), which makes me a little snobby in the sammich realm. Don't get me wrong, the Genova's in the big (little) Dub Cee does what it can to keep up and turns out some pretty decent sandwiches. It has all the trademark imported knickknacks (biscotti, multicolored taffy in well-worn bins, boxed panettone, etc.) as well as traditional staples like wine, fresh pasta and the famed Genova's brand boxed frozen ravioli for you to take home and spoil your family with in a variety of flavors like artichoke, mushroom and even pumpkin. But it lacks soul. It lacks spirit. It doesn't have any of the flavor that the Genova's in Oakland had and each sandwich churned out is indicative of that. It's just not that good. And for a sandwich you have to wait a mighty long time for, it better be good. Real good. So, I've come to terms with the fact that I don't have a Genova's left to go to and that's okay. Sometimes it's better to have loved and lost (a sandwich) than never to have loved at all. read more

OAKLAND WOULD NEVER!! This is my second/ first time visiting the new location since they left Oakland . I came and the line was so long I left today 2 people inside so I went in. OMG!!! NO!! It was not clean the selection was nothing barely and what was there was not appealing at all I left ! And won't be back!! read more

Old school deli that has a lot of imported Italian items. I came for the sandwiches they are made to order and delicious! Definitely going back for more. Very friendly and helpful service. It feels like a north beach type of place. read more

See all

Stopped here for lunch the other day and it did not disappoint. The store was nice and clean and fully stocked. Lots of yummy items to choose from. Customer service was great and our sandwiches were prepared quickly. My only complaint is that the sandwiches were a bit pricey ($35 for the two we ordered) but at least they were delicious. Plenty of parking in the lot. Thank you! read more

Genova Delicatessen - Roast Beef on Dutch Crunch - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

Best place IMO for a delicious sandwich and treats. Following a blood donation, I needed some protein and did not have a thing at home to cook so thankfully Genoa had meatloaf which I hadn't tried before. What is in this meatloaf?? It was the most tender meatloaf ever, which is very hard for me to say because hubby makes a tasty one as well. However, hands down more tender that hubby's unfortunately. You have to try this! Easy parking, tables outside for al fresco dining. Their stock of goods in the shop is much less these days but the food is still the same thankfully. And, you can't go wrong with any of the sandwiches, especially the Italian combo, on a crunchy sourdough roll. Enjoy! read more

Awesome Italian deli in WC. Lovely service with a smile. Fresh bread and meats. Clean counters and hot food to go also. Nice spot to get Italian sandwiches and food. read more

See all

Genova is simply the best Italian Deli on the east side of the Caldecott Tunnel, hands down. Their imported prosciutto sandwich (with provolone, of course) is my main go-to. Both this location and the other Walnut Creek on Treat Blvd are fantastic. The Treat Blvd location has some indoor seating, which is nice. This location only has outdoor seating. The service is always good. They are not fast, and often have a long line, so just be aware of that. I actually like this location the best, even though it's smaller than the one on Treat. I love the ambiance. It makes me feel like I am in New York, in an Italian American neighborhood. It's more of a to-go place, but you can eat there (outdoors) as well. In addition to their amazing sandwiches, they also offer a great deli selection of salads, cold cuts, sausages, cheeses, etc. They also sell a well-curated selection of shelf items, such as pasta, cannoli shells, cookies, Sicilian torrone, canned tomatoes, olive oil, etc. If you are looking for an Italian deli in the east bay, this is the spot. read more

After many years of enjoying great sandwiches at Genova, I was disappointed by my most recent visit. I ordered a meatball sandwich with mozzarella, but was told they were out of mozzarella--which was surprising for an Italian delicatessen. Shortly after that visit, the location closed. I share this feedback respectfully and with the hope that any operational challenges are addressed, as consistency and quality have always been what set Genova apart. Maintaining those standards is important not only for this location, but for the continued success and reputation of your other location as well. read more

Sorry to say but this place use to be a place to go to. We live in Richmond and loved driving to this location we were huge fans of the Oakland location when that closed years back we were happy to hear there was another spot. Over the years it has changed today was our last time visiting it. Prices are really higher than ever. Ham and salami sandwich before 10.99 today 16.99 We paid 59.00 for two sandwiches and two small salads. People that walked out were complaining as well. No turkey today, no seeded rolls the place looked like it was going out of business. It's sad. I'll be looking for a great deli now. Also one that's affordable for what we are getting. read more

Unfortunately the downtown walnut Creek location next to Phill's has really gone down hill. I keep trying but they keep disappointing. Went there today, 1130am, with my son, 6 other people waiting to be served inside, only one person helping and he was prepping for a larger catering order. All of us waiting are looking at each other, another lady comes in, looks at all of us inside, decides to leave. I tried to be patient, waited for about 12 minutes, and LEFT! No "Welcome", "how are you", "will be with you right away"..... Where is the service?? This location is DEAD. Tony said go to Morucci - they do sandwiches and service right!! read more

Genova Delicatessen - Looks dead from outside and more people leaving than coming in... - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

I have a love-hate relationship with Genova. The hate part comes in mostly because you will turn old and gray and possibly skeletal just waiting for them to get to your number. And then after they get to your number, it takes them a while to make your order. I stopped going because of that, but I've since learned the right time to go (which I won't reveal here, lol). When I go between those magic hours, it's still a time investment, but you won't die waiting for your sandwich. They also used to have a couple of grumpy people behind the counter, and that wasn't fun. But these days there's at least one woman working there who is really nice, so even though I have to wait a little, it's not an unpleasant experience. Now for the love part. I love the old school vibe. I think they could play that up a little more, in part by better-stocking the market area of the store with a wider variety of Italian imports. It feels a little dusty and tired, kind of uninspired, but there's so much good stuff they could add. How about starting with Chinotto? How about some great imported jarred olives? Good quality Italian chocolate and candies? I also love their chicken tortellini soup. It's just an all-around tasty soup, with lots of veggies and a clear but rich-tasting broth. Their egg salad and tuna salad is also very tasty, and is a little different from the usual egg & tuna salad out there, they put a nice twist on it. I like that they have a dessert case, and they used to have a very good frutti di bosco tart. I haven't seen that lately, though. I think, overall, their desserts could be a little better, and they could better stock the case, but I like that it's there. If they made a point of making or sourcing a really great tiramisu, that would help. If they somehow got together with Stella Bakery in SF and started selling their sacripantina cake, that would be awesome. They'd be the only store on this side of the tunnel who has it! read more

This place has gone down hill... Absolutely no pace, no customer service and most of all they just didn't seem to care. This used to be one of my favorite spots to ride my bike to and every time it just gets worse. It's disappointing such a classic spot has slipped so far. Can't imagine they two left will make will make it. Ravioli's are still great but sandwich sonce covid have just fallen completely off. The reviews are accurate, unfortunately. read more

Delicious sandwich's. Fast and friendly service. Been coming here for years. Lots of assortment of Italian food and desserts.

Best ravioli and sauce (even frozen) available for at home cooking. Excellent selection of lunchmests and salads, and specialty items. The Fritatta and fried artichoke hearts are great! read more

Sweet and sour egg soup formally known as egg salad. $19.54 for a pound and it's mostly watered down mayonnaise. read more

Genova Delicatessen - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

See all

The food and assortment of meats, cheeses, pastas etc are really good. I'm not much of a sandwich person (sandwiches put me to sleep lol) but when I'm in the mood theirs are solid. I am giving two stars because like others have stated, they tend to close 30 minutes before the posted time. I went yesterday and the time on Google was 6pm but apparently it's actually 5pm. That's fine - it was almost 4:40 and I watched 5 cars pull up all asking if they were open still since it wasn't even 5pm and their doors were locked and they weren't planning to open them. The people working seemed super annoyed and even mocked the people who were asking.. Someone else posted this happened a few weeks ago too... I remember years ago I worked at a sandwich place and we closed at 9 every night. This was like early 2000s. Someone walked up to our doors at 9pm (they may have parked at 8:59). We had locked the door and turned the oven off so we were closed. It was 9pm. We didn't let them in. They complained to corporate the next morning that it was someone's funeral and they needed food because they had had a long day and were ready to buy 10 sandwiches. I remember my boss telling us next time maybe just open the door but my colleagues and I agreed that was a nope. The person was trying to say the company needed to make it clear we take the last customers at 8:59 and not 9, since the listed closing time was 9 and they assumed as long as they were in door by 9 they were safe. This logic is so confusing because in that case just call your order in !!! Anyways I say all this in case the manager is reading - just put a sign on the door (maybe typed out so it's giving a policy vibe) that says the store typically closes 20-30 minutes before the posted time due to orders backing up. I do see how long the wait is when you go in there.. it could be a 20 minute wait if the person in front of you gets 2-3 sandwiches ... they are made to order .. Just have something that clearly states all this and you'll be golden. That is missing and I feel much needed.. I think with no clear communication it's confusing read more

My parents knew I love Italian sandwiches so they picked me up a sandwich from here. The sandwiches are really large here with delicious, fresh, Italian meats and ingredients. The sandwich for me last two meals no joke. And I'm a pretty big person. My parents seem to be a fan as well. And I am in agreement. I very much enjoyed my sandwich from this place. Since I didn't go into myself and get the sandwich, I can't speak for the service or ambiance. But from the pictures I've seen, it looks like a pretty standard Italian deli. I must say though I really do love these type of places. read more

Genova Delicatessen - Sandwich with delicious Italian meats - it lasted me two meals - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

See all

Best sandwiches around. Wonder why it's closing. Always friendly and loved all their foods and breads. Will be missed.

This place went down hill. The service I got last time was very unfriendly and unwelcoming with the younger staff. They are also always out of fresh mozzarella and arugula every time I go as well. The bread we ordered was also stale as **** lol. Wish I could give it a higher rating but I've only had one pleasant experience here. read more

Genova Delicatessen - Uneven cut - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

Been a customer for over 30 years. Place historically known for great quality and generous portions for sandwiches. I always enjoyed the experience of the angry lesbian (butch) making my sandwich with consistent spite and the quality build. Was always excellent. WAS. Over the past year or two, the quality of ingredients has notably and consistently declined along with the portion size. Meanwhile, the prices have continued to increase astronomically where you're paying somewhere between $15-$20 for a truly mediocre sandwich from the place that once was the best deli around. That their focaccia bread (also formerly excellent) was a few days expired and had mold wasn't a good look, either, though it was a pretty good reflection of what's happened to this place. I understand that the owners have announced its closure, citing "economics". Unfortunate for such a long-standing staple of the community. But I guess the "economics" of what the owner has managed to do with a former-5-star place by providing now-lousy food at higher and higher prices doesn't work. Nope. I hope my angry lesbian sandwich deli tech finds a new place to make sandwiches great again, while remaining salty as ever. read more

The sandwiches are good but the ordering procedure and menu are just dumb. Menu and ordering suggestion: Option 1: a sign that says "tell us everything that you want on a sandwich" and eliminate the menu Option 2: use the menu and make the sandwich Current ordering: "One meatloaf sandwich please" Worker looks confused, goes into the back for 2 min, comes out and says we don't have that today. How hard is it to put up a sign saying no meatloaf sandwich today or how hard is it to make meatloaf??? "One french dip sandwich then"...worker looks confused, goes into the back again, then says ok, what do you want on it? I'm confused and say whatever is standard for a french dip sandwich...worker looks even more confused...calls over supervisor who explains that I need to communicate the bread, cheese, and toppings... This is why there is always a line and slow service. I'm not going to the South Broadway location anymore. read more

I really wanted to like this place but the servers don't wear gloves and I didn't see him wash after using the cash register. The sandwich was average but the cinnamon cannoli was very good. Check the food inspection because they were yellow carded for not sanitizing food prep areas and not wearing gloves. read more

Reading the recent negative reviews prompted me to write about my years of experience even though I have not been there in several weeks. Excellent sandwiches. I almost always get turkey and swiss on Dutch but I am sure the more carnivorous Italian sandwiches are super also. Yeah, if you get there at the wrong time it might be a tad crowded but well worth the wait. read more

$17.99 for a Turkey Sandwich, and it's not anywhere as good as it used to be. So sad, my family has been eating here since the late 70s. The people who used to work there are all gone, and there had been people who had been there for 20+ years. The sandwich was "okay" but they didn't add the sprouts I asked for and they gave me the wrong cheese. The turkey was not the real roasted turkey that they used to have, just deli turkey like Oscar Meyer. The Diablo Foods deli has the same sandwich down the road in Lafayette for $9.99.I really do not like to complain, but when you hand someone $20, and get $2 back, you expect a stellar sandwich, and it wasn't good. read more

I came here with a friend she recommended it. There's a ton of parking here. It's a small deli . They sell some items like a grocery store. Then they have a deli counter and they sell dessert as well. I ordered a turkey sandwich, chips, and water the cost was $22 . It was a little pricey but it was filling. They don't have any tables inside everything is outside. That day was very hot so I had to sit in the heat but it is covered with shade. It was overall an okay experience. read more

See all

Every time I was in Walnut Creek I made it a point to go here and get a deli sandwich. I went today and it's changed. No longer do you select your own roll. The rolls they use have changed and don't have that amazing flavor. They ensured to weight the salami and when it came in at 0.31lbs that removed some to ensure it was only 0.25lbs. The cheese, just 1 slice. All in all it tasted fine, but it is no longer AMAZING as it used to be. I think this will be my last visit. Again, it was not bad, but it's lost what it had before that made it a must go to place. read more

Genova Delicatessen - Salami sandwich on sourdough roll - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

The only place I can get Bucatini pasta! Good deli and other stuff! This place has remained standing for a very long time for many good reasons why! I used to come here a lot 2 decades ago when I work at the building next door. read more

Genova Delicatessen - Outside - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

See all

I went there today for lunch. This is my first time buying a sandwich from this business. Rather disappointed. The service was decent. I ordered a turkey sandwich and they did not have any spicy mustard, bacon, or jalapenos for my sandwich. Genoa really needs to tighten up. read more

I just got a turkey sandwich with two pieces of turkey on rye bread. It was $18.50 then I got some carrot salad. The total was $27 which is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard of in my life. read more

I'm a native of the Stockton, Ca area and very familiar with the original store there, which I love along with their sandwiches, raviolis, bread and the atmosphere. Walking into this place felt very familiar, and while it lacks the old wooden floors and so much of the character of the Stockton store, the food and service are what matter and it was terrific and what I'm come to expect. read more

Very disappointed! I've been going to the deli when passing through Concord or Walnut Creek for over 10 years. Prices were always a little high but the sandwiches were great and filled with meat. Today is the last time I will visit. The shelves were very low, Potato chip display only had two varieties. Biggest disappointment was the meat in the sandwich was maybe half of what it was in the past. Not worth the high price. This deli seems to be either going out of business or under new ownership. read more

We haven't been here in years but we both felt like sandwiches for lunch and this is a good reliable place. Walked in at lunch and grabbed a number. There were about ten people inside so we had to wait. They had 3 people making sandwiches so a short wait is understandable. Picked up a bag of focaccia while waiting too. We ordered two Italian combos and a turkey sandwich on sourdough. They put about a 1/4 pound of meat for the combos. The bread rolls were on the smallish side. Once we got home, the sandwiches had a good amount of meat- my combo had a little too much mustard. It was good but not awesome. Sandwiches are tasty but not awesome. I'll go back- you know what you're getting. Counter service was friendly and efficient. read more

Genova Delicatessen - Italian combo - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

A basic turkey sandwich and a Diet Coke costs $22?? Wish the taste was worth the extra money, but really quite boring and average.

the sandwich is good but the service and customer service sucks. I just went on my lunch break and there were 3 people in front of me and it took 30 minutes. the staff was moving slow like they don't care. the rudest lady in there just threw my sandwich together and it was very sloppy.. the original Oakland location was much better. friendly staff and good vibes.. I won't be returning here read more

Genova Delicatessen - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

I am a long time fan of Genova's but the last couple times I've got in there the weight has been long and there's no more my favorite Italian music playing. Today there is only one person working and I waited and waited then I got upset as one customer cut in front of me because the woman being waited on was taking a long time I guess and I just got frustrated and left read more

I am really sad to be writing this review. We have loved going to Genova's for over 30 years, but things have changed. We always knew Genova's was on the pricier side but have always felt it was worth it and worth waiting in line for, but that is no longer. This last trip to Genova's included sandwiches that were poorly made, thrown together and less ingredients. The artichoke torta was severely overcooked with a dark outer layer and extremely dry. The worst part was the macaroni salad that gave my husband extreme food poisoning and caused him to vomit all night long. And all this came with the high price tag of $75. We were always willing to pay any price for Genova's quality, but the quality is no longer there. We hope Genova's returns to its' roots in high quality products and customer service. read more

Genova, I don't even know what to say about you anymore. I'm attaching a photo of my $14.89 ham sandwich that I waited at least 45 minutes for. The staff doesn't care about quality. They chatter constantly. It would be okay if they could multitask and make a sandwich simultaneously, but they can't. They make fun of the cost of sandwiches with each other. The staff comes out of the back of the house, wanders around, grabs food from the case, pops it in their mouth, and then disappears in the back again. If you're lucky, they will make one sandwich when they appear...IF YOU'RE LUCKY. They don't want to interact with customers, and they don't want to make sandwiches. This store cannot handle DoorDash, phone orders, and in-store customers. They should use their back-of-house staff to make more complicated salads, dishes, phone orders, and DoorDash orders and leave five or six people to deal with the customers at the counter. Please weigh your meat so you're giving more than three measly slices. I wouldn't be writing this if it was a one-time experience, it's not. read more

Genova Delicatessen - Tiramisu - Italian Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

See all

I have been going to both the old Oakland and current WC Genova Today I had a turkey and cheese sandwich on stale roll with little of both meat and cheese and terrible potato salad All that for over $25! So sad. This is the exact order I always used to get over 30 years and today's was virtually inedible read more

I hardly ever write reviews , but from the outside and without checking yelp first I thought this place would either be very authentic , or at the minimum a hole in the wall with great food. Service was slow, I think I waited atleast 30 minutes with 5 people in front of me. I was happy to be greeted and my order taken, I thought it was odd they offered a Philly cheesesteak sub but it sounded kind of nice. Yeah big mistake. Idk why , or how but my bread is soaking wet ? The meat isn't steak it's chicken , and at best I'd say it was a soggy panini , not a cheesesteak. The chicken was seasoned but it was a truly odd combo of flavors for a cheesesteak. I'd say someone gave me chicken noodle soup but instead of noodles they gave me bread. I'm still confused and amused how my bread managed to be dripping wet - there is no mayo , lettuce or tomato on this sandwich. Just chicken bits (not even sliced) and pepper strips with melted cheese. Do not get the cheesesteak- I beg. read more