Puccini's Deli — Restaurant in North Vancouver

As much as I love this place and have been shopping here for 5 or 6 years to support local services, I feel compelled to write this review because, for the second time, I’m leaving feeling miserable and today even in tears.

The first incident occurred at the cheese counter. While all the workers were busy, I waited patiently. Two customers who arrived after me were immediately served, while I was neglected. Eventually, I was served, but it was clear that other customers were prioritized over me. The owner noticed and was very polite, which I appreciated.

This time, I ordered some cheese and meat and stood watching as the person helping me got busy with other tasks. When asked if I wanted anything else, I added hummus and roasted tomatoes. I was waiting, customers again coming after me and already been helped at meet and cheese station.. I was waiting.. I couldn't see what was happening behind the counter, but my helper was talking to colleagues, washing the scale, then came to my side, opened and cleaned the meat fridge, and began tidying shelves in the store. It seemed like nothing was happening with my order. And im standing..and standing.. A new helper asked what I wanted, and I told her I had already ordered but had no idea where my order was.

The initial helper ran to me saying everything ok and the order is prepping (how, she is not getting hummus and tomatoes boxes off the counter even) and rudely told me to wait and not talk to her colleague in such a way (what way?). From my perspective, it looked like everyone was doing their own thing, and I felt invisible. When I finally burst into tears, she scolded me, claiming she was trying to save the cutting machine and almost saved my life and the machine. She basically was trying to accuse me of being impatient for standing and waiting while she was "saving" me, the business, and probably the world. Again from my customer side I see nothing just the wall of products.

She mentioned she had told me she was fixing something, but I never heard her (she was talking to colleagues). And again it was my fault that I wasn’t actively listening. What is happening behind the high counter with zero visibility.

I know these people have been working here for many years, for many years it all was perfect. I don’t know how the same thing happened to me twice in couple of months but this kind of treatment is both disappointing and disgusting. :(

PS: I acknowledge that they are working hard and it’s the end if the day. And I really...

Hands down the most exceptional Italian deli I have ever been to. What sets Puccini's apart is the out of this world customer service. Anyone can stock the best products (which Puccini's undoubtedly does), but to simultaneously match those products with world class customer care is a rarity, especially these days. Puccini's Deli graciously put together the most beautiful charcuterie board for my Dad (he was at Lions Gate Hospital in the Cardiac care ward, 2 East having life saving IV antibiotic care after suffering from COVID and resulting pneumonia coupled with complications due to lymphoma and diabetes.) My Dad had lost 40lbs in three months and we were at our wits end to get him to eat. I thought maybe a board would lift his spirits. The only hurdle - it was a Sunday, Dad needed someone with him all the time and couldn't be left alone. It was the beginning of the snow storms this December. I called Puccini's hoping to have an Uber pick up, but the owner (unbeknownst to me at the time,Lucio Pucci gave me his personal number and said to leave it to him.) Lucio DELIVERED the board to my Dad's bedside. I would have cried (my Mom did) but I was trying to be as calm as possible for Dad. Seeing this man come around the hospital curtain so quietly (Dad was sleeping), and deliver this tremendous meal was unbelievable. On top of it all he refused payment and simply asked for the dishes to be returned. He made our year. This gesture was so touching and such an extension of love for our family who had already been through so much. It truly exemplified the meaning of going the extra mile (in this case ultra-marathon.) Such a first class business. If Deli's were awarded Michelin stars Puccini's deserves as many as can be awarded. Whether you need olives, breads, jams, pasta, the best charcuterie, or even amazing ready to bake croissants these need to be your...

we got into puccini's. third in line. the two people in front of us were helped promptly (not asian). cashier asked us what we wanted and we placed our order but then she just walked away without acknowledging the order and without asking what bread (you have an option of ciabatta or focaccia)... then three people came in after us. one we assume was a regular - he was asked if he wanted coffee while she was in the middle of taking our order again for the second time. she again did not acknowledge our order or ask what kind of bread we wanted. he then paid and got his coffee before us

then a lady came in after coffee guy and she was offered help but the lady told the cashier that we were there first. but the cashier told the lady we had already been helped (at this moment we still did not know if our panini order was placed.) but then after she helped the lady, she went back to us and us what we wanted. at this point, we stated the panini order for a third time and specified the bread we wanted. Finally she acknowledged the order and told the sandwich maker our order

all the people she helped first were not asian. not sure if this establishment is racist or just terrible service, but we definitely did not feel welcomed there. while eating the sandwiches, we entertained ourselves with reading the lowest rated reviews on google and laughed at many people sharing similar experiences of poor service

cashier also coughed and didnt cover her mouth (one of those phlegm coughs) while helping and another customer and he stepped back from her lol. actually we dont know if she covered her mouth with her hand but thats not any better because we saw her wipe off the espresso tamper with her bare fingers lol

sandwich was mediocre at best. ive had much friendlier service and better paninis at nonna cucina and...