Luccas Italian Delicatessen — Restaurant in Castro Valley

Still the best deli in Alameda Cty. Maybe the Bay area? Prices have risen substantially over the past year. While eating here is still a good deal (as compared to other delis - like Genova, who are just way over the top with pricing), sandwiches are creeping up to $11 each (most are between $8 & $9). Drinks (even bottle waters) are pricey. They have constant turnover with help, so service has suffered a bit too. But their following/fans are real. Get here B4 1130am on most weekend days, or stand in line for about 30 minutes (take a #, literally). Week days aren't as busy but do get here as early as you can. Because after 1145am and there will be a line.

Make sure you look for the red numbering machine (near the front register/counter). Take a number upon your arrival, or else you'll waste time waiting. Call to pre-order is the best way to be served. You can still eat there, if you like but seats are limited. They also have other mediterranean foods for sale but prices are expensive

Edit: (5/30/2020) - Ate here/takeout dinner. I had the hot/dry cured coppa (sandwich now $9) with sourdough roll. It is still an excellent meal. But I noticed it is now "filled" with about 4 ounces of meat (used to be 6 oz.). I saw how the sandwich-maker measured it out on a scale. 4 ounces of meat is a joke. Never thought I'd say it at Luccas (who have won best deli in Alameda county for over 20-yrs.) but that is downright skimpy. It is now not worth $9 for one sandwich. With the pricing going up and the amount of meat shrinking, this is not a place I frequent anymore. It's just too expensive for not enough meat. And I also noticed the help has turned over a lot. Not a good combination. I used to come here 2-3x a month but not for a lousy 4 ounces of meat...

My review is based soley on my experience at the deli. The place was recommended to me via a follower on Google+ so I made a mental note to check it out. I live in Hayward and, while close, I don't always find reason to head to Castro Valley. On my way home over the past weekend, I find myself driving up Castro Valley Blvd so I finally took the time to check it out.

I expected a small deli upon arrival on my first visit, but the place is so much more and, iff I lived in CV, I might see myself going there often for this and that. They did have some "ready made dinners" in a fridge in the back that interested me until I saw that a very small lasagna cost $10 when I'm sure I could get a better price at Safeway. They had a variety of goods that you'd find useful.

As for the sandwiches, it's what you'd expect. There's a choice of bread, meat, cheeses, et cetera as with any other deli so there's nothing special about this place at all. The sandwiches were good, but not above and beyond amazing. If I lived locally, I'd definitely come here often, but it's not the kind of place that I'd go out of my way for. They were delicious sandwiches, though, I'm not denying that, but it's just a deli.

My recommendation is that if you're in the mood for a deli sandwich and if you're in the area, check this place out. You won't be disappointed. However, I wouldn't go out of my way for it. Why not try a deli more local to you if that's the case? There are hidden...

Luccas Italian Delicatessen – Castro Valley Location: 3121 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94546

This was my first time visiting this location. One positive note is that they have parking available in the back. However, the experience overall was disappointing.

When you enter, there’s a number system you need to use—but it’s not clearly explained. I didn’t realize this at first, so a few people were called ahead of me while I was still waiting. It got pretty busy, and the lack of clear signage or guidance made it confusing for a first-timer.

Customer service was friendly once I got to the counter, but unfortunately, the food didn’t live up to expectations. I’ve had Luccas at the Burlingame location and it was fantastic, but this visit was a letdown. The Dutch crunch roll was dry, and the portion size seemed noticeably smaller than what I’ve had before.

Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this location if you’re looking for a...