La Gioia Italian Deli — Restaurant in City of Schenectady

Huge dissapintment. The service was very depressing. Places are busy, but in a restaurant/deli, learn to have some people skills and be friendly. Don't act like the customer is a burden to you. I walk in quietly and politely... joined the line and waited to order. Didn't mind the wait, which was short. The ladies were a bit more personable, the shorter and maybe only gentleman that was there looked like he either hates working there or he's the only guy, and the older ladies don't give him a break.

Anyways, the cold cuts were good. I think it's some of the freshest around. The price was ridiculous, 8.75 for half-a- sub of salami and pepperoni with lettuce tomatoes and no mayo (that i asked for) or dressing. Good portion of salami and pepperoni (⏸️), but the tomatoes soaked through the bread in the matter of 3 minutes. I NEVER UNDERSTOOD WHY PLACES DONT TOAST THE BREAD. So I just threw the sandwich away before I even was able to eat it. So i apologize for not posting the pic.

The quality of the place is excellent, and the ambiance is great. But the execution is flawed.

I still gave a decent review because I do believe that it could be better.

FYI: If you keep making eye contact with someone in line, they're going to think you're ready to take...

I went to this establishment twice in order to have a fair opinion,i really wanted to love it.Both times I got a sub to go,first they were out of bread...so I got a wrap,which is charged at the same rate as a full sub.Good wrap but was very expensive,shockingly so and honestly not worth the cost.I wrote it off and went again,when they had bread.Full roast beef sub and basic LTO,with mayo not even any cheese;was charged individually for each one of those components.Even keeping it very basic was very expensive so I could see going for even more additions could easily blow past 20 bucks for a medium sized sub,outrageous. I understand rising food and labor costs but this just seems very excessive cost wise,as someone who has been to Italy and who knows Italian meats and sandwiches,the totality of what ive observed here;not worth it for the price that is cranked up too high.Good quality but just too expensive to the point it's just not worth it.

The rest of the store has a good selection of authentic Italian goods,unfortunately everything is equally...

If anyone wants a nice fresh cut sub, this is this place.

I normally do not drive up Van Vranken, but today I did.... boy, was I glad I did. Parking is a little difficult, especially if you're a first timer like me..... but once you go, you'll know where to park.

You go in, and you're greeted by staff behind the counter. The deli is bright and very clean. They have all you Italian cooking needs on and around the shelves. It was about 4 to 5 people in front of me, but they were quick on moving people through. The young lady asked what I wanted ....I do my normal "surprise, I don't want to know." She smiles, and I got something for you...

I had no clue until I opened it up, and it was stacked with 3 different meats, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, salt / pepper ... and the best part roasted red peppers...TDF

Don't take my word for it. . Go try it yourself. You won't be disappointed...

Thank you, guys, for making my 1st experience a good one, cause I will be...