Teani's Italian Deli — Restaurant in South San Francisco

Got word to try Teani's since we liked their sister company Little Lucca's. We got to Teani's after the lunch rush with no line. Unfortunately that's where the luck stopped. The lady behind the counter was unpleasant and unaccommodating taking our order. We requested a hot pastrami on sweet soft roll and NOT toasted. But when she heated the pastrami, the bottom of the roll also heated alongside it and the result: a toasted sandwich. Didn't get a warm fuzzy feeling from Teani's, so just save yourself some frustration, go across to Lucca's and get your sandwich made perfectly by polite and competent staff. — Update: 10/28. The crab and shrimp sandwich made up for the previous mediocre experience. Updating to 5 stars because this seafood sandwich was incredible. The menu states it's a Friday special but since it's Saturday, wasn't sure if they still offered it. Our luck, they did! Requested on soft sweet roll, extra lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayo, pickles and pepperoncini. The sandwich weighed at least 2-3lbs easily. Monster. Either you have someone to split it with or save the other half for dinner. Propped it up on our makeshift park bench, aka the trunk of our car, and marveled at the lost art before digging in. Be sure to have a shovel handy, this sandwich isn't for clean freaks and a joyful mess is imminent. The pepperoncini and mustard were a perfect balance to the rich seafood salad. More importantly, the crab and shrimp were VERY FRESH, no trace of stale, fishy odor. And they use REAL crab, not krab sticks. Cannot rave enough about this sandwich. Thanks Teanis for coming through this time....

OK sandwiches depending on what they’re out of and who’s making it. These guys are the original owners of the Little Lucca deli down the street so they have a lot of history and, usually, not nearly as long of a line.

Unfortunately in the times I’ve been there things have been inconsistent. They’ve frequently been out of some ingredients and often had little or no choice of bread/rolls. The garlic sauce sounds appealing at first but it’s so strong that it's overwhelming for pretty much any of their sandwiches. Even the mustard gets layered on way too thick and heavy, drowning out the flavor of their meats.

The interior is cluttered and dark… not exactly inviting to sit down and eat. Reminds me of visiting a grandfather's house, if that grandfather was a bit of a hoarder.

And the last time I was there--even though there weren’t any customers--they had a game on the TV with the volume cranked so loud we couldn’t hear each other when ordering.

And who decided to paint dark blue letters on a black menu board? Terrible idea.

The people working there are friendly enough. I may give them another try one...

We went in. Parking is not easy. Side St. Is not far. Went in & saw one of the Original siblings. We talked there were a few ppl in line. We talked about the old days & everything of why they sold the original Little Lucca's. Taste as Great as the Original did/does. So if You're in the south city area Go Here. Yea price has gone up ,but where hasn't the price gone up? The only reason I gave 4 star is because a few things my Wife asked for they were out of. Well it's not because the 2 women weren't quick & working hard! They also made the line go quick. Now because we live in Hayward we're not getting over a lot. When we do we will not be there near closing time so the things my Wife wants will be gone. OH & if while in there You want some italian food to make or have at Home? On the shelf is some Italian food items. The italian cake by a table. Oh & while I was waiting for my Wife's to be finished I looked at All the Antique items they had. So enjoyable! Oh & the board is a little to read. Also need to write out a veggie sandwich. So If You want an Original Little Lucca...