I have been eating delicious sandwiches from Modigliani Café since it opened. Always so delicious, and so friendly. But I have to wax poetic for a minute: today I ate the very best pastrami I have ever had. I grew up on the East Coast (as did the proprietor) and I have easily eaten 500 reuben sandwiches in my life (because they are pretty much the very best). This pastrami is absurd. It is thin. It is tender. It is flavorful. It is meaty but not stringy or fatty. It is moist. It is a love letter. It is a sweet whisper. It is goodness through and through. Made into a reuben, this pastrami is divine. I believe the proprietor makes his own thousand island dressing and it is just right. The bread has been pressed and grilled, and is neither tough nor soggy. You taste and feel the cheese, but it does not overwhelm. In short, I am in heaven. The proprietor of Modigliani Café grew up in a family that worked with meat, and he won an award when he was quite young for curing bacon (you can see the certificate on the wall in the shop). So my suspicion is that this pastrami is his creation. And I bet that bacon was the best ever. Pay Modigliani Café a visit. Everything I've ever ordered was delicious. Bring cash because they don't take cards. read more

Modigliani Cafe - Reuben sandwich, best of my life - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

Very comforting. Friendly staff. Steak panini (4/5: - I didn't expect the taste of horseradish but it did need something to cut the heavy steak/cheese/butter combo. I added hot sauce as well. Pulled pork panini (5/5): - ADDICTING! I would add extra peppers next time. It would be nice to have a side of tomato soup to dip the paninis in. I couldn't finish mine and air fried the leftovers for dinner and it was just as amazing each bite. read more

Modigliani Cafe - Pulled Pork Panini & Steak Panini in the back - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

I've officially found my new go-to sandwich shop. I've walked past this place for years and finally stopped in, and I can't believe I waited so long. The sweetest man greeted me and even gave me a free bag of chips since it was my first time. He suggested I eat it there instead of taking it to go -- best advice ever. I ended up eating the entire sandwich, which never happens for me. I ordered the veggie panini with eggplant, zucchini, peppers, pesto, and provolone. Big, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. It's a small spot with limited seating, and most people take their sandwiches to go, but I happily sat there and devoured every bite. I'll definitely be back. read more

Modigliani Cafe - Veggie Panini - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

There's no place like home and this place goes above and beyond that in vibes. CASH ONLY! Jerry is a wonderful person with amazing bacon and sandwiches. I looove the pull pork and that bbq sauce is amazing. Free coffee for caffeine addicts like me. Only open for 4 hours. Thank you for an amazing experience and will definitely be back! read more

Modigliani Cafe - Cuban Sandwich and special Ruben Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

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I don't usually write reviews, but this tuna sandwich deserves one. I come here almost every day, and somehow... it never gets old. The first bite hits the same every single time--fresh, perfectly seasoned tuna with just the right texture, tucked into warm, crispy bread that's toasted to perfection. It's simple, but done so well that it feels like something new every time I eat it. There's something addictive about the balance--the crunch of the bread, the creaminess of the tuna, and that subtle flavor that keeps you coming back without ever getting tired of it. If you're into classic sandwiches done right, this is it. No hype needed. Just consistently great. read more

Modigliani Cafe - Tuna sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

This is a cozy sandwich shop selling killer paninis. With so many tantalizing items on the menu, we opted for the turkey panini and bacon panini special, as well as an old fashioned chocolate milkshake. Staff was friendly, and our order was served to us at the counter we were sitting at in about ten minutes. There were a few small tables outside as well, so seating options were available, though no restroom. Coffee and tea were offered free of cost for guests. Our sandwiches were delightful, made fresh with a nice buttery crunch on the outside and just the right amount of sauce to complement the other ingredients. The bacon panini was especially enjoyable with ample thick cuts of bacon inside. And the milkshake was on the sweet side but very yummy! The only downside to this place is that they only accept cash payments, but they have an ATM on site. read more

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We walked over from Sirene, it's a smaller space but very welcoming and full of artwork! The gentleman who was cashier, server, host, everything in one was so nice and hospitable!! He kept telling us that we would be really happy once we had our food. He wasn't wrong lol We got the Cuban, Ruben, and a Tuna melt!! He slathered butter on the bread before it got grilled in the panini press!! The bread ended up incredibly crunchy and the sandwiches were large! Only reason for less than 5 stars was that I was worried about the build up around the panini grills' electric chords being a hazard. read more

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Best Sandwiches in the area. All fresh homemade ingredients and fresh bread from Semifreddi's every morning. My fave is the turkey. The spread is so good. But everything I've tried has been stellar. read more

Struck gold on accident. Sinners brought my wife and I here -- drove down from Sacramento to watch the movie at Grand Lake and needed a quick bite to eat before the show. Short on time, we bought a steak panini and it instantly knew we made the right decision. Everything about this sandwich was delicious -- the bread was nicely toasted, the cheese, peppers and steak complimented each other perfectly. Priced at $15 it was a little on the pricey side but what isn't these days. Service was great and they were pretty quick with our order, we had plenty of time to enjoy before the movie started. I think this has easily become one of our go-to spots when we come out this way. 5 stars! read more

Modigliani Cafe - Steak Panini - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

Their veggie sandwich is CRAZY GOOD!!!!! They are so friendly and they even have freebies!!!!

Hands down the BEST tuna melt in the town. Has been my go-to since discovering this place. It's right next to Grand Lake Theater. Easily missed but you don't want to miss it! Service is tip top. Jerry the owner is the best and is a lover of your fur babies too. He literally prepares all the meat himself, it is not pre-bought. Meatballs, pulled pork, the tuna, and the steak. Ambiance is great, small and cozy in the inside and seating outside as well. Cash only but there is an ATM inside! I just discovered they have a new item, The Reuben and hands down I'm blown away once again. read more

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I've passed by this little hole-in-the-wall cafe a million times and finally stopped in today. I am so glad I did! I ordered the grilled cheese and it did not disappoint. Crusty French bread, gooey melted cheese, tomatoes and pesto. So satisfying! The friendly gentleman in charge offered me a sample of the tuna and I'm ordering that next time. I'll be back soon. read more

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The sandwiches here are some of the best in Oakland. I also really enjoy the cucumber salad which is very refreshing. Cash only so be prepared for that. read more

I was super excited about eating here but I had to leave since it was a cash only place. Yes, there was an ATM there, but who wants to pay their fees? read more

All these rave reviews and my sandwich was a soggy mess. I was looking forwards to an authentic sausage sandwich east coast style, a reminder of home. The bread showed no signs of being toasted, inside or out. The sauce was soaked in and overflowing. Disintegrating bread mixed with tomato sauce is more a joke than a sandwich. So I threw away the bread and excess sauce. The sausage was OK. The cashier guy was impersonal and cold, not that it matters. But the friendly owner everybody loves might have been off, and that's why the sandwich was a mess. read more

Ok. Soooooooo, I was in town and opted to stop in to this establishment. First thing that hit me was the size of the place, so the use of the term "cafe" is appropriate (more on that later). Myself and two other guests means we had the opportunity to try three different menu items (not on purpose, it just worked out that way). Needless to say (but as usual I'll say it anyway) I was quiet pleasantly surprised. I'm not big on specifying exact menu items in these reviews, that is, unless the item in question is somewhat horrible. Not the case here. The sandwich I had was just awesome top to bottom, inside and out. The bread, the sauce, the meat, everything. Same goes for the other two items we ordered. All three of us (two of us especially) are quite hard to please when to comes to someone else's cooking for a price. Now, be forewarned, this is not your standard sit down restaurant (cafe, remember)? So if you're planning a sit down meal with a party of six or more you may want to be sure one or two of them don't mind eating standing up, although if you hit it just right you call all sit. Best description is comparable to sitting in an area just outside a kitchen, as the kitchen is right there. Another great thing about this? If you need anything you do not have to wait to flag down (or up) a wait person, as again I say, you're basically sitting in the kitchen. They make everything themselves, I mean, they cure their own meat, the kielbasa, even the bacon is made on site. The food does take a reasonable time to arrive for this reason, but very well worth the wait. Suggest paying attention to the days and hours of operation as well as the cash only lunch policy. Not for nothing, but the menu choices are quite numerous and again, all made to order right there. I see some reviewers mention very soggy bread once they get their to-go orders to wherever they "to-go." This is because their sandwiches are loaded with yummy sauce, so if you do plan to grab and go, don't go too far, yet I'll say considering the quality I would enjoy a soggy just as much, maybe even more but I won't go into that now LOL! So there it is. Whenever I happen to be in the proximity of, or in Oakland, I'll be eating here. read more

There are sandwich shops. This is not one. This is a holy repository of sandwich divinity. Douglas Adams wrote of Arthur, the Sandwich Maker Sent by Bob. I don't know what benevolent deity sent us the folks who run Modigliani, but I will henceforth pray to Them every day (despite being an atheist). The Reuben I ate there was a quintessence of perfectly crisp bread, savory meat, melty cheese and saucy vegetables. I have eaten a lot of Reubens in my life. This was completely beyond my imaginings of what is possible in a sandwich. I might have been able to finish it, despite how rich it was, but then they gave us a sample of the pulled pork that adorns their barbecue sandwich. It was almost creamy. I look forward to trying everything on the menu. Minimal seating. I stood as I ate. Seemed appropriate. Bring cash. read more

Turkey Panini fabulous. Service the best. Humble place with great food! I'll be back - wish they served dinner, too! read more

Tiny space with a small, but satisfying menu, topped by great service. There's a menu board, a Specials Board and free coffee and tea while you wait for your order to be prepared. If you're short on time, be sure to call in your order ahead of time. I haven't tried this so I can't tell you how well this may or may not work. We got a Cuban and a Sausage Sandwich. Both were delicious in their own right. I would order the Cuban again. Probably not on the Sausage, not because we didn't enjoy it but because we really liked the texture and flavor of the bread on the Cuban after it had been put through the panini press. Could we have asked for the Sausage Sandwich to be pressed as well? Maybe? We'll ask the next time we're there. We also got a Chocolate Shake. It was delicious but I sure wish they offered coffee flavored. read more

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This absolute gem of a cafe reaffirmed my faith in the point of eating out, having new shared experiences, connecting with people and their labors of love. As other reviews have amply stated, they make EVERYTHING in-house here, down to the mustard. What stays with me is the pride they take in this making; the way everything has a little story and there's just joy in being able to share it. I haven't encountered hospitality like this in a long time-- no-frills, treating everyone like family. Complimentary coffee, free chips for first-timers, generous samples, checking in that you have everything you need, deriving joy just from seeing us enjoy the food. Regulars dropped by just to chat and I could totally see why. Someone who used to work in the kitchen came in and the owner knew it was his birthday. Dogs got a little meatball treat. "Service" doesn't even cut it. It really felt like a space to just love food and be in community. The food was fantastic in every way, thoughtful and hearty and balanced in wonderful flavor. Everything had me thinking, ad nauseam: "this is the best ___ I've ever had." The best cuban sandwich (crispy perfect panini, delightful pulled pork and tender turkey/ham); the best greek salad (so light and tart and juicy and fresh!); the best meatball (such savory, homey textures!); the best pesto. I am always on the lookout for good pickled things and would literally buy their house-cured peppers in bulk if I could. But also, I think I'd prefer coming back as often as possible :) "Our goal is that you leave happier than when you came in!" read more

Modigliani Cafe - Cuban sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

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Simply the most delicious sandwiches I ever eaten! Place has been for so many years, iconic of Grand Ave. Pastrami, meatball, Italian grilled, it doesn't matter they are amazing. Owners are kind, service is great. Cash only so bring you $. read more

Modigliani Cafe - Menu - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

This place is AMAZING. I got their cuban, some of the best pulled pork I've had paired with some great toasted bread. Everything is made in-house, they even make their own mustard. Cash-only but they have an ATM inside. Highly recommend this place and will be coming back regularly to try more of their stuff. They are also VERY dog friendly, they even gave my dog some pulled pork. Awesome guys working there! read more

We had the Ruban and the meatball sandwiches. They came out warm and delicious with a crispy crust on the bread. Only a few seats but being next to the lake I wouldn't mind sitting in the park. Complimentary tea, coffee, and chips! Super friendly service. Thank you for the little snack for our pup. He loved it. We will be back read more

The Reuben special was crazy! So good. Love the folks who work there. And my dog loves them because she gets a little something too! Good food, nice people and they are dog lovers? What else could you want? read more

The cafe offers complimentary coffee and water as well as hand crafted sandwiches, sausages and more. The owner is very friendly and greeted regulars by name. read more

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Another spectacular experience with Gerry and crew at Modigliani Cafe. Exceptional food made by outstanding people. 15 stars. read more

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What a gem of a cafe/deli! Came here for the first time after having it on my radar for some time, was very pleasantly surprised by both the food and the hospitality. Gerry and his talented staff are putting out top quality deli meats and specials, and his pride shines through in the many delicious samples that you might be lucky enough to nosh on if you dine in. As a first timer, I wish also given free chips to accompany my Cuban sandwich, which quite easily rose to the top of my Cuban sandwich list in the Bay Area. Will absolutely be back to sample more of the menu in this quaint little shop in the near future, and I'm lucky this place is less than 10 min away. read more

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Best sandwich I have have in Oakland so far. Three of us at here for lunch today. And the owner shared some pulled pork fresh out of the oven with us. It was very good. I had the Cuban no pickles. We also had a Cuban with pickles and a meatball sandwich. Everything was great. The hot sauce and the peppers were amazing. Beyond good. Added a little acid to my Cuban I got no pickles on. Just made it an outstanding lunch. Thanks so much for having us. We will certainly see you again. read more

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I feel like this place is so slept on, it's insane! I've been a few times for their tuna melt, which is excellent, but today i'm here to talk about their cuban sandwich! 1st off this place is cash only, but if you don't have cash you can order for pick up on DoorDash for the same price as in-store! (They also have an atm if you need). Got my sandwich and Hawaiian chips, the sando on first bite was so flavorful and the pulled pork was absolutely juicy n delicious! The melty cheese and toasty panini bread with all the ingredients including a perfect mustard pairing made for one of the best hot sandwiches i've had this year. Try this place for lunch as soon as you can! Great friendly service and they even have complimentary coffee if you'd like. A hidden gem no doubt read more

Modigliani Cafe - Cuban sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

Eating lunch in this cafe was like waking into an old friend's home and being treated with the best hospitality and most delicious bites. Not only did we enjoy nearly every bite of what we ordered, the owner brought us house made everything- bacon, kielbasa, pepper relish and mustard for a little snack before our sandwiches arrived. The atmosphere, service, and FOOD was amazing!! So glad we stopped in! read more

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This is a perfect spot to pick up or have a casual lunch on a weekend! After debating through the wide list of options, I ordered the meatball sandwich. It came out within 5-10 minutes and was delicious and generously sized. I loved the homemade sauce and fluffy bread. The customer service is also excellent. They were so kind and offered me a sample of the pulled pork, in addition to alerting me of the free coffee and chips they include with any food purchase. I will certainly be back to try their other sandwiches. Note: they are cash only! read more

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At first I really wasn't hungry for a sandwich, I was okay I guess I'll pick up something for later. As I was waiting I was offered some meats to try while I waited, I was given the story about how everything is made in house (expect the bread). I was amazed by how everything tasted so good, fresh and really had that passion in the food. I could tell they were really proud of what they do and what they stand for. I am not surprised people enjoy this place, from what I'm guessing the owner I talked to was super down to earth. I loved how welcoming and just prideful he was about his hard work. I will definitely remember this place. read more

Modigliani Cafe - Bacon special (I added some lettuce). - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

This place is amazing. Everything is made in-house, right down to the pickled jalapenos and sauces. I had the pastrami and it was excellent. Gerry, the owner, and Charlie were incredibly friendly and accommodating. I had a huge order for a party and stopped in the day before to place it in person. Gerry was happy to help out and offered me samples of a bunch of items. When I came the next day to pick up the order shortly after they opened, they had nearly all of the 15+ sandwiches ready. And to top things off, Gerry walked me to my car to help load. What a gem of a human. read more

Quick Summary: - Cash only; ATM machine is available inside - Crispy and airy panini; best panini ever - Packed with fillings, hearty food - Complimentary coffee and tea - Bar tables and chairs line up along the walls, and there is also tables and chairs outside I was feeling like eating sandwiches for lunch, and when I looked up options, I saw this cafe. The photos drew my attention: paninis. My family and I love paninis. Before entering the cafe, we saw a looming sign that says "CASH ONLY." Fortunately, we had cash in our hands, but in case for those who forgot, there is an ATM machine at the far end of the cafe. Along the wall, it is a bar table with stools and at the far end of the room is a gigantic chalkboard with the general menu. A smaller chalkboard lists off the seasonal or special sandwich menus. There is also a table beside the ATM machine with condiments, napkins, and complimentary coffee and tea. The staff kindly explained to us the menu options (asked whether all the sandwiches are paninis), and she also offered a free sample of their home made, freshly made pulled pork, that was cooked for 27 hours. The tray contained a generous amount of pulled pork with a dash of their homemade mango barbecue sauce. The pulled pork was so tender, melt into the mouth and the sauce was very good! Light, refreshing and it complimented with the pork very well. Tasting this, we chose the cuban sandwich because this contained the pulled pork. I also ordered a vegetable panini from the special menu. I was balancing between ordering a salad or a milkshake, but we finalized on the tomato pepper salad. The staff mentioned that the order was going to take around 15 minutes; however, it arrived swiftly. When we got a cup of coffee and collected some napkins (the staff also came by to provide us napkins, such a kind and thoughtful staff), the sandwiches have arrived. Upon the first bite, we all hollered, "oh my goodness, this is amazing!" The texture is unbelievable. It is so light, very crispy and the bread held the filling despite how juicy the pulled pork was. The other one was good as well with the different vegetables and bacon. The salad was a very nice partner to the sandwich as well. We got the tomato pepper salad, and the presentation was beautiful. It was a salad with red and pink hues. The vegetables were sweet and the dressing was drizzled with the right ratio to keep them crispy and flavorful. The sandwiches drips a bit, so that's when the napkins came in handy. It wasn't too much, that it didn't make a mess all around. The portion is hefty, so if you eat light, I suggest ordering one and share it with another. read more

Modigliani Cafe - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

Called in my order to pick up a tuna melt for lunch. It was ready just as I got there about 20 minutes later. $14 for a huge tuna melt! It tasted really good, kinda wish they added tomato but I know that's my personal preference, to each their own :) Have tried a few of their other sandwiches/paninis before and they were also very good. Great friendly workers, owner seems super nice. Wish I had known they have free coffee for customers while you wait for your order before I went to Starbucks around the corner, very nice to have free coffee! CASH ONLY!!! They have an ATM if you forget to bring cash and banks are also right around the block too. Will definitely be back when I'm craving more sandwiches :) read more

Modigliani Cafe - Tuna Melt Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

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I confirmed on 7/22/23 that this is a cash only spot. Make sure to bring enough for payment & a healthy tip ;) I called in my order and picked it up after 20 minutes. My friend and I planned to take them on our flight to Chicago. I had never been here before prior and, now, I can't wait to try a freshly made sandwich in-store. Even after a few hours, the sandwich was delicious and had a generous portion of meat, pickles, mayo, and mustard. The bread was deliciously toasted (even when warm/cold). Service is prompt and friendly. The space is pretty small and no none sense, and there were a few parties enjoying their sandwiches in the store. I look forward to my next visit. read more

Modigliani Cafe - Cuban Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

Omgooooood! One of the best sandwiches I've ever had. We ordered the meatball sandwich, Italian grilled cheese, and pulled pork. The pulled pork was hands down the fave all around, and is what I plan to order next time. The meatball and Italian grilled cheese were also delicious, but paled in comparison to the pulled pork. Whatever they put in the sauce takes it over the top and the peppers in it are yummy. There we are sitting on a bench and moaning over a pulled pork sandwich, it was that good! My kids give it 7 stars for the free chocolate at the register and complimentary coffee. This is a cash only business but they have an ATM inside. read more

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absolutely magnificent sandwiches! the owner is so kind and welcoming! I will always go back for the meatball sub and tuna melt:) 100 out of 5 stars read more

This place is truly a gem. This is a sandwich place that feels like you've come home - full of love and warm hospitality (free coffee and tea). My favorite sandwich here is the turkey panini - the bread is perfectly crunchy and the pepper jam is so tasty. Please note, it is cash only, but there is an atm inside. read more

I looked up best tuna sandwich in Oakland and it said this place. I ordered a tuna sandwich with no cheese. They didn't put anything else to make it taste good it was plain plain plain plain plain. He did give me tomatoes when I asked. But $15 for a plain sandwich I don't get it. read more