Jerry was so sweet and helpful with his recommendations and excellent service. The food was absolutely stellar I haven't had a sandwich that hits the spot the way this one did. The house made hot sauce was thick, spicy and hot but not overwhelming. I added the house made crispy thick bacon on my panini which was a solid decision. The vibe in the cafe is very relaxed, you'll feel like you're at your cool uncle's art filled kitchen eating homemade food that he made specially for you. Thanks Jerry!! See you soon! read more

Modigliani Cafe - Turkey Panini + house made thick bacon - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

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Best Tuna Melt I've ever had. EVER! Everything from the tuna salad, to the pickles and bread used. The tuna salad is flavorful and balanced. It was literally the closest thing to tuna melt perfection. Portions so plentiful, I ended up just ordering the other half of my sandwich to go because I seen how big they were. The Greek salad is delicious as well and colossal. Just a really great sandwich shop with quality food and the owner Jerry is amazing! read more

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

Great sandwiches, worth the wait! Tiny place, no nonsense, friendly. Cash only, so be prepared. There's an atm in the restaurant but it will surcharge you. read more

I happened to be working nearby for the week and decided to stop by this place for lunch from the amazing reviews on Yelp, and this place truly deserves all the praises. The owner is so kind to give a sample of the pulled pork since I wasn't sure what to order. It was so so tender. He said it's roasted for 27hrs. I went ahead and got the pulled pork panini. The sauce was banging too. The owner actually said the veggie panini he would pick 8/10 times so I will be back to try it! When I got there the meatballs were out so that's something I want to try next visit too. Inside is really cozy, bar stool seating, complimentary tea and coffee. I took my order to go but it would be a fun casual place for lunch with one friend since the establishment isn't huge. read more

Modigliani Cafe - Pulled Pork Panini - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

If you're looking for a good deli sandwich in the Bay Area, you should check this place out! It's right next to the Grand Lake Theatre. We ordered the Cuban and the owner immediately gave us a bag of chips and asked if we wanted to try their homemade meatballs. We obviously said yes and boy was it tasty! I really liked how crispy the bread was and everything in it. I'll probably want to try the meatball sandwich next time! Also, they only accept cash. read more

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Super friendly and welcoming staff. First time here and ordered the delicious bacon sandwich and split it with my cousin who got the sausage sandwich. Both were incredible but hands down...Get. The. Bacon. The sauce was phenomenal! Thank you! read more

Modigliani Cafe - Bacon sandwich and Sausage sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

There's a reason why this place has a 5 star rating. First of all, the guy running the place is so nice, I would come in here just to say "hi". And then there's the sandwiches..... for my first time here today I tried the tuna melt, which was better than and unlike any other tuna melt I've ever had in my life. The quality of the tuna, the work that goes into making it, and whatever magic they do to toast that bread the way they do! They also make their own hot sauce which was good enough to drink. They even have complimentary coffee. This place is a rare find that doesn't cut any corners and is a one of a kind. I can't wait to come back and probably will tomorrow. read more

Modigliani Cafe - Tuna Melt (minus one bite).....YUM! - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

This place is AMAZING. I had been trying to come for a while since I always see it while getting my coffee. I decided to try it and I HIGHLY recommend. Service was great they informed me that due to everything being fresh it took a little bit of time. But let me tell you it was the best Cuban sandwich I've ever had. I like how the menu was short and sweet. The ambiance was chill a small little dinner. This is a cash only restaurant so make sure to have some cash. But they do have a ATM inside. read more

I have been wanting to try this iconic sandwich place at the foot of Grand Ave for a while and the opportunity presented itself when my family decided to visit me. I planned out a farmers market perusal and a picnic at Lake Merritt. The menu boasted several delicious sandwiches and we chose 2 Veggies (one with added turkey), and the steak. The veggie one looked amazingly vibrant and delicious on Yelp! The owner was very nice and helpful when we were making our decisions on what to get. We were also notified that it would be a little bit of a wait since they made the sandwiches to order. It was a mom and pop type of spot so I had no issues at all. My fam and I just caught up with each other and browsed the shop while we waited. We brought the sandwiches to the lake and enjoyed them under a nice shady spot. They were all delicious- crispy Semifreddi bread and high quality veggies and meat. They were also huge! I could only finish half. Good deal for a $10 sandwich. I definitely want to try the homemade meatball/sausage ones in the future. read more

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Great homemade food. Easy off & on to 580 freeway. Old school! Bar stool/counter eating. read more

Modigliani Cafe - Pulled pork - delicious - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

The meatball sub was incredible! Grab some cash and come visit this local staple. There's a great selection of sandwiches that you can order to go and take to the Lake for a beautiful picnic! read more

Best tuna melt I have ever had. Taste so fresh it's almost like I made it at home. I found this place on Yelp because I was starving and it was close by, but I will be back, and often. Seriously so so good!!!!! Incredibly high quality, large portions, amazing prices. read more

Modigliani Cafe - Sorry for the car photo I was starving but needed to share how amazing this tuna melt is - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

Came here on a Saturday later morning and able to walk in and order two sandwiches for take out. We had the bacon aioli special and the tuna melt. Both were delicious, but the bacon was definitely the highlight for me. So tasty! We were in and out laughing five minutes. One note is it was cash only and they have an atm there. read more

Modigliani Cafe - Bacon special - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

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So it was a super nice day and me and my cousin were trying to decide where to eat . We decided to grab something light since we were going to walk Lake Merrit afterwards .... then pop a light bulb flashes in her head and her face lit up . She said she had the perfect place and she came here all the time when she worked at the salon around the corner . Soooo we went , my first time . Cute little cafe nestled on grand . When you walk in you see tall stool seats and a table counter area where you can eat your food real quick . Pictures all over the wall . And huge menu right in front of you . Cute little cozy inside . Also noticed an atm ( it's cash only ) Now the good part , the food ! I love a classic tuna melt and that's the first thing I saw on the menu . I also looove Greek salad and noticed they had one too . Perfect I got my light lunch lol . My cousin got the veggie panini . I was quite satisfied with my lunch . The portions are so big including the salad so worth every penny . I ate half of the salad and sandwich and ate the rest later in the day ! The tuna was good tuna I was looking for that lemon they said was mixed in , but besides that it was perfectly grilled . The bread was crisp to a T . The Greek salad was very good and huge ! I was in heaven lol . Wasn't too fond of the peppers in the salad never had a Greek salad with peppers but that's fine I can always get that taken out . I loved the Greek dressing they used and again , huge fresh salad . The guys making my sandwich were super nice and warm vibes . When I told them it was my first time coming , I'm assuming the owner it was ... gave me and my cousin a bag of chips on the house for it being my first time and for my cousin being a loyal customer and bringing me there . I'll definitely be back to this cute awesome cafe ! read more

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Excellent service and amazing turkey panini. The owner was working the register and was very kind and helpful - he even gave us free samples of the meatballs for being first timers! read more

This was my first time at Modigliani. Its a really small sandwich shop next to the movie theater. It's not ideal for big groups and bring-your cash. They have an Excellent pull pork sandwich. The toasted bread held up with all the juicy pork meat. The cured bell peppers really tied it all together and made the sandwich. I would definitely be coming back to try the other sandwiches. read more

Modigliani Cafe - Pull pork sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

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Best sandwiches in the bay. Very pet friendly, gave my dog a handful of pulled pork. Try the pulled pork or the meatball sandwich! read more

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

The sandwiches, incredible. The service, impeccable. The vibes, immaculate. Try it and be nice to the frickin sweethearts that run the place, or shame on you. read more

amazing food amazing hospitality. everything on the menu is delicious. veggie panini is my hangover cure and overall favorite, but definitely try the bacon panini. read more

I come here when I need a little mood boost. I love the people who work here they are SO nice, I love their DELICIOUS sandwiches, i love that it's cash only (cuz damn the man) and i love the free (FREE?!?!?) coffee. this spot is just so special they don't make em like this anymore. read more

Absolutely the best! Everything he has on the menu is carefully chosen and prepared and it shows. This is a very special place

Modigliani Cafe is truly a gem just a few doors down from the historic Grand Lake Theatre. Really delicious sandwiches: we had the Turkey Panini, Veggie Panini and Meatball sandwich. Many things to love about this place. We drove over to the East Bay for a Sunday matinee at the Grand Lake and having lunch here was just perfect! read more

LOVE this place! Amazing quality and awesome service! Good milkshakes also. I am from San Luis Obispo and hit this spot when I'm up for work. read more

My whole household loves Modigliani Cafe! Tastiest sandwiches!!! Support this business! It's a gem.

I went to this cafe since it was one of the few places open for a Monday lunch. I didn't have cash or a debit card on me and the cafe is cash only. When I asked to cancel my order the owner insisted on making it anyway and asked me to come back and pay whenever I had cash. I was moved by his hospitality and got to try a fantastic cubano. He has a free coffee bar set up and chips available for paying customers. The owner is clearly someone who extends that offer to anyone, I hope his business stays open for years to come read more

Best Cubano & meatball sub we've EVER had. Flavorful, juicy, perfectly toasted. Owner is so lovely, truly takes pride and you can taste it. Do not miss this spot! read more

This place is a gem. Very high quality ingredients. Not like your regular sandwich shop. This guy cares. So refreshing to see an owner not cutting corners. It shows in his products. I've had the steak sando, turkey sando and Copa. All outstanding. I saw him making pesto w pure olive oil. A crappy place would be using canola. The meats are cut nice and thin. You only get one choice of bread but it's great. Support this place. They don't make 'em like this anymore. read more

First time coming here and gotta say one of the best sandwich I ever had. This was a a hidden gem for me and so glad I tried this cafe. Service here is amazing and when I walked in and I was greeted right away. Told them it was our first time and they were so kind. It is cash only btw but I will be coming back to try more items on the menu! read more

Modigliani Cafe - Specials: Cuban Sandwich & Bacon Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

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Certified best Sandwich in the bay. Not only is the food amazing/out of this world. The staff were so friendly and accommodating. Best hot sauce with chips ever. Pulled pork, Cuban, and pepperoni roll are some of my favs but recommend eating the whole menu. the can customize too, if you want the best sandwich in the bay come here read more

Believe the reviews! My family and I flew in from Denver, on our way to Santa Rosa. We were so hungry and my dad found this gem of a sandwich shop! I had the bacon panini(pictured), my sister had the Italian grilled cheese, and my dad had the cuban. Fantastic doesn't even cut it. Phenominal! read more

Modigliani Cafe - House bacon panini- chef's kiss! - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

You might wonder how a mere hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop with a limited menu can get the highest rating here of any restaurant in the gourmet Grand Lake area. You won't wonder after trying it. Both our sandwiches were made on really good bread with fresh tasty ingredients. And the proprietor couldn't be nicer. Nothing negative at all to say. It's one storefront from the Grand Lake Theater, so skip the popcorn and eat here before an afternoon matinee instead. read more

Such a great sandwich spot to have in the neighborhood. Incredibly friendly service and if your timing is right you may even be offered a sample of something they are whipping up in the kitchen. Tuna melt is classic oldschool and usually a go-to, but can't go wrong with the Meatball, Sausage, or the Cuban, either. Recently tried the steak panini which was incredible too. I keep wanting to try the rest of the menu but always end up coming back to one of those 5. I'm sure they are delicious too! read more

I walked in to pick up my online order with my boyfriend and immediately was greeted by Gerry! After I stated it was our first time, he proceeded to grace us with samples of their tuna, meatballs, bacon as well as their cookies! Everything was absolutely delicious and we couldn't have felt more welcomed! We will be back and cannot wait to try more from their menu!! read more

Did I say five stars?! Yes, I did. No one makes yummy panini like these anymore. Seating is minimal, at a counter. Artwork is predictably Modigliani. Sandwiches are why you want to come here, and are amazing. read more

If you're looking for a hometown feeling with thoughtfully crafted eats - this is the place. The staff members are a hard working team, creating every meal with care. Jeremy welcomed us in, asked if it's our first time there (it was), and offered us complimentary tea/coffee, clementines, a bag of chips, and candy. He also gave us some incredible bacon to try while waiting for our sandwiches (he informed us everything is made in-house, except the bread, lol). I got the turkey panini, and my partner got the sausage sandwich. Jeremy encouraged us to try the hot sauce, which was PERFECT (right amount of heat and flavor, just delightful). There is also a bunch of artwork to look at while waiting. I can go on and on bragging about this place, but you should just go check it out and see for yourself! Jeremy brings the comfort and hospitality of the east coast right here in the bay area. As a New Yorker, I felt right at home with this kind of service. We will be regulars! read more

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I'm touring a condo in Oakland for a client making an offer and I stop for a quick bite at a tiny sandwich place next to the Grand Lake Theater. OMG, Unbelievable sandwiches, smoked meats, homemade pickles, peppers and memorable pulled pork, etc. I hang out for a few minutes while Jerry makes my Cuban sandwich, and he has me try their smoked bacon, homemade meatballs, and more. Jerry's the best and I love this place. Can't wait to tell my client about it!! Check out Modigliani Cafe, cafe next to the Grand Lake Theater. #modigliani #localbusiness #Oakland #localgem #restaurant #sandwich #grandlakedistrict #holeinthewall #localjoint #bayareafoodie #pamparkerproperties #realtor® read more

Modigliani Cafe - Sandwiches Near Me - Oakland, California

The best Cuban I've ever had but please don't go here I don't need it all busy And the owner Gerry is hella nice. I'm pretty sure it's Gerry but I'm not positive read more

Easily the best sandwich experience I've had in years! The owner was genuine and friendly and the food was AMAZING. I will absolutely be back! read more

This Cafe is amazing!!! Was looking for a decent cafe-lunch place heading back to San Fran from Richmond and a coworker and I stumbled upon this place just off the expressway. It's a cash only spot so that's the only downfall, however these spots are usually the best and it's no exception here. The service was great and the prices were pretty decent for the size of the sandwich that you get. I ordered the meatball sandwich and my coworker ordered the Cuban and they were both very very good.the bread was nice and toasted on the outside so you get that nice crunch as you bite in and the meatballs itself weee very tasty and a moist interior as you bit into the sandwich. If anyone is in the area looking for a great place to eat lunch, checkout this spot!!! read more

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

Amazing neighbourhood sandwich joint. I had the tuna melt, which totally lived up to the hype. Also tried the chili cheese dog, which was a special at the time and it was also very good. I would definitely return for the tuna melt. The place is small so you sit at bar or little table outside. CASH ONLY! There is an ATM inside but then you need to pay the fee. The owner (I think?) is super friendly and chats with you. They take a lot of pride in their food - even the hot sauce is homemade. If you're in the area be sure to make a stop here, you won't be disappointed. read more