Welcome to Pulciano's Deli & Cafe
Welcome to Pulciano's Deli & Cafe, a hidden gem nestled in the Historic San Gabriel Mission District. Founded on the principles of family, flavor, and community, Pulciano's is more than just a deli—it's a celebration of Italian heritage and culinary craftsmanship. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by warm smiles and the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread and gourmet ingredients. Signature sandwiches, like the renowned Mafia Special, are crafted with high-quality, thinly sliced meats and served on toasted bread, offering a fulfilling taste experience. With a selection of hearty salads and custom options, each visit promises delightful discoveries that’ll keep you coming back for more.
- 327 S Mission Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776 Hotline: (626) 458-9928
Welcome to a culinary gem nestled in the heart of San Gabriel: Pulciano's Deli & Cafe. Located at 327 S Mission Dr, this charming deli prides itself on offering an authentic taste of Italian-style sandwiches and deli fare. Its tagline, "Home of the Mafia Special - The sandwich you can't refuse," sets the tone for a delightful dining experience that pays homage to classic Italian cuisine.
As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a warm atmosphere, complete with subtle nods to the beloved film, The Godfather, that enhance the deli’s quirky yet comforting vibe. The owner and staff are known for their friendliness and attentiveness, ensuring that each guest feels like part of the family. In a world where service can be lacking, Pulciano’s shines brightly with its welcoming demeanor.
- Custom Sandwiches: One of the highlights of Pulciano's menu is their custom sandwich option. Choose from various fresh meats, cheeses, and toppings, which can be made spicy for those with adventurous palates. The use of freshly sliced deli meats and toasted bread ensures each bite is both satisfying and flavorful.
- Signature Specials: Don’t miss out on the fan-favorite sandwiches like the Mafia Special and California Mafia, both packed with high-quality ingredients. The fresh avocado and crispy bacon on the California version enrich the flavors immeasurably. Seasoned foodies rave about the garlic meatball and cheese special, with its perfectly seasoned balls of meat that are a must-have.
- Salads for Every Craving: For those looking for a lighter option, Pulciano's delectable salads are equally enticing. Highlights include the Chef's Supreme Salad and the Italian Antipasto Salad, offering a refreshing complement to the hearty sandwiches.
Customer reviews consistently highlight the top-tier service and the enjoyable ambiance. Many patrons recall their experiences fondly, noting quick service and a community feel that keeps them coming back. For instance, one enthusiastic diner remarked that the Mafia sub perfectly balances generous portions of meat with crisp vegetables, emphasizing how fresh and tasty the ingredients are.
Dining at Pulciano's Deli & Cafe isn’t just about the food; it’s an experience steeped in a sense of family and tradition. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a meal with friends, the charm and flavors of this deli make it a worthy stop on your culinary journey. So next time you're in San Gabriel, treat yourself to a little slice of Italian heaven—where great food meets great company!

I came in after working in the area. Mr. Pulciano welcomed me as we started talking about our Italian heritage. The place was clean, well-stocked and had a little bit of everything. As for the food, I went with a large BLT, which was absolutely delicious. He recommended a couple other sandwiches that I try for next time.

The Hal's Club was delicious and the best potato salad I've ever had at a deli. The gentleman at the counter was super nice and had a great personality. Plenty of seating inside and a few tables outside. Loved the Godfather nod in decor. Will definitely go back.

Long overdue review. Service 10/10 Friendliness 20/10 Food 10/10 Price 10/10 Wish I can give it more than 5 stars..

I can't believe I've never reviewed this place! It's my favorite lunch sandwich in SGV. The mafia sub is everything an italian sando should be. Meat is freshly sliced. The bread is slightly warmed and crispy and the peppers on the side round out this amazing little place. The dude at the counter is a character. He's a great guy with the customers but the magicians in the back are the ones that put together the sandwiches ever so deliciously. Come by. Have one and I guarantee you'll want to come back. It's a great little shop with fantastic sandwiches. The Mafia. The CA mafia and the Turkey avocado are all great choices and they'll have you in and out of here quick.

Anytime I'm craving a sub type sandwich this is one of my go to places. It's got a very small town friendly vibe and it's better than subway. The slices of meat are always fresh and the bread is lightly toasted for a nice crunch. My favorite is the California Mafia. You don't be disappointed!

The service was great. Friendly, helpful, and attentive. Interior is stock standard. There are a couple tables outside. Directly across from the San Gabriel Mission. I chose to build my own sandwich. It was good. Some sandwiches have interesting names but they offer no description in writing. When asked, the staff was very willing to tell you what each was. It would just be nice to read and compare. I feel badly when I have to asked repeatedly. I would happily return if I am in the area again.

I love this place! They have a great selection of deli meats you can purchase by the ounce or pound. Same goes for cheeses as well. Their sandwiches can all be made with a garlic spread! I highly recommend their meatball sandwich with the garlic spread on their bread! I'd also recommend you try their spaghetti and meatballs. They did tell me to order 20 minutes ahead before pick up because that's how long it takes for them to get the spaghetti ready. The owner is always there to greet you and the service is fast if you go before lunch time. There are a lot of city workers that go there during their lunch time which can take a bit to get in and out. The ambiance is casual and they have an indoor seating area with a TV. There is a little step to get inside so I'm not sure how wheelchairs can get in. I will always come back for their sandwiches!

A hidden gem tucked away by the San Gabriel Mission. I was working in the office on Thursday and the team decided to grab lunch together. We were short on time so we couldn't take a full lunch hour which means a sandwich or pizza place would be the only place we can go to. After a quick Yelp search, we found Pulciano's Deli and it fit the bill. The shop serves Italian sandwiches, was just 10 minutes since we work in San Marino, and the reviews touted their service and efficiency. Located on Mission Drive, Pulciano is right across the street from the San Gabriel Valley Music Theatre and the famous Constitution Fountain. Parking can be found right in front on Mission St but could get scarce during busy hours. If you are looking for but can't find any on the street, you may want to check out the parking lot right by the theatre. Something important to note is that Pulciano is only open weekdays from 10am to 4pm. Pulciano's tag line is "Home of the Mafia Special - The sandwich you can't refuse" and everything is themed to the show Godfather. House specials include the Mafia Special, the California Mafia which is the Mafia Special with avocado, and Italian Sub. They have other favorites like turkey breast, vegetarian, egg salad, and prosciutto. For those who want something warm, they have roast beef, BBQ, Beef, Italian, Pastrami, and a variety of other hot subs. Walking up I was greeted by Michael and since this is my first time here, I asked him for his recommendation, and he replied that I had to try the Mafia Special. I mean it is what they are known for, so I tried it out. From placing to order it took 3 minutes to get to me. I barely had time to find a table. Talk about quick service. As I went to pick up the sandwich, Micheal gave me some pickled peppers and said I would enjoy it if I liked spice. The sandwich came packed with a variety of cold cuts which included ham, salami, and provolone in a warm toasted bun. The sub also included tomatoes, lettuce, and spices which balanced out the heavy meats and the peppers gave it a nice crunch along with some subtle heat when biting into it. In short, the sandwich was delicious, and the filling was generous. Overall, this was a great experience and truly a hidden gem. The ambience was homey with subtle references to the popular show all tucked away in an area that you would not expect to find a great sandwich. I plan on take my family here one day since they are all fans of Italian cuisine, but I just have to remember that they are closed on the weekends. For my Pokémon Go players, you are close to the Pokémon Gym located at the mission, so feel free to battle or raid with your friends while you enjoy your sandwich.

On a Monday morning in mid October, I finally came here for lunch. Once I walked in. I was nicely greeted by the owner and we chatted briefly and I bbq ordered 2 California mafia sandwiches regular size 11.95. The ambiance is a comfortable place to eat. There are tables, and tv with stand of potato chips, sodas. and ice cream bars. They also sell croissant sandwiches too. Once I took a bite, the bread tastes so good with avocado and cheese and deli meats. Next time, I will try other sandwiches. The prices are very reasonable compared to other sandwiches places. I highly recommend this local gem. Tips: Phone orders, order on chow now and accepts credit cards

First stop on our Friday Sammy tour! Located on Mission in the Historic San Gabriel Mission District, you would almost not know Pulciano's existed. I had seen it once or twice while walking by but this is the first time I've walked inside. Only regret is not discovering it sooner. Game changer for Italian sandwich options in the area! Aside from the warm welcome and family vibes as soon as you walk in, the price to value is fantastic. All sandwiches are served on huge warm, toasty bread that is soft and fluffy on the inside. You can tell the thinly sliced deli meats are fresh and high quality. Friendly service: check Quality ingredients: check Bang for the buck: check Can't wait to put Pulciano's on rotation.