Rachel K.
Yelp
Genova Bakery is one of those hidden gems that all the locals know about, and that visitors will keep talking about long after they stop by. It's a "little" hole in the wall bakery and shop at the corner of N Sierra Nevada and E Flora St. While the shop up front is pretty small, the bakery in the back is doing a lot of work to prepare amazing fresh bread.
Part of the charm is that Genova is in the middle of a neighborhood with houses all around it. Street parking is pretty easy to find, although at peak hours there may be a line out the door.
The sandwiches are the must try items, and I recommend getting a combo. They've recently raised prices but it's still a very fair $10 for a regular sandwich and $10.50 for a combo (plus a few options to add extras like pickles or Bruno peppers).
If you're ordering a sandwich, you'll want to fill out the sandwich form. My favorite combination is hot coppa, hot salami, on ciabatta with havarti cheese, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, add bruno peppers and write in oil+vinegar. They have a great variety of bread options, cold cuts and cheese and everyone is able to make a combination that fits their preferences.
Their pasta salads are delicious. It's often something I skip on, and then when I order it again I remember why I should order it every time- such a great side with a sandwich.
While you're waiting for your sandwiches, you can browse the shelves for sweet treats, ingredients, sauces, peppers, wine and of course their fresh breads. I typically pick up some nippy Bruno Peppers (they're delicious and local) and a loaf of bread.
If you're planning a large order or are coming during a busy time you can call in your order ahead of time. Now that I live farther away I tend to come during the slower times, but I remember the lunch rush and while there's typically a wait it's well worth it.