Lucca Italian Sandwich Shop is preparing to expand its footprint in downtown San Diego with a second location planned for East Village, taking over the space that most recently housed Copa Vida. The announcement, made via social media, confirms the growing sandwich concept will soon bring its Italian-inspired menu to the heart of one of downtown’s most high-traffic neighborhoods, just steps from Petco Park.
The new location marks a significant step forward for Lucca, which opened its original shop at 600 B Street in 2024. Tucked into a below-street-level courtyard beneath a downtown office tower, the compact sandwich counter quickly built a following among office workers and in-the-know locals drawn to its focaccia-based sandwiches and Italian ingredients. The expansion to East Village places Lucca in a far more visible and pedestrian-heavy corridor, positioning the brand to reach a broader audience that includes residents, tourists, and Padres game-day crowds.
Lucca’s menu centers around Italian-style sandwiches served on house-baked, focaccia-like bread inspired by Tuscany’s schiacciata. Signature offerings include the Firenze, layered with mortadella, stracciatella cheese, pistachios, pesto, and arugula, and the namesake Lucca sandwich, featuring bresaola, truffle cream, parmesan, and arugula. Other options span classic and regional Italian combinations like prosciutto and mozzarella, spicy salami with artichokes, and porchetta with pesto, alongside a selection of Italian sodas, coffee drinks, and light accompaniments…